Metro School

10A NCAC 09.1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 4 To 12 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:30 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance Visit. Upon arrival at the center, the Program Coordinator, Ms. Pam Washington, was present. The program is a five-star licensed Developmental Day Program. There were seventeen (17) classrooms in the DPI/CMS school site that were licensed under the DD program. Two classrooms out of the seventeen serve preschool children ages three to Pre-K five years. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers was used to document compliance. The DCDEE Child Center Item Number Listing dated April 2025 was used to determine noncompliance items. Ms. Washington organized binders and electronic records to help make the monitoring process as seamless as possible. DPI Verification forms were monitored completed, and current and maintained in a state information binder. The staff and training worksheets were current. Today, we were able to visualize the needed documents for each employee and cross referenced each employee on the staff and training worksheet. Ms. Washington also maintained binders with each staff person’s information maintained in the binder as well. There have been eighteen (18) new hires since April 7, 2025, and their paperwork was monitored for compliance. Ten percent of fifty (50) existing DD staff files were monitored for compliance. Five existing staff files were monitored for compliance. DPI Verification forms were completed and monitored current including transportation. Preschool children’s shaken baby and head trauma policies were monitored signed and dated by parents. Twenty children’s names were monitored and documented. The forms were monitored and maintained in the DCDEE binder maintained for the consultant and program coordinator, Ms. Washington. A walk through of spaces/wing #A-#B wing, outdoor learning environment, indoor pool and kitchen were monitored for completed. The following previously approved spaces were not in use by DD children: A12, B4, and B10. The center/DD maintains a 1:6 ratio with a maximum of no more than 3:18. The EMC/CMS Crisis Plan was monitored and maintained in each classroom. In space A3, one caregiver was eating her lunch at a table near the door. Another caregiver was monitored seated in a chair on a cell phone. There were two children present. One child was on a mat within eye sight of the teacher eating at the table. Another child was strapped in a blue sleeping chair and was monitored awake. A toy was observed on the floor, but the child did not have any other materials presented to him and the caregiver’s back was to the child who was awake but strapped in the sleeping chair. The caregiver was asked if the center had a cell phone use policy. The caregiver responded yes and was then asked what the policy was. The caregiver responded that cell phones were not permitted. The caregiver placed the cell phone down on the table. Ms. Washington was present and witnessed the exchange. It was recommended to review child care rules 10A NCAC 09.1801 Supervision in Child Care Centers with the staff in A3. We reviewed family engagement activities to ensure the center met four of the six required activities. Parent conferences are conducted at least twice per year if not more, IEP meetings, Connect Ed’s, Parent Square, parent newsletters, parents lunch and learn session twice a quarter, parents serve on the school improvement committee, parents also participate in volunteering for Special Olympics and other school events throughout the year. Children’s medications, tracking of administering of medications and required permission to administer medications were monitored for compliance. One child’s permission slip was a CMS permission slip that is for the school year. DCDEE requires permission slips, every six months. One child’s permission slip expired per DCDEE requirements. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. Monthly playground inspections for the school year were monitored documented with photographs showing the issue. A shelter in place or lock down drill was not documented as completed once every three months. A drill was documented in October 2025, and the next documented drill was March 6, 2026. The indoor heated pool was monitored for compliance. The last annual pool inspection was completed on November 20, 2025. The current life guard, Charmagne Flagg. Ms. Washington provided copies of the life guards’ certifications such as lifeguards’ license, CPR and FA certification. The last sanitation inspection was conducted December 12, 2025, with seven (7) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last inspection sanitation demerits were monitored to determine if they were corrected. The last fire inspection was completed on September 8, 2025. It was recommended to discuss with the fire inspector the amount of time it takes to evacuate children from the building during monthly fire drills and if there were any other ideas or methods that could assist staff to cutting the amount of time to evacuate. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A preschool child was strapped into a sleeping chair, and one staff was seated at a table eating lunch and out of sight of the two children who were present. The other staff member present was responsible for supervision of the children and was observed on a cell phone. The child was awake but without any materials in front of them in space a3. .1801(a)(1-5) 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. A drill was documented in October 2025 and the next drill documented was March 6, 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. A CMS medical action plan and permission to administer medication was monitored on file but with an expired permission slip. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. Pathway to the Stars documentation form was completed with Ms. Washington. The center selected Pathway #2. The educational worksheets were completed. Ms. Washington will complete the other required forms. 2. A return visit will be required to follow up on the supervision violation cited during today’s visit. 3. The ABCMS roster was run prior to the visit. There were CMS staff listed who no longer work at the Metro School or who never worked at the Metro School. The roster list must be cleaned up to only show and reflect Metro Staff who work in the DD program. Ms. Washington will need to work with CMS HR to ensure the correct staff are linked to the proper licensed program and site. 4. We will process Pathway #2 in an early June visit prior to the end of the school year. 5. It was recommended to review supervision rules with A3 staff. It was recommended to develop a checks and balance system with the school nurses regarding DD children’s permission slips that are required every six months. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 7,2026. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Mara Brinton, Child Care Consultant 3687 Stallings Road Harrisburg, NC 28075 mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 4 To 12 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:30 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance Visit. Upon arrival at the center, the Program Coordinator, Ms. Pam Washington, was present. The program is a five-star licensed Developmental Day Program. There were seventeen (17) classrooms in the DPI/CMS school site that were licensed under the DD program. Two classrooms out of the seventeen serve preschool children ages three to Pre-K five years. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers was used to document compliance. The DCDEE Child Center Item Number Listing dated April 2025 was used to determine noncompliance items. Ms. Washington organized binders and electronic records to help make the monitoring process as seamless as possible. DPI Verification forms were monitored completed, and current and maintained in a state information binder. The staff and training worksheets were current. Today, we were able to visualize the needed documents for each employee and cross referenced each employee on the staff and training worksheet. Ms. Washington also maintained binders with each staff person’s information maintained in the binder as well. There have been eighteen (18) new hires since April 7, 2025, and their paperwork was monitored for compliance. Ten percent of fifty (50) existing DD staff files were monitored for compliance. Five existing staff files were monitored for compliance. DPI Verification forms were completed and monitored current including transportation. Preschool children’s shaken baby and head trauma policies were monitored signed and dated by parents. Twenty children’s names were monitored and documented. The forms were monitored and maintained in the DCDEE binder maintained for the consultant and program coordinator, Ms. Washington. A walk through of spaces/wing #A-#B wing, outdoor learning environment, indoor pool and kitchen were monitored for completed. The following previously approved spaces were not in use by DD children: A12, B4, and B10. The center/DD maintains a 1:6 ratio with a maximum of no more than 3:18. The EMC/CMS Crisis Plan was monitored and maintained in each classroom. In space A3, one caregiver was eating her lunch at a table near the door. Another caregiver was monitored seated in a chair on a cell phone. There were two children present. One child was on a mat within eye sight of the teacher eating at the table. Another child was strapped in a blue sleeping chair and was monitored awake. A toy was observed on the floor, but the child did not have any other materials presented to him and the caregiver’s back was to the child who was awake but strapped in the sleeping chair. The caregiver was asked if the center had a cell phone use policy. The caregiver responded yes and was then asked what the policy was. The caregiver responded that cell phones were not permitted. The caregiver placed the cell phone down on the table. Ms. Washington was present and witnessed the exchange. It was recommended to review child care rules 10A NCAC 09.1801 Supervision in Child Care Centers with the staff in A3. We reviewed family engagement activities to ensure the center met four of the six required activities. Parent conferences are conducted at least twice per year if not more, IEP meetings, Connect Ed’s, Parent Square, parent newsletters, parents lunch and learn session twice a quarter, parents serve on the school improvement committee, parents also participate in volunteering for Special Olympics and other school events throughout the year. Children’s medications, tracking of administering of medications and required permission to administer medications were monitored for compliance. One child’s permission slip was a CMS permission slip that is for the school year. DCDEE requires permission slips, every six months. One child’s permission slip expired per DCDEE requirements. The outdoor learning environment was monitored for compliance. Monthly playground inspections for the school year were monitored documented with photographs showing the issue. A shelter in place or lock down drill was not documented as completed once every three months. A drill was documented in October 2025, and the next documented drill was March 6, 2026. The indoor heated pool was monitored for compliance. The last annual pool inspection was completed on November 20, 2025. The current life guard, Charmagne Flagg. Ms. Washington provided copies of the life guards’ certifications such as lifeguards’ license, CPR and FA certification. The last sanitation inspection was conducted December 12, 2025, with seven (7) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last inspection sanitation demerits were monitored to determine if they were corrected. The last fire inspection was completed on September 8, 2025. It was recommended to discuss with the fire inspector the amount of time it takes to evacuate children from the building during monthly fire drills and if there were any other ideas or methods that could assist staff to cutting the amount of time to evacuate. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. A preschool child was strapped into a sleeping chair, and one staff was seated at a table eating lunch and out of sight of the two children who were present. The other staff member present was responsible for supervision of the children and was observed on a cell phone. The child was awake but without any materials in front of them in space a3. .1801(a)(1-5) 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. A drill was documented in October 2025 and the next drill documented was March 6, 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. A CMS medical action plan and permission to administer medication was monitored on file but with an expired permission slip. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. Pathway to the Stars documentation form was completed with Ms. Washington. The center selected Pathway #2. The educational worksheets were completed. Ms. Washington will complete the other required forms. 2. A return visit will be required to follow up on the supervision violation cited during today’s visit. 3. The ABCMS roster was run prior to the visit. There were CMS staff listed who no longer work at the Metro School or who never worked at the Metro School. The roster list must be cleaned up to only show and reflect Metro Staff who work in the DD program. Ms. Washington will need to work with CMS HR to ensure the correct staff are linked to the proper licensed program and site. 4. We will process Pathway #2 in an early June visit prior to the end of the school year. 5. It was recommended to review supervision rules with A3 staff. It was recommended to develop a checks and balance system with the school nurses regarding DD children’s permission slips that are required every six months. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 7,2026. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Mara Brinton, Child Care Consultant 3687 Stallings Road Harrisburg, NC 28075 mara.brinton@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 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: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/7/2025 Number Present: 103 Completed Date: 4/7/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 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 compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance Visit. Child Care Consultant, QuWanya Thompson accompanied me during the visit. Upon arrival at the center, the Program Coordinator, Ms. Pam Washington, was present. Ms. Krystal Coles, assistant principal assigned to Developmental Day, came to Ms. Washington’s office. She was encouraged to conduct the walk through with Ms. Thompson. The program is a five-star licensed Developmental Day Program. There were seventeen (17) classrooms in the DPI/CMS school site that were licensed under the DD program. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers was used to document compliance. The DCDEE Child Center Item Number Listing dated November 2024 was used to determine noncompliance items. Ms. Washington organized binders and electronic records to help make the monitoring process as seamless as possible. DPI Verification forms were monitored completed, and current and maintained in a state information binder. The staff and training worksheets were in the process of being updated. Ms. Washington stated the updates completed last week did not save. Ms. Washington has worked hard over the last couple of years to develop/maintain google docs for each DD staff where storage of important documents was maintained. Today, we were able to visualize the needed documents for each employee and cross referenced each employee on the staff and training worksheet. Ms. Washington also maintained binders with each staff person’s information maintained in the binder as well. There have been two (2) new hires since November 25, 2024, and their paperwork was monitored for compliance. Ten percent of forty-six (46) existing DD staff files were monitored for compliance. Five existing staff files were monitored for compliance. DCDEE WORKS letters were either not finalized in the system due to return letters or not established. Ms. Reynoso-Enrique will need to establish a DCDEE WORKS profile page, upload the NCDCDEE Public School Preschool Staff Education form, and upload any official transcripts and apply for DPI lead and DPI teacher assistant. DPI Verification forms were completed and monitored current. We reviewed and discussed ensuring a transportation DPI form was completed annually because preschool children were transported by CMS daily. We discussed maintaining required ratios for the preschool children on the buses when transportation occurred. Ms. Washington stated besides the driver, there is a DD staff and CMS monitor on each bus for a total of three staff. Twenty children’s names were monitored and documented. It was recommended to maintain each preschool child’s signed shaken baby and head trauma policy with the DPI Children’s verification forms, just like the staff’s signed policy is maintained. Currently, each child’s signed shaken baby and head trauma policy was maintained in the child’s classroom. A walk through of spaces/wing #A-#B wing, outdoor learning environment, indoor pool and kitchen were monitored for completed by Ms. Thompson and Ms. Cole. Classroom B8 is now an Ecology classroom, classroom B10 is now a high school classroom and classroom B2 (approved DD classroom) not in use. The center/DD maintains a 1:6 ratio with a maximum of no more than 3:18. The EMC/CMS Crisis Plan was monitored and maintained in each classroom. Two spaces were monitored missing electrical socket covers. The outlets were covered and corrected during the visit. Two classrooms were monitored with materials without batteries. Ms. Washington stated a battery order was just received and the program who historically provided batteries during the last request did not have any to provide the program. Batteries were ordered and received. A plan was developed to place orders for materials including batteries quarterly. We reviewed family engagement activities to ensure the center met four of the six required activities. Parent conferences are conducted at least twice per year if not more, IEP meetings, Connect Ed’s, Parent Square, parent newsletters, parents lunch and learn session twice a quarter, parents serve on the school improvement committee, parents also participate in volunteering for Special Olympics and other school events throughout the year. Children’s medications, tracking of administering of medications and required permission to administer medications were monitored for compliance. The outdoor learning environment was not monitored due to active precipitation. Monthly playground inspections for the school year were monitored documented with photographs showing the issue. The indoor heated pool was monitored for compliance. The last annual pool inspection was completed on December 16, 2024. The DD children do not utilize the pool due to no current lifeguard. Ms. Washington was asked to email me the lifeguards’ license, CPR and FA certification once a guard was hired. The last sanitation inspection was conducted December 9, 2024, with nine (9) demerits cited and a Superior classification issued. The last inspection sanitation demerits were monitored to determine if they were corrected. The last fire inspection was completed December 3, 2024. It was recommended to discuss with the fire inspector the amount of time it takes to evacuate children from the building during monthly fire drills and if there were any other ideas or methods that could assist staff to cutting the amount of time to evacuate. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. Space A3 and Space B6 did not have covered electrical outlets in the cozy area and near the book shelf. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) Technical Assistance Provided and General Discussion: 1. We discussed maintaining the children’s signed shaken baby and head trauma policy being maintained with the DPI Children’s Record form just like the staff’s signed document. 2. Ms. Washington was asked if she could print a roster report from the DCDEE ABCMS system. Ms. Washington indicated she took the required training within the Moodle system but has not been given the responsibility to maintain the roster report. The administrator in the CMS Exceptional Child’s office will need to provide Ms. Washington or another on-site staff the responsibility and access. During any state licensed visit, a DD staff member/administrator could be asked to print the report to show proof each DD staff member is linked to Metro School. The next visit conducted a report will be requested. It was highly recommended to have at least two program administrators who are on-site who know how to link and print the required report. 3. It was recommended to spend some time to evaluate every DD staff member DCDEE WORKS status letter and evaluation to ensure the preschool staff lead and assistant meet the educational requirements for seven points in education. It was also recommended to do the same for the lead and assistant in the school age classrooms to ensure their WORKS letter list a special education degree and the assistants with BSAC certification. This will be necessary to do before the end of the school year, so staff will know if they need to obtain any additional coursework or DPI license or renewal thereof. 4. It was recommended to have staff label any drinking Stanley cups or other insulated cup with their name if stored in a classroom. 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 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. 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: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. 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: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. 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 .0804 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. 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 .1725 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1803 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. 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 .2410 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. 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 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. 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: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: MARA BRINTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to complete a Routine/Unannounced Visit to monitor applicable child care rules and laws. I was greeted by Ms. Pamela Washington-Hill and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant Deanna Matthews accompanied me during the visit. The facility holds a Five Star License issued on September 18, 2019. The compliance history score is ninety-four (94) percent as of November 24, 2024. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. The following was monitored during the visit: Staff/Child Ratios: Staff/child ratios were met. Supervision: The children were adequately supervised. CPR: Staff were compliance with CPR requirements. First Aid: Staff were compliance with First Aid requirements. Medications: Medications were reviewed. Storage of Hazardous Substances: I did not observe any hazardous substances that were accessible, they were observed stored properly during the visit. General Safety: An electrical outlet was covered uncovered, and a violation was cited. Discipline: There were no discipline concerns; appropriate discipline was provided. Adequate/Approved Space: Each group of children were observed in licensed approved space. The fire drills and shelter-in-place/lockdown drills were complete and up-to-date. The playground inspections were complete and up-to-date. Nine (9) new staff records were reviewed, and new staff files. One (1) staff did not have a current valid qualification letter on file, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited staff because the staff member did not have a criminal background check approved prior to employment, and a violation was cited. A violation was cited for staff that did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment training. The sanitation inspection was conducted on May 21, 2024, with a "Superior" rating and seven (7) demerits. An inspection has not been completed for the swimming pool; the pool is currently closed. The last fire inspection was completed on August 21, 2024, and four (4) violations were cited. Five (5) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. An electrical outlet was uncovered in space A5. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff (W.W.) did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not on file and available for review for staff (W.W.). G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff in space A11 had coffee in descript cups. .0901(i) 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. Staff (B.G.) and (J.S.) did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 9, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: •Mara Brinton, 7870 Woodmere Drive, Harrisburg, NC 28075. Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12, 2023 Governor Cooper signed Session Law 2023-40; Senate Bill 291. This law extends the hold harmless status for facilities operating with a star rated license until June 30, 2024. Additionally, it extends the reduced percentage of lead teachers that must meet the point levels from 75% to 50% until June 30, 2026. Scales are voluntary at this time. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Prior to employment staff must have a current criminal qualifying letter on file (G.S. 110-90.2(b)). -Staff must have a valid qualification letter on file for review (G.S. 110-90.2(b)(d) and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e). -Staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g)). -Provisional Qualification Letters are valid for only forty-five (45) days (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703): Within 45 days of issuing a provisional status to an applicant, the Division shall issue a qualification letter to a provisional child care provider if no criminal background check results that would disqualify the applicant are returned or if there is no response to the applicant's or the Division's request for the state sex offender registry check, the state abuse and neglect registry, or the state criminal history check from the state or states in which the provisional provider currently resides or has resided at any time during the preceding five (5) years. No staff person with a Provisional classification may be counted or included in maintaining required staff to child ratios. -Please keep in mind that centers may provide care for a mildly ill infant or child older than two months who has a Fahrenheit temperature less than 101 degrees and for infants younger than two months who have a Fahrenheit temperature of less than 100.4 by any method including axillary or orally, so long as the child does not have any of the following: Children with more than two stools above the child’s normal pattern and diarrhea is not contained by a diaper or when toilet-trained children are having accidents; (2) two or more episodes of vomiting within a 12 hour period; Review with staff Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0804 INFECTIOUS AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. -Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, located in space used by children must have safety outlets covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c)). -Staff must model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(i)). -Medications were reviewed in the nurse's office, however, additional questions arose regarding medical action plans, permission to administer forms and storage of medication related to the one on one nurses. Medical Action Plans are required to be completed and permission to administer medication (chronic) must be completed every six (6) months. (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803). -Emergency Medications must be stored five (5) feet (out of reach of children) unlocked (Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d)). A discussion was held regarding the storage of oxygen tanks, and a further discussion will be held with the child care licensing supervisor regarding one on one nurses and storage of life altering medications. -Continue to comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size according to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2902(f). For example, children two (2) years and older, the ratio staff/children is 1/6 and group size is eighteen (18). -No child shall be "restrained" through the use of heavy objects, such as heavy objects, including a caregivers body, or any device such as straps, blankets, through the use of heavy objects (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(10). -Ensure there is a designated rest time noted on the classroom schedule for preschool age children, and a place for rest (mat) should be available. "Eating , toileting, sleeping, resting, and playing shall be individually determined and Flexible to allow each child to decide when and whether to participate in available activities, and to nap or rest at any time" (Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2410(b)). We also discussed altering the daily schedule based on seasons and the coldest and most heated part of the day. -Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. -CBC Provider Portal Technical Assistance & Notification to the Division of New Hires or Residents Technical Assistance Guidance: • 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 in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. • Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. -The Carolina Water for Kids program continues to test child care centers for lead in water at every tap used for drinking or cooking every three years (15A NCAC 18A .2816) and requires family child care homes to have testing completed by January 1, 2025 (10A NCAC 09 .1725(a)). The program also reviews child care facilities’ documentation and other information to determine and coordinate any steps needed to identify and eliminate lead-based paint and asbestos hazards (10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007). Licensed child care centers operating within a public school (i.e., afterschool programs, Head Starts, Pre-K, etc.) should coordinate with school staff to complete the lead in water section of the program so the entire school can be tested at once; testing completed the first week of November 2024. The visit summary was reviewed, signed, and a copy was provided to you. 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: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: DEANNA MATTHEWS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 4/22/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. I was greeted by Director, Mrs. Pam Washinton-Hill, and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant QuWanya Thompson assisted me with the visit. The program currently operates as a Five-Star License Facility effective September 18, 2019. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 23, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed November 8, 2023, with a “Superior” classification and four (4) demerits. The last fire inspection was conducted February 22, 2024, and the facility was approved for daytime care only. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPR) and the Crisis Plan was reviewed; the EPR Plan was updated August 2, 2023. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-six (96) as of April 21, 2024. A walkthrough of the center was completed with Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Washington-Hill; a walkthrough of the outdoor play area was completed with Ms. Matthews and Mrs. Washington-Hill. A walk through of spaces #A-#B, outdoor learning environment, indoor pool and kitchen were monitored for completed by Ms. Thompson. The center/DD maintains a 1:6 ratio with a maximum of no more than 3:18. Children were observed participating in table fine motor toys. Children were observed transitioning to the cafeteria to the classroom, eating lunch, and nap time. Several classrooms used the Promethean board. A violation was cited for the walls that need repair. An electrical outlet was uncovered and a violation was cited. The facility allows families to participate in family engagement activities though-out the school year. The facility meets five (5) of the six (6) required activities, books, fine motor, art, dramatic play, gross motor outdoor/indoor activities, and family engagement. Parents serve on the school improvement committee; parents also participate in volunteering for Special Olympics and other school events throughout the year. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist and the Item Center Number Listing was used to monitor the visit. A copy of the Monitoring Checklist was provided after the visit. The following programs requirements were observed posted: First Aid Poster, Child Care License, No Smoking Sign, Summary of NC Law, Incident Log, Menu, Daily Schedules and Activity Plans, Fire Drills/Shelter in Place and/or Lockdown Drills, Monthly Outdoor Inspections, and the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. A violation was cited for Shelter-in-Place/Lockdown drills. The EMC Plan was current and was last updated September 25, 2023. The EMC plans were in every classroom located in a designated space. Nine (9) new staff were hired since May 23, 2023. The staff members’ information was monitored and stored electronically in the Google Doc File that Ms. Washington-Hill created to store each individual staff’s required information. Ten (10) percent of existing staff files were monitored. Staff and Training Worksheets were current. Staff files met compliance. DPI Verification forms were completed and monitored current for children’s records. Children with allergies were posted in each classroom. Medications were reviewed with the facility’s nurses; compliance was met. The outdoor learning environment, the indoor pool and kitchen were monitored. The outdoor learning environment met compliance; no hazards were observed, were no entrapments or protrusions observed, and no vermin were observed. There were raised garden beds and an outdoor learning environment. The indoor pool was inspected February 29, 2024, with zero (0) demerits, and the Lifeguard’s certification was current; compliance was met. The center provides daily transportation to preschool and school age children. DPI Transportation form was monitored and completed. The Safe Delivery Statement was posted on the information board. Four (4) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 524 When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. In space A1 and space A3, children were observed having screen time during transition to lunch and nap; there was no documented screen-time log. .0510(d)(2)(A-C) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 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. An outlet cover was uncovered in space A13. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three (3) months; practiced May 19, 2023, September 22, 2023, December 1, 2023, and January 24, 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 6, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 756 Gastonia, NC 28053 Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12th, Governor Cooper signed Senate Bill 291, extending the Child Care Hold Harmless legislation until June 30, 2024, and requiring the North Carolina Child Care Commission to make recommendations for modernizing the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System. -Your facility has been assigned to Cohort 1: Prep year 7/1/23-6/30/24, Reassessment year 7/1/24-6/30/25. Please refer to the link for additional information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. -Continue to submit staff information to Works for new staff. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Continue to review and update the EPR Plan annually. -Mrs. Washington-Hill stated that she has a copy of Toxic Plants for gardening; a copy was previously provided. -In space A1 and space A3, classrooms for preschoolers, screentime was discussed with the teachers. Screentime was used during the classroom transition to lunch. When children 3 years and older are in care, screen time must be used to stimulate a developmental domain; limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; must be documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(d)(2)(A-C). -In Space B3 there was peeling paint, and a work order was submitted. All walls and ceilings including doors and windows must be kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2825(a). -Make sure allergies listed on applications match children’s allergy list in the classroom. If a child has an allergy listed on the child’s application and medication is required, ensure that there is an Allergy Action Plan, medication, and a completed Medication Administration Permission Form. If the child does not have the listed medication list on the application for an allergy, the child cannot return to the program until the medication is provided and the forms are completed. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803. -Outlet covers must remain covered at all times. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c). -Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be practiced every three months. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0604(u), and .0302(d)(8). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant, (704-962-7854), Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov or Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, (704-594-0147), Michele.Sullivan@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have questions regarding the visit completed April 22, 2024. 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: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: DEANNA MATTHEWS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 4/22/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. I was greeted by Director, Mrs. Pam Washinton-Hill, and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant QuWanya Thompson assisted me with the visit. The program currently operates as a Five-Star License Facility effective September 18, 2019. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 23, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed November 8, 2023, with a “Superior” classification and four (4) demerits. The last fire inspection was conducted February 22, 2024, and the facility was approved for daytime care only. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPR) and the Crisis Plan was reviewed; the EPR Plan was updated August 2, 2023. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-six (96) as of April 21, 2024. A walkthrough of the center was completed with Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Washington-Hill; a walkthrough of the outdoor play area was completed with Ms. Matthews and Mrs. Washington-Hill. A walk through of spaces #A-#B, outdoor learning environment, indoor pool and kitchen were monitored for completed by Ms. Thompson. The center/DD maintains a 1:6 ratio with a maximum of no more than 3:18. Children were observed participating in table fine motor toys. Children were observed transitioning to the cafeteria to the classroom, eating lunch, and nap time. Several classrooms used the Promethean board. A violation was cited for the walls that need repair. An electrical outlet was uncovered and a violation was cited. The facility allows families to participate in family engagement activities though-out the school year. The facility meets five (5) of the six (6) required activities, books, fine motor, art, dramatic play, gross motor outdoor/indoor activities, and family engagement. Parents serve on the school improvement committee; parents also participate in volunteering for Special Olympics and other school events throughout the year. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist and the Item Center Number Listing was used to monitor the visit. A copy of the Monitoring Checklist was provided after the visit. The following programs requirements were observed posted: First Aid Poster, Child Care License, No Smoking Sign, Summary of NC Law, Incident Log, Menu, Daily Schedules and Activity Plans, Fire Drills/Shelter in Place and/or Lockdown Drills, Monthly Outdoor Inspections, and the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. A violation was cited for Shelter-in-Place/Lockdown drills. The EMC Plan was current and was last updated September 25, 2023. The EMC plans were in every classroom located in a designated space. Nine (9) new staff were hired since May 23, 2023. The staff members’ information was monitored and stored electronically in the Google Doc File that Ms. Washington-Hill created to store each individual staff’s required information. Ten (10) percent of existing staff files were monitored. Staff and Training Worksheets were current. Staff files met compliance. DPI Verification forms were completed and monitored current for children’s records. Children with allergies were posted in each classroom. Medications were reviewed with the facility’s nurses; compliance was met. The outdoor learning environment, the indoor pool and kitchen were monitored. The outdoor learning environment met compliance; no hazards were observed, were no entrapments or protrusions observed, and no vermin were observed. There were raised garden beds and an outdoor learning environment. The indoor pool was inspected February 29, 2024, with zero (0) demerits, and the Lifeguard’s certification was current; compliance was met. The center provides daily transportation to preschool and school age children. DPI Transportation form was monitored and completed. The Safe Delivery Statement was posted on the information board. Four (4) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 524 When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. In space A1 and space A3, children were observed having screen time during transition to lunch and nap; there was no documented screen-time log. .0510(d)(2)(A-C) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 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. An outlet cover was uncovered in space A13. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three (3) months; practiced May 19, 2023, September 22, 2023, December 1, 2023, and January 24, 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 6, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 756 Gastonia, NC 28053 Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12th, Governor Cooper signed Senate Bill 291, extending the Child Care Hold Harmless legislation until June 30, 2024, and requiring the North Carolina Child Care Commission to make recommendations for modernizing the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System. -Your facility has been assigned to Cohort 1: Prep year 7/1/23-6/30/24, Reassessment year 7/1/24-6/30/25. Please refer to the link for additional information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. -Continue to submit staff information to Works for new staff. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Continue to review and update the EPR Plan annually. -Mrs. Washington-Hill stated that she has a copy of Toxic Plants for gardening; a copy was previously provided. -In space A1 and space A3, classrooms for preschoolers, screentime was discussed with the teachers. Screentime was used during the classroom transition to lunch. When children 3 years and older are in care, screen time must be used to stimulate a developmental domain; limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; must be documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(d)(2)(A-C). -In Space B3 there was peeling paint, and a work order was submitted. All walls and ceilings including doors and windows must be kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2825(a). -Make sure allergies listed on applications match children’s allergy list in the classroom. If a child has an allergy listed on the child’s application and medication is required, ensure that there is an Allergy Action Plan, medication, and a completed Medication Administration Permission Form. If the child does not have the listed medication list on the application for an allergy, the child cannot return to the program until the medication is provided and the forms are completed. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803. -Outlet covers must remain covered at all times. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c). -Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be practiced every three months. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0604(u), and .0302(d)(8). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant, (704-962-7854), Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov or Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, (704-594-0147), Michele.Sullivan@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have questions regarding the visit completed April 22, 2024. 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 .0510 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: DEANNA MATTHEWS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 4/22/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. I was greeted by Director, Mrs. Pam Washinton-Hill, and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant QuWanya Thompson assisted me with the visit. The program currently operates as a Five-Star License Facility effective September 18, 2019. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 23, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed November 8, 2023, with a “Superior” classification and four (4) demerits. The last fire inspection was conducted February 22, 2024, and the facility was approved for daytime care only. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPR) and the Crisis Plan was reviewed; the EPR Plan was updated August 2, 2023. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-six (96) as of April 21, 2024. A walkthrough of the center was completed with Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Washington-Hill; a walkthrough of the outdoor play area was completed with Ms. Matthews and Mrs. Washington-Hill. A walk through of spaces #A-#B, outdoor learning environment, indoor pool and kitchen were monitored for completed by Ms. Thompson. The center/DD maintains a 1:6 ratio with a maximum of no more than 3:18. Children were observed participating in table fine motor toys. Children were observed transitioning to the cafeteria to the classroom, eating lunch, and nap time. Several classrooms used the Promethean board. A violation was cited for the walls that need repair. An electrical outlet was uncovered and a violation was cited. The facility allows families to participate in family engagement activities though-out the school year. The facility meets five (5) of the six (6) required activities, books, fine motor, art, dramatic play, gross motor outdoor/indoor activities, and family engagement. Parents serve on the school improvement committee; parents also participate in volunteering for Special Olympics and other school events throughout the year. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist and the Item Center Number Listing was used to monitor the visit. A copy of the Monitoring Checklist was provided after the visit. The following programs requirements were observed posted: First Aid Poster, Child Care License, No Smoking Sign, Summary of NC Law, Incident Log, Menu, Daily Schedules and Activity Plans, Fire Drills/Shelter in Place and/or Lockdown Drills, Monthly Outdoor Inspections, and the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. A violation was cited for Shelter-in-Place/Lockdown drills. The EMC Plan was current and was last updated September 25, 2023. The EMC plans were in every classroom located in a designated space. Nine (9) new staff were hired since May 23, 2023. The staff members’ information was monitored and stored electronically in the Google Doc File that Ms. Washington-Hill created to store each individual staff’s required information. Ten (10) percent of existing staff files were monitored. Staff and Training Worksheets were current. Staff files met compliance. DPI Verification forms were completed and monitored current for children’s records. Children with allergies were posted in each classroom. Medications were reviewed with the facility’s nurses; compliance was met. The outdoor learning environment, the indoor pool and kitchen were monitored. The outdoor learning environment met compliance; no hazards were observed, were no entrapments or protrusions observed, and no vermin were observed. There were raised garden beds and an outdoor learning environment. The indoor pool was inspected February 29, 2024, with zero (0) demerits, and the Lifeguard’s certification was current; compliance was met. The center provides daily transportation to preschool and school age children. DPI Transportation form was monitored and completed. The Safe Delivery Statement was posted on the information board. Four (4) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 524 When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. In space A1 and space A3, children were observed having screen time during transition to lunch and nap; there was no documented screen-time log. .0510(d)(2)(A-C) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 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. An outlet cover was uncovered in space A13. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three (3) months; practiced May 19, 2023, September 22, 2023, December 1, 2023, and January 24, 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 6, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 756 Gastonia, NC 28053 Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12th, Governor Cooper signed Senate Bill 291, extending the Child Care Hold Harmless legislation until June 30, 2024, and requiring the North Carolina Child Care Commission to make recommendations for modernizing the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System. -Your facility has been assigned to Cohort 1: Prep year 7/1/23-6/30/24, Reassessment year 7/1/24-6/30/25. Please refer to the link for additional information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. -Continue to submit staff information to Works for new staff. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Continue to review and update the EPR Plan annually. -Mrs. Washington-Hill stated that she has a copy of Toxic Plants for gardening; a copy was previously provided. -In space A1 and space A3, classrooms for preschoolers, screentime was discussed with the teachers. Screentime was used during the classroom transition to lunch. When children 3 years and older are in care, screen time must be used to stimulate a developmental domain; limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; must be documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(d)(2)(A-C). -In Space B3 there was peeling paint, and a work order was submitted. All walls and ceilings including doors and windows must be kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2825(a). -Make sure allergies listed on applications match children’s allergy list in the classroom. If a child has an allergy listed on the child’s application and medication is required, ensure that there is an Allergy Action Plan, medication, and a completed Medication Administration Permission Form. If the child does not have the listed medication list on the application for an allergy, the child cannot return to the program until the medication is provided and the forms are completed. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803. -Outlet covers must remain covered at all times. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c). -Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be practiced every three months. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0604(u), and .0302(d)(8). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant, (704-962-7854), Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov or Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, (704-594-0147), Michele.Sullivan@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have questions regarding the visit completed April 22, 2024. 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: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: DEANNA MATTHEWS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 4/22/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. I was greeted by Director, Mrs. Pam Washinton-Hill, and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant QuWanya Thompson assisted me with the visit. The program currently operates as a Five-Star License Facility effective September 18, 2019. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 23, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed November 8, 2023, with a “Superior” classification and four (4) demerits. The last fire inspection was conducted February 22, 2024, and the facility was approved for daytime care only. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPR) and the Crisis Plan was reviewed; the EPR Plan was updated August 2, 2023. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-six (96) as of April 21, 2024. A walkthrough of the center was completed with Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Washington-Hill; a walkthrough of the outdoor play area was completed with Ms. Matthews and Mrs. Washington-Hill. A walk through of spaces #A-#B, outdoor learning environment, indoor pool and kitchen were monitored for completed by Ms. Thompson. The center/DD maintains a 1:6 ratio with a maximum of no more than 3:18. Children were observed participating in table fine motor toys. Children were observed transitioning to the cafeteria to the classroom, eating lunch, and nap time. Several classrooms used the Promethean board. A violation was cited for the walls that need repair. An electrical outlet was uncovered and a violation was cited. The facility allows families to participate in family engagement activities though-out the school year. The facility meets five (5) of the six (6) required activities, books, fine motor, art, dramatic play, gross motor outdoor/indoor activities, and family engagement. Parents serve on the school improvement committee; parents also participate in volunteering for Special Olympics and other school events throughout the year. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist and the Item Center Number Listing was used to monitor the visit. A copy of the Monitoring Checklist was provided after the visit. The following programs requirements were observed posted: First Aid Poster, Child Care License, No Smoking Sign, Summary of NC Law, Incident Log, Menu, Daily Schedules and Activity Plans, Fire Drills/Shelter in Place and/or Lockdown Drills, Monthly Outdoor Inspections, and the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. A violation was cited for Shelter-in-Place/Lockdown drills. The EMC Plan was current and was last updated September 25, 2023. The EMC plans were in every classroom located in a designated space. Nine (9) new staff were hired since May 23, 2023. The staff members’ information was monitored and stored electronically in the Google Doc File that Ms. Washington-Hill created to store each individual staff’s required information. Ten (10) percent of existing staff files were monitored. Staff and Training Worksheets were current. Staff files met compliance. DPI Verification forms were completed and monitored current for children’s records. Children with allergies were posted in each classroom. Medications were reviewed with the facility’s nurses; compliance was met. The outdoor learning environment, the indoor pool and kitchen were monitored. The outdoor learning environment met compliance; no hazards were observed, were no entrapments or protrusions observed, and no vermin were observed. There were raised garden beds and an outdoor learning environment. The indoor pool was inspected February 29, 2024, with zero (0) demerits, and the Lifeguard’s certification was current; compliance was met. The center provides daily transportation to preschool and school age children. DPI Transportation form was monitored and completed. The Safe Delivery Statement was posted on the information board. Four (4) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 524 When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. In space A1 and space A3, children were observed having screen time during transition to lunch and nap; there was no documented screen-time log. .0510(d)(2)(A-C) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 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. An outlet cover was uncovered in space A13. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three (3) months; practiced May 19, 2023, September 22, 2023, December 1, 2023, and January 24, 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 6, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 756 Gastonia, NC 28053 Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12th, Governor Cooper signed Senate Bill 291, extending the Child Care Hold Harmless legislation until June 30, 2024, and requiring the North Carolina Child Care Commission to make recommendations for modernizing the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System. -Your facility has been assigned to Cohort 1: Prep year 7/1/23-6/30/24, Reassessment year 7/1/24-6/30/25. Please refer to the link for additional information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. -Continue to submit staff information to Works for new staff. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Continue to review and update the EPR Plan annually. -Mrs. Washington-Hill stated that she has a copy of Toxic Plants for gardening; a copy was previously provided. -In space A1 and space A3, classrooms for preschoolers, screentime was discussed with the teachers. Screentime was used during the classroom transition to lunch. When children 3 years and older are in care, screen time must be used to stimulate a developmental domain; limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; must be documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(d)(2)(A-C). -In Space B3 there was peeling paint, and a work order was submitted. All walls and ceilings including doors and windows must be kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2825(a). -Make sure allergies listed on applications match children’s allergy list in the classroom. If a child has an allergy listed on the child’s application and medication is required, ensure that there is an Allergy Action Plan, medication, and a completed Medication Administration Permission Form. If the child does not have the listed medication list on the application for an allergy, the child cannot return to the program until the medication is provided and the forms are completed. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803. -Outlet covers must remain covered at all times. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c). -Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be practiced every three months. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0604(u), and .0302(d)(8). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant, (704-962-7854), Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov or Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, (704-594-0147), Michele.Sullivan@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have questions regarding the visit completed April 22, 2024. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: DEANNA MATTHEWS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 4/22/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. I was greeted by Director, Mrs. Pam Washinton-Hill, and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant QuWanya Thompson assisted me with the visit. The program currently operates as a Five-Star License Facility effective September 18, 2019. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 23, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed November 8, 2023, with a “Superior” classification and four (4) demerits. The last fire inspection was conducted February 22, 2024, and the facility was approved for daytime care only. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPR) and the Crisis Plan was reviewed; the EPR Plan was updated August 2, 2023. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-six (96) as of April 21, 2024. A walkthrough of the center was completed with Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Washington-Hill; a walkthrough of the outdoor play area was completed with Ms. Matthews and Mrs. Washington-Hill. A walk through of spaces #A-#B, outdoor learning environment, indoor pool and kitchen were monitored for completed by Ms. Thompson. The center/DD maintains a 1:6 ratio with a maximum of no more than 3:18. Children were observed participating in table fine motor toys. Children were observed transitioning to the cafeteria to the classroom, eating lunch, and nap time. Several classrooms used the Promethean board. A violation was cited for the walls that need repair. An electrical outlet was uncovered and a violation was cited. The facility allows families to participate in family engagement activities though-out the school year. The facility meets five (5) of the six (6) required activities, books, fine motor, art, dramatic play, gross motor outdoor/indoor activities, and family engagement. Parents serve on the school improvement committee; parents also participate in volunteering for Special Olympics and other school events throughout the year. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist and the Item Center Number Listing was used to monitor the visit. A copy of the Monitoring Checklist was provided after the visit. The following programs requirements were observed posted: First Aid Poster, Child Care License, No Smoking Sign, Summary of NC Law, Incident Log, Menu, Daily Schedules and Activity Plans, Fire Drills/Shelter in Place and/or Lockdown Drills, Monthly Outdoor Inspections, and the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. A violation was cited for Shelter-in-Place/Lockdown drills. The EMC Plan was current and was last updated September 25, 2023. The EMC plans were in every classroom located in a designated space. Nine (9) new staff were hired since May 23, 2023. The staff members’ information was monitored and stored electronically in the Google Doc File that Ms. Washington-Hill created to store each individual staff’s required information. Ten (10) percent of existing staff files were monitored. Staff and Training Worksheets were current. Staff files met compliance. DPI Verification forms were completed and monitored current for children’s records. Children with allergies were posted in each classroom. Medications were reviewed with the facility’s nurses; compliance was met. The outdoor learning environment, the indoor pool and kitchen were monitored. The outdoor learning environment met compliance; no hazards were observed, were no entrapments or protrusions observed, and no vermin were observed. There were raised garden beds and an outdoor learning environment. The indoor pool was inspected February 29, 2024, with zero (0) demerits, and the Lifeguard’s certification was current; compliance was met. The center provides daily transportation to preschool and school age children. DPI Transportation form was monitored and completed. The Safe Delivery Statement was posted on the information board. Four (4) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 524 When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. In space A1 and space A3, children were observed having screen time during transition to lunch and nap; there was no documented screen-time log. .0510(d)(2)(A-C) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 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. An outlet cover was uncovered in space A13. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three (3) months; practiced May 19, 2023, September 22, 2023, December 1, 2023, and January 24, 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 6, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 756 Gastonia, NC 28053 Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12th, Governor Cooper signed Senate Bill 291, extending the Child Care Hold Harmless legislation until June 30, 2024, and requiring the North Carolina Child Care Commission to make recommendations for modernizing the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System. -Your facility has been assigned to Cohort 1: Prep year 7/1/23-6/30/24, Reassessment year 7/1/24-6/30/25. Please refer to the link for additional information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. -Continue to submit staff information to Works for new staff. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Continue to review and update the EPR Plan annually. -Mrs. Washington-Hill stated that she has a copy of Toxic Plants for gardening; a copy was previously provided. -In space A1 and space A3, classrooms for preschoolers, screentime was discussed with the teachers. Screentime was used during the classroom transition to lunch. When children 3 years and older are in care, screen time must be used to stimulate a developmental domain; limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; must be documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(d)(2)(A-C). -In Space B3 there was peeling paint, and a work order was submitted. All walls and ceilings including doors and windows must be kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2825(a). -Make sure allergies listed on applications match children’s allergy list in the classroom. If a child has an allergy listed on the child’s application and medication is required, ensure that there is an Allergy Action Plan, medication, and a completed Medication Administration Permission Form. If the child does not have the listed medication list on the application for an allergy, the child cannot return to the program until the medication is provided and the forms are completed. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803. -Outlet covers must remain covered at all times. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c). -Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be practiced every three months. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0604(u), and .0302(d)(8). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant, (704-962-7854), Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov or Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, (704-594-0147), Michele.Sullivan@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have questions regarding the visit completed April 22, 2024. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: METRO SCHOOL Facility ID: 60003464 Consultant: DEANNA MATTHEWS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2024 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 4/22/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. I was greeted by Director, Mrs. Pam Washinton-Hill, and I explained the purpose of the visit. Child Care Consultant QuWanya Thompson assisted me with the visit. The program currently operates as a Five-Star License Facility effective September 18, 2019. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 23, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed November 8, 2023, with a “Superior” classification and four (4) demerits. The last fire inspection was conducted February 22, 2024, and the facility was approved for daytime care only. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPR) and the Crisis Plan was reviewed; the EPR Plan was updated August 2, 2023. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-six (96) as of April 21, 2024. A walkthrough of the center was completed with Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Washington-Hill; a walkthrough of the outdoor play area was completed with Ms. Matthews and Mrs. Washington-Hill. A walk through of spaces #A-#B, outdoor learning environment, indoor pool and kitchen were monitored for completed by Ms. Thompson. The center/DD maintains a 1:6 ratio with a maximum of no more than 3:18. Children were observed participating in table fine motor toys. Children were observed transitioning to the cafeteria to the classroom, eating lunch, and nap time. Several classrooms used the Promethean board. A violation was cited for the walls that need repair. An electrical outlet was uncovered and a violation was cited. The facility allows families to participate in family engagement activities though-out the school year. The facility meets five (5) of the six (6) required activities, books, fine motor, art, dramatic play, gross motor outdoor/indoor activities, and family engagement. Parents serve on the school improvement committee; parents also participate in volunteering for Special Olympics and other school events throughout the year. The Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist and the Item Center Number Listing was used to monitor the visit. A copy of the Monitoring Checklist was provided after the visit. The following programs requirements were observed posted: First Aid Poster, Child Care License, No Smoking Sign, Summary of NC Law, Incident Log, Menu, Daily Schedules and Activity Plans, Fire Drills/Shelter in Place and/or Lockdown Drills, Monthly Outdoor Inspections, and the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. A violation was cited for Shelter-in-Place/Lockdown drills. The EMC Plan was current and was last updated September 25, 2023. The EMC plans were in every classroom located in a designated space. Nine (9) new staff were hired since May 23, 2023. The staff members’ information was monitored and stored electronically in the Google Doc File that Ms. Washington-Hill created to store each individual staff’s required information. Ten (10) percent of existing staff files were monitored. Staff and Training Worksheets were current. Staff files met compliance. DPI Verification forms were completed and monitored current for children’s records. Children with allergies were posted in each classroom. Medications were reviewed with the facility’s nurses; compliance was met. The outdoor learning environment, the indoor pool and kitchen were monitored. The outdoor learning environment met compliance; no hazards were observed, were no entrapments or protrusions observed, and no vermin were observed. There were raised garden beds and an outdoor learning environment. The indoor pool was inspected February 29, 2024, with zero (0) demerits, and the Lifeguard’s certification was current; compliance was met. The center provides daily transportation to preschool and school age children. DPI Transportation form was monitored and completed. The Safe Delivery Statement was posted on the information board. Four (4) violations were cited. Violation Number Comment Rule 524 When children 3 years and older were in care, screen time was not used to stimulate a developmental domain; was not limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; and/or was not documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. In space A1 and space A3, children were observed having screen time during transition to lunch and nap; there was no documented screen-time log. .0510(d)(2)(A-C) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 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. An outlet cover was uncovered in space A13. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three (3) months; practiced May 19, 2023, September 22, 2023, December 1, 2023, and January 24, 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 6, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 756 Gastonia, NC 28053 Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov Reminders: -Continue to review emails from the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) and from your assigned child care consultant. -On June 12th, Governor Cooper signed Senate Bill 291, extending the Child Care Hold Harmless legislation until June 30, 2024, and requiring the North Carolina Child Care Commission to make recommendations for modernizing the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System. -Your facility has been assigned to Cohort 1: Prep year 7/1/23-6/30/24, Reassessment year 7/1/24-6/30/25. Please refer to the link for additional information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. -Continue to submit staff information to Works for new staff. The following Technical Assistance (TA) was provided: -Continue to review and update the EPR Plan annually. -Mrs. Washington-Hill stated that she has a copy of Toxic Plants for gardening; a copy was previously provided. -In space A1 and space A3, classrooms for preschoolers, screentime was discussed with the teachers. Screentime was used during the classroom transition to lunch. When children 3 years and older are in care, screen time must be used to stimulate a developmental domain; limited to 30 minutes a day and no more than a total of two and a half hours per week, per child; must be documented on a cumulative log or the activity plan that is available for review. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(d)(2)(A-C). -In Space B3 there was peeling paint, and a work order was submitted. All walls and ceilings including doors and windows must be kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. There was peeling paint on the wall to the left of the teacher's area in space B3. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .2825(a). -Make sure allergies listed on applications match children’s allergy list in the classroom. If a child has an allergy listed on the child’s application and medication is required, ensure that there is an Allergy Action Plan, medication, and a completed Medication Administration Permission Form. If the child does not have the listed medication list on the application for an allergy, the child cannot return to the program until the medication is provided and the forms are completed. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803. -Outlet covers must remain covered at all times. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c). -Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be practiced every three months. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09.0604(u), and .0302(d)(8). At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Deanna Matthews, Child Care Consultant, (704-962-7854), Deanna.Matthews@dhhs.nc.gov or Michele Sullivan, Licensing Supervisor, (704-594-0147), Michele.Sullivan@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have questions regarding the visit completed April 22, 2024. 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