Agelink Child Development Center

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-006L Visit Date: 2/12/2026 Number Present: 49 Completed Date: 2/13/2026 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 01:50 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit is to follow up a self-report incident that occurred on January 27, 2026 and was reported to administrative staff on January 28, 2026. The information regarding the incident was sent to me, Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant, on February 01, 2026 and sent to Intake on February 02, 2026. I received the formal Intake report on February 02, 2026. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant. An electronic copy of this visit summary was sent to Ms. McEntire and a signature was requested. Ms. Walkingstick assisted me today. The program’s compliance history was eighty-nine percent (89%) as of February 12, 2026. In addition to addressing the concern listed in the self-report, staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, permit restrictions, and license posted was monitored today. I completed a walkthrough of all classrooms, children were observed during snack, playing in centers in the classroom and playing outside. There was a total of nineteen (19) school-aged children with three (3) staff members observed playing outside. There was a total of five (5) infants with two (2) staff members. One (1) child was observed sleeping, one (1) child was having snack and three (3) children were playing in the center activity area. I observed two (2) staff with seven (7) one-year-old children in the classroom for one-year-old. Three (3) children were eating snack, one (1) child was observed washing their hands, and four (4) children were observed playing in activity areas. I observed staff two (2) staff with six (6) two-year-old. All six (6) children playing in activity areas. In the classroom for children aged three-through- school age-five I observed two (2) staff members sitting near the tables and eating snack with eleven (11) children and one (1) child was observed in a quite area relaxing. Based on the information submitted by Ms. McEntire on January 28, 2026 a staff member made an inappropriate comment in the presence of children aged 9–12 years. Today during this visit, I spoke with Ms. Walkingstick and one (1) of the staff members that the inappropriate comment was made to. Ms. Walkingstick and the staff member reported that an inappropriate comment was made in the presence of children. According to staff report a comment that would be considered inappropriate and threatening towards other staff members was made while she and another staff member were sitting at a table in the school-aged classroom. According to staff report the children were within hearing distance when the comment was made. Ms. Walkingstick reported that she has not been made aware of any children repeating or mentioning the comment. Ms. Walkingstick reported that when she was made aware of what the staff had said on January 28, 2026, she reached out to Leslie McEntire, Administrator, and made her aware of the situation. Ms. McEntire immediately reached out to the Cherokee Boys Club Human Resource Department, which is the owner of this facility and made them aware of the situation. On February 04, 2026, the staff member was suspended from her position as lead teacher for the school age group. On February 06, 2026, she was terminated from her employment by the Cherokee Boys Club Human Resource Department. According to Ms. Walkingstick the staff member has not cared for children since January 28, 2026, due to staff absences, snow days, and early closure days Based on the information gathered today the following violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Based on the self-report submitted and staff statements obtained during this visit, it was reported that on January 27, 2026 a staff member communicated a threat to use a weapon against other staff members while in the presence and potential hearing distance of school-age children ranging from nine to twelve years of age. G.S. 110-91(10) Technical Assistance Provided: Item #902 I would recommend having a conversation with the parents of the children enrolled and present in the classroom on January 27, 2026, regarding the situation noted in your self-report. As both the perception and actuality of children’s safety is paramount, I would communicate how the situation has been corrected and how you plan to ensure full protection of the staff and children in your facility in the future. From the children’s perspective, potential exposure to language from adults that includes potential threats of harm to others or themselves can certainly be traumatic and invite doubts in their minds as to their day-to-day safety. This is particularly clear in an age where children have also been exposed to information of real incidents in schools and facilities across the country where harm has indeed occurred. In addition, children do not have the intellectual maturity to differentiate between something said in jest or as a real intention. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by February 27, 2026. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: Sarah. Upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde NC 29721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Closure: Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-782-0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-006L Visit Date: 2/12/2026 Number Present: 49 Completed Date: 2/13/2026 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 01:50 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit is to follow up a self-report incident that occurred on January 27, 2026 and was reported to administrative staff on January 28, 2026. The information regarding the incident was sent to me, Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant, on February 01, 2026 and sent to Intake on February 02, 2026. I received the formal Intake report on February 02, 2026. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant. An electronic copy of this visit summary was sent to Ms. McEntire and a signature was requested. Ms. Walkingstick assisted me today. The program’s compliance history was eighty-nine percent (89%) as of February 12, 2026. In addition to addressing the concern listed in the self-report, staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, permit restrictions, and license posted was monitored today. I completed a walkthrough of all classrooms, children were observed during snack, playing in centers in the classroom and playing outside. There was a total of nineteen (19) school-aged children with three (3) staff members observed playing outside. There was a total of five (5) infants with two (2) staff members. One (1) child was observed sleeping, one (1) child was having snack and three (3) children were playing in the center activity area. I observed two (2) staff with seven (7) one-year-old children in the classroom for one-year-old. Three (3) children were eating snack, one (1) child was observed washing their hands, and four (4) children were observed playing in activity areas. I observed staff two (2) staff with six (6) two-year-old. All six (6) children playing in activity areas. In the classroom for children aged three-through- school age-five I observed two (2) staff members sitting near the tables and eating snack with eleven (11) children and one (1) child was observed in a quite area relaxing. Based on the information submitted by Ms. McEntire on January 28, 2026 a staff member made an inappropriate comment in the presence of children aged 9–12 years. Today during this visit, I spoke with Ms. Walkingstick and one (1) of the staff members that the inappropriate comment was made to. Ms. Walkingstick and the staff member reported that an inappropriate comment was made in the presence of children. According to staff report a comment that would be considered inappropriate and threatening towards other staff members was made while she and another staff member were sitting at a table in the school-aged classroom. According to staff report the children were within hearing distance when the comment was made. Ms. Walkingstick reported that she has not been made aware of any children repeating or mentioning the comment. Ms. Walkingstick reported that when she was made aware of what the staff had said on January 28, 2026, she reached out to Leslie McEntire, Administrator, and made her aware of the situation. Ms. McEntire immediately reached out to the Cherokee Boys Club Human Resource Department, which is the owner of this facility and made them aware of the situation. On February 04, 2026, the staff member was suspended from her position as lead teacher for the school age group. On February 06, 2026, she was terminated from her employment by the Cherokee Boys Club Human Resource Department. According to Ms. Walkingstick the staff member has not cared for children since January 28, 2026, due to staff absences, snow days, and early closure days Based on the information gathered today the following violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Based on the self-report submitted and staff statements obtained during this visit, it was reported that on January 27, 2026 a staff member communicated a threat to use a weapon against other staff members while in the presence and potential hearing distance of school-age children ranging from nine to twelve years of age. G.S. 110-91(10) Technical Assistance Provided: Item #902 I would recommend having a conversation with the parents of the children enrolled and present in the classroom on January 27, 2026, regarding the situation noted in your self-report. As both the perception and actuality of children’s safety is paramount, I would communicate how the situation has been corrected and how you plan to ensure full protection of the staff and children in your facility in the future. From the children’s perspective, potential exposure to language from adults that includes potential threats of harm to others or themselves can certainly be traumatic and invite doubts in their minds as to their day-to-day safety. This is particularly clear in an age where children have also been exposed to information of real incidents in schools and facilities across the country where harm has indeed occurred. In addition, children do not have the intellectual maturity to differentiate between something said in jest or as a real intention. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by February 27, 2026. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: Sarah. Upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde NC 29721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Closure: Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-782-0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/6/2025 Number Present: 61 Completed Date: 8/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 11:00 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed and signed by Leslie McEntire, Administrator and Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed. Kelli Walkingstick, Assistant Manager, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the classrooms. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with you. The program’s compliance history was eighty-seven (87%) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – Special Provisional License effective March 26, 2025, through September 26, 2025 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. At the end of your Special Provisional License, you will be moved back onto a Four-Star permit with the points assigned to Education, Program Standards, and Quality from the permit that was issued to you on October 19, 2024. Keep in mind that we are currently transitioning to the updated QRIS system to include the new pathways. As we gather more information with the transitioning time frame your program will be included in the programs needing to transition to the pathway system within the next year or so, Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 09. 2024. The last fire drill information will be collected during your other visit The last shelter-in-place drill will be collected during your other visit The last playground inspection information will be collected during your “other” visit. The last fire inspection was approved information will be collected during your “other” visit The last sanitation inspection will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. Lead water testing information will be collected during your “other” visit Lead paint and asbestos testing will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review, however, due to the staff member that assists me with the staff and children’s files working and covering classrooms I scheduled an “other” visit for Friday, August. 08, 2025 to review staff, children and program files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of chicken, rice, peas, pears and milk. I observed children in the classroom for three-through-four-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for school aged children during lunch. I observed the classroom for infants during nap and free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the classroom for children ages four-through-five years of age there were aerosol cans of sunscreen stored in an unlocked cabinet. In the classroom for children ages one-through-two-years of age the key to cabinet used to stored prescribed diapering creams and sunscreens in aerosol cans was stored in the lock. The supply closet used to store cleaning supplies including aerosol cans was left unlocked due to the small combination lock not closing properly. .2820(b) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In the classroom for infants there was a tube of diapering cream that the staff member reported that had been used for the child but there was no written authorized by the parent available. The staff member also reported that she had shared the medication permission slip with the parent but it had not been returned. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Safe sleep charts included the time the child went to sleep and the the time the child woke u, however, they did not include the safe sleep checks that were to occur every 15 minutes as stated in your safe-sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #840- Keep in mind that if a key is stored in a lock, then the lock cannot be considered locked. Keys must be stored separately from locks. Item #846-Any type of medication, ointment, creams, sprays etc. that you are going to put on a child must be accompanied with written authorization from the parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian brings something into the facility without written authorization do not use the product until you have written permission to do so. Item #871- Based on your safe sleep policy and 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES staff are to conduct and document visual checks of sleeping children every 15 minutes. Based on the charts reviewed today it looks like staff are just documenting the time the child falls asleep and then the time the child wakes up. I suggested today that staff may need to set timers every 15 minutes to remind them that they need to conduct a visual check while children are sleeping. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by August 20, 2025 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: Sarah. Upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde NC 29721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing: In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing was required to be completed by May 31, 2025. New and terminated staff notification requirement 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. 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) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-782-0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/6/2025 Number Present: 61 Completed Date: 8/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 11:00 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed and signed by Leslie McEntire, Administrator and Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed. Kelli Walkingstick, Assistant Manager, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the classrooms. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with you. The program’s compliance history was eighty-seven (87%) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – Special Provisional License effective March 26, 2025, through September 26, 2025 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. At the end of your Special Provisional License, you will be moved back onto a Four-Star permit with the points assigned to Education, Program Standards, and Quality from the permit that was issued to you on October 19, 2024. Keep in mind that we are currently transitioning to the updated QRIS system to include the new pathways. As we gather more information with the transitioning time frame your program will be included in the programs needing to transition to the pathway system within the next year or so, Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 09. 2024. The last fire drill information will be collected during your other visit The last shelter-in-place drill will be collected during your other visit The last playground inspection information will be collected during your “other” visit. The last fire inspection was approved information will be collected during your “other” visit The last sanitation inspection will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. Lead water testing information will be collected during your “other” visit Lead paint and asbestos testing will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review, however, due to the staff member that assists me with the staff and children’s files working and covering classrooms I scheduled an “other” visit for Friday, August. 08, 2025 to review staff, children and program files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of chicken, rice, peas, pears and milk. I observed children in the classroom for three-through-four-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for school aged children during lunch. I observed the classroom for infants during nap and free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the classroom for children ages four-through-five years of age there were aerosol cans of sunscreen stored in an unlocked cabinet. In the classroom for children ages one-through-two-years of age the key to cabinet used to stored prescribed diapering creams and sunscreens in aerosol cans was stored in the lock. The supply closet used to store cleaning supplies including aerosol cans was left unlocked due to the small combination lock not closing properly. .2820(b) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In the classroom for infants there was a tube of diapering cream that the staff member reported that had been used for the child but there was no written authorized by the parent available. The staff member also reported that she had shared the medication permission slip with the parent but it had not been returned. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Safe sleep charts included the time the child went to sleep and the the time the child woke u, however, they did not include the safe sleep checks that were to occur every 15 minutes as stated in your safe-sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #840- Keep in mind that if a key is stored in a lock, then the lock cannot be considered locked. Keys must be stored separately from locks. Item #846-Any type of medication, ointment, creams, sprays etc. that you are going to put on a child must be accompanied with written authorization from the parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian brings something into the facility without written authorization do not use the product until you have written permission to do so. Item #871- Based on your safe sleep policy and 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES staff are to conduct and document visual checks of sleeping children every 15 minutes. Based on the charts reviewed today it looks like staff are just documenting the time the child falls asleep and then the time the child wakes up. I suggested today that staff may need to set timers every 15 minutes to remind them that they need to conduct a visual check while children are sleeping. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by August 20, 2025 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: Sarah. Upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde NC 29721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing: In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing was required to be completed by May 31, 2025. New and terminated staff notification requirement 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. 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) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-782-0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/6/2025 Number Present: 61 Completed Date: 8/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 11:00 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed and signed by Leslie McEntire, Administrator and Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed. Kelli Walkingstick, Assistant Manager, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the classrooms. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with you. The program’s compliance history was eighty-seven (87%) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – Special Provisional License effective March 26, 2025, through September 26, 2025 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. At the end of your Special Provisional License, you will be moved back onto a Four-Star permit with the points assigned to Education, Program Standards, and Quality from the permit that was issued to you on October 19, 2024. Keep in mind that we are currently transitioning to the updated QRIS system to include the new pathways. As we gather more information with the transitioning time frame your program will be included in the programs needing to transition to the pathway system within the next year or so, Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 09. 2024. The last fire drill information will be collected during your other visit The last shelter-in-place drill will be collected during your other visit The last playground inspection information will be collected during your “other” visit. The last fire inspection was approved information will be collected during your “other” visit The last sanitation inspection will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. Lead water testing information will be collected during your “other” visit Lead paint and asbestos testing will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review, however, due to the staff member that assists me with the staff and children’s files working and covering classrooms I scheduled an “other” visit for Friday, August. 08, 2025 to review staff, children and program files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of chicken, rice, peas, pears and milk. I observed children in the classroom for three-through-four-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for school aged children during lunch. I observed the classroom for infants during nap and free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the classroom for children ages four-through-five years of age there were aerosol cans of sunscreen stored in an unlocked cabinet. In the classroom for children ages one-through-two-years of age the key to cabinet used to stored prescribed diapering creams and sunscreens in aerosol cans was stored in the lock. The supply closet used to store cleaning supplies including aerosol cans was left unlocked due to the small combination lock not closing properly. .2820(b) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In the classroom for infants there was a tube of diapering cream that the staff member reported that had been used for the child but there was no written authorized by the parent available. The staff member also reported that she had shared the medication permission slip with the parent but it had not been returned. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Safe sleep charts included the time the child went to sleep and the the time the child woke u, however, they did not include the safe sleep checks that were to occur every 15 minutes as stated in your safe-sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #840- Keep in mind that if a key is stored in a lock, then the lock cannot be considered locked. Keys must be stored separately from locks. Item #846-Any type of medication, ointment, creams, sprays etc. that you are going to put on a child must be accompanied with written authorization from the parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian brings something into the facility without written authorization do not use the product until you have written permission to do so. Item #871- Based on your safe sleep policy and 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES staff are to conduct and document visual checks of sleeping children every 15 minutes. Based on the charts reviewed today it looks like staff are just documenting the time the child falls asleep and then the time the child wakes up. I suggested today that staff may need to set timers every 15 minutes to remind them that they need to conduct a visual check while children are sleeping. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by August 20, 2025 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: Sarah. Upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde NC 29721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing: In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing was required to be completed by May 31, 2025. New and terminated staff notification requirement 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. 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) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-782-0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/6/2025 Number Present: 61 Completed Date: 8/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 11:00 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed and signed by Leslie McEntire, Administrator and Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed. Kelli Walkingstick, Assistant Manager, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the classrooms. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with you. The program’s compliance history was eighty-seven (87%) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – Special Provisional License effective March 26, 2025, through September 26, 2025 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. At the end of your Special Provisional License, you will be moved back onto a Four-Star permit with the points assigned to Education, Program Standards, and Quality from the permit that was issued to you on October 19, 2024. Keep in mind that we are currently transitioning to the updated QRIS system to include the new pathways. As we gather more information with the transitioning time frame your program will be included in the programs needing to transition to the pathway system within the next year or so, Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 09. 2024. The last fire drill information will be collected during your other visit The last shelter-in-place drill will be collected during your other visit The last playground inspection information will be collected during your “other” visit. The last fire inspection was approved information will be collected during your “other” visit The last sanitation inspection will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. Lead water testing information will be collected during your “other” visit Lead paint and asbestos testing will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review, however, due to the staff member that assists me with the staff and children’s files working and covering classrooms I scheduled an “other” visit for Friday, August. 08, 2025 to review staff, children and program files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of chicken, rice, peas, pears and milk. I observed children in the classroom for three-through-four-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for school aged children during lunch. I observed the classroom for infants during nap and free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the classroom for children ages four-through-five years of age there were aerosol cans of sunscreen stored in an unlocked cabinet. In the classroom for children ages one-through-two-years of age the key to cabinet used to stored prescribed diapering creams and sunscreens in aerosol cans was stored in the lock. The supply closet used to store cleaning supplies including aerosol cans was left unlocked due to the small combination lock not closing properly. .2820(b) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In the classroom for infants there was a tube of diapering cream that the staff member reported that had been used for the child but there was no written authorized by the parent available. The staff member also reported that she had shared the medication permission slip with the parent but it had not been returned. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Safe sleep charts included the time the child went to sleep and the the time the child woke u, however, they did not include the safe sleep checks that were to occur every 15 minutes as stated in your safe-sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #840- Keep in mind that if a key is stored in a lock, then the lock cannot be considered locked. Keys must be stored separately from locks. Item #846-Any type of medication, ointment, creams, sprays etc. that you are going to put on a child must be accompanied with written authorization from the parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian brings something into the facility without written authorization do not use the product until you have written permission to do so. Item #871- Based on your safe sleep policy and 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES staff are to conduct and document visual checks of sleeping children every 15 minutes. Based on the charts reviewed today it looks like staff are just documenting the time the child falls asleep and then the time the child wakes up. I suggested today that staff may need to set timers every 15 minutes to remind them that they need to conduct a visual check while children are sleeping. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by August 20, 2025 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: Sarah. Upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde NC 29721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing: In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing was required to be completed by May 31, 2025. New and terminated staff notification requirement 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. 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) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-782-0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .1703 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/6/2025 Number Present: 61 Completed Date: 8/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 11:00 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed and signed by Leslie McEntire, Administrator and Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed. Kelli Walkingstick, Assistant Manager, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the classrooms. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with you. The program’s compliance history was eighty-seven (87%) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – Special Provisional License effective March 26, 2025, through September 26, 2025 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. At the end of your Special Provisional License, you will be moved back onto a Four-Star permit with the points assigned to Education, Program Standards, and Quality from the permit that was issued to you on October 19, 2024. Keep in mind that we are currently transitioning to the updated QRIS system to include the new pathways. As we gather more information with the transitioning time frame your program will be included in the programs needing to transition to the pathway system within the next year or so, Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 09. 2024. The last fire drill information will be collected during your other visit The last shelter-in-place drill will be collected during your other visit The last playground inspection information will be collected during your “other” visit. The last fire inspection was approved information will be collected during your “other” visit The last sanitation inspection will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. Lead water testing information will be collected during your “other” visit Lead paint and asbestos testing will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review, however, due to the staff member that assists me with the staff and children’s files working and covering classrooms I scheduled an “other” visit for Friday, August. 08, 2025 to review staff, children and program files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of chicken, rice, peas, pears and milk. I observed children in the classroom for three-through-four-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for school aged children during lunch. I observed the classroom for infants during nap and free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the classroom for children ages four-through-five years of age there were aerosol cans of sunscreen stored in an unlocked cabinet. In the classroom for children ages one-through-two-years of age the key to cabinet used to stored prescribed diapering creams and sunscreens in aerosol cans was stored in the lock. The supply closet used to store cleaning supplies including aerosol cans was left unlocked due to the small combination lock not closing properly. .2820(b) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In the classroom for infants there was a tube of diapering cream that the staff member reported that had been used for the child but there was no written authorized by the parent available. The staff member also reported that she had shared the medication permission slip with the parent but it had not been returned. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Safe sleep charts included the time the child went to sleep and the the time the child woke u, however, they did not include the safe sleep checks that were to occur every 15 minutes as stated in your safe-sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #840- Keep in mind that if a key is stored in a lock, then the lock cannot be considered locked. Keys must be stored separately from locks. Item #846-Any type of medication, ointment, creams, sprays etc. that you are going to put on a child must be accompanied with written authorization from the parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian brings something into the facility without written authorization do not use the product until you have written permission to do so. Item #871- Based on your safe sleep policy and 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES staff are to conduct and document visual checks of sleeping children every 15 minutes. Based on the charts reviewed today it looks like staff are just documenting the time the child falls asleep and then the time the child wakes up. I suggested today that staff may need to set timers every 15 minutes to remind them that they need to conduct a visual check while children are sleeping. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by August 20, 2025 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: Sarah. Upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde NC 29721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing: In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing was required to be completed by May 31, 2025. New and terminated staff notification requirement 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. 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) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-782-0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .2830 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/6/2025 Number Present: 61 Completed Date: 8/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 11:00 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed and signed by Leslie McEntire, Administrator and Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed. Kelli Walkingstick, Assistant Manager, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the classrooms. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with you. The program’s compliance history was eighty-seven (87%) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – Special Provisional License effective March 26, 2025, through September 26, 2025 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. At the end of your Special Provisional License, you will be moved back onto a Four-Star permit with the points assigned to Education, Program Standards, and Quality from the permit that was issued to you on October 19, 2024. Keep in mind that we are currently transitioning to the updated QRIS system to include the new pathways. As we gather more information with the transitioning time frame your program will be included in the programs needing to transition to the pathway system within the next year or so, Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 09. 2024. The last fire drill information will be collected during your other visit The last shelter-in-place drill will be collected during your other visit The last playground inspection information will be collected during your “other” visit. The last fire inspection was approved information will be collected during your “other” visit The last sanitation inspection will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. Lead water testing information will be collected during your “other” visit Lead paint and asbestos testing will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review, however, due to the staff member that assists me with the staff and children’s files working and covering classrooms I scheduled an “other” visit for Friday, August. 08, 2025 to review staff, children and program files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of chicken, rice, peas, pears and milk. I observed children in the classroom for three-through-four-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for school aged children during lunch. I observed the classroom for infants during nap and free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the classroom for children ages four-through-five years of age there were aerosol cans of sunscreen stored in an unlocked cabinet. In the classroom for children ages one-through-two-years of age the key to cabinet used to stored prescribed diapering creams and sunscreens in aerosol cans was stored in the lock. The supply closet used to store cleaning supplies including aerosol cans was left unlocked due to the small combination lock not closing properly. .2820(b) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In the classroom for infants there was a tube of diapering cream that the staff member reported that had been used for the child but there was no written authorized by the parent available. The staff member also reported that she had shared the medication permission slip with the parent but it had not been returned. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Safe sleep charts included the time the child went to sleep and the the time the child woke u, however, they did not include the safe sleep checks that were to occur every 15 minutes as stated in your safe-sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #840- Keep in mind that if a key is stored in a lock, then the lock cannot be considered locked. Keys must be stored separately from locks. Item #846-Any type of medication, ointment, creams, sprays etc. that you are going to put on a child must be accompanied with written authorization from the parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian brings something into the facility without written authorization do not use the product until you have written permission to do so. Item #871- Based on your safe sleep policy and 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES staff are to conduct and document visual checks of sleeping children every 15 minutes. Based on the charts reviewed today it looks like staff are just documenting the time the child falls asleep and then the time the child wakes up. I suggested today that staff may need to set timers every 15 minutes to remind them that they need to conduct a visual check while children are sleeping. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by August 20, 2025 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: Sarah. Upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde NC 29721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing: In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing was required to be completed by May 31, 2025. New and terminated staff notification requirement 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. 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) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-782-0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/6/2025 Number Present: 61 Completed Date: 8/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 11:00 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed and signed by Leslie McEntire, Administrator and Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed. Kelli Walkingstick, Assistant Manager, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the classrooms. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with you. The program’s compliance history was eighty-seven (87%) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – Special Provisional License effective March 26, 2025, through September 26, 2025 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. At the end of your Special Provisional License, you will be moved back onto a Four-Star permit with the points assigned to Education, Program Standards, and Quality from the permit that was issued to you on October 19, 2024. Keep in mind that we are currently transitioning to the updated QRIS system to include the new pathways. As we gather more information with the transitioning time frame your program will be included in the programs needing to transition to the pathway system within the next year or so, Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 09. 2024. The last fire drill information will be collected during your other visit The last shelter-in-place drill will be collected during your other visit The last playground inspection information will be collected during your “other” visit. The last fire inspection was approved information will be collected during your “other” visit The last sanitation inspection will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. Lead water testing information will be collected during your “other” visit Lead paint and asbestos testing will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review, however, due to the staff member that assists me with the staff and children’s files working and covering classrooms I scheduled an “other” visit for Friday, August. 08, 2025 to review staff, children and program files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of chicken, rice, peas, pears and milk. I observed children in the classroom for three-through-four-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for school aged children during lunch. I observed the classroom for infants during nap and free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the classroom for children ages four-through-five years of age there were aerosol cans of sunscreen stored in an unlocked cabinet. In the classroom for children ages one-through-two-years of age the key to cabinet used to stored prescribed diapering creams and sunscreens in aerosol cans was stored in the lock. The supply closet used to store cleaning supplies including aerosol cans was left unlocked due to the small combination lock not closing properly. .2820(b) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In the classroom for infants there was a tube of diapering cream that the staff member reported that had been used for the child but there was no written authorized by the parent available. The staff member also reported that she had shared the medication permission slip with the parent but it had not been returned. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Safe sleep charts included the time the child went to sleep and the the time the child woke u, however, they did not include the safe sleep checks that were to occur every 15 minutes as stated in your safe-sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #840- Keep in mind that if a key is stored in a lock, then the lock cannot be considered locked. Keys must be stored separately from locks. Item #846-Any type of medication, ointment, creams, sprays etc. that you are going to put on a child must be accompanied with written authorization from the parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian brings something into the facility without written authorization do not use the product until you have written permission to do so. Item #871- Based on your safe sleep policy and 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES staff are to conduct and document visual checks of sleeping children every 15 minutes. Based on the charts reviewed today it looks like staff are just documenting the time the child falls asleep and then the time the child wakes up. I suggested today that staff may need to set timers every 15 minutes to remind them that they need to conduct a visual check while children are sleeping. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by August 20, 2025 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: Sarah. Upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde NC 29721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing: In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing was required to be completed by May 31, 2025. New and terminated staff notification requirement 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. 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) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-782-0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/6/2025 Number Present: 61 Completed Date: 8/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 11:00 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed and signed by Leslie McEntire, Administrator and Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed. Kelli Walkingstick, Assistant Manager, accompanied me during the walkthrough of the classrooms. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with you. The program’s compliance history was eighty-seven (87%) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – Special Provisional License effective March 26, 2025, through September 26, 2025 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. At the end of your Special Provisional License, you will be moved back onto a Four-Star permit with the points assigned to Education, Program Standards, and Quality from the permit that was issued to you on October 19, 2024. Keep in mind that we are currently transitioning to the updated QRIS system to include the new pathways. As we gather more information with the transitioning time frame your program will be included in the programs needing to transition to the pathway system within the next year or so, Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 09. 2024. The last fire drill information will be collected during your other visit The last shelter-in-place drill will be collected during your other visit The last playground inspection information will be collected during your “other” visit. The last fire inspection was approved information will be collected during your “other” visit The last sanitation inspection will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. Lead water testing information will be collected during your “other” visit Lead paint and asbestos testing will be collected during your “other” visit The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review, however, due to the staff member that assists me with the staff and children’s files working and covering classrooms I scheduled an “other” visit for Friday, August. 08, 2025 to review staff, children and program files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of chicken, rice, peas, pears and milk. I observed children in the classroom for three-through-four-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for school aged children during lunch. I observed the classroom for infants during nap and free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the classroom for children ages four-through-five years of age there were aerosol cans of sunscreen stored in an unlocked cabinet. In the classroom for children ages one-through-two-years of age the key to cabinet used to stored prescribed diapering creams and sunscreens in aerosol cans was stored in the lock. The supply closet used to store cleaning supplies including aerosol cans was left unlocked due to the small combination lock not closing properly. .2820(b) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In the classroom for infants there was a tube of diapering cream that the staff member reported that had been used for the child but there was no written authorized by the parent available. The staff member also reported that she had shared the medication permission slip with the parent but it had not been returned. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. Safe sleep charts included the time the child went to sleep and the the time the child woke u, however, they did not include the safe sleep checks that were to occur every 15 minutes as stated in your safe-sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item #840- Keep in mind that if a key is stored in a lock, then the lock cannot be considered locked. Keys must be stored separately from locks. Item #846-Any type of medication, ointment, creams, sprays etc. that you are going to put on a child must be accompanied with written authorization from the parent/guardian. If a parent/guardian brings something into the facility without written authorization do not use the product until you have written permission to do so. Item #871- Based on your safe sleep policy and 10A NCAC 09 .0606 SAFE SLEEP PRACTICES staff are to conduct and document visual checks of sleeping children every 15 minutes. Based on the charts reviewed today it looks like staff are just documenting the time the child falls asleep and then the time the child wakes up. I suggested today that staff may need to set timers every 15 minutes to remind them that they need to conduct a visual check while children are sleeping. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by August 20, 2025 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: Sarah. Upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde NC 29721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: Lead Paint and Asbestos Testing: In April 2023, North Carolina enacted final rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001-1007 requiring all public schools and child care facilities to: Test for lead in drinking/cooking water (.1005 and .2816), Identify lead-based paint hazards (.1004), Identify asbestos hazards (.1003), Mitigate or restrict access to any identified hazards. Testing was required to be completed by May 31, 2025. New and terminated staff notification requirement 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. 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) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-782-0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: MORGAN BROCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0924-144A Visit Date: 12/18/2024 Number Present: 24 Completed Date: 12/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 70 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to follow-up regarding allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Kelli Walkingstick, Assistant Manager, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I spoke with Ms. Walkingstick. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. On December 18, 2024, children were cared for in a space that was not approved. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) All violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A written, dated, and signed letter of compliance must be submitted to me within one week, by December 25, 2024, describing how and when the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. The letter of compliance should be emailed to Morgan Brock, Investigations Consultant, morgan.brock@dhhs.nc.gov. You may contact me at Morgan Brock, Investigations Consultant, morgan.brock@dhhs.nc.gov, 828-788-0011 or Natosha Lambeth, Western Investigations Team Supervisor, natosha.lambeth@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: MORGAN BROCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0924-144A Visit Date: 9/17/2024 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 9/17/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Kelli Walkingstick, Family Partnership Coordinator, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Leslie McEntire, administrator, and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On August 21, 2024, a staff member gave a two-year-old child a snack of frozen cherry juice. The child is allergic to red dye and subsequently developed a rash and fever. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 904 Child was handled roughly. A staff member grabbed a pulled two-year-old child by the arm, lifted the child by the upper arms, and roughly sat the child in the chair. The staff member pushed the chair back under the table causing the child's torso to fold over the table and placed her foot behind the chair to prevent the child from moving. The staff member also hit children in the face and on the hand. .1803(a)(1) 907 Discipline was related to food, rest or toileting. A staff member routinely sprayed a child in the face with a bottle of water as a means of discipline when the child did not remain on their cot. .1803(a)(4-6) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. On February 13, 2025, the Division determined child maltreatment based on the physical needs of children. GS 110-105.6(a) You may contact me at Morgan Brock, Investigations Consultant, morgan.brock@dhhs.nc.gov, 828-788-0011 or Natosha Lambeth, Western Investigations Team Supervisor, natosha.lambeth@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-105 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: MORGAN BROCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0924-144A Visit Date: 9/17/2024 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 9/17/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Kelli Walkingstick, Family Partnership Coordinator, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Leslie McEntire, administrator, and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On August 21, 2024, a staff member gave a two-year-old child a snack of frozen cherry juice. The child is allergic to red dye and subsequently developed a rash and fever. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 904 Child was handled roughly. A staff member grabbed a pulled two-year-old child by the arm, lifted the child by the upper arms, and roughly sat the child in the chair. The staff member pushed the chair back under the table causing the child's torso to fold over the table and placed her foot behind the chair to prevent the child from moving. The staff member also hit children in the face and on the hand. .1803(a)(1) 907 Discipline was related to food, rest or toileting. A staff member routinely sprayed a child in the face with a bottle of water as a means of discipline when the child did not remain on their cot. .1803(a)(4-6) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. On February 13, 2025, the Division determined child maltreatment based on the physical needs of children. GS 110-105.6(a) You may contact me at Morgan Brock, Investigations Consultant, morgan.brock@dhhs.nc.gov, 828-788-0011 or Natosha Lambeth, Western Investigations Team Supervisor, natosha.lambeth@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/6/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 9/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:45 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Kelli Walkingstick, Family Partnership Coordinator and signed by me, Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Ms. Walkingstick, during the visit. Leslie McEntire needed to leave before the visit summary was completed and gave verbal permission for Ms. Walkingstick to review the visit summary and sign it. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed for the majority of my visit. Ms. McEntire did need to the faclity at 3:00pm. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. Today we discussed the modular building that has been placed on the large playground that will used during your remodeling of the current buildings. You reported today that you are working with Southwestern Resource and Referral to help set up the classroom. We scheduled September 25 for me to come out and measure and approve three classrooms in the new building. Be sure that you have a new fire and sanitation inspection completed prior to me coming. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the Ms. Walkingstick. The program’s compliance history was seventy-six (76) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – The Provisional License effective April 19 2024 through October 19, 2024 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 18, 2024 The last fire drill was practiced on August 06, 2024 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on June 25, 2024 A copy of the last fire inspection and sanitation inspection will be emailed to me on Monday. These inspections were not accessible during my visit because the staff member that keeps the inspections was on vacation and has recently packed up her office to move to another space. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review. There are a total of twenty-nine staff members listed. During this visit I reviewed seven (7) new staff members files and two (2) existing staff members files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of sloppy joes with a bun, beans, peaches and milk. I observed children in the classroom for two-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for three-through-five years old during afternoon free play in the classroom. I observed the infant during free play on the floor with a teacher. I observed the afterschool children during free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Information related to your Corrective Action Plan: The following items are stipulations listed in your Corrective Action Plan and a note is document for each one as to where you are within the plan. 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) regarding general safety • Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(b) regarding storage of hazardous products **NOTE**Two (2) violations were written today/ One violation for storage of hazardous items and one for over-the-counter medications permission slip. Therefore, this stipulation was not found to be in compliance today** 2. Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Lisa McEntire, administrator, shall contact Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant, 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde, NC 28721, telephone number 828-782-0937, email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a complete review of all applicable child care requirements with an emphasis on supervision, general safety and storage of hazardous products, as well as, each staff person’s responsibility for assuring compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Training must be scheduled on a weekday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, full-time, part-time, substitute and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall attend the training. Documentation of the training shall include a training roster with the names and signatures of the trainer and the training participants, as well as, the title of the training and the date and time the training was conducted. The documentation shall be maintained in the facility files for review by Division representatives upon request. **NOTE** Ms. McEntire contact my on Monday April 22, 2024 after receiving this final action to schedule the required training above. The required training was completed on June 06, 2024 3. Within one (1) week after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall revise the facility’s supervision policies and procedures that describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The supervision policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Implement the use of the name to face supervision record • When children are toileting • When children are transitioned from one area to another • When children are transitioned from one caregiver to another • When staff members need to complete tasks outside the classroom • Procedures for late arrival and absence of staff members • Procedures for supervisory staff members to visit each classroom and monitor staff members’ implementation of the supervision plan • Procedures for periodic review of the supervision plan with all staff members, including the review of the plan in the orientation of new staff members before they assume child care responsibilities • Procedures for staff members to notify administrators and parents when an incident occurs • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures The supervision policies and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the supervision policies and procedures are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the supervision policies and procedures shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the supervision policies and procedures. A draft copy of the facility’s new policies and procedures were emailed to me for review. I have review the policies and procedures related to supervision. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 4. Within two (2) weeks after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall develop a written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. The written plan and checklist shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Procedures for daily classroom checks, prior to initial use • Procedures for routine program and classroom checks that occur throughout the day • Procedures for monitoring safety including the storage and handling of hazardous supplies, storage of medication, identification of safety issues within the building and classrooms including storage of plastic for children under three years of age • Procedures for administrative staff to visit each classroom and monitor implementation of the safety plan and checklist • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with not following the written plan The written plan shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the written plan and checklist are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the written plan shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved written plan shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 5. Within one (1) week after approval of Item #3 and Item #4, Ms. McEntire shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to review the revised written supervision policies and procedures, as well as, the written plan to achieve compliance with general safety and the storage of hazardous products. Within two (2) days after the staff meeting, Ms. McEntire shall email documentation of the staff meeting to Ms. Upton. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include: an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**This stipulation will be monitored once the staff meeting has been completed.** The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the hallway in building A there is a black storage cabinet for supplies. The cabinet was left unlocked and had batteries and a bottle of white-out stored inside. In the classroom for children two years of age there was a bottle of white-out being stored in a basket above the handwashing sink. .2820(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In the classroom for children ages two years of age there were two (2) medication authorization forms that did not have the to/from date recorded. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Technical assistance: Storage of hazardous items: Item 840 Items such as white-out and batteries are often placed in baskets placed on high shelves or placed in unlocked cabinets for easy access. These items are considered hazardous and must be locked. Today I reviewed a daily opening and closing storage of hazardous items checklist that you are planning to implement now that I have approved your new policy and procedures related to storage of hazardous items. I recommend that staff do a random check of the black storage in the hallway to ensure that is locked. I also recommend that staff to random checks throughout the day of the what I call “catch all basket” that things like batteries and white-out get dropped in until the staff can get back to lock them up. Over-the-Counter Medication: Item 1882 Permission slips for over-the-counter medications have many areas that need to be completed by the parent and/or staff. One of those areas is the length of time permission is valid. This area is a protection for you as staff members as much as it is a protection for the child. It is extremely important that all areas be reviewed before a medication is left at the faclity and before a medication is used. Today I spoke with the lead teacher and explained to her the areas that needed to be completed and make sure that all areas are being checked before she takes it from the parent. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by September 20, 2024 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: sarah.upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail Clyde NC 28721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.782.0937 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/6/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 9/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:45 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Kelli Walkingstick, Family Partnership Coordinator and signed by me, Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Ms. Walkingstick, during the visit. Leslie McEntire needed to leave before the visit summary was completed and gave verbal permission for Ms. Walkingstick to review the visit summary and sign it. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed for the majority of my visit. Ms. McEntire did need to the faclity at 3:00pm. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. Today we discussed the modular building that has been placed on the large playground that will used during your remodeling of the current buildings. You reported today that you are working with Southwestern Resource and Referral to help set up the classroom. We scheduled September 25 for me to come out and measure and approve three classrooms in the new building. Be sure that you have a new fire and sanitation inspection completed prior to me coming. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the Ms. Walkingstick. The program’s compliance history was seventy-six (76) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – The Provisional License effective April 19 2024 through October 19, 2024 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 18, 2024 The last fire drill was practiced on August 06, 2024 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on June 25, 2024 A copy of the last fire inspection and sanitation inspection will be emailed to me on Monday. These inspections were not accessible during my visit because the staff member that keeps the inspections was on vacation and has recently packed up her office to move to another space. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review. There are a total of twenty-nine staff members listed. During this visit I reviewed seven (7) new staff members files and two (2) existing staff members files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of sloppy joes with a bun, beans, peaches and milk. I observed children in the classroom for two-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for three-through-five years old during afternoon free play in the classroom. I observed the infant during free play on the floor with a teacher. I observed the afterschool children during free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Information related to your Corrective Action Plan: The following items are stipulations listed in your Corrective Action Plan and a note is document for each one as to where you are within the plan. 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) regarding general safety • Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(b) regarding storage of hazardous products **NOTE**Two (2) violations were written today/ One violation for storage of hazardous items and one for over-the-counter medications permission slip. Therefore, this stipulation was not found to be in compliance today** 2. Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Lisa McEntire, administrator, shall contact Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant, 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde, NC 28721, telephone number 828-782-0937, email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a complete review of all applicable child care requirements with an emphasis on supervision, general safety and storage of hazardous products, as well as, each staff person’s responsibility for assuring compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Training must be scheduled on a weekday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, full-time, part-time, substitute and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall attend the training. Documentation of the training shall include a training roster with the names and signatures of the trainer and the training participants, as well as, the title of the training and the date and time the training was conducted. The documentation shall be maintained in the facility files for review by Division representatives upon request. **NOTE** Ms. McEntire contact my on Monday April 22, 2024 after receiving this final action to schedule the required training above. The required training was completed on June 06, 2024 3. Within one (1) week after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall revise the facility’s supervision policies and procedures that describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The supervision policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Implement the use of the name to face supervision record • When children are toileting • When children are transitioned from one area to another • When children are transitioned from one caregiver to another • When staff members need to complete tasks outside the classroom • Procedures for late arrival and absence of staff members • Procedures for supervisory staff members to visit each classroom and monitor staff members’ implementation of the supervision plan • Procedures for periodic review of the supervision plan with all staff members, including the review of the plan in the orientation of new staff members before they assume child care responsibilities • Procedures for staff members to notify administrators and parents when an incident occurs • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures The supervision policies and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the supervision policies and procedures are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the supervision policies and procedures shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the supervision policies and procedures. A draft copy of the facility’s new policies and procedures were emailed to me for review. I have review the policies and procedures related to supervision. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 4. Within two (2) weeks after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall develop a written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. The written plan and checklist shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Procedures for daily classroom checks, prior to initial use • Procedures for routine program and classroom checks that occur throughout the day • Procedures for monitoring safety including the storage and handling of hazardous supplies, storage of medication, identification of safety issues within the building and classrooms including storage of plastic for children under three years of age • Procedures for administrative staff to visit each classroom and monitor implementation of the safety plan and checklist • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with not following the written plan The written plan shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the written plan and checklist are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the written plan shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved written plan shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 5. Within one (1) week after approval of Item #3 and Item #4, Ms. McEntire shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to review the revised written supervision policies and procedures, as well as, the written plan to achieve compliance with general safety and the storage of hazardous products. Within two (2) days after the staff meeting, Ms. McEntire shall email documentation of the staff meeting to Ms. Upton. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include: an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**This stipulation will be monitored once the staff meeting has been completed.** The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the hallway in building A there is a black storage cabinet for supplies. The cabinet was left unlocked and had batteries and a bottle of white-out stored inside. In the classroom for children two years of age there was a bottle of white-out being stored in a basket above the handwashing sink. .2820(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In the classroom for children ages two years of age there were two (2) medication authorization forms that did not have the to/from date recorded. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Technical assistance: Storage of hazardous items: Item 840 Items such as white-out and batteries are often placed in baskets placed on high shelves or placed in unlocked cabinets for easy access. These items are considered hazardous and must be locked. Today I reviewed a daily opening and closing storage of hazardous items checklist that you are planning to implement now that I have approved your new policy and procedures related to storage of hazardous items. I recommend that staff do a random check of the black storage in the hallway to ensure that is locked. I also recommend that staff to random checks throughout the day of the what I call “catch all basket” that things like batteries and white-out get dropped in until the staff can get back to lock them up. Over-the-Counter Medication: Item 1882 Permission slips for over-the-counter medications have many areas that need to be completed by the parent and/or staff. One of those areas is the length of time permission is valid. This area is a protection for you as staff members as much as it is a protection for the child. It is extremely important that all areas be reviewed before a medication is left at the faclity and before a medication is used. Today I spoke with the lead teacher and explained to her the areas that needed to be completed and make sure that all areas are being checked before she takes it from the parent. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by September 20, 2024 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: sarah.upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail Clyde NC 28721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.782.0937 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/6/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 9/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:45 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Kelli Walkingstick, Family Partnership Coordinator and signed by me, Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Ms. Walkingstick, during the visit. Leslie McEntire needed to leave before the visit summary was completed and gave verbal permission for Ms. Walkingstick to review the visit summary and sign it. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed for the majority of my visit. Ms. McEntire did need to the faclity at 3:00pm. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. Today we discussed the modular building that has been placed on the large playground that will used during your remodeling of the current buildings. You reported today that you are working with Southwestern Resource and Referral to help set up the classroom. We scheduled September 25 for me to come out and measure and approve three classrooms in the new building. Be sure that you have a new fire and sanitation inspection completed prior to me coming. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the Ms. Walkingstick. The program’s compliance history was seventy-six (76) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – The Provisional License effective April 19 2024 through October 19, 2024 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 18, 2024 The last fire drill was practiced on August 06, 2024 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on June 25, 2024 A copy of the last fire inspection and sanitation inspection will be emailed to me on Monday. These inspections were not accessible during my visit because the staff member that keeps the inspections was on vacation and has recently packed up her office to move to another space. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review. There are a total of twenty-nine staff members listed. During this visit I reviewed seven (7) new staff members files and two (2) existing staff members files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of sloppy joes with a bun, beans, peaches and milk. I observed children in the classroom for two-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for three-through-five years old during afternoon free play in the classroom. I observed the infant during free play on the floor with a teacher. I observed the afterschool children during free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Information related to your Corrective Action Plan: The following items are stipulations listed in your Corrective Action Plan and a note is document for each one as to where you are within the plan. 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) regarding general safety • Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(b) regarding storage of hazardous products **NOTE**Two (2) violations were written today/ One violation for storage of hazardous items and one for over-the-counter medications permission slip. Therefore, this stipulation was not found to be in compliance today** 2. Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Lisa McEntire, administrator, shall contact Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant, 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde, NC 28721, telephone number 828-782-0937, email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a complete review of all applicable child care requirements with an emphasis on supervision, general safety and storage of hazardous products, as well as, each staff person’s responsibility for assuring compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Training must be scheduled on a weekday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, full-time, part-time, substitute and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall attend the training. Documentation of the training shall include a training roster with the names and signatures of the trainer and the training participants, as well as, the title of the training and the date and time the training was conducted. The documentation shall be maintained in the facility files for review by Division representatives upon request. **NOTE** Ms. McEntire contact my on Monday April 22, 2024 after receiving this final action to schedule the required training above. The required training was completed on June 06, 2024 3. Within one (1) week after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall revise the facility’s supervision policies and procedures that describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The supervision policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Implement the use of the name to face supervision record • When children are toileting • When children are transitioned from one area to another • When children are transitioned from one caregiver to another • When staff members need to complete tasks outside the classroom • Procedures for late arrival and absence of staff members • Procedures for supervisory staff members to visit each classroom and monitor staff members’ implementation of the supervision plan • Procedures for periodic review of the supervision plan with all staff members, including the review of the plan in the orientation of new staff members before they assume child care responsibilities • Procedures for staff members to notify administrators and parents when an incident occurs • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures The supervision policies and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the supervision policies and procedures are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the supervision policies and procedures shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the supervision policies and procedures. A draft copy of the facility’s new policies and procedures were emailed to me for review. I have review the policies and procedures related to supervision. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 4. Within two (2) weeks after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall develop a written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. The written plan and checklist shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Procedures for daily classroom checks, prior to initial use • Procedures for routine program and classroom checks that occur throughout the day • Procedures for monitoring safety including the storage and handling of hazardous supplies, storage of medication, identification of safety issues within the building and classrooms including storage of plastic for children under three years of age • Procedures for administrative staff to visit each classroom and monitor implementation of the safety plan and checklist • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with not following the written plan The written plan shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the written plan and checklist are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the written plan shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved written plan shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 5. Within one (1) week after approval of Item #3 and Item #4, Ms. McEntire shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to review the revised written supervision policies and procedures, as well as, the written plan to achieve compliance with general safety and the storage of hazardous products. Within two (2) days after the staff meeting, Ms. McEntire shall email documentation of the staff meeting to Ms. Upton. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include: an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**This stipulation will be monitored once the staff meeting has been completed.** The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the hallway in building A there is a black storage cabinet for supplies. The cabinet was left unlocked and had batteries and a bottle of white-out stored inside. In the classroom for children two years of age there was a bottle of white-out being stored in a basket above the handwashing sink. .2820(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In the classroom for children ages two years of age there were two (2) medication authorization forms that did not have the to/from date recorded. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Technical assistance: Storage of hazardous items: Item 840 Items such as white-out and batteries are often placed in baskets placed on high shelves or placed in unlocked cabinets for easy access. These items are considered hazardous and must be locked. Today I reviewed a daily opening and closing storage of hazardous items checklist that you are planning to implement now that I have approved your new policy and procedures related to storage of hazardous items. I recommend that staff do a random check of the black storage in the hallway to ensure that is locked. I also recommend that staff to random checks throughout the day of the what I call “catch all basket” that things like batteries and white-out get dropped in until the staff can get back to lock them up. Over-the-Counter Medication: Item 1882 Permission slips for over-the-counter medications have many areas that need to be completed by the parent and/or staff. One of those areas is the length of time permission is valid. This area is a protection for you as staff members as much as it is a protection for the child. It is extremely important that all areas be reviewed before a medication is left at the faclity and before a medication is used. Today I spoke with the lead teacher and explained to her the areas that needed to be completed and make sure that all areas are being checked before she takes it from the parent. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by September 20, 2024 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: sarah.upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail Clyde NC 28721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.782.0937 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .1703 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/6/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 9/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:45 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Kelli Walkingstick, Family Partnership Coordinator and signed by me, Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Ms. Walkingstick, during the visit. Leslie McEntire needed to leave before the visit summary was completed and gave verbal permission for Ms. Walkingstick to review the visit summary and sign it. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed for the majority of my visit. Ms. McEntire did need to the faclity at 3:00pm. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. Today we discussed the modular building that has been placed on the large playground that will used during your remodeling of the current buildings. You reported today that you are working with Southwestern Resource and Referral to help set up the classroom. We scheduled September 25 for me to come out and measure and approve three classrooms in the new building. Be sure that you have a new fire and sanitation inspection completed prior to me coming. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the Ms. Walkingstick. The program’s compliance history was seventy-six (76) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – The Provisional License effective April 19 2024 through October 19, 2024 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 18, 2024 The last fire drill was practiced on August 06, 2024 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on June 25, 2024 A copy of the last fire inspection and sanitation inspection will be emailed to me on Monday. These inspections were not accessible during my visit because the staff member that keeps the inspections was on vacation and has recently packed up her office to move to another space. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review. There are a total of twenty-nine staff members listed. During this visit I reviewed seven (7) new staff members files and two (2) existing staff members files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of sloppy joes with a bun, beans, peaches and milk. I observed children in the classroom for two-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for three-through-five years old during afternoon free play in the classroom. I observed the infant during free play on the floor with a teacher. I observed the afterschool children during free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Information related to your Corrective Action Plan: The following items are stipulations listed in your Corrective Action Plan and a note is document for each one as to where you are within the plan. 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) regarding general safety • Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(b) regarding storage of hazardous products **NOTE**Two (2) violations were written today/ One violation for storage of hazardous items and one for over-the-counter medications permission slip. Therefore, this stipulation was not found to be in compliance today** 2. Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Lisa McEntire, administrator, shall contact Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant, 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde, NC 28721, telephone number 828-782-0937, email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a complete review of all applicable child care requirements with an emphasis on supervision, general safety and storage of hazardous products, as well as, each staff person’s responsibility for assuring compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Training must be scheduled on a weekday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, full-time, part-time, substitute and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall attend the training. Documentation of the training shall include a training roster with the names and signatures of the trainer and the training participants, as well as, the title of the training and the date and time the training was conducted. The documentation shall be maintained in the facility files for review by Division representatives upon request. **NOTE** Ms. McEntire contact my on Monday April 22, 2024 after receiving this final action to schedule the required training above. The required training was completed on June 06, 2024 3. Within one (1) week after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall revise the facility’s supervision policies and procedures that describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The supervision policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Implement the use of the name to face supervision record • When children are toileting • When children are transitioned from one area to another • When children are transitioned from one caregiver to another • When staff members need to complete tasks outside the classroom • Procedures for late arrival and absence of staff members • Procedures for supervisory staff members to visit each classroom and monitor staff members’ implementation of the supervision plan • Procedures for periodic review of the supervision plan with all staff members, including the review of the plan in the orientation of new staff members before they assume child care responsibilities • Procedures for staff members to notify administrators and parents when an incident occurs • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures The supervision policies and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the supervision policies and procedures are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the supervision policies and procedures shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the supervision policies and procedures. A draft copy of the facility’s new policies and procedures were emailed to me for review. I have review the policies and procedures related to supervision. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 4. Within two (2) weeks after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall develop a written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. The written plan and checklist shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Procedures for daily classroom checks, prior to initial use • Procedures for routine program and classroom checks that occur throughout the day • Procedures for monitoring safety including the storage and handling of hazardous supplies, storage of medication, identification of safety issues within the building and classrooms including storage of plastic for children under three years of age • Procedures for administrative staff to visit each classroom and monitor implementation of the safety plan and checklist • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with not following the written plan The written plan shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the written plan and checklist are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the written plan shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved written plan shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 5. Within one (1) week after approval of Item #3 and Item #4, Ms. McEntire shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to review the revised written supervision policies and procedures, as well as, the written plan to achieve compliance with general safety and the storage of hazardous products. Within two (2) days after the staff meeting, Ms. McEntire shall email documentation of the staff meeting to Ms. Upton. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include: an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**This stipulation will be monitored once the staff meeting has been completed.** The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the hallway in building A there is a black storage cabinet for supplies. The cabinet was left unlocked and had batteries and a bottle of white-out stored inside. In the classroom for children two years of age there was a bottle of white-out being stored in a basket above the handwashing sink. .2820(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In the classroom for children ages two years of age there were two (2) medication authorization forms that did not have the to/from date recorded. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Technical assistance: Storage of hazardous items: Item 840 Items such as white-out and batteries are often placed in baskets placed on high shelves or placed in unlocked cabinets for easy access. These items are considered hazardous and must be locked. Today I reviewed a daily opening and closing storage of hazardous items checklist that you are planning to implement now that I have approved your new policy and procedures related to storage of hazardous items. I recommend that staff do a random check of the black storage in the hallway to ensure that is locked. I also recommend that staff to random checks throughout the day of the what I call “catch all basket” that things like batteries and white-out get dropped in until the staff can get back to lock them up. Over-the-Counter Medication: Item 1882 Permission slips for over-the-counter medications have many areas that need to be completed by the parent and/or staff. One of those areas is the length of time permission is valid. This area is a protection for you as staff members as much as it is a protection for the child. It is extremely important that all areas be reviewed before a medication is left at the faclity and before a medication is used. Today I spoke with the lead teacher and explained to her the areas that needed to be completed and make sure that all areas are being checked before she takes it from the parent. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by September 20, 2024 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: sarah.upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail Clyde NC 28721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.782.0937 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/6/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 9/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:45 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Kelli Walkingstick, Family Partnership Coordinator and signed by me, Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Ms. Walkingstick, during the visit. Leslie McEntire needed to leave before the visit summary was completed and gave verbal permission for Ms. Walkingstick to review the visit summary and sign it. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed for the majority of my visit. Ms. McEntire did need to the faclity at 3:00pm. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. Today we discussed the modular building that has been placed on the large playground that will used during your remodeling of the current buildings. You reported today that you are working with Southwestern Resource and Referral to help set up the classroom. We scheduled September 25 for me to come out and measure and approve three classrooms in the new building. Be sure that you have a new fire and sanitation inspection completed prior to me coming. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the Ms. Walkingstick. The program’s compliance history was seventy-six (76) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – The Provisional License effective April 19 2024 through October 19, 2024 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 18, 2024 The last fire drill was practiced on August 06, 2024 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on June 25, 2024 A copy of the last fire inspection and sanitation inspection will be emailed to me on Monday. These inspections were not accessible during my visit because the staff member that keeps the inspections was on vacation and has recently packed up her office to move to another space. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review. There are a total of twenty-nine staff members listed. During this visit I reviewed seven (7) new staff members files and two (2) existing staff members files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of sloppy joes with a bun, beans, peaches and milk. I observed children in the classroom for two-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for three-through-five years old during afternoon free play in the classroom. I observed the infant during free play on the floor with a teacher. I observed the afterschool children during free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Information related to your Corrective Action Plan: The following items are stipulations listed in your Corrective Action Plan and a note is document for each one as to where you are within the plan. 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) regarding general safety • Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(b) regarding storage of hazardous products **NOTE**Two (2) violations were written today/ One violation for storage of hazardous items and one for over-the-counter medications permission slip. Therefore, this stipulation was not found to be in compliance today** 2. Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Lisa McEntire, administrator, shall contact Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant, 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde, NC 28721, telephone number 828-782-0937, email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a complete review of all applicable child care requirements with an emphasis on supervision, general safety and storage of hazardous products, as well as, each staff person’s responsibility for assuring compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Training must be scheduled on a weekday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, full-time, part-time, substitute and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall attend the training. Documentation of the training shall include a training roster with the names and signatures of the trainer and the training participants, as well as, the title of the training and the date and time the training was conducted. The documentation shall be maintained in the facility files for review by Division representatives upon request. **NOTE** Ms. McEntire contact my on Monday April 22, 2024 after receiving this final action to schedule the required training above. The required training was completed on June 06, 2024 3. Within one (1) week after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall revise the facility’s supervision policies and procedures that describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The supervision policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Implement the use of the name to face supervision record • When children are toileting • When children are transitioned from one area to another • When children are transitioned from one caregiver to another • When staff members need to complete tasks outside the classroom • Procedures for late arrival and absence of staff members • Procedures for supervisory staff members to visit each classroom and monitor staff members’ implementation of the supervision plan • Procedures for periodic review of the supervision plan with all staff members, including the review of the plan in the orientation of new staff members before they assume child care responsibilities • Procedures for staff members to notify administrators and parents when an incident occurs • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures The supervision policies and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the supervision policies and procedures are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the supervision policies and procedures shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the supervision policies and procedures. A draft copy of the facility’s new policies and procedures were emailed to me for review. I have review the policies and procedures related to supervision. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 4. Within two (2) weeks after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall develop a written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. The written plan and checklist shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Procedures for daily classroom checks, prior to initial use • Procedures for routine program and classroom checks that occur throughout the day • Procedures for monitoring safety including the storage and handling of hazardous supplies, storage of medication, identification of safety issues within the building and classrooms including storage of plastic for children under three years of age • Procedures for administrative staff to visit each classroom and monitor implementation of the safety plan and checklist • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with not following the written plan The written plan shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the written plan and checklist are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the written plan shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved written plan shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 5. Within one (1) week after approval of Item #3 and Item #4, Ms. McEntire shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to review the revised written supervision policies and procedures, as well as, the written plan to achieve compliance with general safety and the storage of hazardous products. Within two (2) days after the staff meeting, Ms. McEntire shall email documentation of the staff meeting to Ms. Upton. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include: an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**This stipulation will be monitored once the staff meeting has been completed.** The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the hallway in building A there is a black storage cabinet for supplies. The cabinet was left unlocked and had batteries and a bottle of white-out stored inside. In the classroom for children two years of age there was a bottle of white-out being stored in a basket above the handwashing sink. .2820(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In the classroom for children ages two years of age there were two (2) medication authorization forms that did not have the to/from date recorded. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Technical assistance: Storage of hazardous items: Item 840 Items such as white-out and batteries are often placed in baskets placed on high shelves or placed in unlocked cabinets for easy access. These items are considered hazardous and must be locked. Today I reviewed a daily opening and closing storage of hazardous items checklist that you are planning to implement now that I have approved your new policy and procedures related to storage of hazardous items. I recommend that staff do a random check of the black storage in the hallway to ensure that is locked. I also recommend that staff to random checks throughout the day of the what I call “catch all basket” that things like batteries and white-out get dropped in until the staff can get back to lock them up. Over-the-Counter Medication: Item 1882 Permission slips for over-the-counter medications have many areas that need to be completed by the parent and/or staff. One of those areas is the length of time permission is valid. This area is a protection for you as staff members as much as it is a protection for the child. It is extremely important that all areas be reviewed before a medication is left at the faclity and before a medication is used. Today I spoke with the lead teacher and explained to her the areas that needed to be completed and make sure that all areas are being checked before she takes it from the parent. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by September 20, 2024 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: sarah.upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail Clyde NC 28721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.782.0937 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .2830 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/6/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 9/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:45 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Kelli Walkingstick, Family Partnership Coordinator and signed by me, Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Ms. Walkingstick, during the visit. Leslie McEntire needed to leave before the visit summary was completed and gave verbal permission for Ms. Walkingstick to review the visit summary and sign it. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed for the majority of my visit. Ms. McEntire did need to the faclity at 3:00pm. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. Today we discussed the modular building that has been placed on the large playground that will used during your remodeling of the current buildings. You reported today that you are working with Southwestern Resource and Referral to help set up the classroom. We scheduled September 25 for me to come out and measure and approve three classrooms in the new building. Be sure that you have a new fire and sanitation inspection completed prior to me coming. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the Ms. Walkingstick. The program’s compliance history was seventy-six (76) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – The Provisional License effective April 19 2024 through October 19, 2024 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 18, 2024 The last fire drill was practiced on August 06, 2024 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on June 25, 2024 A copy of the last fire inspection and sanitation inspection will be emailed to me on Monday. These inspections were not accessible during my visit because the staff member that keeps the inspections was on vacation and has recently packed up her office to move to another space. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review. There are a total of twenty-nine staff members listed. During this visit I reviewed seven (7) new staff members files and two (2) existing staff members files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of sloppy joes with a bun, beans, peaches and milk. I observed children in the classroom for two-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for three-through-five years old during afternoon free play in the classroom. I observed the infant during free play on the floor with a teacher. I observed the afterschool children during free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Information related to your Corrective Action Plan: The following items are stipulations listed in your Corrective Action Plan and a note is document for each one as to where you are within the plan. 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) regarding general safety • Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(b) regarding storage of hazardous products **NOTE**Two (2) violations were written today/ One violation for storage of hazardous items and one for over-the-counter medications permission slip. Therefore, this stipulation was not found to be in compliance today** 2. Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Lisa McEntire, administrator, shall contact Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant, 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde, NC 28721, telephone number 828-782-0937, email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a complete review of all applicable child care requirements with an emphasis on supervision, general safety and storage of hazardous products, as well as, each staff person’s responsibility for assuring compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Training must be scheduled on a weekday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, full-time, part-time, substitute and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall attend the training. Documentation of the training shall include a training roster with the names and signatures of the trainer and the training participants, as well as, the title of the training and the date and time the training was conducted. The documentation shall be maintained in the facility files for review by Division representatives upon request. **NOTE** Ms. McEntire contact my on Monday April 22, 2024 after receiving this final action to schedule the required training above. The required training was completed on June 06, 2024 3. Within one (1) week after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall revise the facility’s supervision policies and procedures that describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The supervision policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Implement the use of the name to face supervision record • When children are toileting • When children are transitioned from one area to another • When children are transitioned from one caregiver to another • When staff members need to complete tasks outside the classroom • Procedures for late arrival and absence of staff members • Procedures for supervisory staff members to visit each classroom and monitor staff members’ implementation of the supervision plan • Procedures for periodic review of the supervision plan with all staff members, including the review of the plan in the orientation of new staff members before they assume child care responsibilities • Procedures for staff members to notify administrators and parents when an incident occurs • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures The supervision policies and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the supervision policies and procedures are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the supervision policies and procedures shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the supervision policies and procedures. A draft copy of the facility’s new policies and procedures were emailed to me for review. I have review the policies and procedures related to supervision. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 4. Within two (2) weeks after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall develop a written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. The written plan and checklist shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Procedures for daily classroom checks, prior to initial use • Procedures for routine program and classroom checks that occur throughout the day • Procedures for monitoring safety including the storage and handling of hazardous supplies, storage of medication, identification of safety issues within the building and classrooms including storage of plastic for children under three years of age • Procedures for administrative staff to visit each classroom and monitor implementation of the safety plan and checklist • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with not following the written plan The written plan shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the written plan and checklist are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the written plan shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved written plan shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 5. Within one (1) week after approval of Item #3 and Item #4, Ms. McEntire shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to review the revised written supervision policies and procedures, as well as, the written plan to achieve compliance with general safety and the storage of hazardous products. Within two (2) days after the staff meeting, Ms. McEntire shall email documentation of the staff meeting to Ms. Upton. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include: an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**This stipulation will be monitored once the staff meeting has been completed.** The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the hallway in building A there is a black storage cabinet for supplies. The cabinet was left unlocked and had batteries and a bottle of white-out stored inside. In the classroom for children two years of age there was a bottle of white-out being stored in a basket above the handwashing sink. .2820(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In the classroom for children ages two years of age there were two (2) medication authorization forms that did not have the to/from date recorded. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Technical assistance: Storage of hazardous items: Item 840 Items such as white-out and batteries are often placed in baskets placed on high shelves or placed in unlocked cabinets for easy access. These items are considered hazardous and must be locked. Today I reviewed a daily opening and closing storage of hazardous items checklist that you are planning to implement now that I have approved your new policy and procedures related to storage of hazardous items. I recommend that staff do a random check of the black storage in the hallway to ensure that is locked. I also recommend that staff to random checks throughout the day of the what I call “catch all basket” that things like batteries and white-out get dropped in until the staff can get back to lock them up. Over-the-Counter Medication: Item 1882 Permission slips for over-the-counter medications have many areas that need to be completed by the parent and/or staff. One of those areas is the length of time permission is valid. This area is a protection for you as staff members as much as it is a protection for the child. It is extremely important that all areas be reviewed before a medication is left at the faclity and before a medication is used. Today I spoke with the lead teacher and explained to her the areas that needed to be completed and make sure that all areas are being checked before she takes it from the parent. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by September 20, 2024 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: sarah.upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail Clyde NC 28721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.782.0937 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/6/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 9/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 04:45 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 compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with Kelli Walkingstick, Family Partnership Coordinator and signed by me, Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Ms. Walkingstick, during the visit. Leslie McEntire needed to leave before the visit summary was completed and gave verbal permission for Ms. Walkingstick to review the visit summary and sign it. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site. Today, Ms. McEntire, was available to answer any question and assist me as needed for the majority of my visit. Ms. McEntire did need to the faclity at 3:00pm. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. Today we discussed the modular building that has been placed on the large playground that will used during your remodeling of the current buildings. You reported today that you are working with Southwestern Resource and Referral to help set up the classroom. We scheduled September 25 for me to come out and measure and approve three classrooms in the new building. Be sure that you have a new fire and sanitation inspection completed prior to me coming. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the Ms. Walkingstick. The program’s compliance history was seventy-six (76) percentage prior to today’s visit. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed and the non-profit corporation, The Cherokee Boys Club, INC is current/active. Permit type – The Provisional License effective April 19 2024 through October 19, 2024 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. Special Services/Restrictions – Meets enhanced space; Meets enhanced ratios The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 18, 2024 The last fire drill was practiced on August 06, 2024 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on June 25, 2024 A copy of the last fire inspection and sanitation inspection will be emailed to me on Monday. These inspections were not accessible during my visit because the staff member that keeps the inspections was on vacation and has recently packed up her office to move to another space. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Creative Curriculum. Staff and Training worksheets were completed and available for review. There are a total of twenty-nine staff members listed. During this visit I reviewed seven (7) new staff members files and two (2) existing staff members files. Upon arrival I introduced my presence to the Administrator. I observed children during lunch which consisted of sloppy joes with a bun, beans, peaches and milk. I observed children in the classroom for two-year-olds outside on the playground. I observed the classroom for three-through-five years old during afternoon free play in the classroom. I observed the infant during free play on the floor with a teacher. I observed the afterschool children during free play. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Information related to your Corrective Action Plan: The following items are stipulations listed in your Corrective Action Plan and a note is document for each one as to where you are within the plan. 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) regarding general safety • Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(b) regarding storage of hazardous products **NOTE**Two (2) violations were written today/ One violation for storage of hazardous items and one for over-the-counter medications permission slip. Therefore, this stipulation was not found to be in compliance today** 2. Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Lisa McEntire, administrator, shall contact Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant, 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde, NC 28721, telephone number 828-782-0937, email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a complete review of all applicable child care requirements with an emphasis on supervision, general safety and storage of hazardous products, as well as, each staff person’s responsibility for assuring compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Training must be scheduled on a weekday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, full-time, part-time, substitute and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall attend the training. Documentation of the training shall include a training roster with the names and signatures of the trainer and the training participants, as well as, the title of the training and the date and time the training was conducted. The documentation shall be maintained in the facility files for review by Division representatives upon request. **NOTE** Ms. McEntire contact my on Monday April 22, 2024 after receiving this final action to schedule the required training above. The required training was completed on June 06, 2024 3. Within one (1) week after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall revise the facility’s supervision policies and procedures that describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The supervision policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Implement the use of the name to face supervision record • When children are toileting • When children are transitioned from one area to another • When children are transitioned from one caregiver to another • When staff members need to complete tasks outside the classroom • Procedures for late arrival and absence of staff members • Procedures for supervisory staff members to visit each classroom and monitor staff members’ implementation of the supervision plan • Procedures for periodic review of the supervision plan with all staff members, including the review of the plan in the orientation of new staff members before they assume child care responsibilities • Procedures for staff members to notify administrators and parents when an incident occurs • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures The supervision policies and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the supervision policies and procedures are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the supervision policies and procedures shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the supervision policies and procedures. A draft copy of the facility’s new policies and procedures were emailed to me for review. I have review the policies and procedures related to supervision. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 4. Within two (2) weeks after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall develop a written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. The written plan and checklist shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Procedures for daily classroom checks, prior to initial use • Procedures for routine program and classroom checks that occur throughout the day • Procedures for monitoring safety including the storage and handling of hazardous supplies, storage of medication, identification of safety issues within the building and classrooms including storage of plastic for children under three years of age • Procedures for administrative staff to visit each classroom and monitor implementation of the safety plan and checklist • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with not following the written plan The written plan shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the written plan and checklist are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the written plan shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved written plan shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. Today I approve these policies and procedures and give you permission to move forward with the staff meeting to review the new policies and procedures. To stay within a reasonable timeframe to have everything completed by October 16, 2024. I am requesting that this meeting be completed by September 13, 2024. 5. Within one (1) week after approval of Item #3 and Item #4, Ms. McEntire shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to review the revised written supervision policies and procedures, as well as, the written plan to achieve compliance with general safety and the storage of hazardous products. Within two (2) days after the staff meeting, Ms. McEntire shall email documentation of the staff meeting to Ms. Upton. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include: an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**This stipulation will be monitored once the staff meeting has been completed.** The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In the hallway in building A there is a black storage cabinet for supplies. The cabinet was left unlocked and had batteries and a bottle of white-out stored inside. In the classroom for children two years of age there was a bottle of white-out being stored in a basket above the handwashing sink. .2820(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In the classroom for children ages two years of age there were two (2) medication authorization forms that did not have the to/from date recorded. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Technical assistance: Storage of hazardous items: Item 840 Items such as white-out and batteries are often placed in baskets placed on high shelves or placed in unlocked cabinets for easy access. These items are considered hazardous and must be locked. Today I reviewed a daily opening and closing storage of hazardous items checklist that you are planning to implement now that I have approved your new policy and procedures related to storage of hazardous items. I recommend that staff do a random check of the black storage in the hallway to ensure that is locked. I also recommend that staff to random checks throughout the day of the what I call “catch all basket” that things like batteries and white-out get dropped in until the staff can get back to lock them up. Over-the-Counter Medication: Item 1882 Permission slips for over-the-counter medications have many areas that need to be completed by the parent and/or staff. One of those areas is the length of time permission is valid. This area is a protection for you as staff members as much as it is a protection for the child. It is extremely important that all areas be reviewed before a medication is left at the faclity and before a medication is used. Today I spoke with the lead teacher and explained to her the areas that needed to be completed and make sure that all areas are being checked before she takes it from the parent. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by September 20, 2024 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: sarah.upton@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Sarah Upton 143 Bobcat Trail Clyde NC 28721 Please call me at 828-782-0937, or email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 MAINTAINING THE STAR RATING (a)A representative of the Division may make announced or unannounced visits to facilities to assess on-going compliance with the requirements of a star rating after it has been issued. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Failure to maintain the same education point level may result in a violation of the above rule reference and may result in a reduction of stars. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.782.0937 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/2/2024 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 8/2/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with the Notice of Administrative Action: Provisional License and the Corrective Action Plan issued on April 19, 2024. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Leslie McEntire, Administrator, during the visit. A signed copy of the visit summary was left with Ms. McEntire. The Provisional License effective April 19 2024 through October 19, 2024 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. • The following health and safety requirements were monitored today: o Supervision of children; o Discipline, nurture, or care of children; o Staff/child ratio; o Group size; o Licensed capacity; o Permit restriction; o CPR training; o First Aid training; o ITS-SIDS training; and o Criminal record check requirements regarding pre-service and five-year reassessments The following items are stipulations listed in your Corrective Action Plan and a note is document for each one as to where you are within the plan. 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) regarding general safety • Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(b) regarding storage of hazardous products **NOTE**Two (2) violations were written today. for storage of hazardous items. Therefore, this stipulation was not found to be in compliance today** 2. Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Lisa McEntire, administrator, shall contact Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant, 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde, NC 28721, telephone number 828-782-0937, email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a complete review of all applicable child care requirements with an emphasis on supervision, general safety and storage of hazardous products, as well as, each staff person’s responsibility for assuring compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Training must be scheduled on a weekday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, full-time, part-time, substitute and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall attend the training. Documentation of the training shall include a training roster with the names and signatures of the trainer and the training participants, as well as, the title of the training and the date and time the training was conducted. The documentation shall be maintained in the facility files for review by Division representatives upon request. **NOTE** Ms. McEntire contact my on Monday April 22, 2024 after receiving this final action to schedule the required training above. The required training was completed on June 06, 2024 3. Within one (1) week after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall revise the facility’s supervision policies and procedures that describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The supervision policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Implement the use of the name to face supervision record • When children are toileting • When children are transitioned from one area to another • When children are transitioned from one caregiver to another • When staff members need to complete tasks outside the classroom • Procedures for late arrival and absence of staff members • Procedures for supervisory staff members to visit each classroom and monitor staff members’ implementation of the supervision plan • Procedures for periodic review of the supervision plan with all staff members, including the review of the plan in the orientation of new staff members before they assume child care responsibilities • Procedures for staff members to notify administrators and parents when an incident occurs • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures The supervision policies and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the supervision policies and procedures are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the supervision policies and procedures shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the supervision policies and procedures. Today I reviewed the current policies and procedures. I am requesting that the final copy be completed and submitted to me by August 16, 2024 for review** 4. Within two (2) weeks after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall develop a written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. The written plan and checklist shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Procedures for daily classroom checks, prior to initial use • Procedures for routine program and classroom checks that occur throughout the day • Procedures for monitoring safety including the storage and handling of hazardous supplies, storage of medication, identification of safety issues within the building and classrooms including storage of plastic for children under three years of age • Procedures for administrative staff to visit each classroom and monitor implementation of the safety plan and checklist • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with not following the written plan The written plan shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the written plan and checklist are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the written plan shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved written plan shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. Today I reviewed what has been created and will review the final copy once it has been completed. I am requesting that the final copy be completed and submitted to me by August 16, 2024 for review** 5. Within one (1) week after approval of Item #3 and Item #4, Ms. McEntire shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to review the revised written supervision policies and procedures, as well as, the written plan to achieve compliance with general safety and the storage of hazardous products. Within two (2) days after the staff meeting, Ms. McEntire shall email documentation of the staff meeting to Ms. Upton. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include: an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**This stipulation will be monitored once the rules review has been completed.** The following violations were written. Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. The key to the lock for the storage closest with cleaning supplies such as bleach, Lysol in aerosol cans, and toilet clean was stored in the lock. In classroom for children ages to two-through-three years of age there were two (2) bottles of Clorox cleaner stored on a high shelf. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The facility had recently gotten new first kit with several items that needed to be removed or stored in a locked cabinet such as ointments, burn relief, and eye wash. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) Technical Assistance: Item # 840 all hazardous items must be stored appropriately. Keys cannot be stored in the lock. Item #841 Be sure to go through first aid kits to ensure that there are no medications or items that need to be locked. According to 15A NCAC 18A .2820 STORAGE (b) All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled shall be kept in its original container or in another labeled container, used according to the manufacturer's instructions and stored in a locked storage room or cabinet when not in use. Locked storage rooms and cabinets shall include those which are unlocked with a combination, electronic or magnetic device, key, or equivalent locking device. These unlocking devices shall be kept out of the reach of a child and shall not be stored in the lock. Toxic substances shall be stored below or separate from medications and food. Any product not listed above, which is labeled "keep out of reach of children" without any other warnings, shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but is not required to be kept in locked storage. The product shall be considered inaccessible to children when stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is mounted a minimum vertical distance of five feet above the finished floor. (d) Medications including prescription and non-prescription items shall be stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container and shall not be stored above food. Designated emergency medications shall be kept inaccessible to children, but are not required to be in locked storage. Non-prescription diaper creams and sunscreen shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage Corrective Action Plan: Violations written today were corrected during the visit. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at Sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.782.0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: AGELINK CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 8755020 Consultant: SARAH UPTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/2/2024 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 8/2/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with the Notice of Administrative Action: Provisional License and the Corrective Action Plan issued on April 19, 2024. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Leslie McEntire, Administrator, during the visit. A signed copy of the visit summary was left with Ms. McEntire. The Provisional License effective April 19 2024 through October 19, 2024 was posted at the entrance and visible to parents and visitors as well as the administrative action, corrective plan and cover letter. • The following health and safety requirements were monitored today: o Supervision of children; o Discipline, nurture, or care of children; o Staff/child ratio; o Group size; o Licensed capacity; o Permit restriction; o CPR training; o First Aid training; o ITS-SIDS training; and o Criminal record check requirements regarding pre-service and five-year reassessments The following items are stipulations listed in your Corrective Action Plan and a note is document for each one as to where you are within the plan. 1. The child care operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements, including but not limited to, the following: • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5) regarding supervision • Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) regarding general safety • Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(b) regarding storage of hazardous products **NOTE**Two (2) violations were written today. for storage of hazardous items. Therefore, this stipulation was not found to be in compliance today** 2. Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Lisa McEntire, administrator, shall contact Sarah Upton, Child Care Consultant, 143 Bobcat Trail, Clyde, NC 28721, telephone number 828-782-0937, email sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a complete review of all applicable child care requirements with an emphasis on supervision, general safety and storage of hazardous products, as well as, each staff person’s responsibility for assuring compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Training must be scheduled on a weekday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, full-time, part-time, substitute and auxiliary staff, with responsibilities for caring for children shall attend the training. Documentation of the training shall include a training roster with the names and signatures of the trainer and the training participants, as well as, the title of the training and the date and time the training was conducted. The documentation shall be maintained in the facility files for review by Division representatives upon request. **NOTE** Ms. McEntire contact my on Monday April 22, 2024 after receiving this final action to schedule the required training above. The required training was completed on June 06, 2024 3. Within one (1) week after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall revise the facility’s supervision policies and procedures that describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The supervision policies and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Implement the use of the name to face supervision record • When children are toileting • When children are transitioned from one area to another • When children are transitioned from one caregiver to another • When staff members need to complete tasks outside the classroom • Procedures for late arrival and absence of staff members • Procedures for supervisory staff members to visit each classroom and monitor staff members’ implementation of the supervision plan • Procedures for periodic review of the supervision plan with all staff members, including the review of the plan in the orientation of new staff members before they assume child care responsibilities • Procedures for staff members to notify administrators and parents when an incident occurs • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with policies and procedures The supervision policies and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the supervision policies and procedures are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the supervision policies and procedures shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the supervision policies and procedures. Today I reviewed the current policies and procedures. I am requesting that the final copy be completed and submitted to me by August 16, 2024 for review** 4. Within two (2) weeks after completing the rules review training in Item #2, Ms. McEntire shall develop a written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. The written plan and checklist shall include, but not be limited to, the following: • Procedures for daily classroom checks, prior to initial use • Procedures for routine program and classroom checks that occur throughout the day • Procedures for monitoring safety including the storage and handling of hazardous supplies, storage of medication, identification of safety issues within the building and classrooms including storage of plastic for children under three years of age • Procedures for administrative staff to visit each classroom and monitor implementation of the safety plan and checklist • Consequences of staff members’ non-compliance with not following the written plan The written plan shall be submitted to Ms. Upton for approval. Ms. Upton shall notify Ms. McEntire, orally and in writing, as to whether the written plan and checklist are approved or if modifications are needed. Once approved, the written plan shall be immediately implemented and permanently incorporated into the facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved written plan shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**Ms. McEntire reported that they are working with CCR Consultant Firm re-writing all policies and procedures and in the process of finalizing the written plan and checklist for achieving compliance with requirements regarding general safety and storage of hazardous products. Today I reviewed what has been created and will review the final copy once it has been completed. I am requesting that the final copy be completed and submitted to me by August 16, 2024 for review** 5. Within one (1) week after approval of Item #3 and Item #4, Ms. McEntire shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to review the revised written supervision policies and procedures, as well as, the written plan to achieve compliance with general safety and the storage of hazardous products. Within two (2) days after the staff meeting, Ms. McEntire shall email documentation of the staff meeting to Ms. Upton. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include: an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. **NOTE**This stipulation will be monitored once the rules review has been completed.** The following violations were written. Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. The key to the lock for the storage closest with cleaning supplies such as bleach, Lysol in aerosol cans, and toilet clean was stored in the lock. In classroom for children ages to two-through-three years of age there were two (2) bottles of Clorox cleaner stored on a high shelf. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The facility had recently gotten new first kit with several items that needed to be removed or stored in a locked cabinet such as ointments, burn relief, and eye wash. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) Technical Assistance: Item # 840 all hazardous items must be stored appropriately. Keys cannot be stored in the lock. Item #841 Be sure to go through first aid kits to ensure that there are no medications or items that need to be locked. According to 15A NCAC 18A .2820 STORAGE (b) All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled shall be kept in its original container or in another labeled container, used according to the manufacturer's instructions and stored in a locked storage room or cabinet when not in use. Locked storage rooms and cabinets shall include those which are unlocked with a combination, electronic or magnetic device, key, or equivalent locking device. These unlocking devices shall be kept out of the reach of a child and shall not be stored in the lock. Toxic substances shall be stored below or separate from medications and food. Any product not listed above, which is labeled "keep out of reach of children" without any other warnings, shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but is not required to be kept in locked storage. The product shall be considered inaccessible to children when stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is mounted a minimum vertical distance of five feet above the finished floor. (d) Medications including prescription and non-prescription items shall be stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container and shall not be stored above food. Designated emergency medications shall be kept inaccessible to children, but are not required to be in locked storage. Non-prescription diaper creams and sunscreen shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage Corrective Action Plan: Violations written today were corrected during the visit. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at Sarah.upton@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.782.0937, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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