Childcare Network #247

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #247 Facility ID: 51000963 Consultant: LEIGH MCKENZIE-LEE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0425-086L Visit Date: 4/9/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 4/9/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of non-compliance with child care requirements received on 4-8-25. Upon arrival for the visit, you notified me that the center was closed and that no children were present. The visit was still conducted as observations of staff and children were not needed to make a determination regarding the allegations. Based on the information you provided the following was determined: You verified that the center was closed due to the pump on the septic tank not working, thus not being able to flush the toilets in the facility. You stated that on Friday, 4-4-25, you noticed a bubbling sound in the toilets and recognized that there may be an issue with the septic system. At this time, the toilets were flushing normally. You stated that the building has an alarm that typically alerts you to any issues with the septic system; however, the alarm had not gone off to alert you this time. You stated that the septic tank was emptied late on the afternoon of 4-4-25. You stated that the facility opened as normal on Monday, 4-7-25, and that until the afternoon, all toilets flushed as normal. However, you stated that you again heard the bubbling noise in the toilets late in the day on Monday. You stated that an individual from the septic tank company came back out and determined that the pump that moved the waste from the septic tank to the sewer lines was no longer operable and would need to be replaced. You stated that he informed you that the pump would be replaced during the morning on Tuesday, 4-8-25. You stated that the facility opened as normal on Tuesday as you anticipated that the work would be completed early in the day. You stated that by mid-morning on Tuesday, the work had not begun on the pump and that the toilets could not be flushed following each use. At this time, children were using the restroom following other children without the toilets being flushed. You also verified that before all children were sent home, each of the toilets in the facility contained human waste and that none of them could be flushed. You also verified that staff and children were not able to wash hands at this time as any water in the sinks would not drain properly into the septic system. Therefore, all staff and children in the facility, with the exception of the staff member that prepared lunch, used hand sanitizer in lieu of handwashing. You stated that in the kitchen, a large bucket was placed in the sink to collect the water from hand washing, thus the staff member who prepared lunch was able to wash her hands without impacting the septic system. Dana Person with Environmental Health conducted a visit at approximately 11:00 am on 4-8-25. Based on her observations, the toilets throughout the facility contained a large amount of human waste and used toilet paper. You verified that the children were using the toilet after other children and that after several used the toilet, you would then attempt to flush the toilet. While Ms. Person was present at the facility, a toilet overflowed while a child was using the restroom. You verified that after this occurred none of the toilets in the facility could be flushed. At that time, Ms. Person encouraged you to close the facility as the toilets were not operable and hand washing could not occur as required. She recommended that you contact parents and have all children picked up. You stated that ninety two children, including infants through five year old children, were present at the time. You stated that you began contacting parents at 11:50 am and that all children were picked up from the facility by 3:00 pm. You stated that on 4-4-25, a ticket was entered into the corporate system that led to the septic company coming out to pump the tank. You stated that following this, all issues with the septic system were reported through this system. In addition, you stated that you were in contact by phone with your District Manager throughout this timeframe and that you spoke with her directly on the morning of 4-8-25 regarding the state of the toilets and septic system for the facility. However, a plan to close the facility was not shared with you prior to the time that Ms. Person arrived at the facility. Based on the information provided during the visit and on observations by Ms. Person, the allegations pertaining to safety, sanitation and health were confirmed and violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 404 All staff did not wash their hands thoroughly after diapering each child. Staff could not wash their hands following diaper changes on 4-8-25 due to a septic issue. Hand sanitizer was used in lieu of hand washing following diaper changes. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 405 A child's hands were not washed after each diaper change. Staff could not wash the children's hands following diaper changes on 4-8-25 due to a septic issue. Hand sanitizer was used in lieu of hand washing following diaper changes. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c)(2) 608 Children did not wash their hands upon arrival at the center, after each visit to the toilet, before eating, before and after water activity play, after outside play, and after handling animals or animal cages. Children could not wash their hands on 4-8-25 as required due to a septic issue. Hand sanitizer was used in lieu of hand washing. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(c) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. Staff could not wash their hands as required on 4-8-25 due to a septic issue. Hand sanitizer was used in lieu of hand washing. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On 4-8-25, the toilets in the facility could not be flushed, thus human waste and used toilet paper was present in each toilet. Children had to use the rest room over the waste of other children. A toilet containing waste overflowed while a child was using the restroom. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. The septic system was inoperable, which prevented the removal of human waste from the toilets in the facility. This is a violation of a requirement in 15A NCAC 18A .2829, which states: In child care centers, all wastewater originating from the child care center shall be disposed of using a publicly operated sewage treatment system or an individual sewage disposal system that meets the requirements of the rules at Section .1900 of this Subchapter. As was discussed with you by Ms. Person on 4-8-25 and again with you during today's visit, the facility cannot operate if the toilets are not operable and the staff and children cannot wash hands. These conditions present a hazard to children and must be corrected before the facility re-opens to serve children. You verified that at the time of my visit, the toilets remained inoperable and would until the pump was replaced. Employees with a septic company were at the facility replacing the pump during my visit. As instructed by Ms. Person, you must be able to wash hands and flush the toilets back to back before the facility can re-open and provide care to children. Please submit a written statement to me via email once the repairs are complete, the facility has been fully sanitized and you have determined a re-opening date. As we discussed during the visit, an administrative action may be issued following a complaint visit with confirmed allegations. You will be notified by mail if DCDEE determines that an action is needed. Please refer to section .2200 of the child care requirements for additional information on the administrative action process. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the childcare law and rules. I explained that you have access to the on-line version of the Child Care Rule Book, as well as a hard copy of the rules. I recommended that you visit the Division of Child Development's website (www.ncchildcare.nc.gov) on a regular basis to find out what's new in childcare. You could also find any needed Child Care forms by going on the web site and clicking on the "Provider" tab and then clicking on the "Provider Documents" tab. Please send me a written statement describing how and when the above violations were corrected. The written statement must be received no later than 4-23-25. Please note that if your letter is mailed, a hand written signature is required. As an alternative, compliance letters can now be submitted via email. I recommend emailing your letter to reduce the time needed to ensure my receipt of your information; however, if you do not have access to email, please ensure that your letter is mailed in a timely fashion and that you allow for any possible delays in the mail service. Please contact me if you have questions pertaining to your compliance letter or if you will not be able to meet the two week timeframe for submission of your compliance letter. Please contact me at 919-819-9301 or at leigh.mckenzie-lee@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. Please use the following address for mailing items to me: Division of Child Development and Early Education Attention: Leigh McKenzie-Lee 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #247 Facility ID: 51000963 Consultant: LEIGH MCKENZIE-LEE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2024 Number Present: 82 Completed Date: 12/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance of applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. I monitored the indoor and outdoor environments for compliance with child care requirements. Staff/child ratios, supervision, use of space and capacity were monitored for compliance. The permit, sanitation, evacuation, safe arrival and departure procedures, no smoking signage, first aid chart, menus, activity plan, daily schedule, staff/child ratios, emergency medical care plan, emergency telephone numbers and a summary of NC Child Care Law were all posted at the time of the visit. The storage of medication and hazardous products was also monitored for compliance. A sample of children's records and new staff files were reviewed during the visit. The last fire drill was documented as conducted on 11-26-24 at 9:35 am with an evacuation time of forty-two seconds. The last outdoor inspection was documented as conducted on 12-4-24. A shelter in place drill was documented as conducted on 9-13-24 at 2:35 pm. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1-30-24. A sanitation inspection was last completed on 8-19-24 with five demerits and a superior classification. The incorporation status of Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC was verified as current and active during the visit using the Secretary of State's website. The children were observed during free play and eating lunch, which consisted of hamburger, spaghetti sauce and macaroni, broccoli, pears and milk. A five star child care center with six points in education, six points in program standards and one quality point was issued to you on 6-13-24. Based on information provided and observations made during the visit you continue to meet the requirements previously met to obtain such a license. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan in space 3A was dated for 12-2-24 to 12-6-24. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Two outlets in space 2 were not covered or in use. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. The application was not fully completed in four of the eleven children's files reviewed. .0801(a)(1-7) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A qualification letter was not available for the speech therapist that was observed working independently with a two year old child. The therapist and the child were observed in the hallway outside of space 6. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the childcare law and rules. I explained that you have access to the on-line version of the Child Care Rule Book, as well as a hard copy of the rules. I recommended that you visit the Division of Child Development's website (www.ncchildcare.nc.gov) on a regular basis to find out what's new in childcare. You could also find any needed Child Care forms by going on the web site and clicking on the "Provider" tab and then clicking on the "Provider Documents" tab. Please send me a written statement describing how and when the above violation was corrected. The written statement must be received no later than 12-23-24. Please note that if your letter is mailed, a hand written signature is required. As an alternative, compliance letters can now be submitted via email. I recommend emailing your letter to reduce the time needed to ensure my receipt of your information; however, if you do not have access to email, please ensure that your letter is mailed in a timely fashion and that you allow for any possible delays in the mail service. Please contact me if you have questions pertaining to your compliance letter or if you will not be able to meet the two week timeframe for submission of your compliance letter. Please contact me at 919-819-9301 or at leigh.mckenzie-lee@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. Please use the following address for mailing items to me: Division of Child Development and Early Education Attention: Leigh McKenzie-Lee 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 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: Childcare Network #247 Facility ID: 51000963 Consultant: LEIGH MCKENZIE-LEE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2024 Number Present: 82 Completed Date: 12/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance of applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. I monitored the indoor and outdoor environments for compliance with child care requirements. Staff/child ratios, supervision, use of space and capacity were monitored for compliance. The permit, sanitation, evacuation, safe arrival and departure procedures, no smoking signage, first aid chart, menus, activity plan, daily schedule, staff/child ratios, emergency medical care plan, emergency telephone numbers and a summary of NC Child Care Law were all posted at the time of the visit. The storage of medication and hazardous products was also monitored for compliance. A sample of children's records and new staff files were reviewed during the visit. The last fire drill was documented as conducted on 11-26-24 at 9:35 am with an evacuation time of forty-two seconds. The last outdoor inspection was documented as conducted on 12-4-24. A shelter in place drill was documented as conducted on 9-13-24 at 2:35 pm. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1-30-24. A sanitation inspection was last completed on 8-19-24 with five demerits and a superior classification. The incorporation status of Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC was verified as current and active during the visit using the Secretary of State's website. The children were observed during free play and eating lunch, which consisted of hamburger, spaghetti sauce and macaroni, broccoli, pears and milk. A five star child care center with six points in education, six points in program standards and one quality point was issued to you on 6-13-24. Based on information provided and observations made during the visit you continue to meet the requirements previously met to obtain such a license. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan in space 3A was dated for 12-2-24 to 12-6-24. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Two outlets in space 2 were not covered or in use. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. The application was not fully completed in four of the eleven children's files reviewed. .0801(a)(1-7) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A qualification letter was not available for the speech therapist that was observed working independently with a two year old child. The therapist and the child were observed in the hallway outside of space 6. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the childcare law and rules. I explained that you have access to the on-line version of the Child Care Rule Book, as well as a hard copy of the rules. I recommended that you visit the Division of Child Development's website (www.ncchildcare.nc.gov) on a regular basis to find out what's new in childcare. You could also find any needed Child Care forms by going on the web site and clicking on the "Provider" tab and then clicking on the "Provider Documents" tab. Please send me a written statement describing how and when the above violation was corrected. The written statement must be received no later than 12-23-24. Please note that if your letter is mailed, a hand written signature is required. As an alternative, compliance letters can now be submitted via email. I recommend emailing your letter to reduce the time needed to ensure my receipt of your information; however, if you do not have access to email, please ensure that your letter is mailed in a timely fashion and that you allow for any possible delays in the mail service. Please contact me if you have questions pertaining to your compliance letter or if you will not be able to meet the two week timeframe for submission of your compliance letter. Please contact me at 919-819-9301 or at leigh.mckenzie-lee@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. Please use the following address for mailing items to me: Division of Child Development and Early Education Attention: Leigh McKenzie-Lee 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 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: Childcare Network #247 Facility ID: 51000963 Consultant: LEIGH MCKENZIE-LEE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2024 Number Present: 82 Completed Date: 12/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance of applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. I monitored the indoor and outdoor environments for compliance with child care requirements. Staff/child ratios, supervision, use of space and capacity were monitored for compliance. The permit, sanitation, evacuation, safe arrival and departure procedures, no smoking signage, first aid chart, menus, activity plan, daily schedule, staff/child ratios, emergency medical care plan, emergency telephone numbers and a summary of NC Child Care Law were all posted at the time of the visit. The storage of medication and hazardous products was also monitored for compliance. A sample of children's records and new staff files were reviewed during the visit. The last fire drill was documented as conducted on 11-26-24 at 9:35 am with an evacuation time of forty-two seconds. The last outdoor inspection was documented as conducted on 12-4-24. A shelter in place drill was documented as conducted on 9-13-24 at 2:35 pm. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1-30-24. A sanitation inspection was last completed on 8-19-24 with five demerits and a superior classification. The incorporation status of Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC was verified as current and active during the visit using the Secretary of State's website. The children were observed during free play and eating lunch, which consisted of hamburger, spaghetti sauce and macaroni, broccoli, pears and milk. A five star child care center with six points in education, six points in program standards and one quality point was issued to you on 6-13-24. Based on information provided and observations made during the visit you continue to meet the requirements previously met to obtain such a license. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan in space 3A was dated for 12-2-24 to 12-6-24. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Two outlets in space 2 were not covered or in use. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. The application was not fully completed in four of the eleven children's files reviewed. .0801(a)(1-7) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A qualification letter was not available for the speech therapist that was observed working independently with a two year old child. The therapist and the child were observed in the hallway outside of space 6. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the childcare law and rules. I explained that you have access to the on-line version of the Child Care Rule Book, as well as a hard copy of the rules. I recommended that you visit the Division of Child Development's website (www.ncchildcare.nc.gov) on a regular basis to find out what's new in childcare. You could also find any needed Child Care forms by going on the web site and clicking on the "Provider" tab and then clicking on the "Provider Documents" tab. Please send me a written statement describing how and when the above violation was corrected. The written statement must be received no later than 12-23-24. Please note that if your letter is mailed, a hand written signature is required. As an alternative, compliance letters can now be submitted via email. I recommend emailing your letter to reduce the time needed to ensure my receipt of your information; however, if you do not have access to email, please ensure that your letter is mailed in a timely fashion and that you allow for any possible delays in the mail service. Please contact me if you have questions pertaining to your compliance letter or if you will not be able to meet the two week timeframe for submission of your compliance letter. Please contact me at 919-819-9301 or at leigh.mckenzie-lee@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. Please use the following address for mailing items to me: Division of Child Development and Early Education Attention: Leigh McKenzie-Lee 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #247 Facility ID: 51000963 Consultant: BECKY WILLIAMS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/22/2024 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 2/22/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued January 8, 2024 and is valid through July 8, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 116 children ages 0 to 12 years old and meeting enhanced space and ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. N. Edwards, Administrator was present when I arrived. Both she and the assistant administrator assisted with today’s visit. Six classrooms are operating with 78 children enrolled and 70 children present. During today’s visit, infants were observed playing with materials on the floor, crawling around exploring their environment or engaged in routine care. The remaining groups were observed blowing bubbles, playing at tables, engaged in free play, having group story and singing time, and transitioning to nap. The school age children were not present today. Lunch for today consisted of turkey and cheese quesadilla, carrots, oranges, and milk. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC is current and active. Your last fire drill was completed January 24, 2024. The most recent lockdown drill was conducted on December 15, 2023, and the last outdoor inspection was completed February 16, 2024. As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and sanitation inspections must be completed by July 8, 2024. You provided me with the approved fire inspection today. This inspection was conducted on January 30, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed on February 1, 2024. A superior classification with 4 demerits was issued. Failure to obtain an approved full building inspection prior to July 8, 2024 may result in administrative action against your license. I monitored your classroom environments, outdoor playgrounds, staff and children's records and required center records. I used the North Carolina Child Care Requirements and Compliance Listing as basic monitoring tools during the visit. Your classrooms have a variety of developmentally appropriate learning materials and equipment and the activity centers are well arranged. The license was posted along with the NC Summary of the Law and safe arrival and departure procedures. The emergency medical care plan and emergency telephone numbers were also posted. Staff/child ratios were posted in each classroom. Activity plans and daily schedules were posted. No concerns with supervision were observed during the visit. Nine children’s records were reviewed today and were found to be in compliance. Twelve staff files were also reviewed today. Using a checklist helps verify information on file and easily identifies missing information. The following violation of child care requirements was observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. An annual evaluation conducted within the last year was not on file for one staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a compliance letter (written statement) describing how and when the above violations were corrected. The compliance letter must be received no later than March 7, 2024. The compliance letter may be sent to me via email, if you do not have access to email, please ensure that your compliance letter is mailed in a timely manner and that you allow for delays with the mail service. If your compliance letter is mailed, a handwritten signature must be included. Contact me if you have questions regarding correction of the violations documented during today’s visit. If you are unable to correct all violations within the specified timeframe, send a compliance letter regarding violations that were corrected and a specific plan to correct the remaining violations. Technical Assistance and Consultation: We discussed that CPR and First Aid may no longer be counted as on-going training hours. RATED LICENSE: Today we discussed the two-component rated license process. I clarified that as a change of ownership you may choose to continue with the points awarded during the last rated license assessment. Under the previous ownership the facility earned 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The facility earned six points in program for meeting enhanced standard requirements, as well as enhanced space and ratios. The facility earned an average score of 5.32 across four environment rating scale assessments. The facility earned six points in education. The facility earned a total of 13 points which is a 5 star license. You may also choose to conduct the reassessment at the end of the temporary time period. Your facility is in cohort 1. Your prep year began July 1, 2023 and continues through June 30, 2024. Your reassessment year is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact your local Smart Start Partnership or CCR&R for assistance with preparing for the ERS assessment. This is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. Review topics related to the Environment Rating Scales or other quality initiatives. I also reminded you that preparation year assessments are being offered by NCRLAP. If you are pleased with these scores, you may use them to apply for reassessment, or save them for your reassessment year. In order to ensure the education points are calculated correctly, please ensure that all staff have updated their information in the WORKS system. The Importance of Providing Quality Child Care Providing quality child care is essential for children. There is ample research demonstrating that high-quality child-care experiences have many benefits to children and society and that quality child care is linked to children’s improved school performance. 1. The Cost, Quality and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers Study and a follow-up study done several years later found that quality child care is primarily related to higher staff/child ratios, administrators’ prior experience, wages, higher staff education levels and staff members’ continued participation in formal and specialized training. This study found that children attending higher quality centers scored better in math and language skills, had more positive interactions with peers, and had fewer behavior problems. 2. The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study followed children from their preschool years through age 40 and found that high-quality preschool programs significantly increased children’s future contributions through increased intellectual and social development, school success, economic performance, and reduced commission of crimes in adulthood. One of the most quoted results of this study is that for every dollar invested in children’s early care and education there is a $17 return to society in terms of crime and education savings, increased taxes collected, and welfare savings. There are many other studies including the Abecedarian Project, the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Study, and the NC Rated License Assessment Project. What the research tells us, in a nutshell, is that high quality child care has a positive impact on children’s later school success. The key to quality experiences for children is interaction with and stimulation from educated, trained teachers. The neuroscience associated with brain research is complicated, but its lesson is simple: babies' brains develop at astonishing rates in the first few years after birth. Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn from the moment they are born, but optimal development hinges on the experiences provided for them by the adults who take care of them. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to verify compliance with violations documented during the visit. Please contact me at (910) 824-0123 or at becky.j.williams@dhhs.nc.gov if I can be of assistance. My mailing address is PO Box 2186, Clinton, NC 28329. 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