Childcare Network #248

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #248 Facility ID: 51000964 Consultant: LEIGH MCKENZIE-LEE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/28/2026 Number Present: 159 Completed Date: 5/28/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 10:05 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance of applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. I monitored the indoor 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, first aid chart, menus, activity plans, daily schedules, staff/child ratios, emergency medical care plan, emergency telephone numbers and a summary of child care law were posted. Files for staff members hired since the 11-4-25 annual compliance visit were reviewed. The storage of medication and hazardous products was also monitored for compliance. A fire drill was documented as conducted on 5-21-26 at 2:12 pm with an evacuation time of forty-seven seconds. An outdoor inspection was documented as conducted on 5-4-26. A shelter in place drill was documented as conducted on 3-6-26 at 3:05 pm. An approved fire inspection was last completed on 2-28-25. A sanitation inspection was completed on 3-10-26 with six demerits and a superior classification. The children were observed participating in free play and circle time activities and playing outside. Lunch, which was served during the visit, consisted of chicken patties, sweet peas, sweet potatoes, whole grain buns and milk. A five star child care center license with six points in education, six points in program standards and one quality point was issued to you on 7-21-24. During your annual compliance visit we reviewed the changes to the star rated license requirements that were effective 7-1-25. You stated at that time that your facility would be applying for a new rated license under the Program Assessment Pathway. This pathway includes Environment Rating Scale assessments to be eligible for a three to five star. As we discussed during your annual visit, a three month self study is required prior to applying for a new rated license. You stated that your staff are currently working on their self assessments and that you still plan to apply for a new rated license in late July or early August 2026. Please contact me if you have questions regarding the application paperwork. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. A fire inspection was last completed on 2-28-25; therefore, a new inspection was due on or before 2-28-26. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 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. Two Magic Erasers were stored in an unlocked top cabinet in space 5. .2820(b) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. A Diet Coke was observed on the counter in space 4. .0901(i) 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 6-11-26. 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 You may also contact Licensing Supervisor Teraesa Leak at 919-971-7765 or at teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov for assistance. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #248 Facility ID: 51000964 Consultant: LEIGH MCKENZIE-LEE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0925-060L Visit Date: 9/23/2025 Number Present: 125 Completed Date: 9/23/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 08:15 AM Time Out: 09:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to conduct a follow up to the 9-17-25 complaint visit. Paula Davis, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on today's visit. During the visit staff/child ratio, capacity, use of space and permit restrictions were monitored. Limited monitoring of other child care requirements was completed. The children were observed while eating breakfast and while participating in free play activities. Breakfast during the visit consisted of cereal, pears and milk. The items that were documented during the 9-17-25 visit were monitored for compliance: Item # 1756 - Three classrooms were out of compliance with enhanced staff/child ratio as follows: In space 2, eleven (11) children, including one (1) two year old child and ten (10) three year old children were present with one staff member. This exceeded the one to nine ratio required based on enhanced staff/child ratio requirements for two year old children. When asked, the staff member reported that ten children were present. We observed eleven children as we entered the room. The staff member verified that she was moving the two year old child to space 4 through the connecting bathroom. In space 8, eleven (11) three year old children were present with one staff member. This exceeded the one to ten ratio required based on enhanced staff/child ratio requirements for three year old children. When asked about being over ratio, the staff member in the classroom stated that she had not had time to contact anyone to notify them that she was over ratio. In space 14, fourteen (14) children, including eleven (11) four year old children and three (3) five year old children, were present with one staff member. This exceeded the one to thirteen ratio required based on enhanced staff/child ratio requirements for four year old children. Initially, the staff member present in the classroom stated that only thirteen children were present. She then realized that an additional child had arrived. You were with us the time and moved one of the children to another classroom. An additional violation of enhanced staff/child ratio requirements was documented. Item # 9999 - Each of the classrooms for children enrolled in the NC Pre-K program were in compliance with the required ratios at the time of the visit. An additional violation was not documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Eleven children, one two year old child and ten three year old children were present with one staff member in space 2. Eleven three year old children were present with one staff member in space 8. Fourteen children, eleven four year old children and three five year old children, were present with one staff member in space 14. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 During the visit, we discussed the importance of maintaining staff/child ratios at all times. In the classrooms where the violations occurred, the staff members had not contacted you or another member of management to request assistance. I recommended that you hold a staff meeting this week to review the required staff/child ratios for each age group and to discuss the importance of requesting assistance before they are out of ratio rather than after. We discussed the possibility of the staff asking parents to remain in the classroom until an additional staff member could arrive to ensure they do not exceed the required ratio for their age group. We also discussed the staff members that did not seem to be aware of the total number of children in their care. This can impact their ability to safely evacuate the building in the event of an emergency. In addition, if they are not aware of the number of children in their care, they do not know that they need to request assistance with staff/child ratio coverage. I recommended that you also address this in the staff meeting. A violation was documented for not maintaining enhanced staff/child ratios at all times. Violations of this nature are particularly serious as they directly impact the safety of the children while in your care and must be corrected immediately. As we discussed during the 9-17-25 visit, when allegations of non-compliance are confirmed, DCDEE must determine if an administrative action is warranted. In addition, administrative actions may be issued when violations such as those pertaining to staff/child ratio are documented on consecutive visits. If an action is issued as a result of the 9-17-25 and/or today's visit, you will be notified by mail. Please refer to section .2200 of the child care rules for additional information regarding administrative actions. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to monitor compliance with child care requirements. 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 10-7-25. 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #248 Facility ID: 51000964 Consultant: LEIGH MCKENZIE-LEE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0925-060L Visit Date: 9/17/2025 Number Present: 148 Completed Date: 9/17/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM 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 related to staff/child ratio. These allegations were received by DCDEE on 9-5-25. The administrator and assistant administrator were not present at the time of my arrival. The staff member at the front desk stated that the administrator was driving a bus as the staff member that typically drives that bus was not present. The assistant administrator arrived at the facility at approximately 9:00 am. Staff/child ratios, supervision, use of space, and capacity were monitored for compliance. When I arrived, I introduced myself and explained that the purpose of my visit to the staff member at the front desk. An additional staff member was not available to assist me; therefore, I was unaccompanied when I visited the classrooms and obtained the necessary information. When the assistant administrator arrived, I discussed the nature of the complaint with her. You, the administrator arrived at 9:15 am; the nature of the complaint and my findings were discussed with you. At the time of my arrival, four classrooms were not in compliance with the required staff/child ratios: Space 2 - Twelve three year old children were present with one staff member. A one to ten ratio is required for three year old children based on your agreement to meet enhanced ratios as a portion of your rated license. I pointed out the required ratio for the classroom and the staff member stated that she was aware of the requirement. When asked, she stated that she was typically in compliance with ratios at this time of the morning. Space 6 - Fifteen two year old children were present with one staff member. A one to nine ratio is required for two year old children based on your agreement to meet enhanced ratios as a portion of your rated license. I pointed out the required ratio for the classroom and the staff member stated that she an additional staff member was scheduled to arrive at 9:00 am. When asked, she stated that she was over ratio almost every morning prior to the other staff member's arrival. Space 8 - Twelve three year old children were present with one staff member. A one to ten ratio is required for three year old children based on your agreement to meet enhanced ratios as a portion of your rated license. I pointed out the required ratio for the classroom and the staff member stated that she was aware of the requirement; however she went on to stated that she did not have time to contact anyone to request assistance. Space 18 - Twelve four year old children were present with one staff member. A one to ten ratio is required for classrooms serving children enrolled in the NC Pre-K Program. The other staff member for this classroom was observed standing in the hallway talking with the staff members in space 17. This staff member returned into the classroom and stated that she "did not recognize me as I was walking down the hall." Based on observations made during the visit, the allegation pertaining to staff/child ratios was confirmed and two violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Fifteen (15) two year old children were present in space 6 with one staff member. Twelve (12) three year old children were present with one staff member in space 2 and twelve (12) three year old children were present with one staff member in space 8. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Twelve (12) four year old children, all enrolled in the NC Pre-K program, were present with one staff member in space 18. This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .3009, which states: The classroom shall not exceed a maximum staff-to-child ratio of one to 10 with a maximum class size of 20 children, with at least one teacher and one teacher assistant per classroom. A violation was documented for not maintaining enhanced staff/child ratios at all times. In addition, a violation was also documented for not maintaining the ratio required for classrooms serving children enrolled in the NC Pre-K Program. Violations of this nature are particularly serious as they directly impact the safety of the children while in your care and must be corrected immediately. During the visit, we discussed utilizing the software program used to track arrival and departure times to gather information on trends in the arrival times for the two and three year old children. This may allow you to adjust arrival times for staff members that work in these classrooms. Based on child care rule, when an allegations of non-compliance are confirmed, DCDEE must determine if an administrative action is warranted. If an action is issued following today's complaint visit and confirmation of the staff/child ratio allegation, you will be notified by mail. Please refer to section .2200 of the child care rules for additional information regarding administrative actions. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to monitor compliance with child care requirements. 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. The violations were verified as corrected during the visit. Therefore, a compliance letter was not required as a follow up to the visit. 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 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #248 Facility ID: 51000964 Consultant: LEIGH MCKENZIE-LEE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0925-060L Visit Date: 9/17/2025 Number Present: 148 Completed Date: 9/17/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM 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 related to staff/child ratio. These allegations were received by DCDEE on 9-5-25. The administrator and assistant administrator were not present at the time of my arrival. The staff member at the front desk stated that the administrator was driving a bus as the staff member that typically drives that bus was not present. The assistant administrator arrived at the facility at approximately 9:00 am. Staff/child ratios, supervision, use of space, and capacity were monitored for compliance. When I arrived, I introduced myself and explained that the purpose of my visit to the staff member at the front desk. An additional staff member was not available to assist me; therefore, I was unaccompanied when I visited the classrooms and obtained the necessary information. When the assistant administrator arrived, I discussed the nature of the complaint with her. You, the administrator arrived at 9:15 am; the nature of the complaint and my findings were discussed with you. At the time of my arrival, four classrooms were not in compliance with the required staff/child ratios: Space 2 - Twelve three year old children were present with one staff member. A one to ten ratio is required for three year old children based on your agreement to meet enhanced ratios as a portion of your rated license. I pointed out the required ratio for the classroom and the staff member stated that she was aware of the requirement. When asked, she stated that she was typically in compliance with ratios at this time of the morning. Space 6 - Fifteen two year old children were present with one staff member. A one to nine ratio is required for two year old children based on your agreement to meet enhanced ratios as a portion of your rated license. I pointed out the required ratio for the classroom and the staff member stated that she an additional staff member was scheduled to arrive at 9:00 am. When asked, she stated that she was over ratio almost every morning prior to the other staff member's arrival. Space 8 - Twelve three year old children were present with one staff member. A one to ten ratio is required for three year old children based on your agreement to meet enhanced ratios as a portion of your rated license. I pointed out the required ratio for the classroom and the staff member stated that she was aware of the requirement; however she went on to stated that she did not have time to contact anyone to request assistance. Space 18 - Twelve four year old children were present with one staff member. A one to ten ratio is required for classrooms serving children enrolled in the NC Pre-K Program. The other staff member for this classroom was observed standing in the hallway talking with the staff members in space 17. This staff member returned into the classroom and stated that she "did not recognize me as I was walking down the hall." Based on observations made during the visit, the allegation pertaining to staff/child ratios was confirmed and two violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Fifteen (15) two year old children were present in space 6 with one staff member. Twelve (12) three year old children were present with one staff member in space 2 and twelve (12) three year old children were present with one staff member in space 8. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Twelve (12) four year old children, all enrolled in the NC Pre-K program, were present with one staff member in space 18. This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .3009, which states: The classroom shall not exceed a maximum staff-to-child ratio of one to 10 with a maximum class size of 20 children, with at least one teacher and one teacher assistant per classroom. A violation was documented for not maintaining enhanced staff/child ratios at all times. In addition, a violation was also documented for not maintaining the ratio required for classrooms serving children enrolled in the NC Pre-K Program. Violations of this nature are particularly serious as they directly impact the safety of the children while in your care and must be corrected immediately. During the visit, we discussed utilizing the software program used to track arrival and departure times to gather information on trends in the arrival times for the two and three year old children. This may allow you to adjust arrival times for staff members that work in these classrooms. Based on child care rule, when an allegations of non-compliance are confirmed, DCDEE must determine if an administrative action is warranted. If an action is issued following today's complaint visit and confirmation of the staff/child ratio allegation, you will be notified by mail. Please refer to section .2200 of the child care rules for additional information regarding administrative actions. A follow up visit may be conducted in the near future to monitor compliance with child care requirements. 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. The violations were verified as corrected during the visit. Therefore, a compliance letter was not required as a follow up to the visit. 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 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #248 Facility ID: 51000964 Consultant: LEIGH MCKENZIE-LEE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/22/2025 Number Present: 168 Completed Date: 5/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance of applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. I monitored the indoor 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, first aid chart, menus, activity plans, daily schedules, staff/child ratios, emergency medical care plan, emergency telephone numbers and a summary of child care law were posted. Files for staff members hired since the 12-10-24 annual compliance visit were reviewed. The storage of medication and hazardous products was also monitored for compliance. A fire drill was documented as conducted on 4-15-25 at 4:13 pm with an evacuation time of forty-five seconds. An outdoor inspection was documented as conducted on 5-21-25. A shelter in place drill was documented as conducted on 3-13-25 at 10:36 am. An approved fire inspection was completed on 2-28-25. A sanitation inspection was completed on 3-12-25 with seven demerits and a superior classification. The children were observed participating in free play and circle time activities and playing outside. Lunch, which was served during the visit, consisted of fish sticks, carrots, mixed fruit, rice and milk. A five star child care center license with six points in education, six points in program standards and one quality point was issued to you on 7-21-24. Based on information provided and on observations made, you continue to meet the requirements previously met to obtain such a license. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A top cabinet door in space 6 was not securely mounted as the screws in the bottom hinge were missing. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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 6-5-25. 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