Hicks Child Care

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKS CHILD CARE Facility ID: 82000165 Consultant: TANYA HERRING Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 3/19/2025 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 3/19/2025 Age: From 7 To 7 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 04:00 PM Time Out: 05:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit to your Family Child Care Home (FCCH). Upon my arrival, I was greeted by the owner/operator, G. Hicks I was unaccompanied as I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor environments. One (1) child was present during today’s visit. The child was observed participating in free choice play and eating a snack. I observed the caregiver engaging in positive and nurturing interactions with the child. Today’s meal was in compliance with the meal pattern requirements. LICENSE STATUS: This FCCH currently operates with a three-star rated license issued on November 2, 2022. REQUIRED DRILLS/INSPECTIONS: The last annual compliance visit was completed on September 26, 2024. The most recent documented monthly fire drill was conducted on September 18, 2024, the most recent documented quarterly lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted on July 15, 2024, and the most recent documented playground inspection was completed on February 13, 2025. During today’s visit, a partial assessment of the Child Care Requirements was conducted. I observed all required postings and attendance logs. This FCCH is licensed to care for children between the ages of 1-12; therefore, safe sleep logs are not required. I monitored program/space requirements, equipment and furnishings, capacity & supervision, storage and/or administering of medication, and the outdoor area & equipment. Ms. Hicks is in compliance with the required trainings, including CPR and first aid. The qualification letter for Ms. Hicks is in compliance. The operator stated that she does not have any pets, nor does she provide transportation. The Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers form was completed during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 508 Operator did not successfully complete a first aid course as referenced in Rule.1702(b)(2) First aid training was not renewed on or before the expiration of the certification. Operator did not renew the first aid training before the certification expired on 12-30-24. .1703(a)(2) 511 Operator did not successfully complete a CPR course as referenced in Rule.1702(b)(2) CPR training was not renewed on or before the expiration of the certification. Operator did not renew the CPR training before the certification expired on 12-30-24. CDV .1703(a)(3) 706 Corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, and products under pressure in an aerosol dispenser and any substance that may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not kept in locked storage when children were in care. Aerosol cans of air freshener and hair mousse were not kept in a locked storage. .1719 (a)(7) 904 Documentation of the operator’s emergency medical care plan to follow in the event of a child medical emergency, was not on file and available for review. The operator did not have an emergency medical plan on file for review. .1713 930 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years from the date of issuance). The child care provider did not complete a criminal background check before the qualification letter expired on 12-12-24. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(n) & (o) 1853 The operator did not conduct a monthly fire drill. The most recent monthly fire drill was conducted on 9-18-24. .1719(a)(15) & .1721( e)(2) 1854 The operator did not conduct a quarterly lockdown or shelter-in-place drill and or the drill record was incomplete. The most recent quarterly lockdown or shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 7-15-24. .1719(a )(16) & .1721(e )(7) COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, the 18-month compliance history for this FCCH was 93%. COMPLIANCE LETTER: All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter is due to me within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. By April 2, 2025, please send me a letter addressing each violation, how the violations were corrected, and how compliance will be maintained in the future. In your letter, be sure to include your facility name, facility ID number and each item number for the violation cited. You may submit the letter to me electronically at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov. If you elect to mail your letter, please ensure that you allow sufficient time so that the letter reaches me on time. My mailing address is: Tanya Herring 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: During today’s visit, I observed that you completed a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and obtained a valid qualification letter on February 7, 2025, which was not on or before the expiration date of your current qualification letter. As a reminder, all child care providers are required to complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC) and receive a valid qualification letter before the expiration date listed on the current qualification letter. Additionally, the qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years from the date of issuance. Please review the North Carolina General Statute 110-90.2 and Section .2703 of the Child Care Rules, which cover requirements on Criminal Background Checks. SAFE INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT: To ensure a safe environment that minimizes the risk of injuries to young children, aerosol cans and other hazardous chemicals must be stored securely in locked storage areas. These locked storage rooms or cabinets include those that are unlocked with a combination, electronic or magnetic device, key, or equivalent locking device. It is required that these unlocking devices be kept out of the reach of children and not be stored in the lock. MONTHLY/QUARTERLY DRILLS: As required by Child Care Rule .1719 (a)(15) & (16), fire drills must be conducted monthly, and a lockdown drill or a shelter-in-place drill must be conducted every three (3) months, and records must be maintained on file for review. These drills are important because they ensure that everyone is familiar with the different evacuation routes and can respond calmly and quickly in the event of an actual emergency. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions, please contact me at tanya.herring@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-624-4171. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Teraesa Leak at teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at 919-971-7765. 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 .1718 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKS CHILD CARE Facility ID: 82000165 Consultant: BECKY WILLIAMS Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 10/3/2023 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 10/3/2023 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 60 Time In: 01:00 PM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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 checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. During today’s review I monitored program/space requirements, equipment and furnishings, capacity and supervision, medications, outdoor area, and equipment. I reviewed children’s records and completed the verification of required information for operators and caregivers. Your signature on these forms will serve as further verification the information provided is accurate and complete. Your facility information and e-mail address were reviewed, and no changes were made. No children were present today. You stated the one child enrolled is school age, and had attended this morning, and would return in the afternoon. The snack you were preparing consisted of a peanut butter sandwich with fruit juice. The last fire drill was documented as conducted on June 3, 2023 at 3:00pm. The most recent lockdown drill was conducted on June 20, 2023 at 11:00am. The last outdoor inspection was documented as completed on June 3, 2023. The following violations were documented during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 714 Monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed using a form supplied by the Division. The most recent outdoor play area inspection was completed in June 2023. 10A NCAC .1721(e)(5)(A-F) 1853 The operator did not conduct a monthly fire drill. The most recent fire drill was conducted in June 2023. .1719(a)(15) & .1721( e)(2) 1962 Activity plans did not include activities intended to stimulate the developmental domains, in accordance with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. An activity plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .1718(a)(8)(A)(i-iv) 2025 Operator and/or staff members did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment. A professional development plan was not available. .1703(i) Child care licensing requirements were 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 type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all 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 child care 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. We discussed that additional time is available to meet on-going training requirements. The number of hours were reviewed. I reminded you that the hours must be obtained by October 6, 2023. Failure to obtain the number of hours or submit the documentation of hours may result in additional violations being documented. We discussed that several hazardous products and products in aerosol cans were unlocked in the bathroom, kitchen, and living room areas. No children were present. I reminded you that these items must be properly stored before the enrolled child returns. We also discussed that all medications, including household medications must be kept in locked storage. They may be kept in a locked box, cabinet, or closet. Pursuant to GS 110-90(1a) the Division establishes an annual fee for licensed child care facilities. The invoices for the fees are assessed based on your licensed capacity and mailed after the 1st of November every year. You will only receive one invoice and payment is due in FULL within 30 days. Please closely monitor your mail and be on the lookout for your invoice. If you have not received your invoice by November 15th you should contact the Division at 1-800-850-0829. Please don’t delay making your payment and be aware that Payment Plans are NOT available. In addition, please be aware that failure to pay a license fee within 30 days of receipt will result in late charges. If payments are made late and late charges are applied, the fee as well as the late charge must be resolved. Please be reminded that, failure to pay a license fee could also result in the facility's child care license being revoked. 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 October 17, 2023. 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 please submit a request for an extension as soon as you determine you will not meet the imposed timeframe. This request should include a specific plan to correct the remaining violations and any time frames needed. This request will need to be approved by DCDEE management. 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

GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKS CHILD CARE Facility ID: 82000165 Consultant: BECKY WILLIAMS Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 10/3/2023 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 10/3/2023 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 60 Time In: 01:00 PM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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 checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. During today’s review I monitored program/space requirements, equipment and furnishings, capacity and supervision, medications, outdoor area, and equipment. I reviewed children’s records and completed the verification of required information for operators and caregivers. Your signature on these forms will serve as further verification the information provided is accurate and complete. Your facility information and e-mail address were reviewed, and no changes were made. No children were present today. You stated the one child enrolled is school age, and had attended this morning, and would return in the afternoon. The snack you were preparing consisted of a peanut butter sandwich with fruit juice. The last fire drill was documented as conducted on June 3, 2023 at 3:00pm. The most recent lockdown drill was conducted on June 20, 2023 at 11:00am. The last outdoor inspection was documented as completed on June 3, 2023. The following violations were documented during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 714 Monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed using a form supplied by the Division. The most recent outdoor play area inspection was completed in June 2023. 10A NCAC .1721(e)(5)(A-F) 1853 The operator did not conduct a monthly fire drill. The most recent fire drill was conducted in June 2023. .1719(a)(15) & .1721( e)(2) 1962 Activity plans did not include activities intended to stimulate the developmental domains, in accordance with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. An activity plan was not available. 10A NCAC 09 .1718(a)(8)(A)(i-iv) 2025 Operator and/or staff members did not complete a professional development plan within one year of employment. A professional development plan was not available. .1703(i) Child care licensing requirements were 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 type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all 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 child care 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. We discussed that additional time is available to meet on-going training requirements. The number of hours were reviewed. I reminded you that the hours must be obtained by October 6, 2023. Failure to obtain the number of hours or submit the documentation of hours may result in additional violations being documented. We discussed that several hazardous products and products in aerosol cans were unlocked in the bathroom, kitchen, and living room areas. No children were present. I reminded you that these items must be properly stored before the enrolled child returns. We also discussed that all medications, including household medications must be kept in locked storage. They may be kept in a locked box, cabinet, or closet. Pursuant to GS 110-90(1a) the Division establishes an annual fee for licensed child care facilities. The invoices for the fees are assessed based on your licensed capacity and mailed after the 1st of November every year. You will only receive one invoice and payment is due in FULL within 30 days. Please closely monitor your mail and be on the lookout for your invoice. If you have not received your invoice by November 15th you should contact the Division at 1-800-850-0829. Please don’t delay making your payment and be aware that Payment Plans are NOT available. In addition, please be aware that failure to pay a license fee within 30 days of receipt will result in late charges. If payments are made late and late charges are applied, the fee as well as the late charge must be resolved. Please be reminded that, failure to pay a license fee could also result in the facility's child care license being revoked. 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 October 17, 2023. 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 please submit a request for an extension as soon as you determine you will not meet the imposed timeframe. This request should include a specific plan to correct the remaining violations and any time frames needed. This request will need to be approved by DCDEE management. 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