10A NCAC 09 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: WNCsource Columbus Children's Center Facility ID: 75000062 Consultant: JENNIFER H ROBERTS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/8/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/8/2025 Age: From 0 To 2 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 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 has been to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the third temporary time period visit. You, Heather Butterfield, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Eric Blore, Area Manager, was available to assist me with the visit as well. Beth Archer, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. The Secretary of State website was checked prior to the visit, and the business, Western Carolina Community Action, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. Currently this center operates with a temporary license issued on January 27, 2025, with the following restrictions: Daytime care only. The last monthly fire drill was completed on June 26, 2025, at 9:40 am. The last playground inspection was completed on June 23, 2025. A sanitation inspection was conducted on March 11, 2025. A Superior rating with eleven (11) demerits were noted on the grade card. Three staff files were reviewed. The daily schedule was posted. You do not provide transportation. I received your Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License on March 12, 2025. I received your Rated License Assessment Request form on March 12, 2025. The Environment Rating Scale Assessment was requested on May 7, 2025. The Environment Rating Scale Assessment was completed on June 23, 2025. The program received the following score: ITERS-3 5.29. A review of each item on the Environment Rating Scale Assessment report was discussed with you. I discussed with you that you will not be eligible to receive subsidy funding after your temporary license expires if you do not achieve at least a three-star rated license. Your temporary license will expire after July 27, 2025. An extension of time is not given, and your rated license points will be processed with the current points you have earned. The following violations were observed during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored in the unlocked bookbag hanging on the hook on playground #1, two (2) individual sized Alcohol Antiseptic Pads. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored in the unlocked bookbag hanging on the hook on playground #2, fifty-one (51) individual sized Alcohol Antiseptic Pads, two (2) individual sized First Aid/Burn Cream packets, and one (1) individual sized packet of Neomycin Antibiotic Ointment. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored in the unlocked bookbag hanging on the hook on playground #3, forty-eight (48) individual sized packets of Alcohol Antiseptic Pads, three (3) individual sized packets of First Aid/Burn Cream, and two (2) individual sized packets of Neomycin Antibiotic Ointment. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #1, fifty (50) individual sized packets of Alcohol Antiseptic Pads, one (1) individual sized packet of First Aid/Burn Cream, two (2) individual sized packet of Triple Antibiotic Ointment, and two (2) individual sized packets of Neomycin Antibiotic Ointment. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #2, one (1) individual sized packet of Ibuprofen, and three (3) individual sized packets of BZK Antiseptic Towelette. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #2, one (1) individual sized packet of Ibuprofen, and three (3) individual sized packets of BZK Antiseptic Towelette. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #3, one (1) individual sized packet of Ibuprofen, and three (3) individual sized packets of BZK Antiseptic Towelette. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 891 The safe sleep policy did not contain the required information. The safe sleep policy posted in space #1, did not specify that nothing shall be placed over the head or face of an infant aged 12 months or younger when the infant is laid down to sleep. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a)(1-8) Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Storage of Medication First Aid kits containing medications must be kept in locked storage. I suggested that you create a safety checklist to ensure that medications are stored in accordance with child care requirements. We discussed creating first aid kits with band-aids (no antibiotic or medicated types), gauze, tape, and gloves. Most premade first aid kits contain items/medications that cannot be used on a child without written permission from the child’s parent/guardian. This violation was corrected during the visit. Medications that were observed in the unlocked first aid kits were removed and discarded. Safe Sleep Policy The safe sleep policy that was posted in space #1, did not meet all the requirements in child care rule .0606(a)(1-11). The policy posted in space #1, was updated on November 16, 2021, and did not include that the facility does not cover infants’ heads with blankets or bedding. I suggested that you review DCDEE’s website periodically for updated forms and documents. A sample Infant/Toddler Safe Sleep Policy that was updated December 2022, can be printed from DCDEE’s website, at ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, under provider documents and forms. I suggested that you print the policy, review it, update the information, as needed, and post a copy of the completed and updated policy in space #1. Once you amend the policy, please review child care rule .0606(d) to ensure that you follow child care requirements for implementing the amended policy. Consultation was provided on the following. We discussed and gave you suggestions on how to make changes to increase your scores for the ITERS-3. I ask you if you had any objections to the scores and/or items that scored low. You said that you accept the scores and do not want to submit a grievance to NCRLAP. We reviewed and discussed requirements for enhanced ratios and enhanced space. You have chosen to meet the highest enhanced ratios and enhanced space to receive seven points in Program Standards. You must maintain compliance with the enhanced space and highest enhanced ratios, or a violation will be cited once the rated license is issued. You will need to update the new staff/child ratio charts, and you will need to post them in each space. Based on today's review you have the following points: Program Standards - 7 points Staff Education – Staff education could not be evaluated during today’s visit. Quality Point - 1 point for Staff Benefits Package, paid planning time, paid professional development for staff, insurance, paid vacation and paid sick time, and Infrastructure of Parent Involvement, quarterly newsletters, and parent conferences. You will need to have your education evaluated for the position of administrator. Please submit/mail a copy of your official transcripts to the Education Unit in the Raleigh office no later than Friday, July 11, 2025. For points to be earned in education, your education must be evaluated and a status letter placed on file. Once your official transcripts have been submitted to the Raleigh office, please let me know. Consultation was provided on the following. • All staff have established a DCDEE Works account; however, one employee has a return letter. E. Nicholson will need to submit an official copy of her transcript to the Education Unit in the Raleigh office for evaluation. This will need to be completed by Friday, July 11, 2025. • You stated that you are in the process of linking current employees to the ABCMS Provider Portal, but you are experiencing challenges, so I suggested that you contact the Criminal Background Check Unit in the Raleigh office for assistance. The Criminal Background Check Unit can be reached at (919) 814-8401. Reminders: Any observed violations cited during visits will negatively affect the center's Compliance History Score. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c). Prior to today’s visit, your facility has maintained a Compliance History Score of 97%. Your temporary license will end after July 27, 2025. You must complete your annual fire inspection prior to November 20, 2025. Mail the original completed and approved fire inspection form to your child care consultant within one week after it is completed. Call your licensing consultant with any questions you may have. You can obtain the annual fire inspection form and Staff and Training Worksheet form under the provider tab, then provider documents and forms tab at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Before your annual compliance visit is due, please complete the Staff and Training Worksheet form. Your annual compliance visit will be conducted prior to January 27, 2026. All staff must have completed the required applicable Health and Safety Training and/or On-Going Training requirements and have documentation on file for review prior to January 27, 2026. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Health and Safety Training must be completed within one year of employment for new staff and every five years for staff that have already completed the training. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by July 22, 2025. Please include in that letter each violation number and explain in detail how you corrected each violation and what plan will be implemented to prevent these violations from occurring again. Please sign the letter, include your facility name, ID number, visit date and mail the letter to my mailing address below or email the letter to me at jennifer.roberts@dhhs.nc.gov: Jennifer Roberts PO Box 426 Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above will result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. If you state in your corrective action plan letter, that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. SECTION .2200 - ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND CIVIL PENALTIES 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE actions GENERAL PROVISIONS Upon a finding that a child care facility operator has violated any provision of G.S. 110, Article 7, the rules of this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, the Secretary or his or her designee may order one or more administrative actions. Thank you for your time and assistance today. You can reach me at 828-782-0945, jennifer.roberts@dhhs.nc.gov or at PO Box 426, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .2201 · Violation

Name of Operation: WNCsource Columbus Children's Center Facility ID: 75000062 Consultant: JENNIFER H ROBERTS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/8/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/8/2025 Age: From 0 To 2 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 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 has been to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the third temporary time period visit. You, Heather Butterfield, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Eric Blore, Area Manager, was available to assist me with the visit as well. Beth Archer, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. The Secretary of State website was checked prior to the visit, and the business, Western Carolina Community Action, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. Currently this center operates with a temporary license issued on January 27, 2025, with the following restrictions: Daytime care only. The last monthly fire drill was completed on June 26, 2025, at 9:40 am. The last playground inspection was completed on June 23, 2025. A sanitation inspection was conducted on March 11, 2025. A Superior rating with eleven (11) demerits were noted on the grade card. Three staff files were reviewed. The daily schedule was posted. You do not provide transportation. I received your Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License on March 12, 2025. I received your Rated License Assessment Request form on March 12, 2025. The Environment Rating Scale Assessment was requested on May 7, 2025. The Environment Rating Scale Assessment was completed on June 23, 2025. The program received the following score: ITERS-3 5.29. A review of each item on the Environment Rating Scale Assessment report was discussed with you. I discussed with you that you will not be eligible to receive subsidy funding after your temporary license expires if you do not achieve at least a three-star rated license. Your temporary license will expire after July 27, 2025. An extension of time is not given, and your rated license points will be processed with the current points you have earned. The following violations were observed during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored in the unlocked bookbag hanging on the hook on playground #1, two (2) individual sized Alcohol Antiseptic Pads. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored in the unlocked bookbag hanging on the hook on playground #2, fifty-one (51) individual sized Alcohol Antiseptic Pads, two (2) individual sized First Aid/Burn Cream packets, and one (1) individual sized packet of Neomycin Antibiotic Ointment. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored in the unlocked bookbag hanging on the hook on playground #3, forty-eight (48) individual sized packets of Alcohol Antiseptic Pads, three (3) individual sized packets of First Aid/Burn Cream, and two (2) individual sized packets of Neomycin Antibiotic Ointment. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #1, fifty (50) individual sized packets of Alcohol Antiseptic Pads, one (1) individual sized packet of First Aid/Burn Cream, two (2) individual sized packet of Triple Antibiotic Ointment, and two (2) individual sized packets of Neomycin Antibiotic Ointment. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #2, one (1) individual sized packet of Ibuprofen, and three (3) individual sized packets of BZK Antiseptic Towelette. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #2, one (1) individual sized packet of Ibuprofen, and three (3) individual sized packets of BZK Antiseptic Towelette. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #3, one (1) individual sized packet of Ibuprofen, and three (3) individual sized packets of BZK Antiseptic Towelette. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 891 The safe sleep policy did not contain the required information. The safe sleep policy posted in space #1, did not specify that nothing shall be placed over the head or face of an infant aged 12 months or younger when the infant is laid down to sleep. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a)(1-8) Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Storage of Medication First Aid kits containing medications must be kept in locked storage. I suggested that you create a safety checklist to ensure that medications are stored in accordance with child care requirements. We discussed creating first aid kits with band-aids (no antibiotic or medicated types), gauze, tape, and gloves. Most premade first aid kits contain items/medications that cannot be used on a child without written permission from the child’s parent/guardian. This violation was corrected during the visit. Medications that were observed in the unlocked first aid kits were removed and discarded. Safe Sleep Policy The safe sleep policy that was posted in space #1, did not meet all the requirements in child care rule .0606(a)(1-11). The policy posted in space #1, was updated on November 16, 2021, and did not include that the facility does not cover infants’ heads with blankets or bedding. I suggested that you review DCDEE’s website periodically for updated forms and documents. A sample Infant/Toddler Safe Sleep Policy that was updated December 2022, can be printed from DCDEE’s website, at ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, under provider documents and forms. I suggested that you print the policy, review it, update the information, as needed, and post a copy of the completed and updated policy in space #1. Once you amend the policy, please review child care rule .0606(d) to ensure that you follow child care requirements for implementing the amended policy. Consultation was provided on the following. We discussed and gave you suggestions on how to make changes to increase your scores for the ITERS-3. I ask you if you had any objections to the scores and/or items that scored low. You said that you accept the scores and do not want to submit a grievance to NCRLAP. We reviewed and discussed requirements for enhanced ratios and enhanced space. You have chosen to meet the highest enhanced ratios and enhanced space to receive seven points in Program Standards. You must maintain compliance with the enhanced space and highest enhanced ratios, or a violation will be cited once the rated license is issued. You will need to update the new staff/child ratio charts, and you will need to post them in each space. Based on today's review you have the following points: Program Standards - 7 points Staff Education – Staff education could not be evaluated during today’s visit. Quality Point - 1 point for Staff Benefits Package, paid planning time, paid professional development for staff, insurance, paid vacation and paid sick time, and Infrastructure of Parent Involvement, quarterly newsletters, and parent conferences. You will need to have your education evaluated for the position of administrator. Please submit/mail a copy of your official transcripts to the Education Unit in the Raleigh office no later than Friday, July 11, 2025. For points to be earned in education, your education must be evaluated and a status letter placed on file. Once your official transcripts have been submitted to the Raleigh office, please let me know. Consultation was provided on the following. • All staff have established a DCDEE Works account; however, one employee has a return letter. E. Nicholson will need to submit an official copy of her transcript to the Education Unit in the Raleigh office for evaluation. This will need to be completed by Friday, July 11, 2025. • You stated that you are in the process of linking current employees to the ABCMS Provider Portal, but you are experiencing challenges, so I suggested that you contact the Criminal Background Check Unit in the Raleigh office for assistance. The Criminal Background Check Unit can be reached at (919) 814-8401. Reminders: Any observed violations cited during visits will negatively affect the center's Compliance History Score. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c). Prior to today’s visit, your facility has maintained a Compliance History Score of 97%. Your temporary license will end after July 27, 2025. You must complete your annual fire inspection prior to November 20, 2025. Mail the original completed and approved fire inspection form to your child care consultant within one week after it is completed. Call your licensing consultant with any questions you may have. You can obtain the annual fire inspection form and Staff and Training Worksheet form under the provider tab, then provider documents and forms tab at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Before your annual compliance visit is due, please complete the Staff and Training Worksheet form. Your annual compliance visit will be conducted prior to January 27, 2026. All staff must have completed the required applicable Health and Safety Training and/or On-Going Training requirements and have documentation on file for review prior to January 27, 2026. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Health and Safety Training must be completed within one year of employment for new staff and every five years for staff that have already completed the training. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by July 22, 2025. Please include in that letter each violation number and explain in detail how you corrected each violation and what plan will be implemented to prevent these violations from occurring again. Please sign the letter, include your facility name, ID number, visit date and mail the letter to my mailing address below or email the letter to me at jennifer.roberts@dhhs.nc.gov: Jennifer Roberts PO Box 426 Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above will result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. If you state in your corrective action plan letter, that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. SECTION .2200 - ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND CIVIL PENALTIES 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE actions GENERAL PROVISIONS Upon a finding that a child care facility operator has violated any provision of G.S. 110, Article 7, the rules of this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, the Secretary or his or her designee may order one or more administrative actions. Thank you for your time and assistance today. You can reach me at 828-782-0945, jennifer.roberts@dhhs.nc.gov or at PO Box 426, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@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: WNCsource Columbus Children's Center Facility ID: 75000062 Consultant: JENNIFER H ROBERTS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/8/2025 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 7/8/2025 Age: From 0 To 2 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 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 has been to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the third temporary time period visit. You, Heather Butterfield, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Eric Blore, Area Manager, was available to assist me with the visit as well. Beth Archer, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. The Secretary of State website was checked prior to the visit, and the business, Western Carolina Community Action, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. Currently this center operates with a temporary license issued on January 27, 2025, with the following restrictions: Daytime care only. The last monthly fire drill was completed on June 26, 2025, at 9:40 am. The last playground inspection was completed on June 23, 2025. A sanitation inspection was conducted on March 11, 2025. A Superior rating with eleven (11) demerits were noted on the grade card. Three staff files were reviewed. The daily schedule was posted. You do not provide transportation. I received your Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License on March 12, 2025. I received your Rated License Assessment Request form on March 12, 2025. The Environment Rating Scale Assessment was requested on May 7, 2025. The Environment Rating Scale Assessment was completed on June 23, 2025. The program received the following score: ITERS-3 5.29. A review of each item on the Environment Rating Scale Assessment report was discussed with you. I discussed with you that you will not be eligible to receive subsidy funding after your temporary license expires if you do not achieve at least a three-star rated license. Your temporary license will expire after July 27, 2025. An extension of time is not given, and your rated license points will be processed with the current points you have earned. The following violations were observed during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored in the unlocked bookbag hanging on the hook on playground #1, two (2) individual sized Alcohol Antiseptic Pads. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored in the unlocked bookbag hanging on the hook on playground #2, fifty-one (51) individual sized Alcohol Antiseptic Pads, two (2) individual sized First Aid/Burn Cream packets, and one (1) individual sized packet of Neomycin Antibiotic Ointment. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored in the unlocked bookbag hanging on the hook on playground #3, forty-eight (48) individual sized packets of Alcohol Antiseptic Pads, three (3) individual sized packets of First Aid/Burn Cream, and two (2) individual sized packets of Neomycin Antibiotic Ointment. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #1, fifty (50) individual sized packets of Alcohol Antiseptic Pads, one (1) individual sized packet of First Aid/Burn Cream, two (2) individual sized packet of Triple Antibiotic Ointment, and two (2) individual sized packets of Neomycin Antibiotic Ointment. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #2, one (1) individual sized packet of Ibuprofen, and three (3) individual sized packets of BZK Antiseptic Towelette. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #2, one (1) individual sized packet of Ibuprofen, and three (3) individual sized packets of BZK Antiseptic Towelette. The following medications were observed in an unlocked first aid kit stored on the top shelf of the unlocked cabinet to the right of the sink in space #3, one (1) individual sized packet of Ibuprofen, and three (3) individual sized packets of BZK Antiseptic Towelette. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 891 The safe sleep policy did not contain the required information. The safe sleep policy posted in space #1, did not specify that nothing shall be placed over the head or face of an infant aged 12 months or younger when the infant is laid down to sleep. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a)(1-8) Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Storage of Medication First Aid kits containing medications must be kept in locked storage. I suggested that you create a safety checklist to ensure that medications are stored in accordance with child care requirements. We discussed creating first aid kits with band-aids (no antibiotic or medicated types), gauze, tape, and gloves. Most premade first aid kits contain items/medications that cannot be used on a child without written permission from the child’s parent/guardian. This violation was corrected during the visit. Medications that were observed in the unlocked first aid kits were removed and discarded. Safe Sleep Policy The safe sleep policy that was posted in space #1, did not meet all the requirements in child care rule .0606(a)(1-11). The policy posted in space #1, was updated on November 16, 2021, and did not include that the facility does not cover infants’ heads with blankets or bedding. I suggested that you review DCDEE’s website periodically for updated forms and documents. A sample Infant/Toddler Safe Sleep Policy that was updated December 2022, can be printed from DCDEE’s website, at ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, under provider documents and forms. I suggested that you print the policy, review it, update the information, as needed, and post a copy of the completed and updated policy in space #1. Once you amend the policy, please review child care rule .0606(d) to ensure that you follow child care requirements for implementing the amended policy. Consultation was provided on the following. We discussed and gave you suggestions on how to make changes to increase your scores for the ITERS-3. I ask you if you had any objections to the scores and/or items that scored low. You said that you accept the scores and do not want to submit a grievance to NCRLAP. We reviewed and discussed requirements for enhanced ratios and enhanced space. You have chosen to meet the highest enhanced ratios and enhanced space to receive seven points in Program Standards. You must maintain compliance with the enhanced space and highest enhanced ratios, or a violation will be cited once the rated license is issued. You will need to update the new staff/child ratio charts, and you will need to post them in each space. Based on today's review you have the following points: Program Standards - 7 points Staff Education – Staff education could not be evaluated during today’s visit. Quality Point - 1 point for Staff Benefits Package, paid planning time, paid professional development for staff, insurance, paid vacation and paid sick time, and Infrastructure of Parent Involvement, quarterly newsletters, and parent conferences. You will need to have your education evaluated for the position of administrator. Please submit/mail a copy of your official transcripts to the Education Unit in the Raleigh office no later than Friday, July 11, 2025. For points to be earned in education, your education must be evaluated and a status letter placed on file. Once your official transcripts have been submitted to the Raleigh office, please let me know. Consultation was provided on the following. • All staff have established a DCDEE Works account; however, one employee has a return letter. E. Nicholson will need to submit an official copy of her transcript to the Education Unit in the Raleigh office for evaluation. This will need to be completed by Friday, July 11, 2025. • You stated that you are in the process of linking current employees to the ABCMS Provider Portal, but you are experiencing challenges, so I suggested that you contact the Criminal Background Check Unit in the Raleigh office for assistance. The Criminal Background Check Unit can be reached at (919) 814-8401. Reminders: Any observed violations cited during visits will negatively affect the center's Compliance History Score. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c). Prior to today’s visit, your facility has maintained a Compliance History Score of 97%. Your temporary license will end after July 27, 2025. You must complete your annual fire inspection prior to November 20, 2025. Mail the original completed and approved fire inspection form to your child care consultant within one week after it is completed. Call your licensing consultant with any questions you may have. You can obtain the annual fire inspection form and Staff and Training Worksheet form under the provider tab, then provider documents and forms tab at www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Before your annual compliance visit is due, please complete the Staff and Training Worksheet form. Your annual compliance visit will be conducted prior to January 27, 2026. All staff must have completed the required applicable Health and Safety Training and/or On-Going Training requirements and have documentation on file for review prior to January 27, 2026. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Health and Safety Training must be completed within one year of employment for new staff and every five years for staff that have already completed the training. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by July 22, 2025. Please include in that letter each violation number and explain in detail how you corrected each violation and what plan will be implemented to prevent these violations from occurring again. Please sign the letter, include your facility name, ID number, visit date and mail the letter to my mailing address below or email the letter to me at jennifer.roberts@dhhs.nc.gov: Jennifer Roberts PO Box 426 Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above will result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. If you state in your corrective action plan letter, that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. SECTION .2200 - ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND CIVIL PENALTIES 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE actions GENERAL PROVISIONS Upon a finding that a child care facility operator has violated any provision of G.S. 110, Article 7, the rules of this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, the Secretary or his or her designee may order one or more administrative actions. Thank you for your time and assistance today. You can reach me at 828-782-0945, jennifer.roberts@dhhs.nc.gov or at PO Box 426, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@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 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: WNCsource Columbus Children's Center Facility ID: 75000062 Consultant: JENNIFER H ROBERTS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 3/12/2025 Age: From 0 To 2 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 10:35 AM Time Out: 03:35 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 has been to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the first temporary time period visit. You, Sydney Smart, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Beth Archer, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 12, 2025, and the business, Western Carolina Community Action, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. Currently this center operates with a temporary license issued on January 27, 2025, with the following restrictions: Daytime care only. I confirmed the facility email address and phone number listed in the Regulatory system with you and you stated that the email address has changed. You requested that I update the email address to ssmart@wncsource.org. During this first Temporary Time Period visit, the classrooms were monitored as well as the playgrounds, materials, equipment and required posted items for meeting all minimum licensing requirements. The last monthly fire drill was completed on February 27, 2025, at 12:15pm. The last playground inspection was completed on February 26, 2025. A sample of four children’s files were reviewed. Twelve staff files were reviewed. Staff files were stored on an online database. The breakfast and lunch menu for March 14, 2025, listed “Manager’s Choice.” The snack menu was not dated for each day. The daily schedule was posted. You do not provide transportation. You said that you are going to apply for the rated license and request to have the Environment Rating Scale Assessment completed. As we discussed, the Environment Rating Scale Assessment could possibly help you in achieving at least a three-star child care license. We discussed and I gave you a copy of the Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License and the Rated License Assessment Request form today to complete and you returned the forms to me during the visit. To allow time for the assessment to be requested, completed, score received and reviewed, and the rated license packet to be completed, the Environment Rating Scale assessment will be ordered soon. We reviewed and discussed Program Standard points, Staff Education points and Quality point options. Another review of these points will be conducted at your next Temporary Time Period Visit. I discussed with you that programs with less than a three-star license will not be eligible to receive subsidy funding. All staff must establish a DCDEE WORKS account and have their education evaluations completed by DCDEE Workforce by May 1, 2025. Documentation from DCDEE Workforce must be on file for review for each staff member with the results of the education evaluation. The following violations were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The breakfast and lunch menu did comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The breakfast and lunch menu that was posted for March 14, 2025, listed "Manager's Choice." 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 525 Menus for all meals and snacks were not planned at least 1 week ahead and dated. Each day was not dated for the monthly snack menu that was posted for March 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. The center's safe sleep policy that was posted required staff to record the position of the infant that was sleeping on the Sleep Chart. On March 10, 2025, the initial position was not documented at 12:30pm for one infant, ten months of age. On March 11, 2025, the initial position was not documented at 12:15pm, and the sleep position was not documented at 1pm, 1:15pm, and 1:30pm, for one infant, ten months of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided on the following: Menus The menus must be dated and meet the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care. The menu must list the required components for the type of meal served. “Manager’s Choice” does not meet the meal components. I suggested that you review menus prior to posting them on the parent board to ensure components are met for the type of meal served. I suggested that you add the dates on the menu that was posted. The snack menu that was posted listed March 2025, but each day was not individually dated. Safe Sleep Policy Per your Safe Sleep Policy, staff are required to document the position the infant was sleeping every fifteen minutes. On March 10, 2025, and March 11, 2025, the initial position was not documented for one infant, ten months of age and the position the infant was observed while sleeping was not documented for three, fifteen-minute intervals. I suggested that you review your Safe Sleep Policy with staff and discuss how to document the information on the Visual Sleep Checks. Consultation was provided on the following. • Staff will need to create a DCDEE WORKS account and submit official transcripts so their education can be evaluated. Please assist staff with creating and submitting their education to the Workforce Unit in the Raleigh office. On the DCDEE website choose the Provider tab, DCDEE WORKS, and review the DCDEE WORKS Training Simulator Step-by-Step Instructions. Let me know if you have any questions or problems getting this task completed. • As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Since you want to have the Environment Rating Scale completed, I recommended that you visit www.ncrlap.org for supplemental materials while preparing for the Environment Rating Scale Assessments. Additional notes to the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale Revised Edition can be obtained on this website. NCRLAP also offers Webinar training for staff. I also recommended that you register staff for any of the upcoming Webinar training courses listed on the ncrlap.org website. Contact your Regional Child Care Resource and Referral office for further technical assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. You can contact Crystal Williams, Early Learning Consultant for Rutherford/Polk Counties at williams.crystal@swcdcinc.org. Reminders: Any observed violations cited during visits will negatively affect the center's Compliance History Score. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c). Your temporary license will end after July 27, 2025. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by March 26, 2025. Please include in that letter each violation number and how you corrected each violation and what plan will be implemented to prevent these violations from occurring again. Please sign the letter, include your facility name, ID number, visit date and send the letter to: Jennifer Roberts PO Box 426 Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above will result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. If you state in your corrective action plan letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. Health and Safety Training must be completed within one year of employment for new staff and every five years for staff that have already completed the training. SECTION .2200 - ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND CIVIL PENALTIES 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE actions GENERAL PROVISIONS Upon a finding that a child care facility operator has violated any provision of G.S. 110, Article 7, the rules of this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, the Secretary or his or her designee may order one or more administrative actions. Thank you for your time and assistance today. You can reach me at 828-782-0945, jennifer.roberts@dhhs.nc.gov or at PO Box 426, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: WNCsource Columbus Children's Center Facility ID: 75000062 Consultant: JENNIFER H ROBERTS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 3/12/2025 Age: From 0 To 2 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 10:35 AM Time Out: 03:35 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 has been to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the first temporary time period visit. You, Sydney Smart, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Beth Archer, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 12, 2025, and the business, Western Carolina Community Action, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. Currently this center operates with a temporary license issued on January 27, 2025, with the following restrictions: Daytime care only. I confirmed the facility email address and phone number listed in the Regulatory system with you and you stated that the email address has changed. You requested that I update the email address to ssmart@wncsource.org. During this first Temporary Time Period visit, the classrooms were monitored as well as the playgrounds, materials, equipment and required posted items for meeting all minimum licensing requirements. The last monthly fire drill was completed on February 27, 2025, at 12:15pm. The last playground inspection was completed on February 26, 2025. A sample of four children’s files were reviewed. Twelve staff files were reviewed. Staff files were stored on an online database. The breakfast and lunch menu for March 14, 2025, listed “Manager’s Choice.” The snack menu was not dated for each day. The daily schedule was posted. You do not provide transportation. You said that you are going to apply for the rated license and request to have the Environment Rating Scale Assessment completed. As we discussed, the Environment Rating Scale Assessment could possibly help you in achieving at least a three-star child care license. We discussed and I gave you a copy of the Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License and the Rated License Assessment Request form today to complete and you returned the forms to me during the visit. To allow time for the assessment to be requested, completed, score received and reviewed, and the rated license packet to be completed, the Environment Rating Scale assessment will be ordered soon. We reviewed and discussed Program Standard points, Staff Education points and Quality point options. Another review of these points will be conducted at your next Temporary Time Period Visit. I discussed with you that programs with less than a three-star license will not be eligible to receive subsidy funding. All staff must establish a DCDEE WORKS account and have their education evaluations completed by DCDEE Workforce by May 1, 2025. Documentation from DCDEE Workforce must be on file for review for each staff member with the results of the education evaluation. The following violations were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The breakfast and lunch menu did comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The breakfast and lunch menu that was posted for March 14, 2025, listed "Manager's Choice." 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 525 Menus for all meals and snacks were not planned at least 1 week ahead and dated. Each day was not dated for the monthly snack menu that was posted for March 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. The center's safe sleep policy that was posted required staff to record the position of the infant that was sleeping on the Sleep Chart. On March 10, 2025, the initial position was not documented at 12:30pm for one infant, ten months of age. On March 11, 2025, the initial position was not documented at 12:15pm, and the sleep position was not documented at 1pm, 1:15pm, and 1:30pm, for one infant, ten months of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided on the following: Menus The menus must be dated and meet the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care. The menu must list the required components for the type of meal served. “Manager’s Choice” does not meet the meal components. I suggested that you review menus prior to posting them on the parent board to ensure components are met for the type of meal served. I suggested that you add the dates on the menu that was posted. The snack menu that was posted listed March 2025, but each day was not individually dated. Safe Sleep Policy Per your Safe Sleep Policy, staff are required to document the position the infant was sleeping every fifteen minutes. On March 10, 2025, and March 11, 2025, the initial position was not documented for one infant, ten months of age and the position the infant was observed while sleeping was not documented for three, fifteen-minute intervals. I suggested that you review your Safe Sleep Policy with staff and discuss how to document the information on the Visual Sleep Checks. Consultation was provided on the following. • Staff will need to create a DCDEE WORKS account and submit official transcripts so their education can be evaluated. Please assist staff with creating and submitting their education to the Workforce Unit in the Raleigh office. On the DCDEE website choose the Provider tab, DCDEE WORKS, and review the DCDEE WORKS Training Simulator Step-by-Step Instructions. Let me know if you have any questions or problems getting this task completed. • As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Since you want to have the Environment Rating Scale completed, I recommended that you visit www.ncrlap.org for supplemental materials while preparing for the Environment Rating Scale Assessments. Additional notes to the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale Revised Edition can be obtained on this website. NCRLAP also offers Webinar training for staff. I also recommended that you register staff for any of the upcoming Webinar training courses listed on the ncrlap.org website. Contact your Regional Child Care Resource and Referral office for further technical assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. You can contact Crystal Williams, Early Learning Consultant for Rutherford/Polk Counties at williams.crystal@swcdcinc.org. Reminders: Any observed violations cited during visits will negatively affect the center's Compliance History Score. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c). Your temporary license will end after July 27, 2025. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by March 26, 2025. Please include in that letter each violation number and how you corrected each violation and what plan will be implemented to prevent these violations from occurring again. Please sign the letter, include your facility name, ID number, visit date and send the letter to: Jennifer Roberts PO Box 426 Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above will result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. If you state in your corrective action plan letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. Health and Safety Training must be completed within one year of employment for new staff and every five years for staff that have already completed the training. SECTION .2200 - ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND CIVIL PENALTIES 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE actions GENERAL PROVISIONS Upon a finding that a child care facility operator has violated any provision of G.S. 110, Article 7, the rules of this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, the Secretary or his or her designee may order one or more administrative actions. Thank you for your time and assistance today. You can reach me at 828-782-0945, jennifer.roberts@dhhs.nc.gov or at PO Box 426, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@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 .2201 · Violation

Name of Operation: WNCsource Columbus Children's Center Facility ID: 75000062 Consultant: JENNIFER H ROBERTS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 3/12/2025 Age: From 0 To 2 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 10:35 AM Time Out: 03:35 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 has been to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the first temporary time period visit. You, Sydney Smart, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Beth Archer, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 12, 2025, and the business, Western Carolina Community Action, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. Currently this center operates with a temporary license issued on January 27, 2025, with the following restrictions: Daytime care only. I confirmed the facility email address and phone number listed in the Regulatory system with you and you stated that the email address has changed. You requested that I update the email address to ssmart@wncsource.org. During this first Temporary Time Period visit, the classrooms were monitored as well as the playgrounds, materials, equipment and required posted items for meeting all minimum licensing requirements. The last monthly fire drill was completed on February 27, 2025, at 12:15pm. The last playground inspection was completed on February 26, 2025. A sample of four children’s files were reviewed. Twelve staff files were reviewed. Staff files were stored on an online database. The breakfast and lunch menu for March 14, 2025, listed “Manager’s Choice.” The snack menu was not dated for each day. The daily schedule was posted. You do not provide transportation. You said that you are going to apply for the rated license and request to have the Environment Rating Scale Assessment completed. As we discussed, the Environment Rating Scale Assessment could possibly help you in achieving at least a three-star child care license. We discussed and I gave you a copy of the Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License and the Rated License Assessment Request form today to complete and you returned the forms to me during the visit. To allow time for the assessment to be requested, completed, score received and reviewed, and the rated license packet to be completed, the Environment Rating Scale assessment will be ordered soon. We reviewed and discussed Program Standard points, Staff Education points and Quality point options. Another review of these points will be conducted at your next Temporary Time Period Visit. I discussed with you that programs with less than a three-star license will not be eligible to receive subsidy funding. All staff must establish a DCDEE WORKS account and have their education evaluations completed by DCDEE Workforce by May 1, 2025. Documentation from DCDEE Workforce must be on file for review for each staff member with the results of the education evaluation. The following violations were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The breakfast and lunch menu did comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The breakfast and lunch menu that was posted for March 14, 2025, listed "Manager's Choice." 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 525 Menus for all meals and snacks were not planned at least 1 week ahead and dated. Each day was not dated for the monthly snack menu that was posted for March 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. The center's safe sleep policy that was posted required staff to record the position of the infant that was sleeping on the Sleep Chart. On March 10, 2025, the initial position was not documented at 12:30pm for one infant, ten months of age. On March 11, 2025, the initial position was not documented at 12:15pm, and the sleep position was not documented at 1pm, 1:15pm, and 1:30pm, for one infant, ten months of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided on the following: Menus The menus must be dated and meet the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care. The menu must list the required components for the type of meal served. “Manager’s Choice” does not meet the meal components. I suggested that you review menus prior to posting them on the parent board to ensure components are met for the type of meal served. I suggested that you add the dates on the menu that was posted. The snack menu that was posted listed March 2025, but each day was not individually dated. Safe Sleep Policy Per your Safe Sleep Policy, staff are required to document the position the infant was sleeping every fifteen minutes. On March 10, 2025, and March 11, 2025, the initial position was not documented for one infant, ten months of age and the position the infant was observed while sleeping was not documented for three, fifteen-minute intervals. I suggested that you review your Safe Sleep Policy with staff and discuss how to document the information on the Visual Sleep Checks. Consultation was provided on the following. • Staff will need to create a DCDEE WORKS account and submit official transcripts so their education can be evaluated. Please assist staff with creating and submitting their education to the Workforce Unit in the Raleigh office. On the DCDEE website choose the Provider tab, DCDEE WORKS, and review the DCDEE WORKS Training Simulator Step-by-Step Instructions. Let me know if you have any questions or problems getting this task completed. • As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Since you want to have the Environment Rating Scale completed, I recommended that you visit www.ncrlap.org for supplemental materials while preparing for the Environment Rating Scale Assessments. Additional notes to the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale Revised Edition can be obtained on this website. NCRLAP also offers Webinar training for staff. I also recommended that you register staff for any of the upcoming Webinar training courses listed on the ncrlap.org website. Contact your Regional Child Care Resource and Referral office for further technical assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. You can contact Crystal Williams, Early Learning Consultant for Rutherford/Polk Counties at williams.crystal@swcdcinc.org. Reminders: Any observed violations cited during visits will negatively affect the center's Compliance History Score. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c). Your temporary license will end after July 27, 2025. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by March 26, 2025. Please include in that letter each violation number and how you corrected each violation and what plan will be implemented to prevent these violations from occurring again. Please sign the letter, include your facility name, ID number, visit date and send the letter to: Jennifer Roberts PO Box 426 Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above will result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. If you state in your corrective action plan letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. Health and Safety Training must be completed within one year of employment for new staff and every five years for staff that have already completed the training. SECTION .2200 - ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND CIVIL PENALTIES 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE actions GENERAL PROVISIONS Upon a finding that a child care facility operator has violated any provision of G.S. 110, Article 7, the rules of this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, the Secretary or his or her designee may order one or more administrative actions. Thank you for your time and assistance today. You can reach me at 828-782-0945, jennifer.roberts@dhhs.nc.gov or at PO Box 426, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@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: WNCsource Columbus Children's Center Facility ID: 75000062 Consultant: JENNIFER H ROBERTS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 3/12/2025 Age: From 0 To 2 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 10:35 AM Time Out: 03:35 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 has been to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during the first temporary time period visit. You, Sydney Smart, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Beth Archer, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 12, 2025, and the business, Western Carolina Community Action, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. Currently this center operates with a temporary license issued on January 27, 2025, with the following restrictions: Daytime care only. I confirmed the facility email address and phone number listed in the Regulatory system with you and you stated that the email address has changed. You requested that I update the email address to ssmart@wncsource.org. During this first Temporary Time Period visit, the classrooms were monitored as well as the playgrounds, materials, equipment and required posted items for meeting all minimum licensing requirements. The last monthly fire drill was completed on February 27, 2025, at 12:15pm. The last playground inspection was completed on February 26, 2025. A sample of four children’s files were reviewed. Twelve staff files were reviewed. Staff files were stored on an online database. The breakfast and lunch menu for March 14, 2025, listed “Manager’s Choice.” The snack menu was not dated for each day. The daily schedule was posted. You do not provide transportation. You said that you are going to apply for the rated license and request to have the Environment Rating Scale Assessment completed. As we discussed, the Environment Rating Scale Assessment could possibly help you in achieving at least a three-star child care license. We discussed and I gave you a copy of the Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License and the Rated License Assessment Request form today to complete and you returned the forms to me during the visit. To allow time for the assessment to be requested, completed, score received and reviewed, and the rated license packet to be completed, the Environment Rating Scale assessment will be ordered soon. We reviewed and discussed Program Standard points, Staff Education points and Quality point options. Another review of these points will be conducted at your next Temporary Time Period Visit. I discussed with you that programs with less than a three-star license will not be eligible to receive subsidy funding. All staff must establish a DCDEE WORKS account and have their education evaluations completed by DCDEE Workforce by May 1, 2025. Documentation from DCDEE Workforce must be on file for review for each staff member with the results of the education evaluation. The following violations were observed today. Violation Number Comment Rule 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The breakfast and lunch menu did comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The breakfast and lunch menu that was posted for March 14, 2025, listed "Manager's Choice." 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) 525 Menus for all meals and snacks were not planned at least 1 week ahead and dated. Each day was not dated for the monthly snack menu that was posted for March 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 871 Center staff did not comply with the safe sleep policy. The center's safe sleep policy that was posted required staff to record the position of the infant that was sleeping on the Sleep Chart. On March 10, 2025, the initial position was not documented at 12:30pm for one infant, ten months of age. On March 11, 2025, the initial position was not documented at 12:15pm, and the sleep position was not documented at 1pm, 1:15pm, and 1:30pm, for one infant, ten months of age. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(a) Technical assistance was provided on the following: Menus The menus must be dated and meet the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care. The menu must list the required components for the type of meal served. “Manager’s Choice” does not meet the meal components. I suggested that you review menus prior to posting them on the parent board to ensure components are met for the type of meal served. I suggested that you add the dates on the menu that was posted. The snack menu that was posted listed March 2025, but each day was not individually dated. Safe Sleep Policy Per your Safe Sleep Policy, staff are required to document the position the infant was sleeping every fifteen minutes. On March 10, 2025, and March 11, 2025, the initial position was not documented for one infant, ten months of age and the position the infant was observed while sleeping was not documented for three, fifteen-minute intervals. I suggested that you review your Safe Sleep Policy with staff and discuss how to document the information on the Visual Sleep Checks. Consultation was provided on the following. • Staff will need to create a DCDEE WORKS account and submit official transcripts so their education can be evaluated. Please assist staff with creating and submitting their education to the Workforce Unit in the Raleigh office. On the DCDEE website choose the Provider tab, DCDEE WORKS, and review the DCDEE WORKS Training Simulator Step-by-Step Instructions. Let me know if you have any questions or problems getting this task completed. • As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Since you want to have the Environment Rating Scale completed, I recommended that you visit www.ncrlap.org for supplemental materials while preparing for the Environment Rating Scale Assessments. Additional notes to the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale Revised Edition can be obtained on this website. NCRLAP also offers Webinar training for staff. I also recommended that you register staff for any of the upcoming Webinar training courses listed on the ncrlap.org website. Contact your Regional Child Care Resource and Referral office for further technical assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. You can contact Crystal Williams, Early Learning Consultant for Rutherford/Polk Counties at williams.crystal@swcdcinc.org. Reminders: Any observed violations cited during visits will negatively affect the center's Compliance History Score. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c). Your temporary license will end after July 27, 2025. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by March 26, 2025. Please include in that letter each violation number and how you corrected each violation and what plan will be implemented to prevent these violations from occurring again. Please sign the letter, include your facility name, ID number, visit date and send the letter to: Jennifer Roberts PO Box 426 Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above will result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. If you state in your corrective action plan letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. Health and Safety Training must be completed within one year of employment for new staff and every five years for staff that have already completed the training. SECTION .2200 - ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND CIVIL PENALTIES 10A NCAC 09 .2201 ADMINISTRATIVE actions GENERAL PROVISIONS Upon a finding that a child care facility operator has violated any provision of G.S. 110, Article 7, the rules of this Chapter, or 10A NCAC 10, the Secretary or his or her designee may order one or more administrative actions. Thank you for your time and assistance today. You can reach me at 828-782-0945, jennifer.roberts@dhhs.nc.gov or at PO Box 426, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@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