Concord Children'S Academy

10A NCAC 09 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONCORD CHILDREN'S ACADEMY Facility ID: 13000549 Consultant: DEBORAH HOWELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/19/2025 Number Present: 143 Completed Date: 8/19/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 355 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 04:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements during an annual compliance visit. I conducted your last ACV on September 24, 2025. Your facility’s compliance history score prior to today’s visit was 97%. You, Catherine Hardwick, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your Five Star License, Sanitation placard, Emergency Numbers, Emergency Medical Care Plan, tobacco free facility signage, CPR/FA posters, menus and evacuation plans were all posted as required. I observed adequate supervision, adequate approved space, and permit restrictions including “daytime care only”, enhanced space and enhanced ratios during today’s visit. I monitored activity plans, daily schedules, and attendance sheets in each classroom. Today children were observed engaging in free play in activity areas indoors, reading books, outdoor play, routine toileting practices, washing hands, diaper changes, lunch, and transitions. Today’s lunch consisted of macaroni and cheese, broccoli, watermelon, and milk. General safety was monitored throughout all areas of the facility, indoors and outdoors. All OTC creams/ointments/sprays and accompanying documentation were monitored. Inspections/Drills/Logs Sanitation Inspection-January 13, 2025, with a Superior rating and 13 demerits. Fire Inspection- April 11, 2025 Playground Inspection- August 8, 2025 Fire Drill- August 8, 2025 Emergency Drill- June 6, 2025 Three Year Water Results- March 15, 2024 Lead and Asbestos-Exempt April 17, 2025 Incident Log-Completed as required. Transportation- Inspections/registration and proof of insurance completed as required. I monitored a random selection of eighteen children’s files. I monitored files of seventeen staff who were hired since the ACV on September 24, 2025. I monitored two existing staff files. Your signature on all forms served and will serve as verification the information provided was accurate and complete. The following violations were observed and cited during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. There was incomplete emergency information and/or photographs missing for six children. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) There is no compliance letter due at this time, the violation was corrected during the visit by attaching photos and completing all required information. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: 1. Child Care Rule .1003(d) requires all children to be transported to have emergency information and a photograph. Prior to the first day of school ensure that all children who are being transported have all required information and photos attached. Consider taking photos of children the day they enroll so their paperwork will be completed prior to transport. Consultation: For the most up to date information regarding the Star Rated license process please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy -DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New Compliance History: You are required to always maintain compliance with all applicable childcare rules and regulations. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all childcare facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 798-5220 or by email at Deborah.k.howell@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. Thank you for having such well-organized files which makes monitoring very quick and easy. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONCORD CHILDREN'S ACADEMY Facility ID: 13000549 Consultant: DEBORAH HOWELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/24/2024 Number Present: 140 Completed Date: 9/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 430 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements during an annual compliance visit. I conducted your last ACV on October 19, 2023. Your facility’s compliance history score prior to today’s visit was 86%. You, Catherine Hardwick, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your Five Star License, Sanitation placard, Emergency Numbers, Emergency Medical Care Plan, tobacco free facility signage, CPR/FA posters, menus and evacuation plans were all posted as required. I observed adequate supervision, adequate approved space, and permit restrictions including “daytime care only”, enhanced space and enhanced ratios during today’s visit. I monitored activity plans, daily schedules, and attendance sheets in each classroom. Today children were observed engaging in free play in activity areas indoors, reading books, outdoor play, routine toileting practices, washing hands, diaper changes, lunch, nap and transitions. Today’s lunch consisted of baked chicken nuggets, Hawaiian roll, steamed mixed veggies, mandarin oranges, and milk. General safety was monitored throughout all areas of the facility, indoors and outdoors. All OTC creams/ointments/sprays and Emergency medications and accompanying documentation were monitored. Inspections/Drills/Logs Sanitation Inspection-May 13, 2024, with a Superior rating and 8 demerits. Fire Inspection- April 25, 2024 Playground Inspection- September 6, 2024 Fire Drill- September 6, 2024 Emergency Drill- August 2, 2024 Incident Log-Completed as required. Transportation- Inspections completed as required, required documentation available for review on each van. New tires were observed on each van. I monitored a random selection of eighteen children’s files. I monitored files of twenty-three staff who were hired since the ACV on October 19, 2024. I monitored two existing staff files. Your signature on all forms served and will serve as verification the information provided was accurate and complete. The following violations were observed and cited during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 5 there was diaper cream with no permission to administer form. In Space 6 there was sunscreen with no permission to administer form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1314 Emergency information did not name childs health care professional. Two children's files did not contain the choice of hospital. One child's file did not contain the choice of a health care provider. .0802(c)(2) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. Two children's files were missing information regarding special health care concerns, fears, or other important information the provider may need to know to best care for the child. .0801(a)(1-7) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In Spaces 5 and 11 there were parent signatures missing on the permission to administer forms for diaper creams. In Space 5 the name of the ointment was missing from the form. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Technical Assistance was provided on the following: 1. We discussed the Admin. Assistant assuming the role of reviewing medications monthly. Since many of your staff are new and are not yet familiar with the proper way to document the form, she will be able to train and monitor for accuracy. 2. Prior to signing off on children’s files ensure that all areas are completed with either an N/A or information. This will guarantee families have seen and answered all questions regarding the care of their children. Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Deborah Howell PO Box 629 Granite Quarry, NC 28072 For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: Deborah.k.howell@dhhs.nc.gov I must receive your compliance letter no later than October 8, 2024. Please Note: If you state in your letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date, you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education 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. Compliance History: You are required to always maintain compliance with all applicable childcare rules and regulations. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all childcare facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 798-5220 or by email at Deborah.k.howell@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. Thank you for having such well organized files which makes monitoring very quick and easy. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONCORD CHILDREN'S ACADEMY Facility ID: 13000549 Consultant: TAMIKA POWELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-365A Visit Date: 3/1/2024 Number Present: 143 Completed Date: 3/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Brittany Adams, Child Care Consultant, was also present during the visit. Catherine Hardwick, administrator, accompanied us during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Hardwick, Blair Hullett, administrator, Allison Frye, owner, and one additional staff member. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On February 28, 2024, an eight-month-old child was placed in a high chair located next to a counter where a bottle warmer was located. Although the bottle warmer was out of reach of the child, it was sitting on a tray that was accessible to the child. The child pulled the tray and the contents of the bottle warmer spilled onto the child causing burns to the child’s right shoulder, arm, leg, and abdomen. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. On February 28, 2024, a staff member did not utilize the first aid poster in the classroom. The staff member wiped a burn on an eight-month-old child with a baby wipe. .0802(h) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. Pursuant to its investigation, the Division has confirmed sufficient information to determine child maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week (March 8, 2024), you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at: Tamika Powell, Investigations Consultant 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 (919)715-1013 - fax Tamika.t.powell@dhhs.nc.gov You may contact me at Tamika Powell, Investigations Consultant, (704) 330-9725, Tamika.t.powell@dhhs.nc.gov or Veronica Grant, South Central Investigations Team Supervisor, veronica.grant@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-105 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONCORD CHILDREN'S ACADEMY Facility ID: 13000549 Consultant: TAMIKA POWELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-365A Visit Date: 3/1/2024 Number Present: 143 Completed Date: 3/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Brittany Adams, Child Care Consultant, was also present during the visit. Catherine Hardwick, administrator, accompanied us during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Hardwick, Blair Hullett, administrator, Allison Frye, owner, and one additional staff member. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and/or confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On February 28, 2024, an eight-month-old child was placed in a high chair located next to a counter where a bottle warmer was located. Although the bottle warmer was out of reach of the child, it was sitting on a tray that was accessible to the child. The child pulled the tray and the contents of the bottle warmer spilled onto the child causing burns to the child’s right shoulder, arm, leg, and abdomen. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 830 A First Aid information sheet was not posted in a place for referral and/or the information sheet did not include all the required information. On February 28, 2024, a staff member did not utilize the first aid poster in the classroom. The staff member wiped a burn on an eight-month-old child with a baby wipe. .0802(h) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. Pursuant to its investigation, the Division has confirmed sufficient information to determine child maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week (March 8, 2024), you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at: Tamika Powell, Investigations Consultant 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2200 (919)715-1013 - fax Tamika.t.powell@dhhs.nc.gov You may contact me at Tamika Powell, Investigations Consultant, (704) 330-9725, Tamika.t.powell@dhhs.nc.gov or Veronica Grant, South Central Investigations Team Supervisor, veronica.grant@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONCORD CHILDREN'S ACADEMY Facility ID: 13000549 Consultant: DEBORAH HOWELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/19/2023 Number Present: 150 Completed Date: 10/20/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on December 2, 2022. Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 82%. You, Catherine Hardwick, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your facility, owned by Concord Children’s Academy was current/active as viewed on the North Carolina Secretary of State website. I observed your Five (5) Star License, NC Child Care Summary of the Law, Safe Procedures for Arrival & Departure, Sanitation placard, Emergency Numbers, Emergency Medical Care Plan, First Aid poster, tobacco free facility signage and evacuation plans posted as required. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed enhanced staff-child ratios maintained during today’s visit. I observed adequate approved enhanced space use and permit restrictions maintained during today’s visit. I observed children engaged in free play in activity areas, toileting, washing hands, transitions, outdoor play, and lunch. I observed activity areas including books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, art, science, music, writing, and cozy/quiet areas. I observed toys and equipment to be of sufficient quantity. I observed toys and equipment to be developmentally appropriate in all spaces. I observed all bathrooms stocked with necessary supplies and handwashing procedure signs posted as required. I monitored a random selection of OTC diaper ointments and sunscreens. I monitored all emergency and prescription medication. I monitored general safety throughout the center. I monitored the equipment and materials in the three outdoor play spaces. I observed all spaces supplied with a variety of age-appropriate materials and equipment. There was a four-foot fence surrounding each playground and large trees and gazebos offered shade. Sod and paved riding paths have been added to the playground used by two-year-old children. I monitored outdoor inspections for the last 12 months. Fire and Sanitation inspections are occurring as required. Fire and Emergency drills are occurring and documented as required. You stated your program does provide transportation. I monitored the Ford F-350 van and all documentation related to transportation. I monitored a random selection of eighteen children’s files. I monitored twenty files of staff hired since the last annual compliance visit and two randomly selected existing staff files. Your signature on all forms served and will serve as verification that the information provided was accurate and complete. The following violations were observed and cited during this visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan in the school age classroom was dated October 2-6, 2023. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Space 8 an emergency medication was stored in a cubby which was not five feet up. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 11 a prescription diaper ointment did not have the container with the pharmaceutical label. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 6 the name of the diaper cream was missing from the permission to administer form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 860 Balloons were accessible to children. In Space 12a a Mylar balloon was on a shelf in the classroom. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Four staff did not have certification in First Aid training. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Four staff did not have current CPR certification on file. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff required to receive ten hours of on-going training hours had only received five hours. .1103(a) Today, I provided technical assistance to you and your staff regarding the following topics: 1. Conduct a walkthrough of each room to ensure accurate activity plans for the week are displayed on Monday morning. 2. Review permission to administer forms for completion prior to accepting them from families. Also when accepting medications, remember not to accept any prescription medication unless it is in the original pharmaceutical container or has the pharmaceutical label attached. If you have a question read the fine print. Prescription medication will say “Rx Only” or “Use as prescribed”. Additionally, any emergency medication stored in the classrooms must be stored a minimum of 5 feet up and out of reach of children. 3. Balloons of any kind are not permitted in childcare facilities. This includes balloons for teachers. Not only are they choking and suffocation hazard, but helium filled balloons create a chemical hazard. 4. Consider utilizing a tracking system for staff so time-sensitive trainings etc. can be monitored. Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Deborah Howell PO Box 629 Granite Quarry, NC 28072 For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: Deborah.k.howell@dhhs.nc.gov I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 2, 2023. Please Note: If you state in your letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date, you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education 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. Compliance History: You are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Feel free to contact me by phone at (704)798-5220 or by email at Deborah.k.howell@dhhs.nc.gov or Lead Consultant Erin Pickard at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have any questions. Thank you for your time today, and thank you for your impeccably organized filing system. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONCORD CHILDREN'S ACADEMY Facility ID: 13000549 Consultant: DEBORAH HOWELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/19/2023 Number Present: 150 Completed Date: 10/20/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on December 2, 2022. Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 82%. You, Catherine Hardwick, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your facility, owned by Concord Children’s Academy was current/active as viewed on the North Carolina Secretary of State website. I observed your Five (5) Star License, NC Child Care Summary of the Law, Safe Procedures for Arrival & Departure, Sanitation placard, Emergency Numbers, Emergency Medical Care Plan, First Aid poster, tobacco free facility signage and evacuation plans posted as required. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed enhanced staff-child ratios maintained during today’s visit. I observed adequate approved enhanced space use and permit restrictions maintained during today’s visit. I observed children engaged in free play in activity areas, toileting, washing hands, transitions, outdoor play, and lunch. I observed activity areas including books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, art, science, music, writing, and cozy/quiet areas. I observed toys and equipment to be of sufficient quantity. I observed toys and equipment to be developmentally appropriate in all spaces. I observed all bathrooms stocked with necessary supplies and handwashing procedure signs posted as required. I monitored a random selection of OTC diaper ointments and sunscreens. I monitored all emergency and prescription medication. I monitored general safety throughout the center. I monitored the equipment and materials in the three outdoor play spaces. I observed all spaces supplied with a variety of age-appropriate materials and equipment. There was a four-foot fence surrounding each playground and large trees and gazebos offered shade. Sod and paved riding paths have been added to the playground used by two-year-old children. I monitored outdoor inspections for the last 12 months. Fire and Sanitation inspections are occurring as required. Fire and Emergency drills are occurring and documented as required. You stated your program does provide transportation. I monitored the Ford F-350 van and all documentation related to transportation. I monitored a random selection of eighteen children’s files. I monitored twenty files of staff hired since the last annual compliance visit and two randomly selected existing staff files. Your signature on all forms served and will serve as verification that the information provided was accurate and complete. The following violations were observed and cited during this visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan in the school age classroom was dated October 2-6, 2023. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Space 8 an emergency medication was stored in a cubby which was not five feet up. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 11 a prescription diaper ointment did not have the container with the pharmaceutical label. .0803(2)(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 6 the name of the diaper cream was missing from the permission to administer form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 860 Balloons were accessible to children. In Space 12a a Mylar balloon was on a shelf in the classroom. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Four staff did not have certification in First Aid training. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Four staff did not have current CPR certification on file. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff required to receive ten hours of on-going training hours had only received five hours. .1103(a) Today, I provided technical assistance to you and your staff regarding the following topics: 1. Conduct a walkthrough of each room to ensure accurate activity plans for the week are displayed on Monday morning. 2. Review permission to administer forms for completion prior to accepting them from families. Also when accepting medications, remember not to accept any prescription medication unless it is in the original pharmaceutical container or has the pharmaceutical label attached. If you have a question read the fine print. Prescription medication will say “Rx Only” or “Use as prescribed”. Additionally, any emergency medication stored in the classrooms must be stored a minimum of 5 feet up and out of reach of children. 3. Balloons of any kind are not permitted in childcare facilities. This includes balloons for teachers. Not only are they choking and suffocation hazard, but helium filled balloons create a chemical hazard. 4. Consider utilizing a tracking system for staff so time-sensitive trainings etc. can be monitored. Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Deborah Howell PO Box 629 Granite Quarry, NC 28072 For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: Deborah.k.howell@dhhs.nc.gov I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 2, 2023. Please Note: If you state in your letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date, you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education 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. Compliance History: You are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Feel free to contact me by phone at (704)798-5220 or by email at Deborah.k.howell@dhhs.nc.gov or Lead Consultant Erin Pickard at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have any questions. Thank you for your time today, and thank you for your impeccably organized filing system. 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