Conover School

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/20/2026 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 5/20/2026 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Harry Efird, Administrator/Principal, assisted me with today’s visit. Rebbecca Hayes, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on October 30, 2025. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit being maintained today. This facility’s compliance history was 89% as reviewed on May 17, 2026 and was reviewed with you today. This facility currently operates with five-star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. I monitored your facility for Developmental Day and NC Pre-K requirements. This program operates as a Developmental Day facility serving students three to twenty-two years of age. This program includes one NC Pre-K classroom, one Exceptional Children (EC) preschool classroom, and twelve developmental day school-age classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. This facility has seventy-six children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had fifty-four children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. The last sanitation inspection was dated March 24, 2026 with a Superior classification and twelve demerits. The lead water test results dated November 4, 2024 indicated that this facility’s water source was within acceptable limits. The lead-based paint test results dated November 1, 2025 indicated this facility has no lead-based paint hazards. The asbestos test results dated November 1, 2025 indicated that this facility has asbestos hazards. School officials stated that these hazards are not accessible to the students and the staff and mitigation to remove these asbestos hazards is scheduled to take place over the summer months of 2026 when students and staff are out of the building. The last fire inspection was dated March 13, 2026 and was received in my office on March 19, 2026. I visited the twenty-one licensed indoor spaces and the two licensed outdoor play spaces during today’s visit. Today, this facility used nine classrooms as instructional classrooms, three classrooms for related service provider (RSP) offices, one classroom for the Preschool Coordinator’s office, one classroom for Kid Connection before and after school care, one classroom for equipment storage, one classroom as an indoor gross motor area, and one classroom as a high school lab. Today, this facility used the remaining four licensed spaces as a conference room (Space 18), the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and a therapy room (old cafeteria). Today, outdoor play space 1 was used by school-age students and outdoor play space 2 was used by preschool-age children. Children/students were participating in fun indoor and outdoor activities as part of an end of the school year celebration. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas in classrooms serving preschool age children included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sand and water play and cozy/quiet area. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The sandbox designated for use by preschool age children was covered. The outside parameter fences were sufficient height. The mulch surfacing on Outdoor Space 2 was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces on Outdoor Space 1 were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. A current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Breakfast and lunch were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. Afternoon snack for the preschool-age children was prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the two classrooms serving preschool-age children. Food brought from home was stored in a compact refrigerators in the classrooms and was labeled with the name of the child/student/teacher and today’s date. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored during today’s visit. The Administrator, Harry Efird, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. Ages and Stages was used as the developmental screening tool and Teaching Strategies Gold was used as the formative assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Developmental Day requirements were monitored during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Students attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The developmental day classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Ms. Hayes monitored program records and staff files. The veterinary records required for the school’s service dog, Jett, were monitored today. Jett was present with his handler in Space 17 and Outdoor Space 1 during today’s visit. Supervision of children, enhanced reduced staff-child ratios, enhanced reduced group sizes, approved space use, enhanced space capacities, and permit restrictions were maintained during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space 10, a container of disinfecting wipes was stored under an sink that was unlocked. .2820(b) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 had not completed the health and safety training requirements within one year of their hire date. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. During today’s visit, two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 had not completed the health and safety training requirements within one year of their hire date. To correct this violation, I suggest you require the staff members to complete the health and safety training requirement as soon as possible but no later than 06/03/2026. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require new staff members complete health and safety training courses within their first three months of employment no later than their one year anniversary. 2. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), all corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled should be stored in a locked room or cabinet. Today, in Space 10, one container of disinfecting wipes was stored below five feet under a handwashing sink in an unlocked cabinet. To correct this violation, the teacher and teacher assistance moved the container of disinfecting wipes to an upper cabinet that was locked which corrected this violation during the visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this sanitation rule with your staff. CONSULTATION 1. Per NC General Statute 110-102, the current version of Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law should be posted in a prominent place in the facility and included in the enrollment packet to be given to parents prior to the child’s first day of attendance. The most current Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was published in November 2025. Today, I observed the date of the posted Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was September 2023 and February 2025. Please print the updated version, post it in your lobby, and add it to your new enrollment packets. I also suggest you regularly check the DCDEE website for updated versions and especially when you receive notification of child care or sanitation rule updates. 2. We encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 3. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 4. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New 5. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 6. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: Since the actions taken to correct violation item number 840 were documented in the “Technical Assistance” section of this visit summary, no compliance letter documentation will be due after this visit for violation item number 840. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than June 3, 2026. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. At the end of the visit, a visit summary was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. 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: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/30/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 10/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 450 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Harry Efird, Administrator/Principal, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit being maintained today. This facility’s compliance history was 91% as reviewed on October 28, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. This facility currently operates with five-star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. This program operates as a Developmental Day facility serving students three to twenty-two years of age. This program includes one NC Pre-K classroom, one Exceptional Children (EC) preschool classroom, and twelve developmental day school-age classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. This facility has seventy-six children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had sixty-three children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. The last sanitation inspection was dated September 23, 2025 with a Superior classification and fourteen demerits. The last lead water test was dated November 4, 2024. I verified that you have completed the enrollment process for lead-based paint testing and asbestos testing and currently are waiting on results. The last fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024 and was received in my office on October 31, 2024 upon my request. I visited the twenty-one licensed indoor spaces and the two licensed outdoor play spaces during today’s visit. Today, this facility used nine classrooms as instructional classrooms, three classrooms for related service provider (RSP) offices, one classroom for the Preschool Coordinator’s office, one classroom for Kid Connection before and after school care, one classroom for equipment storage, one classroom as an indoor gross motor area, and one classroom as a high school lab. Today, this facility used the remaining four licensed spaces as a conference room (Space 18), the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and a therapy room (old cafeteria). Today, outdoor play space 1 was used by school-age students and outdoor play space 2 was used by preschool-age children. Children/students were participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. Preschool-age children were engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. Children/students were also observed eating lunch in the cafeteria and participating in gross motor activities in the gymnasium. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas in classrooms serving preschool age children included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sand and water play and cozy/quiet area. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The sandbox designated for use by preschool age children was covered. The outside parameter fences were sufficient height. The mulch surfacing on Outdoor Space 2 was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces on Outdoor Space 1 were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. A current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria was thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit for the walk-in cooler, and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit for the milk cooler. Refrigerators in the classrooms registered temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Breakfast and lunch were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. Afternoon snack for the preschool-age children was prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the two classrooms serving preschool-age children. Food brought from home was stored in a compact refrigerators in the classrooms and was labeled with the name of the child/student/teacher and today’s date. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored during today’s visit. The Administrator, Harry Efird, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. Ages and Stages was used as the developmental screening tool and Teaching Strategies Gold was used as the formative assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Developmental Day requirements were monitored during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Students attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The developmental day classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Ms. Washington monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored the veterinary records required for the school’s service dog, Jett. Jett was present with his handler in Space 17 during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On Outdoor Space 1, fence barbs were exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side and spaces along the bottom of this same fence line were large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. None of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements within one year of employment. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), the fence surrounding the outdoor play area should be in good repair and barbs should not be protruding on the top or the bottom of the fence. Today, I observed fence barbs exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side of Outdoor Space 1 designated for use by school-age students. I also observed spaces along the bottom of this same fence line large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. During today’s monitoring of program records, I noticed that needed repairs of the fence had been recorded for several months on the Monthly Playground Inspection form. Today, you also forwarded an email dated 10/08/2025 which you had sent to the maintenance department as a work order requesting repairs on the fence. To correct this violation, I suggested you repair the bottom of the fence to cover the barbs on the bottom of the fence and to close the significant spaces along the bottom of the fence. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you continue your monthly playground inspections and take swift action to take the necessary steps to make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(13)(a-e), any time a prescription or non-prescription medication is administered, the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication should be recorded on a medication administration log provided by DCDEE or created by the facility. Administration of non-prescription topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder does not have to be recorded on an administration log. Today, none of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. To correct this violation, I suggested you attach a medication administration log to each medication administration permission form where the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication is to be recorded. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you use a two-sided copy of the medication administration permission form with the medication administration log. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), each employee should have a staff medical assessment on file on or before the first day of employment that includes a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the staff medical report was not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had a staff medical report on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report document provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week must have negative TB test results or screening information on file prior to employment. The results should indicate that the individual is free of active tuberculosis may not be more than twelve months old. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the TB test results were not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had negative TB test results on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the TB Screening Form/TB Test Results documents provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements by 10/01/2025. To correct this violation, I suggest you require the staff member to complete the health and safety training requirement as soon as possible but no later than 11/13/2025. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require new staff members complete health and safety training courses within their first three months of employment no later than their one year anniversary. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103 (a), after the first year of employment, the child care administrator and any staff who have responsibility for planning and supervising a child care center, and staff who work with children, should complete on-going training activities each year from training agencies approved by DCDEE. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required five hours of on-going training. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the staff member to complete the required five hours of on-going training and/or produce the training certificates as documentation of having already completed the required on-going training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you encourage your staff to complete on-going training from DCDEE approved agencies only. Many free approved training opportunities are available through DCDEE Moodle, NCRLAP, and NC Health and Safety Resource Center. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the Positive Childhood Alliance NC website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. During today’s visit, two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the two staff members to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training and/or provide completion certificates as documentation of having already completed the required training. To maintain this child care requirement, I suggested require new employees to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within the first month of employment but no later than three months of employment. CONSULTATION 1. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma, epi-pens for allergies, and seizure medications should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member(s) to get to quickly and should not be stored in a locked cabinet or closet. 2. All required staff records should be available for review at all times. As a public school, you may prepare a Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form and include all staff members and their hire dates on a roster. Having this document on file allows you the opportunity to keep some of the staff record documents on file in the staff member’s employee file at the school administrative office. However, if the Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form is not completed, all the staff record documents should be kept on file at the school site. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a), the operator/administrator should schedule and obtain an annual fire inspection within the same month as the facility’s previous fire inspection. It is the responsibility of the operator/administrator to notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the facility’s annual fire inspection. The original copy of the approved fire inspection report should be sent to me by email within one week of completion. I suggest you forward the fire inspection report by email when you receive it from the fire inspector. 4. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The staff roster information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. 5. On November 6, 2025, I will return for a Technical Assistance (TA) visit to discuss the Quality and Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization Plan: Pathways to the Stars options with you. We will plan to meet from 1pm to 3pm. In preparation for that meeting, I encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 6. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. 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 9. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 10. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 1032 and 1033 which were corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violations in this visit summary. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 13, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Due to time constraints, a handwritten visit summary included a list of violations observed and cited was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and hand-delivered to you during our scheduled TA visit on November 6, 2025. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. 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 . 1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/30/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 10/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 450 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Harry Efird, Administrator/Principal, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit being maintained today. This facility’s compliance history was 91% as reviewed on October 28, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. This facility currently operates with five-star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. This program operates as a Developmental Day facility serving students three to twenty-two years of age. This program includes one NC Pre-K classroom, one Exceptional Children (EC) preschool classroom, and twelve developmental day school-age classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. This facility has seventy-six children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had sixty-three children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. The last sanitation inspection was dated September 23, 2025 with a Superior classification and fourteen demerits. The last lead water test was dated November 4, 2024. I verified that you have completed the enrollment process for lead-based paint testing and asbestos testing and currently are waiting on results. The last fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024 and was received in my office on October 31, 2024 upon my request. I visited the twenty-one licensed indoor spaces and the two licensed outdoor play spaces during today’s visit. Today, this facility used nine classrooms as instructional classrooms, three classrooms for related service provider (RSP) offices, one classroom for the Preschool Coordinator’s office, one classroom for Kid Connection before and after school care, one classroom for equipment storage, one classroom as an indoor gross motor area, and one classroom as a high school lab. Today, this facility used the remaining four licensed spaces as a conference room (Space 18), the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and a therapy room (old cafeteria). Today, outdoor play space 1 was used by school-age students and outdoor play space 2 was used by preschool-age children. Children/students were participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. Preschool-age children were engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. Children/students were also observed eating lunch in the cafeteria and participating in gross motor activities in the gymnasium. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas in classrooms serving preschool age children included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sand and water play and cozy/quiet area. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The sandbox designated for use by preschool age children was covered. The outside parameter fences were sufficient height. The mulch surfacing on Outdoor Space 2 was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces on Outdoor Space 1 were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. A current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria was thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit for the walk-in cooler, and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit for the milk cooler. Refrigerators in the classrooms registered temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Breakfast and lunch were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. Afternoon snack for the preschool-age children was prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the two classrooms serving preschool-age children. Food brought from home was stored in a compact refrigerators in the classrooms and was labeled with the name of the child/student/teacher and today’s date. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored during today’s visit. The Administrator, Harry Efird, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. Ages and Stages was used as the developmental screening tool and Teaching Strategies Gold was used as the formative assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Developmental Day requirements were monitored during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Students attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The developmental day classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Ms. Washington monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored the veterinary records required for the school’s service dog, Jett. Jett was present with his handler in Space 17 during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On Outdoor Space 1, fence barbs were exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side and spaces along the bottom of this same fence line were large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. None of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements within one year of employment. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), the fence surrounding the outdoor play area should be in good repair and barbs should not be protruding on the top or the bottom of the fence. Today, I observed fence barbs exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side of Outdoor Space 1 designated for use by school-age students. I also observed spaces along the bottom of this same fence line large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. During today’s monitoring of program records, I noticed that needed repairs of the fence had been recorded for several months on the Monthly Playground Inspection form. Today, you also forwarded an email dated 10/08/2025 which you had sent to the maintenance department as a work order requesting repairs on the fence. To correct this violation, I suggested you repair the bottom of the fence to cover the barbs on the bottom of the fence and to close the significant spaces along the bottom of the fence. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you continue your monthly playground inspections and take swift action to take the necessary steps to make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(13)(a-e), any time a prescription or non-prescription medication is administered, the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication should be recorded on a medication administration log provided by DCDEE or created by the facility. Administration of non-prescription topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder does not have to be recorded on an administration log. Today, none of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. To correct this violation, I suggested you attach a medication administration log to each medication administration permission form where the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication is to be recorded. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you use a two-sided copy of the medication administration permission form with the medication administration log. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), each employee should have a staff medical assessment on file on or before the first day of employment that includes a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the staff medical report was not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had a staff medical report on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report document provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week must have negative TB test results or screening information on file prior to employment. The results should indicate that the individual is free of active tuberculosis may not be more than twelve months old. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the TB test results were not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had negative TB test results on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the TB Screening Form/TB Test Results documents provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements by 10/01/2025. To correct this violation, I suggest you require the staff member to complete the health and safety training requirement as soon as possible but no later than 11/13/2025. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require new staff members complete health and safety training courses within their first three months of employment no later than their one year anniversary. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103 (a), after the first year of employment, the child care administrator and any staff who have responsibility for planning and supervising a child care center, and staff who work with children, should complete on-going training activities each year from training agencies approved by DCDEE. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required five hours of on-going training. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the staff member to complete the required five hours of on-going training and/or produce the training certificates as documentation of having already completed the required on-going training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you encourage your staff to complete on-going training from DCDEE approved agencies only. Many free approved training opportunities are available through DCDEE Moodle, NCRLAP, and NC Health and Safety Resource Center. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the Positive Childhood Alliance NC website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. During today’s visit, two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the two staff members to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training and/or provide completion certificates as documentation of having already completed the required training. To maintain this child care requirement, I suggested require new employees to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within the first month of employment but no later than three months of employment. CONSULTATION 1. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma, epi-pens for allergies, and seizure medications should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member(s) to get to quickly and should not be stored in a locked cabinet or closet. 2. All required staff records should be available for review at all times. As a public school, you may prepare a Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form and include all staff members and their hire dates on a roster. Having this document on file allows you the opportunity to keep some of the staff record documents on file in the staff member’s employee file at the school administrative office. However, if the Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form is not completed, all the staff record documents should be kept on file at the school site. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a), the operator/administrator should schedule and obtain an annual fire inspection within the same month as the facility’s previous fire inspection. It is the responsibility of the operator/administrator to notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the facility’s annual fire inspection. The original copy of the approved fire inspection report should be sent to me by email within one week of completion. I suggest you forward the fire inspection report by email when you receive it from the fire inspector. 4. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The staff roster information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. 5. On November 6, 2025, I will return for a Technical Assistance (TA) visit to discuss the Quality and Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization Plan: Pathways to the Stars options with you. We will plan to meet from 1pm to 3pm. In preparation for that meeting, I encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 6. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. 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 9. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 10. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 1032 and 1033 which were corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violations in this visit summary. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 13, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Due to time constraints, a handwritten visit summary included a list of violations observed and cited was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and hand-delivered to you during our scheduled TA visit on November 6, 2025. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. 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 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/30/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 10/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 450 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Harry Efird, Administrator/Principal, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit being maintained today. This facility’s compliance history was 91% as reviewed on October 28, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. This facility currently operates with five-star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. This program operates as a Developmental Day facility serving students three to twenty-two years of age. This program includes one NC Pre-K classroom, one Exceptional Children (EC) preschool classroom, and twelve developmental day school-age classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. This facility has seventy-six children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had sixty-three children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. The last sanitation inspection was dated September 23, 2025 with a Superior classification and fourteen demerits. The last lead water test was dated November 4, 2024. I verified that you have completed the enrollment process for lead-based paint testing and asbestos testing and currently are waiting on results. The last fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024 and was received in my office on October 31, 2024 upon my request. I visited the twenty-one licensed indoor spaces and the two licensed outdoor play spaces during today’s visit. Today, this facility used nine classrooms as instructional classrooms, three classrooms for related service provider (RSP) offices, one classroom for the Preschool Coordinator’s office, one classroom for Kid Connection before and after school care, one classroom for equipment storage, one classroom as an indoor gross motor area, and one classroom as a high school lab. Today, this facility used the remaining four licensed spaces as a conference room (Space 18), the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and a therapy room (old cafeteria). Today, outdoor play space 1 was used by school-age students and outdoor play space 2 was used by preschool-age children. Children/students were participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. Preschool-age children were engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. Children/students were also observed eating lunch in the cafeteria and participating in gross motor activities in the gymnasium. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas in classrooms serving preschool age children included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sand and water play and cozy/quiet area. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The sandbox designated for use by preschool age children was covered. The outside parameter fences were sufficient height. The mulch surfacing on Outdoor Space 2 was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces on Outdoor Space 1 were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. A current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria was thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit for the walk-in cooler, and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit for the milk cooler. Refrigerators in the classrooms registered temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Breakfast and lunch were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. Afternoon snack for the preschool-age children was prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the two classrooms serving preschool-age children. Food brought from home was stored in a compact refrigerators in the classrooms and was labeled with the name of the child/student/teacher and today’s date. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored during today’s visit. The Administrator, Harry Efird, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. Ages and Stages was used as the developmental screening tool and Teaching Strategies Gold was used as the formative assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Developmental Day requirements were monitored during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Students attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The developmental day classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Ms. Washington monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored the veterinary records required for the school’s service dog, Jett. Jett was present with his handler in Space 17 during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On Outdoor Space 1, fence barbs were exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side and spaces along the bottom of this same fence line were large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. None of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements within one year of employment. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), the fence surrounding the outdoor play area should be in good repair and barbs should not be protruding on the top or the bottom of the fence. Today, I observed fence barbs exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side of Outdoor Space 1 designated for use by school-age students. I also observed spaces along the bottom of this same fence line large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. During today’s monitoring of program records, I noticed that needed repairs of the fence had been recorded for several months on the Monthly Playground Inspection form. Today, you also forwarded an email dated 10/08/2025 which you had sent to the maintenance department as a work order requesting repairs on the fence. To correct this violation, I suggested you repair the bottom of the fence to cover the barbs on the bottom of the fence and to close the significant spaces along the bottom of the fence. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you continue your monthly playground inspections and take swift action to take the necessary steps to make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(13)(a-e), any time a prescription or non-prescription medication is administered, the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication should be recorded on a medication administration log provided by DCDEE or created by the facility. Administration of non-prescription topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder does not have to be recorded on an administration log. Today, none of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. To correct this violation, I suggested you attach a medication administration log to each medication administration permission form where the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication is to be recorded. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you use a two-sided copy of the medication administration permission form with the medication administration log. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), each employee should have a staff medical assessment on file on or before the first day of employment that includes a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the staff medical report was not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had a staff medical report on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report document provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week must have negative TB test results or screening information on file prior to employment. The results should indicate that the individual is free of active tuberculosis may not be more than twelve months old. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the TB test results were not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had negative TB test results on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the TB Screening Form/TB Test Results documents provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements by 10/01/2025. To correct this violation, I suggest you require the staff member to complete the health and safety training requirement as soon as possible but no later than 11/13/2025. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require new staff members complete health and safety training courses within their first three months of employment no later than their one year anniversary. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103 (a), after the first year of employment, the child care administrator and any staff who have responsibility for planning and supervising a child care center, and staff who work with children, should complete on-going training activities each year from training agencies approved by DCDEE. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required five hours of on-going training. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the staff member to complete the required five hours of on-going training and/or produce the training certificates as documentation of having already completed the required on-going training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you encourage your staff to complete on-going training from DCDEE approved agencies only. Many free approved training opportunities are available through DCDEE Moodle, NCRLAP, and NC Health and Safety Resource Center. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the Positive Childhood Alliance NC website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. During today’s visit, two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the two staff members to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training and/or provide completion certificates as documentation of having already completed the required training. To maintain this child care requirement, I suggested require new employees to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within the first month of employment but no later than three months of employment. CONSULTATION 1. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma, epi-pens for allergies, and seizure medications should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member(s) to get to quickly and should not be stored in a locked cabinet or closet. 2. All required staff records should be available for review at all times. As a public school, you may prepare a Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form and include all staff members and their hire dates on a roster. Having this document on file allows you the opportunity to keep some of the staff record documents on file in the staff member’s employee file at the school administrative office. However, if the Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form is not completed, all the staff record documents should be kept on file at the school site. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a), the operator/administrator should schedule and obtain an annual fire inspection within the same month as the facility’s previous fire inspection. It is the responsibility of the operator/administrator to notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the facility’s annual fire inspection. The original copy of the approved fire inspection report should be sent to me by email within one week of completion. I suggest you forward the fire inspection report by email when you receive it from the fire inspector. 4. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The staff roster information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. 5. On November 6, 2025, I will return for a Technical Assistance (TA) visit to discuss the Quality and Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization Plan: Pathways to the Stars options with you. We will plan to meet from 1pm to 3pm. In preparation for that meeting, I encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 6. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. 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 9. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 10. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 1032 and 1033 which were corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violations in this visit summary. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 13, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Due to time constraints, a handwritten visit summary included a list of violations observed and cited was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and hand-delivered to you during our scheduled TA visit on November 6, 2025. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. 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: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/30/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 10/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 450 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Harry Efird, Administrator/Principal, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit being maintained today. This facility’s compliance history was 91% as reviewed on October 28, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. This facility currently operates with five-star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. This program operates as a Developmental Day facility serving students three to twenty-two years of age. This program includes one NC Pre-K classroom, one Exceptional Children (EC) preschool classroom, and twelve developmental day school-age classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. This facility has seventy-six children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had sixty-three children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. The last sanitation inspection was dated September 23, 2025 with a Superior classification and fourteen demerits. The last lead water test was dated November 4, 2024. I verified that you have completed the enrollment process for lead-based paint testing and asbestos testing and currently are waiting on results. The last fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024 and was received in my office on October 31, 2024 upon my request. I visited the twenty-one licensed indoor spaces and the two licensed outdoor play spaces during today’s visit. Today, this facility used nine classrooms as instructional classrooms, three classrooms for related service provider (RSP) offices, one classroom for the Preschool Coordinator’s office, one classroom for Kid Connection before and after school care, one classroom for equipment storage, one classroom as an indoor gross motor area, and one classroom as a high school lab. Today, this facility used the remaining four licensed spaces as a conference room (Space 18), the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and a therapy room (old cafeteria). Today, outdoor play space 1 was used by school-age students and outdoor play space 2 was used by preschool-age children. Children/students were participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. Preschool-age children were engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. Children/students were also observed eating lunch in the cafeteria and participating in gross motor activities in the gymnasium. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas in classrooms serving preschool age children included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sand and water play and cozy/quiet area. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The sandbox designated for use by preschool age children was covered. The outside parameter fences were sufficient height. The mulch surfacing on Outdoor Space 2 was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces on Outdoor Space 1 were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. A current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria was thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit for the walk-in cooler, and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit for the milk cooler. Refrigerators in the classrooms registered temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Breakfast and lunch were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. Afternoon snack for the preschool-age children was prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the two classrooms serving preschool-age children. Food brought from home was stored in a compact refrigerators in the classrooms and was labeled with the name of the child/student/teacher and today’s date. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored during today’s visit. The Administrator, Harry Efird, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. Ages and Stages was used as the developmental screening tool and Teaching Strategies Gold was used as the formative assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Developmental Day requirements were monitored during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Students attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The developmental day classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Ms. Washington monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored the veterinary records required for the school’s service dog, Jett. Jett was present with his handler in Space 17 during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On Outdoor Space 1, fence barbs were exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side and spaces along the bottom of this same fence line were large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. None of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements within one year of employment. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), the fence surrounding the outdoor play area should be in good repair and barbs should not be protruding on the top or the bottom of the fence. Today, I observed fence barbs exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side of Outdoor Space 1 designated for use by school-age students. I also observed spaces along the bottom of this same fence line large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. During today’s monitoring of program records, I noticed that needed repairs of the fence had been recorded for several months on the Monthly Playground Inspection form. Today, you also forwarded an email dated 10/08/2025 which you had sent to the maintenance department as a work order requesting repairs on the fence. To correct this violation, I suggested you repair the bottom of the fence to cover the barbs on the bottom of the fence and to close the significant spaces along the bottom of the fence. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you continue your monthly playground inspections and take swift action to take the necessary steps to make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(13)(a-e), any time a prescription or non-prescription medication is administered, the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication should be recorded on a medication administration log provided by DCDEE or created by the facility. Administration of non-prescription topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder does not have to be recorded on an administration log. Today, none of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. To correct this violation, I suggested you attach a medication administration log to each medication administration permission form where the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication is to be recorded. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you use a two-sided copy of the medication administration permission form with the medication administration log. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), each employee should have a staff medical assessment on file on or before the first day of employment that includes a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the staff medical report was not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had a staff medical report on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report document provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week must have negative TB test results or screening information on file prior to employment. The results should indicate that the individual is free of active tuberculosis may not be more than twelve months old. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the TB test results were not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had negative TB test results on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the TB Screening Form/TB Test Results documents provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements by 10/01/2025. To correct this violation, I suggest you require the staff member to complete the health and safety training requirement as soon as possible but no later than 11/13/2025. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require new staff members complete health and safety training courses within their first three months of employment no later than their one year anniversary. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103 (a), after the first year of employment, the child care administrator and any staff who have responsibility for planning and supervising a child care center, and staff who work with children, should complete on-going training activities each year from training agencies approved by DCDEE. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required five hours of on-going training. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the staff member to complete the required five hours of on-going training and/or produce the training certificates as documentation of having already completed the required on-going training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you encourage your staff to complete on-going training from DCDEE approved agencies only. Many free approved training opportunities are available through DCDEE Moodle, NCRLAP, and NC Health and Safety Resource Center. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the Positive Childhood Alliance NC website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. During today’s visit, two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the two staff members to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training and/or provide completion certificates as documentation of having already completed the required training. To maintain this child care requirement, I suggested require new employees to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within the first month of employment but no later than three months of employment. CONSULTATION 1. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma, epi-pens for allergies, and seizure medications should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member(s) to get to quickly and should not be stored in a locked cabinet or closet. 2. All required staff records should be available for review at all times. As a public school, you may prepare a Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form and include all staff members and their hire dates on a roster. Having this document on file allows you the opportunity to keep some of the staff record documents on file in the staff member’s employee file at the school administrative office. However, if the Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form is not completed, all the staff record documents should be kept on file at the school site. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a), the operator/administrator should schedule and obtain an annual fire inspection within the same month as the facility’s previous fire inspection. It is the responsibility of the operator/administrator to notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the facility’s annual fire inspection. The original copy of the approved fire inspection report should be sent to me by email within one week of completion. I suggest you forward the fire inspection report by email when you receive it from the fire inspector. 4. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The staff roster information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. 5. On November 6, 2025, I will return for a Technical Assistance (TA) visit to discuss the Quality and Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization Plan: Pathways to the Stars options with you. We will plan to meet from 1pm to 3pm. In preparation for that meeting, I encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 6. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. 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 9. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 10. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 1032 and 1033 which were corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violations in this visit summary. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 13, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Due to time constraints, a handwritten visit summary included a list of violations observed and cited was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and hand-delivered to you during our scheduled TA visit on November 6, 2025. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. 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 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/30/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 10/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 450 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Harry Efird, Administrator/Principal, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit being maintained today. This facility’s compliance history was 91% as reviewed on October 28, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. This facility currently operates with five-star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. This program operates as a Developmental Day facility serving students three to twenty-two years of age. This program includes one NC Pre-K classroom, one Exceptional Children (EC) preschool classroom, and twelve developmental day school-age classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. This facility has seventy-six children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had sixty-three children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. The last sanitation inspection was dated September 23, 2025 with a Superior classification and fourteen demerits. The last lead water test was dated November 4, 2024. I verified that you have completed the enrollment process for lead-based paint testing and asbestos testing and currently are waiting on results. The last fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024 and was received in my office on October 31, 2024 upon my request. I visited the twenty-one licensed indoor spaces and the two licensed outdoor play spaces during today’s visit. Today, this facility used nine classrooms as instructional classrooms, three classrooms for related service provider (RSP) offices, one classroom for the Preschool Coordinator’s office, one classroom for Kid Connection before and after school care, one classroom for equipment storage, one classroom as an indoor gross motor area, and one classroom as a high school lab. Today, this facility used the remaining four licensed spaces as a conference room (Space 18), the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and a therapy room (old cafeteria). Today, outdoor play space 1 was used by school-age students and outdoor play space 2 was used by preschool-age children. Children/students were participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. Preschool-age children were engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. Children/students were also observed eating lunch in the cafeteria and participating in gross motor activities in the gymnasium. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas in classrooms serving preschool age children included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sand and water play and cozy/quiet area. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The sandbox designated for use by preschool age children was covered. The outside parameter fences were sufficient height. The mulch surfacing on Outdoor Space 2 was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces on Outdoor Space 1 were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. A current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria was thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit for the walk-in cooler, and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit for the milk cooler. Refrigerators in the classrooms registered temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Breakfast and lunch were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. Afternoon snack for the preschool-age children was prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the two classrooms serving preschool-age children. Food brought from home was stored in a compact refrigerators in the classrooms and was labeled with the name of the child/student/teacher and today’s date. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored during today’s visit. The Administrator, Harry Efird, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. Ages and Stages was used as the developmental screening tool and Teaching Strategies Gold was used as the formative assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Developmental Day requirements were monitored during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Students attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The developmental day classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Ms. Washington monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored the veterinary records required for the school’s service dog, Jett. Jett was present with his handler in Space 17 during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On Outdoor Space 1, fence barbs were exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side and spaces along the bottom of this same fence line were large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. None of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements within one year of employment. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), the fence surrounding the outdoor play area should be in good repair and barbs should not be protruding on the top or the bottom of the fence. Today, I observed fence barbs exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side of Outdoor Space 1 designated for use by school-age students. I also observed spaces along the bottom of this same fence line large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. During today’s monitoring of program records, I noticed that needed repairs of the fence had been recorded for several months on the Monthly Playground Inspection form. Today, you also forwarded an email dated 10/08/2025 which you had sent to the maintenance department as a work order requesting repairs on the fence. To correct this violation, I suggested you repair the bottom of the fence to cover the barbs on the bottom of the fence and to close the significant spaces along the bottom of the fence. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you continue your monthly playground inspections and take swift action to take the necessary steps to make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(13)(a-e), any time a prescription or non-prescription medication is administered, the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication should be recorded on a medication administration log provided by DCDEE or created by the facility. Administration of non-prescription topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder does not have to be recorded on an administration log. Today, none of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. To correct this violation, I suggested you attach a medication administration log to each medication administration permission form where the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication is to be recorded. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you use a two-sided copy of the medication administration permission form with the medication administration log. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), each employee should have a staff medical assessment on file on or before the first day of employment that includes a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the staff medical report was not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had a staff medical report on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report document provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week must have negative TB test results or screening information on file prior to employment. The results should indicate that the individual is free of active tuberculosis may not be more than twelve months old. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the TB test results were not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had negative TB test results on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the TB Screening Form/TB Test Results documents provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements by 10/01/2025. To correct this violation, I suggest you require the staff member to complete the health and safety training requirement as soon as possible but no later than 11/13/2025. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require new staff members complete health and safety training courses within their first three months of employment no later than their one year anniversary. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103 (a), after the first year of employment, the child care administrator and any staff who have responsibility for planning and supervising a child care center, and staff who work with children, should complete on-going training activities each year from training agencies approved by DCDEE. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required five hours of on-going training. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the staff member to complete the required five hours of on-going training and/or produce the training certificates as documentation of having already completed the required on-going training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you encourage your staff to complete on-going training from DCDEE approved agencies only. Many free approved training opportunities are available through DCDEE Moodle, NCRLAP, and NC Health and Safety Resource Center. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the Positive Childhood Alliance NC website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. During today’s visit, two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the two staff members to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training and/or provide completion certificates as documentation of having already completed the required training. To maintain this child care requirement, I suggested require new employees to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within the first month of employment but no later than three months of employment. CONSULTATION 1. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma, epi-pens for allergies, and seizure medications should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member(s) to get to quickly and should not be stored in a locked cabinet or closet. 2. All required staff records should be available for review at all times. As a public school, you may prepare a Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form and include all staff members and their hire dates on a roster. Having this document on file allows you the opportunity to keep some of the staff record documents on file in the staff member’s employee file at the school administrative office. However, if the Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form is not completed, all the staff record documents should be kept on file at the school site. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a), the operator/administrator should schedule and obtain an annual fire inspection within the same month as the facility’s previous fire inspection. It is the responsibility of the operator/administrator to notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the facility’s annual fire inspection. The original copy of the approved fire inspection report should be sent to me by email within one week of completion. I suggest you forward the fire inspection report by email when you receive it from the fire inspector. 4. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The staff roster information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. 5. On November 6, 2025, I will return for a Technical Assistance (TA) visit to discuss the Quality and Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization Plan: Pathways to the Stars options with you. We will plan to meet from 1pm to 3pm. In preparation for that meeting, I encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 6. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. 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 9. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 10. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 1032 and 1033 which were corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violations in this visit summary. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 13, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Due to time constraints, a handwritten visit summary included a list of violations observed and cited was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and hand-delivered to you during our scheduled TA visit on November 6, 2025. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. 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: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/30/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 10/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 450 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Harry Efird, Administrator/Principal, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit being maintained today. This facility’s compliance history was 91% as reviewed on October 28, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. This facility currently operates with five-star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. This program operates as a Developmental Day facility serving students three to twenty-two years of age. This program includes one NC Pre-K classroom, one Exceptional Children (EC) preschool classroom, and twelve developmental day school-age classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. This facility has seventy-six children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had sixty-three children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. The last sanitation inspection was dated September 23, 2025 with a Superior classification and fourteen demerits. The last lead water test was dated November 4, 2024. I verified that you have completed the enrollment process for lead-based paint testing and asbestos testing and currently are waiting on results. The last fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024 and was received in my office on October 31, 2024 upon my request. I visited the twenty-one licensed indoor spaces and the two licensed outdoor play spaces during today’s visit. Today, this facility used nine classrooms as instructional classrooms, three classrooms for related service provider (RSP) offices, one classroom for the Preschool Coordinator’s office, one classroom for Kid Connection before and after school care, one classroom for equipment storage, one classroom as an indoor gross motor area, and one classroom as a high school lab. Today, this facility used the remaining four licensed spaces as a conference room (Space 18), the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and a therapy room (old cafeteria). Today, outdoor play space 1 was used by school-age students and outdoor play space 2 was used by preschool-age children. Children/students were participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. Preschool-age children were engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. Children/students were also observed eating lunch in the cafeteria and participating in gross motor activities in the gymnasium. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas in classrooms serving preschool age children included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sand and water play and cozy/quiet area. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The sandbox designated for use by preschool age children was covered. The outside parameter fences were sufficient height. The mulch surfacing on Outdoor Space 2 was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces on Outdoor Space 1 were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. A current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria was thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit for the walk-in cooler, and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit for the milk cooler. Refrigerators in the classrooms registered temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Breakfast and lunch were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. Afternoon snack for the preschool-age children was prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the two classrooms serving preschool-age children. Food brought from home was stored in a compact refrigerators in the classrooms and was labeled with the name of the child/student/teacher and today’s date. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored during today’s visit. The Administrator, Harry Efird, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. Ages and Stages was used as the developmental screening tool and Teaching Strategies Gold was used as the formative assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Developmental Day requirements were monitored during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Students attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The developmental day classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Ms. Washington monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored the veterinary records required for the school’s service dog, Jett. Jett was present with his handler in Space 17 during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On Outdoor Space 1, fence barbs were exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side and spaces along the bottom of this same fence line were large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. None of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements within one year of employment. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), the fence surrounding the outdoor play area should be in good repair and barbs should not be protruding on the top or the bottom of the fence. Today, I observed fence barbs exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side of Outdoor Space 1 designated for use by school-age students. I also observed spaces along the bottom of this same fence line large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. During today’s monitoring of program records, I noticed that needed repairs of the fence had been recorded for several months on the Monthly Playground Inspection form. Today, you also forwarded an email dated 10/08/2025 which you had sent to the maintenance department as a work order requesting repairs on the fence. To correct this violation, I suggested you repair the bottom of the fence to cover the barbs on the bottom of the fence and to close the significant spaces along the bottom of the fence. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you continue your monthly playground inspections and take swift action to take the necessary steps to make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(13)(a-e), any time a prescription or non-prescription medication is administered, the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication should be recorded on a medication administration log provided by DCDEE or created by the facility. Administration of non-prescription topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder does not have to be recorded on an administration log. Today, none of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. To correct this violation, I suggested you attach a medication administration log to each medication administration permission form where the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication is to be recorded. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you use a two-sided copy of the medication administration permission form with the medication administration log. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), each employee should have a staff medical assessment on file on or before the first day of employment that includes a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the staff medical report was not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had a staff medical report on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report document provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week must have negative TB test results or screening information on file prior to employment. The results should indicate that the individual is free of active tuberculosis may not be more than twelve months old. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the TB test results were not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had negative TB test results on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the TB Screening Form/TB Test Results documents provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements by 10/01/2025. To correct this violation, I suggest you require the staff member to complete the health and safety training requirement as soon as possible but no later than 11/13/2025. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require new staff members complete health and safety training courses within their first three months of employment no later than their one year anniversary. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103 (a), after the first year of employment, the child care administrator and any staff who have responsibility for planning and supervising a child care center, and staff who work with children, should complete on-going training activities each year from training agencies approved by DCDEE. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required five hours of on-going training. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the staff member to complete the required five hours of on-going training and/or produce the training certificates as documentation of having already completed the required on-going training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you encourage your staff to complete on-going training from DCDEE approved agencies only. Many free approved training opportunities are available through DCDEE Moodle, NCRLAP, and NC Health and Safety Resource Center. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the Positive Childhood Alliance NC website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. During today’s visit, two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the two staff members to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training and/or provide completion certificates as documentation of having already completed the required training. To maintain this child care requirement, I suggested require new employees to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within the first month of employment but no later than three months of employment. CONSULTATION 1. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma, epi-pens for allergies, and seizure medications should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member(s) to get to quickly and should not be stored in a locked cabinet or closet. 2. All required staff records should be available for review at all times. As a public school, you may prepare a Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form and include all staff members and their hire dates on a roster. Having this document on file allows you the opportunity to keep some of the staff record documents on file in the staff member’s employee file at the school administrative office. However, if the Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form is not completed, all the staff record documents should be kept on file at the school site. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a), the operator/administrator should schedule and obtain an annual fire inspection within the same month as the facility’s previous fire inspection. It is the responsibility of the operator/administrator to notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the facility’s annual fire inspection. The original copy of the approved fire inspection report should be sent to me by email within one week of completion. I suggest you forward the fire inspection report by email when you receive it from the fire inspector. 4. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The staff roster information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. 5. On November 6, 2025, I will return for a Technical Assistance (TA) visit to discuss the Quality and Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization Plan: Pathways to the Stars options with you. We will plan to meet from 1pm to 3pm. In preparation for that meeting, I encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 6. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. 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 9. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 10. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 1032 and 1033 which were corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violations in this visit summary. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 13, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Due to time constraints, a handwritten visit summary included a list of violations observed and cited was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and hand-delivered to you during our scheduled TA visit on November 6, 2025. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/30/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 10/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 450 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Harry Efird, Administrator/Principal, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit being maintained today. This facility’s compliance history was 91% as reviewed on October 28, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. This facility currently operates with five-star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. This program operates as a Developmental Day facility serving students three to twenty-two years of age. This program includes one NC Pre-K classroom, one Exceptional Children (EC) preschool classroom, and twelve developmental day school-age classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. This facility has seventy-six children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had sixty-three children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. The last sanitation inspection was dated September 23, 2025 with a Superior classification and fourteen demerits. The last lead water test was dated November 4, 2024. I verified that you have completed the enrollment process for lead-based paint testing and asbestos testing and currently are waiting on results. The last fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024 and was received in my office on October 31, 2024 upon my request. I visited the twenty-one licensed indoor spaces and the two licensed outdoor play spaces during today’s visit. Today, this facility used nine classrooms as instructional classrooms, three classrooms for related service provider (RSP) offices, one classroom for the Preschool Coordinator’s office, one classroom for Kid Connection before and after school care, one classroom for equipment storage, one classroom as an indoor gross motor area, and one classroom as a high school lab. Today, this facility used the remaining four licensed spaces as a conference room (Space 18), the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and a therapy room (old cafeteria). Today, outdoor play space 1 was used by school-age students and outdoor play space 2 was used by preschool-age children. Children/students were participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. Preschool-age children were engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. Children/students were also observed eating lunch in the cafeteria and participating in gross motor activities in the gymnasium. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas in classrooms serving preschool age children included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sand and water play and cozy/quiet area. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The sandbox designated for use by preschool age children was covered. The outside parameter fences were sufficient height. The mulch surfacing on Outdoor Space 2 was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces on Outdoor Space 1 were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. A current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria was thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit for the walk-in cooler, and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit for the milk cooler. Refrigerators in the classrooms registered temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Breakfast and lunch were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. Afternoon snack for the preschool-age children was prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the two classrooms serving preschool-age children. Food brought from home was stored in a compact refrigerators in the classrooms and was labeled with the name of the child/student/teacher and today’s date. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored during today’s visit. The Administrator, Harry Efird, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. Ages and Stages was used as the developmental screening tool and Teaching Strategies Gold was used as the formative assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Developmental Day requirements were monitored during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Students attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The developmental day classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Ms. Washington monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored the veterinary records required for the school’s service dog, Jett. Jett was present with his handler in Space 17 during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On Outdoor Space 1, fence barbs were exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side and spaces along the bottom of this same fence line were large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. None of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements within one year of employment. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), the fence surrounding the outdoor play area should be in good repair and barbs should not be protruding on the top or the bottom of the fence. Today, I observed fence barbs exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side of Outdoor Space 1 designated for use by school-age students. I also observed spaces along the bottom of this same fence line large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. During today’s monitoring of program records, I noticed that needed repairs of the fence had been recorded for several months on the Monthly Playground Inspection form. Today, you also forwarded an email dated 10/08/2025 which you had sent to the maintenance department as a work order requesting repairs on the fence. To correct this violation, I suggested you repair the bottom of the fence to cover the barbs on the bottom of the fence and to close the significant spaces along the bottom of the fence. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you continue your monthly playground inspections and take swift action to take the necessary steps to make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(13)(a-e), any time a prescription or non-prescription medication is administered, the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication should be recorded on a medication administration log provided by DCDEE or created by the facility. Administration of non-prescription topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder does not have to be recorded on an administration log. Today, none of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. To correct this violation, I suggested you attach a medication administration log to each medication administration permission form where the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication is to be recorded. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you use a two-sided copy of the medication administration permission form with the medication administration log. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), each employee should have a staff medical assessment on file on or before the first day of employment that includes a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the staff medical report was not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had a staff medical report on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report document provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week must have negative TB test results or screening information on file prior to employment. The results should indicate that the individual is free of active tuberculosis may not be more than twelve months old. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the TB test results were not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had negative TB test results on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the TB Screening Form/TB Test Results documents provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements by 10/01/2025. To correct this violation, I suggest you require the staff member to complete the health and safety training requirement as soon as possible but no later than 11/13/2025. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require new staff members complete health and safety training courses within their first three months of employment no later than their one year anniversary. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103 (a), after the first year of employment, the child care administrator and any staff who have responsibility for planning and supervising a child care center, and staff who work with children, should complete on-going training activities each year from training agencies approved by DCDEE. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required five hours of on-going training. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the staff member to complete the required five hours of on-going training and/or produce the training certificates as documentation of having already completed the required on-going training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you encourage your staff to complete on-going training from DCDEE approved agencies only. Many free approved training opportunities are available through DCDEE Moodle, NCRLAP, and NC Health and Safety Resource Center. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the Positive Childhood Alliance NC website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. During today’s visit, two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the two staff members to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training and/or provide completion certificates as documentation of having already completed the required training. To maintain this child care requirement, I suggested require new employees to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within the first month of employment but no later than three months of employment. CONSULTATION 1. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma, epi-pens for allergies, and seizure medications should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member(s) to get to quickly and should not be stored in a locked cabinet or closet. 2. All required staff records should be available for review at all times. As a public school, you may prepare a Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form and include all staff members and their hire dates on a roster. Having this document on file allows you the opportunity to keep some of the staff record documents on file in the staff member’s employee file at the school administrative office. However, if the Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form is not completed, all the staff record documents should be kept on file at the school site. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a), the operator/administrator should schedule and obtain an annual fire inspection within the same month as the facility’s previous fire inspection. It is the responsibility of the operator/administrator to notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the facility’s annual fire inspection. The original copy of the approved fire inspection report should be sent to me by email within one week of completion. I suggest you forward the fire inspection report by email when you receive it from the fire inspector. 4. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The staff roster information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. 5. On November 6, 2025, I will return for a Technical Assistance (TA) visit to discuss the Quality and Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization Plan: Pathways to the Stars options with you. We will plan to meet from 1pm to 3pm. In preparation for that meeting, I encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 6. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. 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 9. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 10. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 1032 and 1033 which were corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violations in this visit summary. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 13, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Due to time constraints, a handwritten visit summary included a list of violations observed and cited was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and hand-delivered to you during our scheduled TA visit on November 6, 2025. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. 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 .1103 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/30/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 10/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 450 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Harry Efird, Administrator/Principal, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit being maintained today. This facility’s compliance history was 91% as reviewed on October 28, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. This facility currently operates with five-star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. This program operates as a Developmental Day facility serving students three to twenty-two years of age. This program includes one NC Pre-K classroom, one Exceptional Children (EC) preschool classroom, and twelve developmental day school-age classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. This facility has seventy-six children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had sixty-three children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. The last sanitation inspection was dated September 23, 2025 with a Superior classification and fourteen demerits. The last lead water test was dated November 4, 2024. I verified that you have completed the enrollment process for lead-based paint testing and asbestos testing and currently are waiting on results. The last fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024 and was received in my office on October 31, 2024 upon my request. I visited the twenty-one licensed indoor spaces and the two licensed outdoor play spaces during today’s visit. Today, this facility used nine classrooms as instructional classrooms, three classrooms for related service provider (RSP) offices, one classroom for the Preschool Coordinator’s office, one classroom for Kid Connection before and after school care, one classroom for equipment storage, one classroom as an indoor gross motor area, and one classroom as a high school lab. Today, this facility used the remaining four licensed spaces as a conference room (Space 18), the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and a therapy room (old cafeteria). Today, outdoor play space 1 was used by school-age students and outdoor play space 2 was used by preschool-age children. Children/students were participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. Preschool-age children were engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. Children/students were also observed eating lunch in the cafeteria and participating in gross motor activities in the gymnasium. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas in classrooms serving preschool age children included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sand and water play and cozy/quiet area. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The sandbox designated for use by preschool age children was covered. The outside parameter fences were sufficient height. The mulch surfacing on Outdoor Space 2 was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces on Outdoor Space 1 were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. A current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria was thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit for the walk-in cooler, and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit for the milk cooler. Refrigerators in the classrooms registered temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Breakfast and lunch were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. Afternoon snack for the preschool-age children was prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the two classrooms serving preschool-age children. Food brought from home was stored in a compact refrigerators in the classrooms and was labeled with the name of the child/student/teacher and today’s date. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored during today’s visit. The Administrator, Harry Efird, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. Ages and Stages was used as the developmental screening tool and Teaching Strategies Gold was used as the formative assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Developmental Day requirements were monitored during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Students attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The developmental day classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Ms. Washington monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored the veterinary records required for the school’s service dog, Jett. Jett was present with his handler in Space 17 during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On Outdoor Space 1, fence barbs were exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side and spaces along the bottom of this same fence line were large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. None of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements within one year of employment. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), the fence surrounding the outdoor play area should be in good repair and barbs should not be protruding on the top or the bottom of the fence. Today, I observed fence barbs exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side of Outdoor Space 1 designated for use by school-age students. I also observed spaces along the bottom of this same fence line large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. During today’s monitoring of program records, I noticed that needed repairs of the fence had been recorded for several months on the Monthly Playground Inspection form. Today, you also forwarded an email dated 10/08/2025 which you had sent to the maintenance department as a work order requesting repairs on the fence. To correct this violation, I suggested you repair the bottom of the fence to cover the barbs on the bottom of the fence and to close the significant spaces along the bottom of the fence. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you continue your monthly playground inspections and take swift action to take the necessary steps to make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(13)(a-e), any time a prescription or non-prescription medication is administered, the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication should be recorded on a medication administration log provided by DCDEE or created by the facility. Administration of non-prescription topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder does not have to be recorded on an administration log. Today, none of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. To correct this violation, I suggested you attach a medication administration log to each medication administration permission form where the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication is to be recorded. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you use a two-sided copy of the medication administration permission form with the medication administration log. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), each employee should have a staff medical assessment on file on or before the first day of employment that includes a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the staff medical report was not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had a staff medical report on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report document provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week must have negative TB test results or screening information on file prior to employment. The results should indicate that the individual is free of active tuberculosis may not be more than twelve months old. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the TB test results were not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had negative TB test results on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the TB Screening Form/TB Test Results documents provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements by 10/01/2025. To correct this violation, I suggest you require the staff member to complete the health and safety training requirement as soon as possible but no later than 11/13/2025. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require new staff members complete health and safety training courses within their first three months of employment no later than their one year anniversary. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103 (a), after the first year of employment, the child care administrator and any staff who have responsibility for planning and supervising a child care center, and staff who work with children, should complete on-going training activities each year from training agencies approved by DCDEE. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required five hours of on-going training. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the staff member to complete the required five hours of on-going training and/or produce the training certificates as documentation of having already completed the required on-going training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you encourage your staff to complete on-going training from DCDEE approved agencies only. Many free approved training opportunities are available through DCDEE Moodle, NCRLAP, and NC Health and Safety Resource Center. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the Positive Childhood Alliance NC website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. During today’s visit, two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the two staff members to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training and/or provide completion certificates as documentation of having already completed the required training. To maintain this child care requirement, I suggested require new employees to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within the first month of employment but no later than three months of employment. CONSULTATION 1. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma, epi-pens for allergies, and seizure medications should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member(s) to get to quickly and should not be stored in a locked cabinet or closet. 2. All required staff records should be available for review at all times. As a public school, you may prepare a Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form and include all staff members and their hire dates on a roster. Having this document on file allows you the opportunity to keep some of the staff record documents on file in the staff member’s employee file at the school administrative office. However, if the Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form is not completed, all the staff record documents should be kept on file at the school site. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a), the operator/administrator should schedule and obtain an annual fire inspection within the same month as the facility’s previous fire inspection. It is the responsibility of the operator/administrator to notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the facility’s annual fire inspection. The original copy of the approved fire inspection report should be sent to me by email within one week of completion. I suggest you forward the fire inspection report by email when you receive it from the fire inspector. 4. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The staff roster information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. 5. On November 6, 2025, I will return for a Technical Assistance (TA) visit to discuss the Quality and Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization Plan: Pathways to the Stars options with you. We will plan to meet from 1pm to 3pm. In preparation for that meeting, I encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 6. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. 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 9. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 10. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 1032 and 1033 which were corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violations in this visit summary. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 13, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Due to time constraints, a handwritten visit summary included a list of violations observed and cited was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and hand-delivered to you during our scheduled TA visit on November 6, 2025. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. 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: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/30/2025 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 10/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 450 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Harry Efird, Administrator/Principal, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit being maintained today. This facility’s compliance history was 91% as reviewed on October 28, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. This facility currently operates with five-star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. This program operates as a Developmental Day facility serving students three to twenty-two years of age. This program includes one NC Pre-K classroom, one Exceptional Children (EC) preschool classroom, and twelve developmental day school-age classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. This facility has seventy-six children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had sixty-three children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. The last sanitation inspection was dated September 23, 2025 with a Superior classification and fourteen demerits. The last lead water test was dated November 4, 2024. I verified that you have completed the enrollment process for lead-based paint testing and asbestos testing and currently are waiting on results. The last fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024 and was received in my office on October 31, 2024 upon my request. I visited the twenty-one licensed indoor spaces and the two licensed outdoor play spaces during today’s visit. Today, this facility used nine classrooms as instructional classrooms, three classrooms for related service provider (RSP) offices, one classroom for the Preschool Coordinator’s office, one classroom for Kid Connection before and after school care, one classroom for equipment storage, one classroom as an indoor gross motor area, and one classroom as a high school lab. Today, this facility used the remaining four licensed spaces as a conference room (Space 18), the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and a therapy room (old cafeteria). Today, outdoor play space 1 was used by school-age students and outdoor play space 2 was used by preschool-age children. Children/students were participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. Preschool-age children were engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. Children/students were also observed eating lunch in the cafeteria and participating in gross motor activities in the gymnasium. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas in classrooms serving preschool age children included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sand and water play and cozy/quiet area. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The sandbox designated for use by preschool age children was covered. The outside parameter fences were sufficient height. The mulch surfacing on Outdoor Space 2 was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces on Outdoor Space 1 were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. A current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. The temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria was thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit, thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit for the walk-in cooler, and thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit for the milk cooler. Refrigerators in the classrooms registered temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Breakfast and lunch were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. Afternoon snack for the preschool-age children was prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the two classrooms serving preschool-age children. Food brought from home was stored in a compact refrigerators in the classrooms and was labeled with the name of the child/student/teacher and today’s date. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored during today’s visit. The Administrator, Harry Efird, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. Ages and Stages was used as the developmental screening tool and Teaching Strategies Gold was used as the formative assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Developmental Day requirements were monitored during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Students attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The developmental day classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. Ms. Washington monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored the veterinary records required for the school’s service dog, Jett. Jett was present with his handler in Space 17 during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On Outdoor Space 1, fence barbs were exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side and spaces along the bottom of this same fence line were large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 851 When medication was administered, documentation was not completed or maintained for 6 months and/or the documentation did not include the required information. None of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. .0803(13)(a-e); .2318(3) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and assigned to this licensed school facility on 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. .0701(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements within one year of employment. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), the fence surrounding the outdoor play area should be in good repair and barbs should not be protruding on the top or the bottom of the fence. Today, I observed fence barbs exposed along the bottom of the fence along the exterior fence line on the front parking lot side of Outdoor Space 1 designated for use by school-age students. I also observed spaces along the bottom of this same fence line large enough for a student’s foot to get caught under the fence. During today’s monitoring of program records, I noticed that needed repairs of the fence had been recorded for several months on the Monthly Playground Inspection form. Today, you also forwarded an email dated 10/08/2025 which you had sent to the maintenance department as a work order requesting repairs on the fence. To correct this violation, I suggested you repair the bottom of the fence to cover the barbs on the bottom of the fence and to close the significant spaces along the bottom of the fence. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you continue your monthly playground inspections and take swift action to take the necessary steps to make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(13)(a-e), any time a prescription or non-prescription medication is administered, the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication should be recorded on a medication administration log provided by DCDEE or created by the facility. Administration of non-prescription topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder does not have to be recorded on an administration log. Today, none of the medication permission to administer forms in the classrooms included a medication administration log. To correct this violation, I suggested you attach a medication administration log to each medication administration permission form where the child's name, the date the medication was given, the time the medication was given, the amount and the type of medication given, and the name and signature of the person administering the medication is to be recorded. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you use a two-sided copy of the medication administration permission form with the medication administration log. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), each employee should have a staff medical assessment on file on or before the first day of employment that includes a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had a staff medical report on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the staff medical report was not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had a staff medical report on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report document provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week must have negative TB test results or screening information on file prior to employment. The results should indicate that the individual is free of active tuberculosis may not be more than twelve months old. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment with Newton-Conover City Schools of 06/2024 and a date of assignment to this licensed school facility of 08/01/2025 had TB test results on file dated 10/02/2025. Because the TB test results were not on file prior to 08/01/2025, a violation was cited. Since, this staff member had negative TB test results on file today, the violation was recorded as corrected during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you give each new employee a blank copy of the TB Screening Form/TB Test Results documents provided by DCDEE when a job offer is made and require the completed document to be on file on or before the new staff member’s first day of employment. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 10/01/2024 had not completed the health and safety training requirements by 10/01/2025. To correct this violation, I suggest you require the staff member to complete the health and safety training requirement as soon as possible but no later than 11/13/2025. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require new staff members complete health and safety training courses within their first three months of employment no later than their one year anniversary. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103 (a), after the first year of employment, the child care administrator and any staff who have responsibility for planning and supervising a child care center, and staff who work with children, should complete on-going training activities each year from training agencies approved by DCDEE. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. During today’s visit, one staff member with a date of employment of 11/23/2015 did not have documentation on file to verify that they had completed the required five hours of on-going training. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the staff member to complete the required five hours of on-going training and/or produce the training certificates as documentation of having already completed the required on-going training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you encourage your staff to complete on-going training from DCDEE approved agencies only. Many free approved training opportunities are available through DCDEE Moodle, NCRLAP, and NC Health and Safety Resource Center. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the Positive Childhood Alliance NC website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. During today’s visit, two staff members with dates of employment of 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 did not have completion certificates on file to verify that they had completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety days of employment. To correct this violation, I suggested you require the two staff members to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training and/or provide completion certificates as documentation of having already completed the required training. To maintain this child care requirement, I suggested require new employees to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within the first month of employment but no later than three months of employment. CONSULTATION 1. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma, epi-pens for allergies, and seizure medications should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member(s) to get to quickly and should not be stored in a locked cabinet or closet. 2. All required staff records should be available for review at all times. As a public school, you may prepare a Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form and include all staff members and their hire dates on a roster. Having this document on file allows you the opportunity to keep some of the staff record documents on file in the staff member’s employee file at the school administrative office. However, if the Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form is not completed, all the staff record documents should be kept on file at the school site. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a), the operator/administrator should schedule and obtain an annual fire inspection within the same month as the facility’s previous fire inspection. It is the responsibility of the operator/administrator to notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the facility’s annual fire inspection. The original copy of the approved fire inspection report should be sent to me by email within one week of completion. I suggest you forward the fire inspection report by email when you receive it from the fire inspector. 4. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The staff roster information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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 or by email at DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov and someone will assist you. 5. On November 6, 2025, I will return for a Technical Assistance (TA) visit to discuss the Quality and Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization Plan: Pathways to the Stars options with you. We will plan to meet from 1pm to 3pm. In preparation for that meeting, I encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 6. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. 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 9. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 10. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 1032 and 1033 which were corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violations in this visit summary. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 13, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Due to time constraints, a handwritten visit summary included a list of violations observed and cited was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and hand-delivered to you during our scheduled TA visit on November 6, 2025. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. 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 .1101 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 102 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 04:15 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with this visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, or mailing address. I reviewed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your center's compliance history was 84% as of April 28, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on January 9, 2023, earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024, and received in my office on October 31, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated April 17, 2025, with a Superior classification and six demerits. I verified that you have completed the lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that the test results dated November 4, 2024, indicated that the facility water supply was within the required limits except for one classroom sink. I verified that recommended mitigation had been completed at this classroom sink. I verified that you have enrolled for the lead-based paint testing and the asbestos testing and are waiting for results. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored the indoor and outdoor licensed spaces. Preschool aged children were playing in activity areas, transitioning from the classroom to the playground, playing outside and attending to personal care routines. School aged students were eating breakfast, participating in teacher-lead instruction, transitioning from outdoors to indoors, playing outdoors, participating in a teacher-lead read-aloud activity, and attending to personal care routines. Staff facilitated play and peer interactions, facilitated instruction, talked through behavior management needs with the children/students, managed behavior according to individual children/student needs, fostered self-regulation and positive choices, lead teacher-directed activities, and assisted the children/students with personal care routines as needed. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the cafeteria. Today’s breakfast included a choice of French toast sticks with syrup or two kinds of cold cereal, fresh strawberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food served to the children/students was stored in the kitchen in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit and a commercial walk-in refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Milk served to the children/students was stored in a milk cooler in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. Ms. Washington monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. We reviewed staff records for thirty-one staff members including twenty-five returning staff members, three new staff members, and three new substitute staff members whose staff records were monitored on November 5, 2024 during an annual compliance visit. We verified these thirty-one staff members had current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, current and valid CPR and First Aid training, and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. A staff and training worksheet documenting these thirty-one staff members was not provided. We also reviewed staff records for three new staff members and one new substitute staff member who were hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. A staff and training worksheet documenting the three new staff members was provided. The new substitute staff member who had not worked at the facility to date was not listed on the staff and training worksheet provided. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan during an annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I monitored developmental day (DD) requirements during today’s visit. Staff members met the education requirements for DD staff. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff/child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. The children/students identified with developmental delays have care plans documented on an IFSP, IEP or PCP. Typically developing children/students participated in daily activities that were outlined in a plan of care documented on an activity plan meeting all child care requirements. Activities allowed the children/students to participate as a whole group, small group, part of the group or independently. Children/Students identified with developmental delays were enrolled, interacted, and participated in all classroom and special activities planned with typically developing children/students. Your DD program offered family involvement including holding parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating on an individual basis with parents, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children. Your DD program followed the Newton-Conover City Schools calendar for the 2024 – 2025 school year. I monitored NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. The administrator, Joshua Weese, does not serve as the lead teacher or assistant teacher in the classroom. You used Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, and DIAL-4 as the developmental screening tool. You used Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment tool. You used The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Sixth Edition, as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement component included formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, classroom visits and options for parents and families to participate in classroom activities, parent education, opportunities for involvement in decision-making about the early childhood program, and opportunities to engage families outside the regular school day. You call or text the parent on the day of absence and at least by the third day of any child’s absence to inquire about the reason for the absence and report absences to the Catawba County Partnership for Children. Your NC PreK program followed the Newton-Conover City Schools calendar for the 2024 – 2025 school year. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I observed and cited the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Sixteen hours of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 was not completed within the first six weeks of employment and/or was not documented. .1101(a) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Six hours of new staff orientation for one staff member hired on 04/11/2025 was not completed within the first two weeks of employment and/or was not documented. .1101(a)(b) 1877 A child was restrained as a form of discipline. In Space 5, one staff member restrained a student as a form of discipline. .1803(a)(10) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. No documentation was on file to document one staff member hired on 11/29/2023 had completed health and safety training within the first year of employment. .1102(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. No documentation was on file to document one substitute staff member hired on 10/01/2018 had completed health and safety training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. .1103(b) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(a)(10), no child should be “restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this child care rule, ’restraining’ means that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment.” No child should not be “restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs.” During today’s visit, one staff member in Space 5 sat on the lower mid-section of a student’s body while the student was lying stomach-down on a bean bag chair while repeatedly telling the student to “lay down”. The staff member stated that this action was taken to manage the student’s behavior and was not the ideal choice for restraint. Dr. Weese stated that staff members are trained and certified in safe restraint techniques and practices. While child care rule does address the use of restraint to ensure the safety of a student or the safety of others, child care rule does not permit using any heavy object including a teacher’s own body to restrain a student. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review with your staff section 10A NCAC 09 .1803 Prohibited Discipline In Child Care Centers of the child care rules, your facility’s discipline and behavior management policy, and appropriate restraint practices. 2 Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children should receive at least sixteen hours of orientation within the first six weeks and this training should be documented accurately. New staff orientation training should be completed within six weeks even if a holiday or school break falls within that period of time. Today while reviewing staff records, we observed that new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 was not completed and/or was not documented. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the “Documentation Of Staff Orientation Child Care Centers” document provided by DCDEE to document all orientation with new staff members while the orientation is taking place rather than complete the form from memory after the orientation is complete. Completing the orientation documentation as an on-going process will allow you to document accurate dates and amounts of time spent reviewing each orientation topic ensuring sixteen hours has been completed within the first six weeks of employment. 3 Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(b), each new employee should complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. New staff orientation training should be completed within the first two weeks even if a holiday or school break falls within that period of time. Today while reviewing staff records, we observed that new staff orientation for one staff member hired on 04/11/2025 was not completed and/or documented as having been completed by 04/28/2025 as required. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you consider revising your “on-boarding” process for when new staff members arrive for their first day and week of work at the school to include reviewing the orientation topics required within the first two weeks and to use the “Documentation Of Staff Orientation Child Care Centers” document provided by DCDEE to document orientation while the orientation is taking place rather than complete the form from memory after the orientation is complete. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be completed in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. While reviewing staff records today, we observed one staff member hired on 11/29/2023 had no documentation of having completed the health and safety training by 11/29/2024 as required. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require staff to complete the health and safety training on required teacher workdays throughout the school year and require the health and safety training be completed by the end of the school year with which they were hired regardless of their hire date. For example, a staff member hired on 10/25/2024 would be required to complete their health and safety training by their last teacher work day at the end of the 2024 – 2025 school year. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b), returning employees should revisit each Health & Safety (H&S) Training topic every five years. The due date of the five-year H&S training renewal is calculated five years from the date on each H&S training certificate. While reviewing staff records, we observed one substitute staff member hired on 10/01/2018 was required to complete H&S training topics based on the number days they had served as a substitute in the school. The H&S training topics required as the five-year renewal requirement were due to be completed between 10/03/2023 through 02/22/2024. The substitute staff member’s record contained no documentation that this H&S training requirement had been completed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you create a tracking tool that allows you to track the five-year renewal due date for each employee. I further suggest you require staff to complete all the five-year renewal H&S training on required teacher workdays throughout the school year prior to the five-year renewal due date regardless of the individual due dates of each training certificate. For example, a staff member whose five-year renewal H&S training is due from 01/02/2026 through 08/24/2027 would be required to complete their five-year renewal H&S training by their last teacher work day at the end of the 2025 – 2026 school year. CONSULTATION: 1. Since a violation regarding discipline was observed and cited, a follow-up visit will be required within the next two weeks. Be prepared to discuss the actions taken and/or plan to correct the violation during the follow-up visit. 2. The most recent and current sanitation placard should be posted at the main entrance to the building. Best practice would be to post copies of the sanitation placard on the parent information boards as well. Your facility has copies of the sanitation placard posted in each classroom which goes above and beyond child care rule and best practice expectation. Post the most current sanitation placard regardless of where the additional copies of the placard are posted. 3. The most current Emergency Medical Care (EMC) plan should be posted in a prominent place where staff can see the information readily. Following best practice, you have chosen to post the EMC plan in each classroom, at the main entrance to the building, and on the parent information board by your office. However, the EMC plan posted at the main entrance to the building and on the parent information board were dated 2022, while the EMC plan posted in the classrooms was dated 2023. Please post the most current EMC plan throughout the building as the 2022 plan and the 2023 plan have different responsible persons listed and may create confusion amongst the staff if an emergency situation were to occur. 4. The NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure and poster were both updated in February 2025 and are available on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. Please post the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster in a prominent location in the facility. Please include and use the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 5. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the ABCMS Provider Portal training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents. Be sure this information is updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and terminated and as FCCH residents move in or reach sixteen years of age. If you are not already using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents, you will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. Once you have created your Business NCID, complete the ABCMS Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff or current FCCH residents are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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. 6. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to the Stars” is being added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE. The NC Child Care Commission approved the proposed rules regarding the QRIS Modernization Plan on April 22, 2025 and will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. Hold Harmless provisions continue. Star rated license reassessments were postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a three- or five-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. Please be reminded that any ERS assessment completed on or after February 1, 2025 will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. 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 Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today 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. 1) Your compliance 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 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than May 14, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, a handwritten visit summary was prepared, reviewed, and a copy was left with you along with a copy of the “Center Space, Capacity, Staff/Child Ratio Worksheet, and the Staff and Training Worksheet. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and mailed to you. I will contact you to review the computer-generated visit summary. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families throughout Catawba County. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 102 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 04:15 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with this visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, or mailing address. I reviewed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your center's compliance history was 84% as of April 28, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on January 9, 2023, earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024, and received in my office on October 31, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated April 17, 2025, with a Superior classification and six demerits. I verified that you have completed the lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that the test results dated November 4, 2024, indicated that the facility water supply was within the required limits except for one classroom sink. I verified that recommended mitigation had been completed at this classroom sink. I verified that you have enrolled for the lead-based paint testing and the asbestos testing and are waiting for results. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored the indoor and outdoor licensed spaces. Preschool aged children were playing in activity areas, transitioning from the classroom to the playground, playing outside and attending to personal care routines. School aged students were eating breakfast, participating in teacher-lead instruction, transitioning from outdoors to indoors, playing outdoors, participating in a teacher-lead read-aloud activity, and attending to personal care routines. Staff facilitated play and peer interactions, facilitated instruction, talked through behavior management needs with the children/students, managed behavior according to individual children/student needs, fostered self-regulation and positive choices, lead teacher-directed activities, and assisted the children/students with personal care routines as needed. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the cafeteria. Today’s breakfast included a choice of French toast sticks with syrup or two kinds of cold cereal, fresh strawberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food served to the children/students was stored in the kitchen in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit and a commercial walk-in refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Milk served to the children/students was stored in a milk cooler in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. Ms. Washington monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. We reviewed staff records for thirty-one staff members including twenty-five returning staff members, three new staff members, and three new substitute staff members whose staff records were monitored on November 5, 2024 during an annual compliance visit. We verified these thirty-one staff members had current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, current and valid CPR and First Aid training, and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. A staff and training worksheet documenting these thirty-one staff members was not provided. We also reviewed staff records for three new staff members and one new substitute staff member who were hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. A staff and training worksheet documenting the three new staff members was provided. The new substitute staff member who had not worked at the facility to date was not listed on the staff and training worksheet provided. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan during an annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I monitored developmental day (DD) requirements during today’s visit. Staff members met the education requirements for DD staff. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff/child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. The children/students identified with developmental delays have care plans documented on an IFSP, IEP or PCP. Typically developing children/students participated in daily activities that were outlined in a plan of care documented on an activity plan meeting all child care requirements. Activities allowed the children/students to participate as a whole group, small group, part of the group or independently. Children/Students identified with developmental delays were enrolled, interacted, and participated in all classroom and special activities planned with typically developing children/students. Your DD program offered family involvement including holding parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating on an individual basis with parents, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children. Your DD program followed the Newton-Conover City Schools calendar for the 2024 – 2025 school year. I monitored NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. The administrator, Joshua Weese, does not serve as the lead teacher or assistant teacher in the classroom. You used Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, and DIAL-4 as the developmental screening tool. You used Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment tool. You used The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Sixth Edition, as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement component included formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, classroom visits and options for parents and families to participate in classroom activities, parent education, opportunities for involvement in decision-making about the early childhood program, and opportunities to engage families outside the regular school day. You call or text the parent on the day of absence and at least by the third day of any child’s absence to inquire about the reason for the absence and report absences to the Catawba County Partnership for Children. Your NC PreK program followed the Newton-Conover City Schools calendar for the 2024 – 2025 school year. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I observed and cited the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Sixteen hours of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 was not completed within the first six weeks of employment and/or was not documented. .1101(a) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Six hours of new staff orientation for one staff member hired on 04/11/2025 was not completed within the first two weeks of employment and/or was not documented. .1101(a)(b) 1877 A child was restrained as a form of discipline. In Space 5, one staff member restrained a student as a form of discipline. .1803(a)(10) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. No documentation was on file to document one staff member hired on 11/29/2023 had completed health and safety training within the first year of employment. .1102(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. No documentation was on file to document one substitute staff member hired on 10/01/2018 had completed health and safety training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. .1103(b) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(a)(10), no child should be “restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this child care rule, ’restraining’ means that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment.” No child should not be “restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs.” During today’s visit, one staff member in Space 5 sat on the lower mid-section of a student’s body while the student was lying stomach-down on a bean bag chair while repeatedly telling the student to “lay down”. The staff member stated that this action was taken to manage the student’s behavior and was not the ideal choice for restraint. Dr. Weese stated that staff members are trained and certified in safe restraint techniques and practices. While child care rule does address the use of restraint to ensure the safety of a student or the safety of others, child care rule does not permit using any heavy object including a teacher’s own body to restrain a student. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review with your staff section 10A NCAC 09 .1803 Prohibited Discipline In Child Care Centers of the child care rules, your facility’s discipline and behavior management policy, and appropriate restraint practices. 2 Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children should receive at least sixteen hours of orientation within the first six weeks and this training should be documented accurately. New staff orientation training should be completed within six weeks even if a holiday or school break falls within that period of time. Today while reviewing staff records, we observed that new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 was not completed and/or was not documented. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the “Documentation Of Staff Orientation Child Care Centers” document provided by DCDEE to document all orientation with new staff members while the orientation is taking place rather than complete the form from memory after the orientation is complete. Completing the orientation documentation as an on-going process will allow you to document accurate dates and amounts of time spent reviewing each orientation topic ensuring sixteen hours has been completed within the first six weeks of employment. 3 Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(b), each new employee should complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. New staff orientation training should be completed within the first two weeks even if a holiday or school break falls within that period of time. Today while reviewing staff records, we observed that new staff orientation for one staff member hired on 04/11/2025 was not completed and/or documented as having been completed by 04/28/2025 as required. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you consider revising your “on-boarding” process for when new staff members arrive for their first day and week of work at the school to include reviewing the orientation topics required within the first two weeks and to use the “Documentation Of Staff Orientation Child Care Centers” document provided by DCDEE to document orientation while the orientation is taking place rather than complete the form from memory after the orientation is complete. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be completed in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. While reviewing staff records today, we observed one staff member hired on 11/29/2023 had no documentation of having completed the health and safety training by 11/29/2024 as required. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require staff to complete the health and safety training on required teacher workdays throughout the school year and require the health and safety training be completed by the end of the school year with which they were hired regardless of their hire date. For example, a staff member hired on 10/25/2024 would be required to complete their health and safety training by their last teacher work day at the end of the 2024 – 2025 school year. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b), returning employees should revisit each Health & Safety (H&S) Training topic every five years. The due date of the five-year H&S training renewal is calculated five years from the date on each H&S training certificate. While reviewing staff records, we observed one substitute staff member hired on 10/01/2018 was required to complete H&S training topics based on the number days they had served as a substitute in the school. The H&S training topics required as the five-year renewal requirement were due to be completed between 10/03/2023 through 02/22/2024. The substitute staff member’s record contained no documentation that this H&S training requirement had been completed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you create a tracking tool that allows you to track the five-year renewal due date for each employee. I further suggest you require staff to complete all the five-year renewal H&S training on required teacher workdays throughout the school year prior to the five-year renewal due date regardless of the individual due dates of each training certificate. For example, a staff member whose five-year renewal H&S training is due from 01/02/2026 through 08/24/2027 would be required to complete their five-year renewal H&S training by their last teacher work day at the end of the 2025 – 2026 school year. CONSULTATION: 1. Since a violation regarding discipline was observed and cited, a follow-up visit will be required within the next two weeks. Be prepared to discuss the actions taken and/or plan to correct the violation during the follow-up visit. 2. The most recent and current sanitation placard should be posted at the main entrance to the building. Best practice would be to post copies of the sanitation placard on the parent information boards as well. Your facility has copies of the sanitation placard posted in each classroom which goes above and beyond child care rule and best practice expectation. Post the most current sanitation placard regardless of where the additional copies of the placard are posted. 3. The most current Emergency Medical Care (EMC) plan should be posted in a prominent place where staff can see the information readily. Following best practice, you have chosen to post the EMC plan in each classroom, at the main entrance to the building, and on the parent information board by your office. However, the EMC plan posted at the main entrance to the building and on the parent information board were dated 2022, while the EMC plan posted in the classrooms was dated 2023. Please post the most current EMC plan throughout the building as the 2022 plan and the 2023 plan have different responsible persons listed and may create confusion amongst the staff if an emergency situation were to occur. 4. The NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure and poster were both updated in February 2025 and are available on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. Please post the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster in a prominent location in the facility. Please include and use the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 5. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the ABCMS Provider Portal training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents. Be sure this information is updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and terminated and as FCCH residents move in or reach sixteen years of age. If you are not already using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents, you will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. Once you have created your Business NCID, complete the ABCMS Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff or current FCCH residents are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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. 6. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to the Stars” is being added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE. The NC Child Care Commission approved the proposed rules regarding the QRIS Modernization Plan on April 22, 2025 and will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. Hold Harmless provisions continue. Star rated license reassessments were postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a three- or five-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. Please be reminded that any ERS assessment completed on or after February 1, 2025 will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. 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 Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today 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. 1) Your compliance 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 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than May 14, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, a handwritten visit summary was prepared, reviewed, and a copy was left with you along with a copy of the “Center Space, Capacity, Staff/Child Ratio Worksheet, and the Staff and Training Worksheet. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and mailed to you. I will contact you to review the computer-generated visit summary. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families throughout Catawba County. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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 .1103 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 102 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 04:15 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with this visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, or mailing address. I reviewed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your center's compliance history was 84% as of April 28, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on January 9, 2023, earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024, and received in my office on October 31, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated April 17, 2025, with a Superior classification and six demerits. I verified that you have completed the lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that the test results dated November 4, 2024, indicated that the facility water supply was within the required limits except for one classroom sink. I verified that recommended mitigation had been completed at this classroom sink. I verified that you have enrolled for the lead-based paint testing and the asbestos testing and are waiting for results. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored the indoor and outdoor licensed spaces. Preschool aged children were playing in activity areas, transitioning from the classroom to the playground, playing outside and attending to personal care routines. School aged students were eating breakfast, participating in teacher-lead instruction, transitioning from outdoors to indoors, playing outdoors, participating in a teacher-lead read-aloud activity, and attending to personal care routines. Staff facilitated play and peer interactions, facilitated instruction, talked through behavior management needs with the children/students, managed behavior according to individual children/student needs, fostered self-regulation and positive choices, lead teacher-directed activities, and assisted the children/students with personal care routines as needed. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the cafeteria. Today’s breakfast included a choice of French toast sticks with syrup or two kinds of cold cereal, fresh strawberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food served to the children/students was stored in the kitchen in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit and a commercial walk-in refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Milk served to the children/students was stored in a milk cooler in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. Ms. Washington monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. We reviewed staff records for thirty-one staff members including twenty-five returning staff members, three new staff members, and three new substitute staff members whose staff records were monitored on November 5, 2024 during an annual compliance visit. We verified these thirty-one staff members had current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, current and valid CPR and First Aid training, and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. A staff and training worksheet documenting these thirty-one staff members was not provided. We also reviewed staff records for three new staff members and one new substitute staff member who were hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. A staff and training worksheet documenting the three new staff members was provided. The new substitute staff member who had not worked at the facility to date was not listed on the staff and training worksheet provided. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan during an annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I monitored developmental day (DD) requirements during today’s visit. Staff members met the education requirements for DD staff. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff/child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. The children/students identified with developmental delays have care plans documented on an IFSP, IEP or PCP. Typically developing children/students participated in daily activities that were outlined in a plan of care documented on an activity plan meeting all child care requirements. Activities allowed the children/students to participate as a whole group, small group, part of the group or independently. Children/Students identified with developmental delays were enrolled, interacted, and participated in all classroom and special activities planned with typically developing children/students. Your DD program offered family involvement including holding parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating on an individual basis with parents, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children. Your DD program followed the Newton-Conover City Schools calendar for the 2024 – 2025 school year. I monitored NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. The administrator, Joshua Weese, does not serve as the lead teacher or assistant teacher in the classroom. You used Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, and DIAL-4 as the developmental screening tool. You used Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment tool. You used The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Sixth Edition, as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement component included formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, classroom visits and options for parents and families to participate in classroom activities, parent education, opportunities for involvement in decision-making about the early childhood program, and opportunities to engage families outside the regular school day. You call or text the parent on the day of absence and at least by the third day of any child’s absence to inquire about the reason for the absence and report absences to the Catawba County Partnership for Children. Your NC PreK program followed the Newton-Conover City Schools calendar for the 2024 – 2025 school year. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I observed and cited the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Sixteen hours of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 was not completed within the first six weeks of employment and/or was not documented. .1101(a) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Six hours of new staff orientation for one staff member hired on 04/11/2025 was not completed within the first two weeks of employment and/or was not documented. .1101(a)(b) 1877 A child was restrained as a form of discipline. In Space 5, one staff member restrained a student as a form of discipline. .1803(a)(10) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. No documentation was on file to document one staff member hired on 11/29/2023 had completed health and safety training within the first year of employment. .1102(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. No documentation was on file to document one substitute staff member hired on 10/01/2018 had completed health and safety training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. .1103(b) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(a)(10), no child should be “restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this child care rule, ’restraining’ means that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment.” No child should not be “restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs.” During today’s visit, one staff member in Space 5 sat on the lower mid-section of a student’s body while the student was lying stomach-down on a bean bag chair while repeatedly telling the student to “lay down”. The staff member stated that this action was taken to manage the student’s behavior and was not the ideal choice for restraint. Dr. Weese stated that staff members are trained and certified in safe restraint techniques and practices. While child care rule does address the use of restraint to ensure the safety of a student or the safety of others, child care rule does not permit using any heavy object including a teacher’s own body to restrain a student. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review with your staff section 10A NCAC 09 .1803 Prohibited Discipline In Child Care Centers of the child care rules, your facility’s discipline and behavior management policy, and appropriate restraint practices. 2 Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children should receive at least sixteen hours of orientation within the first six weeks and this training should be documented accurately. New staff orientation training should be completed within six weeks even if a holiday or school break falls within that period of time. Today while reviewing staff records, we observed that new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 was not completed and/or was not documented. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the “Documentation Of Staff Orientation Child Care Centers” document provided by DCDEE to document all orientation with new staff members while the orientation is taking place rather than complete the form from memory after the orientation is complete. Completing the orientation documentation as an on-going process will allow you to document accurate dates and amounts of time spent reviewing each orientation topic ensuring sixteen hours has been completed within the first six weeks of employment. 3 Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(b), each new employee should complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. New staff orientation training should be completed within the first two weeks even if a holiday or school break falls within that period of time. Today while reviewing staff records, we observed that new staff orientation for one staff member hired on 04/11/2025 was not completed and/or documented as having been completed by 04/28/2025 as required. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you consider revising your “on-boarding” process for when new staff members arrive for their first day and week of work at the school to include reviewing the orientation topics required within the first two weeks and to use the “Documentation Of Staff Orientation Child Care Centers” document provided by DCDEE to document orientation while the orientation is taking place rather than complete the form from memory after the orientation is complete. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be completed in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. While reviewing staff records today, we observed one staff member hired on 11/29/2023 had no documentation of having completed the health and safety training by 11/29/2024 as required. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require staff to complete the health and safety training on required teacher workdays throughout the school year and require the health and safety training be completed by the end of the school year with which they were hired regardless of their hire date. For example, a staff member hired on 10/25/2024 would be required to complete their health and safety training by their last teacher work day at the end of the 2024 – 2025 school year. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b), returning employees should revisit each Health & Safety (H&S) Training topic every five years. The due date of the five-year H&S training renewal is calculated five years from the date on each H&S training certificate. While reviewing staff records, we observed one substitute staff member hired on 10/01/2018 was required to complete H&S training topics based on the number days they had served as a substitute in the school. The H&S training topics required as the five-year renewal requirement were due to be completed between 10/03/2023 through 02/22/2024. The substitute staff member’s record contained no documentation that this H&S training requirement had been completed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you create a tracking tool that allows you to track the five-year renewal due date for each employee. I further suggest you require staff to complete all the five-year renewal H&S training on required teacher workdays throughout the school year prior to the five-year renewal due date regardless of the individual due dates of each training certificate. For example, a staff member whose five-year renewal H&S training is due from 01/02/2026 through 08/24/2027 would be required to complete their five-year renewal H&S training by their last teacher work day at the end of the 2025 – 2026 school year. CONSULTATION: 1. Since a violation regarding discipline was observed and cited, a follow-up visit will be required within the next two weeks. Be prepared to discuss the actions taken and/or plan to correct the violation during the follow-up visit. 2. The most recent and current sanitation placard should be posted at the main entrance to the building. Best practice would be to post copies of the sanitation placard on the parent information boards as well. Your facility has copies of the sanitation placard posted in each classroom which goes above and beyond child care rule and best practice expectation. Post the most current sanitation placard regardless of where the additional copies of the placard are posted. 3. The most current Emergency Medical Care (EMC) plan should be posted in a prominent place where staff can see the information readily. Following best practice, you have chosen to post the EMC plan in each classroom, at the main entrance to the building, and on the parent information board by your office. However, the EMC plan posted at the main entrance to the building and on the parent information board were dated 2022, while the EMC plan posted in the classrooms was dated 2023. Please post the most current EMC plan throughout the building as the 2022 plan and the 2023 plan have different responsible persons listed and may create confusion amongst the staff if an emergency situation were to occur. 4. The NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure and poster were both updated in February 2025 and are available on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. Please post the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster in a prominent location in the facility. Please include and use the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 5. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the ABCMS Provider Portal training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents. Be sure this information is updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and terminated and as FCCH residents move in or reach sixteen years of age. If you are not already using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents, you will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. Once you have created your Business NCID, complete the ABCMS Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff or current FCCH residents are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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. 6. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to the Stars” is being added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE. The NC Child Care Commission approved the proposed rules regarding the QRIS Modernization Plan on April 22, 2025 and will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. Hold Harmless provisions continue. Star rated license reassessments were postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a three- or five-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. Please be reminded that any ERS assessment completed on or after February 1, 2025 will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. 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 Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today 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. 1) Your compliance 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 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than May 14, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, a handwritten visit summary was prepared, reviewed, and a copy was left with you along with a copy of the “Center Space, Capacity, Staff/Child Ratio Worksheet, and the Staff and Training Worksheet. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and mailed to you. I will contact you to review the computer-generated visit summary. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families throughout Catawba County. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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 .1803 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 102 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 04:15 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with this visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, or mailing address. I reviewed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your center's compliance history was 84% as of April 28, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on January 9, 2023, earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024, and received in my office on October 31, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated April 17, 2025, with a Superior classification and six demerits. I verified that you have completed the lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that the test results dated November 4, 2024, indicated that the facility water supply was within the required limits except for one classroom sink. I verified that recommended mitigation had been completed at this classroom sink. I verified that you have enrolled for the lead-based paint testing and the asbestos testing and are waiting for results. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored the indoor and outdoor licensed spaces. Preschool aged children were playing in activity areas, transitioning from the classroom to the playground, playing outside and attending to personal care routines. School aged students were eating breakfast, participating in teacher-lead instruction, transitioning from outdoors to indoors, playing outdoors, participating in a teacher-lead read-aloud activity, and attending to personal care routines. Staff facilitated play and peer interactions, facilitated instruction, talked through behavior management needs with the children/students, managed behavior according to individual children/student needs, fostered self-regulation and positive choices, lead teacher-directed activities, and assisted the children/students with personal care routines as needed. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the cafeteria. Today’s breakfast included a choice of French toast sticks with syrup or two kinds of cold cereal, fresh strawberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food served to the children/students was stored in the kitchen in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit and a commercial walk-in refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Milk served to the children/students was stored in a milk cooler in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. Ms. Washington monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. We reviewed staff records for thirty-one staff members including twenty-five returning staff members, three new staff members, and three new substitute staff members whose staff records were monitored on November 5, 2024 during an annual compliance visit. We verified these thirty-one staff members had current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, current and valid CPR and First Aid training, and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. A staff and training worksheet documenting these thirty-one staff members was not provided. We also reviewed staff records for three new staff members and one new substitute staff member who were hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. A staff and training worksheet documenting the three new staff members was provided. The new substitute staff member who had not worked at the facility to date was not listed on the staff and training worksheet provided. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan during an annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I monitored developmental day (DD) requirements during today’s visit. Staff members met the education requirements for DD staff. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff/child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. The children/students identified with developmental delays have care plans documented on an IFSP, IEP or PCP. Typically developing children/students participated in daily activities that were outlined in a plan of care documented on an activity plan meeting all child care requirements. Activities allowed the children/students to participate as a whole group, small group, part of the group or independently. Children/Students identified with developmental delays were enrolled, interacted, and participated in all classroom and special activities planned with typically developing children/students. Your DD program offered family involvement including holding parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating on an individual basis with parents, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children. Your DD program followed the Newton-Conover City Schools calendar for the 2024 – 2025 school year. I monitored NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. The administrator, Joshua Weese, does not serve as the lead teacher or assistant teacher in the classroom. You used Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, and DIAL-4 as the developmental screening tool. You used Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment tool. You used The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Sixth Edition, as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement component included formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, classroom visits and options for parents and families to participate in classroom activities, parent education, opportunities for involvement in decision-making about the early childhood program, and opportunities to engage families outside the regular school day. You call or text the parent on the day of absence and at least by the third day of any child’s absence to inquire about the reason for the absence and report absences to the Catawba County Partnership for Children. Your NC PreK program followed the Newton-Conover City Schools calendar for the 2024 – 2025 school year. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I observed and cited the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Sixteen hours of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 was not completed within the first six weeks of employment and/or was not documented. .1101(a) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Six hours of new staff orientation for one staff member hired on 04/11/2025 was not completed within the first two weeks of employment and/or was not documented. .1101(a)(b) 1877 A child was restrained as a form of discipline. In Space 5, one staff member restrained a student as a form of discipline. .1803(a)(10) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. No documentation was on file to document one staff member hired on 11/29/2023 had completed health and safety training within the first year of employment. .1102(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. No documentation was on file to document one substitute staff member hired on 10/01/2018 had completed health and safety training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. .1103(b) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(a)(10), no child should be “restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this child care rule, ’restraining’ means that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment.” No child should not be “restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs.” During today’s visit, one staff member in Space 5 sat on the lower mid-section of a student’s body while the student was lying stomach-down on a bean bag chair while repeatedly telling the student to “lay down”. The staff member stated that this action was taken to manage the student’s behavior and was not the ideal choice for restraint. Dr. Weese stated that staff members are trained and certified in safe restraint techniques and practices. While child care rule does address the use of restraint to ensure the safety of a student or the safety of others, child care rule does not permit using any heavy object including a teacher’s own body to restrain a student. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review with your staff section 10A NCAC 09 .1803 Prohibited Discipline In Child Care Centers of the child care rules, your facility’s discipline and behavior management policy, and appropriate restraint practices. 2 Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children should receive at least sixteen hours of orientation within the first six weeks and this training should be documented accurately. New staff orientation training should be completed within six weeks even if a holiday or school break falls within that period of time. Today while reviewing staff records, we observed that new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 was not completed and/or was not documented. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the “Documentation Of Staff Orientation Child Care Centers” document provided by DCDEE to document all orientation with new staff members while the orientation is taking place rather than complete the form from memory after the orientation is complete. Completing the orientation documentation as an on-going process will allow you to document accurate dates and amounts of time spent reviewing each orientation topic ensuring sixteen hours has been completed within the first six weeks of employment. 3 Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(b), each new employee should complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. New staff orientation training should be completed within the first two weeks even if a holiday or school break falls within that period of time. Today while reviewing staff records, we observed that new staff orientation for one staff member hired on 04/11/2025 was not completed and/or documented as having been completed by 04/28/2025 as required. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you consider revising your “on-boarding” process for when new staff members arrive for their first day and week of work at the school to include reviewing the orientation topics required within the first two weeks and to use the “Documentation Of Staff Orientation Child Care Centers” document provided by DCDEE to document orientation while the orientation is taking place rather than complete the form from memory after the orientation is complete. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be completed in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. While reviewing staff records today, we observed one staff member hired on 11/29/2023 had no documentation of having completed the health and safety training by 11/29/2024 as required. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require staff to complete the health and safety training on required teacher workdays throughout the school year and require the health and safety training be completed by the end of the school year with which they were hired regardless of their hire date. For example, a staff member hired on 10/25/2024 would be required to complete their health and safety training by their last teacher work day at the end of the 2024 – 2025 school year. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b), returning employees should revisit each Health & Safety (H&S) Training topic every five years. The due date of the five-year H&S training renewal is calculated five years from the date on each H&S training certificate. While reviewing staff records, we observed one substitute staff member hired on 10/01/2018 was required to complete H&S training topics based on the number days they had served as a substitute in the school. The H&S training topics required as the five-year renewal requirement were due to be completed between 10/03/2023 through 02/22/2024. The substitute staff member’s record contained no documentation that this H&S training requirement had been completed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you create a tracking tool that allows you to track the five-year renewal due date for each employee. I further suggest you require staff to complete all the five-year renewal H&S training on required teacher workdays throughout the school year prior to the five-year renewal due date regardless of the individual due dates of each training certificate. For example, a staff member whose five-year renewal H&S training is due from 01/02/2026 through 08/24/2027 would be required to complete their five-year renewal H&S training by their last teacher work day at the end of the 2025 – 2026 school year. CONSULTATION: 1. Since a violation regarding discipline was observed and cited, a follow-up visit will be required within the next two weeks. Be prepared to discuss the actions taken and/or plan to correct the violation during the follow-up visit. 2. The most recent and current sanitation placard should be posted at the main entrance to the building. Best practice would be to post copies of the sanitation placard on the parent information boards as well. Your facility has copies of the sanitation placard posted in each classroom which goes above and beyond child care rule and best practice expectation. Post the most current sanitation placard regardless of where the additional copies of the placard are posted. 3. The most current Emergency Medical Care (EMC) plan should be posted in a prominent place where staff can see the information readily. Following best practice, you have chosen to post the EMC plan in each classroom, at the main entrance to the building, and on the parent information board by your office. However, the EMC plan posted at the main entrance to the building and on the parent information board were dated 2022, while the EMC plan posted in the classrooms was dated 2023. Please post the most current EMC plan throughout the building as the 2022 plan and the 2023 plan have different responsible persons listed and may create confusion amongst the staff if an emergency situation were to occur. 4. The NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure and poster were both updated in February 2025 and are available on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. Please post the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster in a prominent location in the facility. Please include and use the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 5. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the ABCMS Provider Portal training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents. Be sure this information is updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and terminated and as FCCH residents move in or reach sixteen years of age. If you are not already using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents, you will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. Once you have created your Business NCID, complete the ABCMS Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff or current FCCH residents are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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. 6. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to the Stars” is being added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE. The NC Child Care Commission approved the proposed rules regarding the QRIS Modernization Plan on April 22, 2025 and will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. Hold Harmless provisions continue. Star rated license reassessments were postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a three- or five-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. Please be reminded that any ERS assessment completed on or after February 1, 2025 will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. 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 Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today 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. 1) Your compliance 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 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than May 14, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, a handwritten visit summary was prepared, reviewed, and a copy was left with you along with a copy of the “Center Space, Capacity, Staff/Child Ratio Worksheet, and the Staff and Training Worksheet. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and mailed to you. I will contact you to review the computer-generated visit summary. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families throughout Catawba County. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2025 Number Present: 102 Completed Date: 4/30/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 04:15 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Toni Washington, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with this visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, or mailing address. I reviewed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your center's compliance history was 84% as of April 28, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on January 9, 2023, earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024, and received in my office on October 31, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated April 17, 2025, with a Superior classification and six demerits. I verified that you have completed the lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that the test results dated November 4, 2024, indicated that the facility water supply was within the required limits except for one classroom sink. I verified that recommended mitigation had been completed at this classroom sink. I verified that you have enrolled for the lead-based paint testing and the asbestos testing and are waiting for results. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored the indoor and outdoor licensed spaces. Preschool aged children were playing in activity areas, transitioning from the classroom to the playground, playing outside and attending to personal care routines. School aged students were eating breakfast, participating in teacher-lead instruction, transitioning from outdoors to indoors, playing outdoors, participating in a teacher-lead read-aloud activity, and attending to personal care routines. Staff facilitated play and peer interactions, facilitated instruction, talked through behavior management needs with the children/students, managed behavior according to individual children/student needs, fostered self-regulation and positive choices, lead teacher-directed activities, and assisted the children/students with personal care routines as needed. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the cafeteria. Today’s breakfast included a choice of French toast sticks with syrup or two kinds of cold cereal, fresh strawberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food served to the children/students was stored in the kitchen in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-seven degrees Fahrenheit and a commercial walk-in refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit. Milk served to the children/students was stored in a milk cooler in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. Ms. Washington monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. We reviewed staff records for thirty-one staff members including twenty-five returning staff members, three new staff members, and three new substitute staff members whose staff records were monitored on November 5, 2024 during an annual compliance visit. We verified these thirty-one staff members had current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, current and valid CPR and First Aid training, and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. A staff and training worksheet documenting these thirty-one staff members was not provided. We also reviewed staff records for three new staff members and one new substitute staff member who were hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. A staff and training worksheet documenting the three new staff members was provided. The new substitute staff member who had not worked at the facility to date was not listed on the staff and training worksheet provided. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan during an annual compliance visit on November 5, 2024. I monitored developmental day (DD) requirements during today’s visit. Staff members met the education requirements for DD staff. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff/child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. The children/students identified with developmental delays have care plans documented on an IFSP, IEP or PCP. Typically developing children/students participated in daily activities that were outlined in a plan of care documented on an activity plan meeting all child care requirements. Activities allowed the children/students to participate as a whole group, small group, part of the group or independently. Children/Students identified with developmental delays were enrolled, interacted, and participated in all classroom and special activities planned with typically developing children/students. Your DD program offered family involvement including holding parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating on an individual basis with parents, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children. Your DD program followed the Newton-Conover City Schools calendar for the 2024 – 2025 school year. I monitored NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. The administrator, Joshua Weese, does not serve as the lead teacher or assistant teacher in the classroom. You used Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition, and DIAL-4 as the developmental screening tool. You used Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment tool. You used The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Sixth Edition, as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement component included formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, classroom visits and options for parents and families to participate in classroom activities, parent education, opportunities for involvement in decision-making about the early childhood program, and opportunities to engage families outside the regular school day. You call or text the parent on the day of absence and at least by the third day of any child’s absence to inquire about the reason for the absence and report absences to the Catawba County Partnership for Children. Your NC PreK program followed the Newton-Conover City Schools calendar for the 2024 – 2025 school year. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I observed and cited the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Sixteen hours of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 was not completed within the first six weeks of employment and/or was not documented. .1101(a) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Six hours of new staff orientation for one staff member hired on 04/11/2025 was not completed within the first two weeks of employment and/or was not documented. .1101(a)(b) 1877 A child was restrained as a form of discipline. In Space 5, one staff member restrained a student as a form of discipline. .1803(a)(10) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. No documentation was on file to document one staff member hired on 11/29/2023 had completed health and safety training within the first year of employment. .1102(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. No documentation was on file to document one substitute staff member hired on 10/01/2018 had completed health and safety training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. .1103(b) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1803(a)(10), no child should be “restrained as a form of discipline unless the child's safety or the safety of others is at risk. For purposes of this child care rule, ’restraining’ means that a caregiver physically holds a child in a manner that restricts the child's movement, for a minimum amount of time necessary to ensure a safe environment.” No child should not be “restrained through the use of heavy objects, including a caregiver's body, or any device such as straps, blankets, car seats, or cribs.” During today’s visit, one staff member in Space 5 sat on the lower mid-section of a student’s body while the student was lying stomach-down on a bean bag chair while repeatedly telling the student to “lay down”. The staff member stated that this action was taken to manage the student’s behavior and was not the ideal choice for restraint. Dr. Weese stated that staff members are trained and certified in safe restraint techniques and practices. While child care rule does address the use of restraint to ensure the safety of a student or the safety of others, child care rule does not permit using any heavy object including a teacher’s own body to restrain a student. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review with your staff section 10A NCAC 09 .1803 Prohibited Discipline In Child Care Centers of the child care rules, your facility’s discipline and behavior management policy, and appropriate restraint practices. 2 Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children should receive at least sixteen hours of orientation within the first six weeks and this training should be documented accurately. New staff orientation training should be completed within six weeks even if a holiday or school break falls within that period of time. Today while reviewing staff records, we observed that new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 03/11/2025 and 03/17/2025 was not completed and/or was not documented. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the “Documentation Of Staff Orientation Child Care Centers” document provided by DCDEE to document all orientation with new staff members while the orientation is taking place rather than complete the form from memory after the orientation is complete. Completing the orientation documentation as an on-going process will allow you to document accurate dates and amounts of time spent reviewing each orientation topic ensuring sixteen hours has been completed within the first six weeks of employment. 3 Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(b), each new employee should complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. New staff orientation training should be completed within the first two weeks even if a holiday or school break falls within that period of time. Today while reviewing staff records, we observed that new staff orientation for one staff member hired on 04/11/2025 was not completed and/or documented as having been completed by 04/28/2025 as required. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you consider revising your “on-boarding” process for when new staff members arrive for their first day and week of work at the school to include reviewing the orientation topics required within the first two weeks and to use the “Documentation Of Staff Orientation Child Care Centers” document provided by DCDEE to document orientation while the orientation is taking place rather than complete the form from memory after the orientation is complete. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be completed in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. While reviewing staff records today, we observed one staff member hired on 11/29/2023 had no documentation of having completed the health and safety training by 11/29/2024 as required. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require staff to complete the health and safety training on required teacher workdays throughout the school year and require the health and safety training be completed by the end of the school year with which they were hired regardless of their hire date. For example, a staff member hired on 10/25/2024 would be required to complete their health and safety training by their last teacher work day at the end of the 2024 – 2025 school year. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b), returning employees should revisit each Health & Safety (H&S) Training topic every five years. The due date of the five-year H&S training renewal is calculated five years from the date on each H&S training certificate. While reviewing staff records, we observed one substitute staff member hired on 10/01/2018 was required to complete H&S training topics based on the number days they had served as a substitute in the school. The H&S training topics required as the five-year renewal requirement were due to be completed between 10/03/2023 through 02/22/2024. The substitute staff member’s record contained no documentation that this H&S training requirement had been completed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you create a tracking tool that allows you to track the five-year renewal due date for each employee. I further suggest you require staff to complete all the five-year renewal H&S training on required teacher workdays throughout the school year prior to the five-year renewal due date regardless of the individual due dates of each training certificate. For example, a staff member whose five-year renewal H&S training is due from 01/02/2026 through 08/24/2027 would be required to complete their five-year renewal H&S training by their last teacher work day at the end of the 2025 – 2026 school year. CONSULTATION: 1. Since a violation regarding discipline was observed and cited, a follow-up visit will be required within the next two weeks. Be prepared to discuss the actions taken and/or plan to correct the violation during the follow-up visit. 2. The most recent and current sanitation placard should be posted at the main entrance to the building. Best practice would be to post copies of the sanitation placard on the parent information boards as well. Your facility has copies of the sanitation placard posted in each classroom which goes above and beyond child care rule and best practice expectation. Post the most current sanitation placard regardless of where the additional copies of the placard are posted. 3. The most current Emergency Medical Care (EMC) plan should be posted in a prominent place where staff can see the information readily. Following best practice, you have chosen to post the EMC plan in each classroom, at the main entrance to the building, and on the parent information board by your office. However, the EMC plan posted at the main entrance to the building and on the parent information board were dated 2022, while the EMC plan posted in the classrooms was dated 2023. Please post the most current EMC plan throughout the building as the 2022 plan and the 2023 plan have different responsible persons listed and may create confusion amongst the staff if an emergency situation were to occur. 4. The NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure and poster were both updated in February 2025 and are available on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. Please post the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster in a prominent location in the facility. Please include and use the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 5. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the ABCMS Provider Portal training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents. Be sure this information is updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and terminated and as FCCH residents move in or reach sixteen years of age. If you are not already using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents, you will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. Once you have created your Business NCID, complete the ABCMS Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff or current FCCH residents are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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. 6. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to the Stars” is being added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE. The NC Child Care Commission approved the proposed rules regarding the QRIS Modernization Plan on April 22, 2025 and will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. Hold Harmless provisions continue. Star rated license reassessments were postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a three- or five-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. Please be reminded that any ERS assessment completed on or after February 1, 2025 will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 7. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 8. 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 Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today 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. 1) Your compliance 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 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than May 14, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, a handwritten visit summary was prepared, reviewed, and a copy was left with you along with a copy of the “Center Space, Capacity, Staff/Child Ratio Worksheet, and the Staff and Training Worksheet. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and mailed to you. I will contact you to review the computer-generated visit summary. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families throughout Catawba County. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/5/2024 Number Present: 100 Completed Date: 11/6/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 455 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 05:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Carolyn Conley, Lead Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 2, 2023. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit these being maintained today. Your program’s compliance history was 79% as reviewed on November 1, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with 5-Star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. I also monitored your facility for Developmental Day and NC Pre-K requirements. Your program operates as a Developmental Day facility with three NC Pre-K classrooms and nine developmental day classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. Your program has 118 children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had 100 children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Your last sanitation inspection was dated October 29, 2024 with a Superior classification and three demerits. Your last lead water test was dated March 2, 2021. I verified that you have collected water samples and sent them for lead water testing which is required to be completed every three years. I verified that you have started the lead-based paint testing and are waiting on results and have enrolled for the asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024 and was received in my office on October 31, 2024 upon my request. Currently your program is using twelve out of the eighteen licensed spaces as classrooms with four of these twelve classrooms serving children of preschool age and eight of those twelve classrooms serving school age students. Your program uses one classroom as a speech therapy office, one classroom as storage space, one licensed space as a conference room, one classroom as a high school lab, and one classroom as a preschool coordinator office and preschool assessment lab. I visited the eighteen licensed indoor spaces, two licensed outdoor play spaces, the gymnasium, the therapy room, the conference room and the cafeteria during today’s visit. Children/students were participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. Preschool-age children were engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. Children/students were also observed eating lunch in the cafeteria and participating in gross motor activities in the gymnasium. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sensory and cozy/quiet area. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. Current menus were posted listing a choice of chicken tetrazzini with a roll or hotdog on a bun, a choice of roasted baby carrots or steamed broccoli, sliced peaches and milk for today’s lunch. Breakfast, lunch and snack were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. The temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria was 44 degrees Fahrenheit, 38 degrees Fahrenheit for the walk-in refrigerator, and 37 degrees Fahrenheit for the milk cooler. Refrigerators in the classrooms registered temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The two covered sandboxes designated for use by preschool age children were filled with mulch. The fences were sufficient height and in good repair. The mulch surfacing was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment on the playground designated for school-age students. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. The Administrator, Josh Weese, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. The Dial was used as the Developmental Screening tool and the Formative Assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. I monitored Developmental Day requirements during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Ms. Conley monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored the veterinary records required for the service dog, Jett, in Space 16. Jett was not present during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Space 5, the Ready-to-Bag containing three emergency medications was hanging on a hook which allowed the bottom of the bag to hang below five feet. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One substitute staff member with no reported date of employment did not have an Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Three staff members with dates of employment of 08/01/2024, 08/16/2024, 09/12/2024 and one substitute staff member with no reported date of employment were not included on the Public Record Off-Site Verification Staff form and roster. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One Developmental Day staff member with a date of employment of 01/27/2014 received 1.37 hours of the required 10 hours of on-going training for the 2023 – 2024 compliance year. One NC Pre-K staff member with a date of employment of 02/28/2022 received 0.00 hours of the required 15 hours of on-going training for the 2023 – 2024 school year. Five staff members with dates of employment of 10/13/1997, 09/29/2016, 08/09/2021, 09/13/2021, 04/28/2022 and 10/12/2022 did not have on-going training hour documentation reported and/or available for review. .1103(a) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Nine staff health questionnaires were stored in the staff record files instead of being stored separately with the other staff medical records. .0701(d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma and epi-pens for allergies should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member to get to quickly and not in locked storage. During today’s visit, you moved emergency medications from a command hook in Space 5 which allowed the bottom of the ready-to-go bag to hang below five feet which corrected this violation during today's visit. You moved the bag to the top shelf of an unlocked cabinet making them inaccessible to the children but easily reached by staff. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggest you review this sanitation rule with your staff. 2. Health Questionnaires are considered a medical document and should be kept on file with staff medical records separate from the other staff records. During today's visit, the health questionnaires for nine staff members were stored in the staff record file rather than the staff medical record file. Today, those health questionnaires were moved from the staff record file to the staff medical record file with corrected this violation during today's visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you consider printing the staff medical record documents on yellow copy paper to match the color of your staff medical record files and to serve as a visual reminder to file those documents in a file separate from the staff record file folder. 3. All required staff records should be available for review at all times. Today, you had prepared a Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form dated August 21, 2024 but had not updated the form when four staff members where hired after that date and the required staff record documentation was not on file in the staff member’s files. To maintain compliance with this childcare requirement, I suggest you adopt a procedure for updating the Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form to include new staff when new staff are hired or adding all the required documentation to the staff record at the time of hire. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all child care providers including substitute staff should have an emergency information form on file on or before the first day of work. The emergency information form should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency, and the responsible party's choice of health care professional. The emergency information form should be updated as changes occur and at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have each employee update their emergency information form at a designated staff meeting annually. This practice will allow you to get as many employees as possible on the same annual update schedule and make tracking easier for you to maintain. CONSULTATION: 1. Per sanitation rules for child care centers rule 15A NCAC 18A .2818(e), each handwashing sink used should have a handwashing procedure sign for children posted at or near by. Best practice is to post a handwashing sign at each handwashing sink throughout the school even in those bathrooms that are only used by staff. 2. Food stored in classroom refrigerators should be labeled with the name of the student/child or staff member. Best practice is to also label the food with the date the food was received and placed in the refrigerator. 3. All WORKS status letters should be updated as staff education changes, printed and a copy placed in each staff member’s file. 4. Required staff on-going training should be maintained in the staff record and completed by the annual compliance anniversary date or the hire date anniversary date. 5. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 6. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings. 7. On Friday, July 12, 2024, DCDEE sent a “Raise North Carolina” email blast announcing the signing of Senate Bill 425. The email contained a section entitled, “Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization” which provided updated information regarding the Rated License Reassessment process and approved extended stabilization grant funding. What does all this mean for child care in general? 1. The new QRIS Modifications and additional pathways will be added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for ECCERS. ITERS and FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE and the NC Child Care Commission have already begun the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. 2. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Providers in any Cohort may voluntarily request a star rated license reassessment if they wish. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. 3. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a 3- or 5-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers will need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. What does all this mean for facilities in Cohort 1? A facility may voluntarily request to complete the star rated license reassessment at any time but will not be required to complete the star rated license reassessment process this year. What does this mean for the Environmental Rating Scales? Please be reminded that if a facility voluntarily chooses to complete the star rated license reassessment AND chooses to complete one or more Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments, the ERS-revised editions will continue to be used until January 31, 2025. Any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. If you wish to VOLUNTARILY move forward with a rated license reassessment, please reach out to me as soon as possible so plans can be made on both our calendars to ensure ease and success with completing the star rated license reassessment process in a timely manner that benefits us both. Over the next few months, I recommend you complete the following tasks and activities that will help you complete your reassessment process when the time comes: 1. Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) 2. Determine whether you wish to have ERS Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted 3. Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners 4. Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) 5. Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities 6. Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). 7. Review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 841 and 1890 which were corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violations in this visit summary. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 19, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Due to connectivity issues, a handwritten visit summary included a list of violations observed and cited was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and mailed to you within two business days. Please notify me by phone or email when you receive the computer-generated visit summary so I can contact you to review the visit summary. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/5/2024 Number Present: 100 Completed Date: 11/6/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 455 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 05:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Carolyn Conley, Lead Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 2, 2023. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit and observed the permit restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit these being maintained today. Your program’s compliance history was 79% as reviewed on November 1, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with 5-Star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. I also monitored your facility for Developmental Day and NC Pre-K requirements. Your program operates as a Developmental Day facility with three NC Pre-K classrooms and nine developmental day classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. Your program has 118 children/students enrolled ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Today, you had 100 children/students attending ranging in age from three to twenty-two years old. Your last sanitation inspection was dated October 29, 2024 with a Superior classification and three demerits. Your last lead water test was dated March 2, 2021. I verified that you have collected water samples and sent them for lead water testing which is required to be completed every three years. I verified that you have started the lead-based paint testing and are waiting on results and have enrolled for the asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection was dated September 18, 2024 and was received in my office on October 31, 2024 upon my request. Currently your program is using twelve out of the eighteen licensed spaces as classrooms with four of these twelve classrooms serving children of preschool age and eight of those twelve classrooms serving school age students. Your program uses one classroom as a speech therapy office, one classroom as storage space, one licensed space as a conference room, one classroom as a high school lab, and one classroom as a preschool coordinator office and preschool assessment lab. I visited the eighteen licensed indoor spaces, two licensed outdoor play spaces, the gymnasium, the therapy room, the conference room and the cafeteria during today’s visit. Children/students were participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. Preschool-age children were engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. Children/students were also observed eating lunch in the cafeteria and participating in gross motor activities in the gymnasium. Age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage were provided. Developmentally appropriate materials were provided in sufficient quantities and were accessible to the children/students. All materials, furniture, and equipment were in good repair. Activity areas included books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sensory and cozy/quiet area. Screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification was logged on activity plan. Documented screen time was limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. Current menus were posted listing a choice of chicken tetrazzini with a roll or hotdog on a bun, a choice of roasted baby carrots or steamed broccoli, sliced peaches and milk for today’s lunch. Breakfast, lunch and snack were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. The temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria was 44 degrees Fahrenheit, 38 degrees Fahrenheit for the walk-in refrigerator, and 37 degrees Fahrenheit for the milk cooler. Refrigerators in the classrooms registered temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Both outdoor spaces were supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment that was in good repair. The two covered sandboxes designated for use by preschool age children were filled with mulch. The fences were sufficient height and in good repair. The mulch surfacing was of adequate depth for movable structures. The uniform matting surfaces were in good repair under and around the stationary equipment on the playground designated for school-age students. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. The Administrator, Josh Weese, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. A staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children was maintained. The Dial was used as the Developmental Screening tool and the Formative Assessment tool. Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. The NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. I monitored Developmental Day requirements during today’s visit. A staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom was maintained at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students was maintained. Children/students participated in activities as outlined in individual plans of care. Children/students participated in whole, part, and individual activities. Children/students with developmental delays interacted with typically developing children when special activities were organized. The family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Ms. Conley monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored the veterinary records required for the service dog, Jett, in Space 16. Jett was not present during today’s visit. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Space 5, the Ready-to-Bag containing three emergency medications was hanging on a hook which allowed the bottom of the bag to hang below five feet. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One substitute staff member with no reported date of employment did not have an Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Three staff members with dates of employment of 08/01/2024, 08/16/2024, 09/12/2024 and one substitute staff member with no reported date of employment were not included on the Public Record Off-Site Verification Staff form and roster. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One Developmental Day staff member with a date of employment of 01/27/2014 received 1.37 hours of the required 10 hours of on-going training for the 2023 – 2024 compliance year. One NC Pre-K staff member with a date of employment of 02/28/2022 received 0.00 hours of the required 15 hours of on-going training for the 2023 – 2024 school year. Five staff members with dates of employment of 10/13/1997, 09/29/2016, 08/09/2021, 09/13/2021, 04/28/2022 and 10/12/2022 did not have on-going training hour documentation reported and/or available for review. .1103(a) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Nine staff health questionnaires were stored in the staff record files instead of being stored separately with the other staff medical records. .0701(d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma and epi-pens for allergies should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member to get to quickly and not in locked storage. During today’s visit, you moved emergency medications from a command hook in Space 5 which allowed the bottom of the ready-to-go bag to hang below five feet which corrected this violation during today's visit. You moved the bag to the top shelf of an unlocked cabinet making them inaccessible to the children but easily reached by staff. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggest you review this sanitation rule with your staff. 2. Health Questionnaires are considered a medical document and should be kept on file with staff medical records separate from the other staff records. During today's visit, the health questionnaires for nine staff members were stored in the staff record file rather than the staff medical record file. Today, those health questionnaires were moved from the staff record file to the staff medical record file with corrected this violation during today's visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you consider printing the staff medical record documents on yellow copy paper to match the color of your staff medical record files and to serve as a visual reminder to file those documents in a file separate from the staff record file folder. 3. All required staff records should be available for review at all times. Today, you had prepared a Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form dated August 21, 2024 but had not updated the form when four staff members where hired after that date and the required staff record documentation was not on file in the staff member’s files. To maintain compliance with this childcare requirement, I suggest you adopt a procedure for updating the Public School Off-Site Records Verification Staff form to include new staff when new staff are hired or adding all the required documentation to the staff record at the time of hire. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all child care providers including substitute staff should have an emergency information form on file on or before the first day of work. The emergency information form should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency, and the responsible party's choice of health care professional. The emergency information form should be updated as changes occur and at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have each employee update their emergency information form at a designated staff meeting annually. This practice will allow you to get as many employees as possible on the same annual update schedule and make tracking easier for you to maintain. CONSULTATION: 1. Per sanitation rules for child care centers rule 15A NCAC 18A .2818(e), each handwashing sink used should have a handwashing procedure sign for children posted at or near by. Best practice is to post a handwashing sign at each handwashing sink throughout the school even in those bathrooms that are only used by staff. 2. Food stored in classroom refrigerators should be labeled with the name of the student/child or staff member. Best practice is to also label the food with the date the food was received and placed in the refrigerator. 3. All WORKS status letters should be updated as staff education changes, printed and a copy placed in each staff member’s file. 4. Required staff on-going training should be maintained in the staff record and completed by the annual compliance anniversary date or the hire date anniversary date. 5. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 6. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings. 7. On Friday, July 12, 2024, DCDEE sent a “Raise North Carolina” email blast announcing the signing of Senate Bill 425. The email contained a section entitled, “Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization” which provided updated information regarding the Rated License Reassessment process and approved extended stabilization grant funding. What does all this mean for child care in general? 1. The new QRIS Modifications and additional pathways will be added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for ECCERS. ITERS and FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE and the NC Child Care Commission have already begun the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. 2. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Providers in any Cohort may voluntarily request a star rated license reassessment if they wish. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. 3. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a 3- or 5-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers will need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. What does all this mean for facilities in Cohort 1? A facility may voluntarily request to complete the star rated license reassessment at any time but will not be required to complete the star rated license reassessment process this year. What does this mean for the Environmental Rating Scales? Please be reminded that if a facility voluntarily chooses to complete the star rated license reassessment AND chooses to complete one or more Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments, the ERS-revised editions will continue to be used until January 31, 2025. Any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. If you wish to VOLUNTARILY move forward with a rated license reassessment, please reach out to me as soon as possible so plans can be made on both our calendars to ensure ease and success with completing the star rated license reassessment process in a timely manner that benefits us both. Over the next few months, I recommend you complete the following tasks and activities that will help you complete your reassessment process when the time comes: 1. Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) 2. Determine whether you wish to have ERS Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted 3. Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners 4. Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) 5. Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities 6. Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). 7. Review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 841 and 1890 which were corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violations in this visit summary. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 19, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Due to connectivity issues, a handwritten visit summary included a list of violations observed and cited was prepared, printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. A computer-generated visit summary will be prepared and mailed to you within two business days. Please notify me by phone or email when you receive the computer-generated visit summary so I can contact you to review the visit summary. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: JULIA ARMSTRONG Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-357A Visit Date: 4/29/2024 Number Present: 93 Completed Date: 4/29/2024 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 290 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 02:40 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. Sandra Blazer, custodian, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Joshua Weese, principal, and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On March 15, 2024, a staff member held a 15-year-old child's face and spoke to the child in a manner that was not nurturing. G.S. 110-91(10) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one (1) week May 6, 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 Julia Armstrong, Investigations Consultant, julia.armstrong@dhhs.nc.gov. You may contact me at Julia Armstrong, Investigations Consultant, 828-228-4614, Julia.armstrong@dhhs.nc.gov or Natosha Lambeth, Western Investigations Consultant, Natosha.lambeth@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. 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: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/25/2024 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 4/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 470 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:25 PM Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 05:40 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance (AC) visit on November 2, 2023. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. You stated there has been no change with the owner of your facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your center's compliance history was 86% as of April 22, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with 5-Star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. I monitored your program for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and received in my office on September 19, 2023. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 7, 2023 with a Superior classification and 4 demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor and outdoor areas. I observed preschool-age children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, outdoor play, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed school-age students engaged in teacher directed instruction and outdoor play. I observed the teachers interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the child or student. A current menu was posted in each classroom, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the cafeteria. Cold food and milk served to the children was stored in compact refrigerators in some of the classrooms at temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for twenty-eight returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. I reviewed staff record files for three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 2, 2023. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on May 18, 2023. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, Josh Weese, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children maintained. Staff reported the Dial was used as the Developmental Screening tool and the Formative Assessment tool. Staff reported Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Staff reported that children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. Staff reported the NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. I monitored Developmental Day requirements during today’s visit. I observed a staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students. I observed children/students participating in activities as outlined in individual plan of cares. I observed children/students participating in whole, part, and individual activities. Staff reported children/students with developmental delays interact with typically developing children when special activities are organized. Staff reported the family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I observed and cited the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.Two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground or for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. Approximately five areas of the same fence had broken and rusting links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EMC Plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two substitute staff members with dates of employment of 09/02/2022 and 10/01/2018 did not have current Emergency Information Forms on file documenting an annual update. .0701(a) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The First Aid training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete CPR training within 90 days of employment. The CPR training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were conducted on 08/30/2023 and 11/29/2023 with a drill due in February 2024. A lockdown drill was conducted on 03/06/2024 but no drill was conducted in February 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. .0607(g) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EPR Plan. .0607(g) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Current and past health questionnaire documents were found in multiple staff record files. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 11/29/2023 and 01/08/2024 had not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have a training certificate on file for verification of having completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Health Questionnaires are considered a medical document and should be kept on file with staff medical records separate from the other staff records. Today, I found current and past health questionnaire documents in staff record files. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you remove all the health questionnaire documents from the staff record files and place them in the separate medical files you have created for each staff member. 2. The fence around both playgrounds should be maintained and good repair at all times. Today, I observed two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use that had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. I also observed approximately five areas of the same fence with broken and rusted links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the gaps closed and the broken and rusting fence protrusions removed from the fence. 3. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all child care providers including substitutes should have emergency information on file on or before the first day of work. The information should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency, and the responsible party's choice of health care professional. The emergency information must be updated as changes occur and at least annually. 5. Each substitute should have an acknowledgement statement for knowing the location of the center’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan on file the first day of employment and an acknowledgement statement of an annual review of the EPR Plan. Each substitute should review the EMC Plan annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you create a substitute annual review packet that each substitute is required to complete on the first day of substituting of each new school year. 6. Each staff member should review the EPR Plan and EMC Plan during new staff orientation and annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have each staff member sign an acknowledgement statement immediately after participating in the annual EPR and EMC Review. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the NC Prevent Child Abuse website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. A copy of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completion certificate should be kept in the staff record file for verification each year. If the staff member loses their completion certificate, the training should be taken again. 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of employment and maintain documentation in their staff record file as verification that the employee has completed First Aid and CPR training and maintains a current and valid First Aid and CPR certificate. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest within the first two weeks of employment you register your new staff hired throughout the school year for a First Aid and CPR training course. CONSULTATION: 1. Since you now have two entrances designated for parents to enter the building, please be sure all required postings are located at both entrances including The Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law poster, the Sanitation Placard, the Safe Arrival and Departure procedures, and Tobacco free facility signage. 2. Since the last emergency drill was conducted in March 2024 to make up for the drill missed in February 2024, a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill 3. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 4. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today 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. 1) Your compliance 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. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than May 9, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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 . 1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/25/2024 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 4/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 470 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:25 PM Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 05:40 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance (AC) visit on November 2, 2023. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. You stated there has been no change with the owner of your facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your center's compliance history was 86% as of April 22, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with 5-Star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. I monitored your program for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and received in my office on September 19, 2023. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 7, 2023 with a Superior classification and 4 demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor and outdoor areas. I observed preschool-age children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, outdoor play, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed school-age students engaged in teacher directed instruction and outdoor play. I observed the teachers interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the child or student. A current menu was posted in each classroom, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the cafeteria. Cold food and milk served to the children was stored in compact refrigerators in some of the classrooms at temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for twenty-eight returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. I reviewed staff record files for three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 2, 2023. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on May 18, 2023. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, Josh Weese, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children maintained. Staff reported the Dial was used as the Developmental Screening tool and the Formative Assessment tool. Staff reported Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Staff reported that children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. Staff reported the NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. I monitored Developmental Day requirements during today’s visit. I observed a staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students. I observed children/students participating in activities as outlined in individual plan of cares. I observed children/students participating in whole, part, and individual activities. Staff reported children/students with developmental delays interact with typically developing children when special activities are organized. Staff reported the family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I observed and cited the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.Two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground or for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. Approximately five areas of the same fence had broken and rusting links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EMC Plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two substitute staff members with dates of employment of 09/02/2022 and 10/01/2018 did not have current Emergency Information Forms on file documenting an annual update. .0701(a) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The First Aid training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete CPR training within 90 days of employment. The CPR training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were conducted on 08/30/2023 and 11/29/2023 with a drill due in February 2024. A lockdown drill was conducted on 03/06/2024 but no drill was conducted in February 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. .0607(g) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EPR Plan. .0607(g) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Current and past health questionnaire documents were found in multiple staff record files. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 11/29/2023 and 01/08/2024 had not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have a training certificate on file for verification of having completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Health Questionnaires are considered a medical document and should be kept on file with staff medical records separate from the other staff records. Today, I found current and past health questionnaire documents in staff record files. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you remove all the health questionnaire documents from the staff record files and place them in the separate medical files you have created for each staff member. 2. The fence around both playgrounds should be maintained and good repair at all times. Today, I observed two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use that had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. I also observed approximately five areas of the same fence with broken and rusted links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the gaps closed and the broken and rusting fence protrusions removed from the fence. 3. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all child care providers including substitutes should have emergency information on file on or before the first day of work. The information should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency, and the responsible party's choice of health care professional. The emergency information must be updated as changes occur and at least annually. 5. Each substitute should have an acknowledgement statement for knowing the location of the center’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan on file the first day of employment and an acknowledgement statement of an annual review of the EPR Plan. Each substitute should review the EMC Plan annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you create a substitute annual review packet that each substitute is required to complete on the first day of substituting of each new school year. 6. Each staff member should review the EPR Plan and EMC Plan during new staff orientation and annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have each staff member sign an acknowledgement statement immediately after participating in the annual EPR and EMC Review. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the NC Prevent Child Abuse website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. A copy of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completion certificate should be kept in the staff record file for verification each year. If the staff member loses their completion certificate, the training should be taken again. 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of employment and maintain documentation in their staff record file as verification that the employee has completed First Aid and CPR training and maintains a current and valid First Aid and CPR certificate. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest within the first two weeks of employment you register your new staff hired throughout the school year for a First Aid and CPR training course. CONSULTATION: 1. Since you now have two entrances designated for parents to enter the building, please be sure all required postings are located at both entrances including The Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law poster, the Sanitation Placard, the Safe Arrival and Departure procedures, and Tobacco free facility signage. 2. Since the last emergency drill was conducted in March 2024 to make up for the drill missed in February 2024, a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill 3. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 4. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today 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. 1) Your compliance 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. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than May 9, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/25/2024 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 4/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 470 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:25 PM Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 05:40 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance (AC) visit on November 2, 2023. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. You stated there has been no change with the owner of your facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your center's compliance history was 86% as of April 22, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with 5-Star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. I monitored your program for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and received in my office on September 19, 2023. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 7, 2023 with a Superior classification and 4 demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor and outdoor areas. I observed preschool-age children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, outdoor play, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed school-age students engaged in teacher directed instruction and outdoor play. I observed the teachers interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the child or student. A current menu was posted in each classroom, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the cafeteria. Cold food and milk served to the children was stored in compact refrigerators in some of the classrooms at temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for twenty-eight returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. I reviewed staff record files for three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 2, 2023. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on May 18, 2023. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, Josh Weese, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children maintained. Staff reported the Dial was used as the Developmental Screening tool and the Formative Assessment tool. Staff reported Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Staff reported that children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. Staff reported the NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. I monitored Developmental Day requirements during today’s visit. I observed a staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students. I observed children/students participating in activities as outlined in individual plan of cares. I observed children/students participating in whole, part, and individual activities. Staff reported children/students with developmental delays interact with typically developing children when special activities are organized. Staff reported the family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I observed and cited the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.Two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground or for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. Approximately five areas of the same fence had broken and rusting links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EMC Plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two substitute staff members with dates of employment of 09/02/2022 and 10/01/2018 did not have current Emergency Information Forms on file documenting an annual update. .0701(a) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The First Aid training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete CPR training within 90 days of employment. The CPR training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were conducted on 08/30/2023 and 11/29/2023 with a drill due in February 2024. A lockdown drill was conducted on 03/06/2024 but no drill was conducted in February 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. .0607(g) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EPR Plan. .0607(g) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Current and past health questionnaire documents were found in multiple staff record files. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 11/29/2023 and 01/08/2024 had not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have a training certificate on file for verification of having completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Health Questionnaires are considered a medical document and should be kept on file with staff medical records separate from the other staff records. Today, I found current and past health questionnaire documents in staff record files. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you remove all the health questionnaire documents from the staff record files and place them in the separate medical files you have created for each staff member. 2. The fence around both playgrounds should be maintained and good repair at all times. Today, I observed two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use that had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. I also observed approximately five areas of the same fence with broken and rusted links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the gaps closed and the broken and rusting fence protrusions removed from the fence. 3. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all child care providers including substitutes should have emergency information on file on or before the first day of work. The information should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency, and the responsible party's choice of health care professional. The emergency information must be updated as changes occur and at least annually. 5. Each substitute should have an acknowledgement statement for knowing the location of the center’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan on file the first day of employment and an acknowledgement statement of an annual review of the EPR Plan. Each substitute should review the EMC Plan annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you create a substitute annual review packet that each substitute is required to complete on the first day of substituting of each new school year. 6. Each staff member should review the EPR Plan and EMC Plan during new staff orientation and annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have each staff member sign an acknowledgement statement immediately after participating in the annual EPR and EMC Review. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the NC Prevent Child Abuse website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. A copy of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completion certificate should be kept in the staff record file for verification each year. If the staff member loses their completion certificate, the training should be taken again. 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of employment and maintain documentation in their staff record file as verification that the employee has completed First Aid and CPR training and maintains a current and valid First Aid and CPR certificate. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest within the first two weeks of employment you register your new staff hired throughout the school year for a First Aid and CPR training course. CONSULTATION: 1. Since you now have two entrances designated for parents to enter the building, please be sure all required postings are located at both entrances including The Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law poster, the Sanitation Placard, the Safe Arrival and Departure procedures, and Tobacco free facility signage. 2. Since the last emergency drill was conducted in March 2024 to make up for the drill missed in February 2024, a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill 3. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 4. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today 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. 1) Your compliance 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. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than May 9, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/25/2024 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 4/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 470 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:25 PM Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 05:40 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance (AC) visit on November 2, 2023. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. You stated there has been no change with the owner of your facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your center's compliance history was 86% as of April 22, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with 5-Star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. I monitored your program for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and received in my office on September 19, 2023. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 7, 2023 with a Superior classification and 4 demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor and outdoor areas. I observed preschool-age children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, outdoor play, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed school-age students engaged in teacher directed instruction and outdoor play. I observed the teachers interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the child or student. A current menu was posted in each classroom, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the cafeteria. Cold food and milk served to the children was stored in compact refrigerators in some of the classrooms at temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for twenty-eight returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. I reviewed staff record files for three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 2, 2023. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on May 18, 2023. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, Josh Weese, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children maintained. Staff reported the Dial was used as the Developmental Screening tool and the Formative Assessment tool. Staff reported Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Staff reported that children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. Staff reported the NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. I monitored Developmental Day requirements during today’s visit. I observed a staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students. I observed children/students participating in activities as outlined in individual plan of cares. I observed children/students participating in whole, part, and individual activities. Staff reported children/students with developmental delays interact with typically developing children when special activities are organized. Staff reported the family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I observed and cited the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.Two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground or for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. Approximately five areas of the same fence had broken and rusting links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EMC Plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two substitute staff members with dates of employment of 09/02/2022 and 10/01/2018 did not have current Emergency Information Forms on file documenting an annual update. .0701(a) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The First Aid training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete CPR training within 90 days of employment. The CPR training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were conducted on 08/30/2023 and 11/29/2023 with a drill due in February 2024. A lockdown drill was conducted on 03/06/2024 but no drill was conducted in February 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. .0607(g) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EPR Plan. .0607(g) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Current and past health questionnaire documents were found in multiple staff record files. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 11/29/2023 and 01/08/2024 had not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have a training certificate on file for verification of having completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Health Questionnaires are considered a medical document and should be kept on file with staff medical records separate from the other staff records. Today, I found current and past health questionnaire documents in staff record files. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you remove all the health questionnaire documents from the staff record files and place them in the separate medical files you have created for each staff member. 2. The fence around both playgrounds should be maintained and good repair at all times. Today, I observed two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use that had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. I also observed approximately five areas of the same fence with broken and rusted links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the gaps closed and the broken and rusting fence protrusions removed from the fence. 3. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all child care providers including substitutes should have emergency information on file on or before the first day of work. The information should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency, and the responsible party's choice of health care professional. The emergency information must be updated as changes occur and at least annually. 5. Each substitute should have an acknowledgement statement for knowing the location of the center’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan on file the first day of employment and an acknowledgement statement of an annual review of the EPR Plan. Each substitute should review the EMC Plan annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you create a substitute annual review packet that each substitute is required to complete on the first day of substituting of each new school year. 6. Each staff member should review the EPR Plan and EMC Plan during new staff orientation and annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have each staff member sign an acknowledgement statement immediately after participating in the annual EPR and EMC Review. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the NC Prevent Child Abuse website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. A copy of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completion certificate should be kept in the staff record file for verification each year. If the staff member loses their completion certificate, the training should be taken again. 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of employment and maintain documentation in their staff record file as verification that the employee has completed First Aid and CPR training and maintains a current and valid First Aid and CPR certificate. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest within the first two weeks of employment you register your new staff hired throughout the school year for a First Aid and CPR training course. CONSULTATION: 1. Since you now have two entrances designated for parents to enter the building, please be sure all required postings are located at both entrances including The Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law poster, the Sanitation Placard, the Safe Arrival and Departure procedures, and Tobacco free facility signage. 2. Since the last emergency drill was conducted in March 2024 to make up for the drill missed in February 2024, a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill 3. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 4. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today 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. 1) Your compliance 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. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than May 9, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/25/2024 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 4/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 470 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:25 PM Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 05:40 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance (AC) visit on November 2, 2023. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. You stated there has been no change with the owner of your facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your center's compliance history was 86% as of April 22, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with 5-Star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. I monitored your program for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and received in my office on September 19, 2023. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 7, 2023 with a Superior classification and 4 demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor and outdoor areas. I observed preschool-age children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, outdoor play, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed school-age students engaged in teacher directed instruction and outdoor play. I observed the teachers interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the child or student. A current menu was posted in each classroom, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the cafeteria. Cold food and milk served to the children was stored in compact refrigerators in some of the classrooms at temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for twenty-eight returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. I reviewed staff record files for three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 2, 2023. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on May 18, 2023. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, Josh Weese, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children maintained. Staff reported the Dial was used as the Developmental Screening tool and the Formative Assessment tool. Staff reported Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Staff reported that children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. Staff reported the NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. I monitored Developmental Day requirements during today’s visit. I observed a staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students. I observed children/students participating in activities as outlined in individual plan of cares. I observed children/students participating in whole, part, and individual activities. Staff reported children/students with developmental delays interact with typically developing children when special activities are organized. Staff reported the family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I observed and cited the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.Two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground or for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. Approximately five areas of the same fence had broken and rusting links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EMC Plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two substitute staff members with dates of employment of 09/02/2022 and 10/01/2018 did not have current Emergency Information Forms on file documenting an annual update. .0701(a) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The First Aid training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete CPR training within 90 days of employment. The CPR training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were conducted on 08/30/2023 and 11/29/2023 with a drill due in February 2024. A lockdown drill was conducted on 03/06/2024 but no drill was conducted in February 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. .0607(g) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EPR Plan. .0607(g) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Current and past health questionnaire documents were found in multiple staff record files. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 11/29/2023 and 01/08/2024 had not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have a training certificate on file for verification of having completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Health Questionnaires are considered a medical document and should be kept on file with staff medical records separate from the other staff records. Today, I found current and past health questionnaire documents in staff record files. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you remove all the health questionnaire documents from the staff record files and place them in the separate medical files you have created for each staff member. 2. The fence around both playgrounds should be maintained and good repair at all times. Today, I observed two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use that had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. I also observed approximately five areas of the same fence with broken and rusted links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the gaps closed and the broken and rusting fence protrusions removed from the fence. 3. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all child care providers including substitutes should have emergency information on file on or before the first day of work. The information should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency, and the responsible party's choice of health care professional. The emergency information must be updated as changes occur and at least annually. 5. Each substitute should have an acknowledgement statement for knowing the location of the center’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan on file the first day of employment and an acknowledgement statement of an annual review of the EPR Plan. Each substitute should review the EMC Plan annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you create a substitute annual review packet that each substitute is required to complete on the first day of substituting of each new school year. 6. Each staff member should review the EPR Plan and EMC Plan during new staff orientation and annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have each staff member sign an acknowledgement statement immediately after participating in the annual EPR and EMC Review. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the NC Prevent Child Abuse website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. A copy of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completion certificate should be kept in the staff record file for verification each year. If the staff member loses their completion certificate, the training should be taken again. 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of employment and maintain documentation in their staff record file as verification that the employee has completed First Aid and CPR training and maintains a current and valid First Aid and CPR certificate. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest within the first two weeks of employment you register your new staff hired throughout the school year for a First Aid and CPR training course. CONSULTATION: 1. Since you now have two entrances designated for parents to enter the building, please be sure all required postings are located at both entrances including The Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law poster, the Sanitation Placard, the Safe Arrival and Departure procedures, and Tobacco free facility signage. 2. Since the last emergency drill was conducted in March 2024 to make up for the drill missed in February 2024, a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill 3. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 4. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today 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. 1) Your compliance 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. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than May 9, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09.0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/25/2024 Number Present: 87 Completed Date: 4/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 470 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:25 PM Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 05:40 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance (AC) visit on November 2, 2023. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. You stated there has been no change with the owner of your facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your center's compliance history was 86% as of April 22, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with 5-Star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning six points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. I monitored your program for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and received in my office on September 19, 2023. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 7, 2023 with a Superior classification and 4 demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor and outdoor areas. I observed preschool-age children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, outdoor play, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed school-age students engaged in teacher directed instruction and outdoor play. I observed the teachers interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the child or student. A current menu was posted in each classroom, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the cafeteria. Cold food and milk served to the children was stored in compact refrigerators in some of the classrooms at temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for twenty-eight returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. I reviewed staff record files for three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 2, 2023. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on May 18, 2023. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, Josh Weese, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children maintained. Staff reported the Dial was used as the Developmental Screening tool and the Formative Assessment tool. Staff reported Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Staff reported that children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. Staff reported the NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. I monitored Developmental Day requirements during today’s visit. I observed a staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students. I observed children/students participating in activities as outlined in individual plan of cares. I observed children/students participating in whole, part, and individual activities. Staff reported children/students with developmental delays interact with typically developing children when special activities are organized. Staff reported the family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I observed and cited the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children.Two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground or for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. Approximately five areas of the same fence had broken and rusting links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EMC Plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. Two substitute staff members with dates of employment of 09/02/2022 and 10/01/2018 did not have current Emergency Information Forms on file documenting an annual update. .0701(a) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The First Aid training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 11/29/2023 did not complete CPR training within 90 days of employment. The CPR training for one staff member with a date of employment of 10/13/1998 had expired on 04/21/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have verification on file of having completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were conducted on 08/30/2023 and 11/29/2023 with a drill due in February 2024. A lockdown drill was conducted on 03/06/2024 but no drill was conducted in February 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. .0607(g) 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. Three substitute staff members with dates of employment of 07/1999, 10/01/2018, and 09/02/2022 did not have documentation on file of the annual review of the updated EPR Plan. .0607(g) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Current and past health questionnaire documents were found in multiple staff record files. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two staff members with dates of employment of 11/29/2023 and 01/08/2024 had not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/01/1994 did not have a training certificate on file for verification of having completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Health Questionnaires are considered a medical document and should be kept on file with staff medical records separate from the other staff records. Today, I found current and past health questionnaire documents in staff record files. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you remove all the health questionnaire documents from the staff record files and place them in the separate medical files you have created for each staff member. 2. The fence around both playgrounds should be maintained and good repair at all times. Today, I observed two areas of the fence along the parking lot side of the playground designated for school-age use that had gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground large enough for a small animal to enter the playground for a child to get a foot stuck under the fence. I also observed approximately five areas of the same fence with broken and rusted links protruding inside the playground creating an opportunity for a child to run into these rusting protrusions. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the gaps closed and the broken and rusting fence protrusions removed from the fence. 3. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), all child care providers including substitutes should have emergency information on file on or before the first day of work. The information should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person to be contacted in case of an emergency, and the responsible party's choice of health care professional. The emergency information must be updated as changes occur and at least annually. 5. Each substitute should have an acknowledgement statement for knowing the location of the center’s Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan on file the first day of employment and an acknowledgement statement of an annual review of the EPR Plan. Each substitute should review the EMC Plan annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you create a substitute annual review packet that each substitute is required to complete on the first day of substituting of each new school year. 6. Each staff member should review the EPR Plan and EMC Plan during new staff orientation and annually and should maintain an acknowledgment of statement of the annual review. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have each staff member sign an acknowledgement statement immediately after participating in the annual EPR and EMC Review. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 . 1102(g), each child care administrator and all staff should complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training through the NC Prevent Child Abuse website and/or present the administrator with the completion certificate within the first ninety days of employment. A copy of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completion certificate should be kept in the staff record file for verification each year. If the staff member loses their completion certificate, the training should be taken again. 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of employment and maintain documentation in their staff record file as verification that the employee has completed First Aid and CPR training and maintains a current and valid First Aid and CPR certificate. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest within the first two weeks of employment you register your new staff hired throughout the school year for a First Aid and CPR training course. CONSULTATION: 1. Since you now have two entrances designated for parents to enter the building, please be sure all required postings are located at both entrances including The Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law poster, the Sanitation Placard, the Safe Arrival and Departure procedures, and Tobacco free facility signage. 2. Since the last emergency drill was conducted in March 2024 to make up for the drill missed in February 2024, a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill 3. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 4. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today 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. 1) Your compliance 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. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than May 9, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/2/2023 Number Present: 86 Completed Date: 11/2/2023 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: 01:45 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 15, 2022. Your program currently operates with 5-Star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning 6 points in staff education, 7 points in program standards, and 1 quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. I also monitored your facility for Developmental Day and NC Pre-K requirements. Your program operates as a Developmental Day facility with three NC Pre-K classrooms and ten developmental day classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. Your program’s compliance history was 87% as reviewed on October 31, 2023 and was reviewed with you today. Your last sanitation inspection was completed today by your environmental health specialist with a Provisional classification and 24 demerits. Please send me the reinspection report after it is received. Your last fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and was received in my office on September 19, 2023. Currently your program is using thirteen out of the eighteen licensed spaces as classrooms with four of these thirteen classrooms serving children of preschool age and nine of those thirteen classrooms serving school age students. Your program uses one classroom as a speech therapy office, two classrooms as storage space, one licensed space as a conference room, and one classroom as a preschool coordinator office and preschool assessment lab. I visited all 18 licensed indoor spaces, 2 licensed outdoor play spaces, the gymnasium, the therapy room, and the cafeteria during today’s visit. I observed children/students participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. I observed preschool age children engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. I observed age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage provided. I observed developmentally appropriate materials provided in sufficient quantities and accessible to the children/students. I observed all materials, furniture, and equipment in good repair. I observed activity areas including books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sensory and cozy/quiet area. I observed screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification logged on Screen Time Logs in the classroom or the activity plan. I observed documented screen time limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. I observed current menus posted listing a choice of chicken alfredo and garlic bread or a rib sandwich, a choice of green peas, sweet potatoes, corn, and pears, and milk which was prepared and served. I observed breakfast, lunch and snack prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the classrooms. I observed the temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria to be 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the walk-in refrigerator to be 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and the milk cooler to be 44 degrees Fahrenheit. I observed refrigerators in the classrooms with temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. I observed both outdoor spaces supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment in good repair. I observed the three covered sandboxes designated for use by preschool age children with little to no sand. I observed the fences to be of sufficient height and in good repair. I observed the mulch surfacing to be of adequate depth for movable structures. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, Josh Weese, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children maintained. Staff reported the Dial was used as the Developmental Screening tool and the Formative Assessment tool. Staff reported Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Staff reported that children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. Staff reported the NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. I monitored Developmental Day requirements during today’s visit. I observed a staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students. I observed children/students participating in activities as outlined in individual plan of cares. I observed children/students participating in whole, part, and individual activities. Staff reported children/students with developmental delays interact with typically developing children when special activities are organized. Staff reported the family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Ms. Wilder reviewed children’s records today. Ms. Wilder observed and cited one violation regarding children’s records. Ms. Wilder reviewed seven staff records for staff hired since the last ACV and two staff records for returning staff members. Ms. Wilder observed and cited two violations regarding staff records. Ms. Wilder reviewed program records today. Ms. Wilder observed and cited one violation regarding incident reports. I observed children adequately supervised, developmental day staff-child ratios maintained throughout the building during except in the NC PreK classrooms where I observed NC PreK staff-child ratios maintained at highest voluntary enhanced staff-child ratios, adequate approved space used, enhanced space capacity and permit restrictions including “Daytime care only”, “Reduced staff/child ratios by one child per group”, “Meets Certified Developmental Day requirements”, “Meets enhanced ratios”, and “Meets enhanced space” maintained during today’s visit. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In Space 1, the arrival time was not recorded for one child. In Space 2, the arrival time was not recorded for three children. In Space 16, the arrival time was not recorded for one child. In Spaces 1, 2, and 16, the teachers recorded the missing arrival times. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 1, one aerosol can of Air Wick air freshener was stored unlocked on a shelf in the bathroom above five feet. The teacher removed the aerosol can of Air Wick air freshener from the bathroom and locked it in a closet in the back of the classroom. .2820(b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. One over the counter pain reliever medication was administered to a student in October 2023 after it expired in August 2023. The school nurse removed the medication from the locked box to be returned to the parent today. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. One over the counter pain reliever was not labeled with the name of the child. The school nurse labeled the medication with the name of the child. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. One incident report recorded on the incident log was not filed in the child record but was filed with the incident report. .0802 (e) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff record file for a teacher with a date of employment of 09/13/2021 was missing on-going training documentation. .1103(a) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. In Space 10, two medical action plans were missing a signature and date. In Space 10, two medical action plans were missing a signature. .0801(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Six staff record files contained health questionnaires. .0701(d) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. Two parent acknowledgement statements for the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy were missing the date the policy was given and explained to the parent and the date of enrollment for the child. .0608(b)(1-6) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2818 LAVATORIES (e) Handwash signs shall be posted at every handwash lavatory area. In the men's and women's bathrooms by the gym and the women's bathroom by Room 6, the handwashing procedure signs were not posted. Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. A compliance plan statement for each violation stating how you plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 16, 2023. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 During today’s visit, I provided the following technical assistance: The Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law poster and brochure were updated in September 2023. Please be sure the September 2023 poster is posted. A handwashing procedure sign should be posted at all handwashing sinks throughout the facility. Sand needs to be added to the covered sandboxes on the preschool outdoor play space. Permission to administer medication forms for chronic illnesses should be updated every six months. When screen time is offered to the whole group, the screen time may be logged on the activity plan by listing the video link and title and the number of minutes. Medications should not be administered after the expiration date. Medications should be labeled with the name of the child. Aerosol cans should be stored in locked cabinets or closets. Arrival times should be recorded as soon as the child/student arrives. Medical Action Plans (MAP) should be signed and dated by the parent or the health care professional. The acknowledgement statement for the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy should include the date the policy was given and explained to the parent and the child’s date of enrollment. Required staff on-going training should be maintained in the staff record and completed by the annual compliance anniversary date or the hire date anniversary date. Health Questionnaires are considered a medical document and should be kept on file with staff medical records separate from the other staff records. Incident reports should be logged on the incident log and then filed in the child’s record. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: CONOVER SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000217 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/2/2023 Number Present: 86 Completed Date: 11/2/2023 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: 01:45 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit (ACV). You, Joshua Weese, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me with the visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 15, 2022. Your program currently operates with 5-Star license issued on January 9, 2023 by earning 6 points in staff education, 7 points in program standards, and 1 quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. I also monitored your facility for Developmental Day and NC Pre-K requirements. Your program operates as a Developmental Day facility with three NC Pre-K classrooms and ten developmental day classrooms housed within a public-school building as part of the Newton-Conover City Schools system. Your program’s compliance history was 87% as reviewed on October 31, 2023 and was reviewed with you today. Your last sanitation inspection was completed today by your environmental health specialist with a Provisional classification and 24 demerits. Please send me the reinspection report after it is received. Your last fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and was received in my office on September 19, 2023. Currently your program is using thirteen out of the eighteen licensed spaces as classrooms with four of these thirteen classrooms serving children of preschool age and nine of those thirteen classrooms serving school age students. Your program uses one classroom as a speech therapy office, two classrooms as storage space, one licensed space as a conference room, and one classroom as a preschool coordinator office and preschool assessment lab. I visited all 18 licensed indoor spaces, 2 licensed outdoor play spaces, the gymnasium, the therapy room, and the cafeteria during today’s visit. I observed children/students participating in individual instruction, small group instruction and whole group instruction. I observed preschool age children engaged in free play in the classrooms and outdoors and engaged in instruction in whole groups, small groups, and individually. I observed age-appropriate and child-sized tables, chairs, shelving, and storage provided. I observed developmentally appropriate materials provided in sufficient quantities and accessible to the children/students. I observed all materials, furniture, and equipment in good repair. I observed activity areas including books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, creative art, science, music, sensory and cozy/quiet area. I observed screen time offered to the children/students outside of the school assignment or IEP modification logged on Screen Time Logs in the classroom or the activity plan. I observed documented screen time limited to no more than thirty minutes daily and linked to a developmental domain and goal. I observed current menus posted listing a choice of chicken alfredo and garlic bread or a rib sandwich, a choice of green peas, sweet potatoes, corn, and pears, and milk which was prepared and served. I observed breakfast, lunch and snack prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the classrooms. I observed the temperature of the upright refrigerator in the school cafeteria to be 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the walk-in refrigerator to be 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and the milk cooler to be 44 degrees Fahrenheit. I observed refrigerators in the classrooms with temperatures at or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. I observed both outdoor spaces supplied with adequate shade and age-appropriate materials and equipment in good repair. I observed the three covered sandboxes designated for use by preschool age children with little to no sand. I observed the fences to be of sufficient height and in good repair. I observed the mulch surfacing to be of adequate depth for movable structures. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, Josh Weese, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to nine children with a group size maximum of two adults to eighteen children maintained. Staff reported the Dial was used as the Developmental Screening tool and the Formative Assessment tool. Staff reported Creative Curriculum was used as the approved curriculum of choice. Staff reported that children attend from 7:45am to 3:00pm and the staff work day is from 7:45am to 3:15pm Monday – Friday. Staff reported the NC Pre-K classrooms follow the Newton-Conover City Schools school calendar. I monitored Developmental Day requirements during today’s visit. I observed a staff-child ratio of at least one adult to six children/students with at least two staff members in each classroom at all times while children/students were present. In multiple classrooms, I observed a staff-child ratio of one adult to three children/students. I observed children/students participating in activities as outlined in individual plan of cares. I observed children/students participating in whole, part, and individual activities. Staff reported children/students with developmental delays interact with typically developing children when special activities are organized. Staff reported the family involvement activities included holding parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating with parents on an individual basis, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children and students. Ms. Wilder reviewed children’s records today. Ms. Wilder observed and cited one violation regarding children’s records. Ms. Wilder reviewed seven staff records for staff hired since the last ACV and two staff records for returning staff members. Ms. Wilder observed and cited two violations regarding staff records. Ms. Wilder reviewed program records today. Ms. Wilder observed and cited one violation regarding incident reports. I observed children adequately supervised, developmental day staff-child ratios maintained throughout the building during except in the NC PreK classrooms where I observed NC PreK staff-child ratios maintained at highest voluntary enhanced staff-child ratios, adequate approved space used, enhanced space capacity and permit restrictions including “Daytime care only”, “Reduced staff/child ratios by one child per group”, “Meets Certified Developmental Day requirements”, “Meets enhanced ratios”, and “Meets enhanced space” maintained during today’s visit. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In Space 1, the arrival time was not recorded for one child. In Space 2, the arrival time was not recorded for three children. In Space 16, the arrival time was not recorded for one child. In Spaces 1, 2, and 16, the teachers recorded the missing arrival times. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 1, one aerosol can of Air Wick air freshener was stored unlocked on a shelf in the bathroom above five feet. The teacher removed the aerosol can of Air Wick air freshener from the bathroom and locked it in a closet in the back of the classroom. .2820(b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. One over the counter pain reliever medication was administered to a student in October 2023 after it expired in August 2023. The school nurse removed the medication from the locked box to be returned to the parent today. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. One over the counter pain reliever was not labeled with the name of the child. The school nurse labeled the medication with the name of the child. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. One incident report recorded on the incident log was not filed in the child record but was filed with the incident report. .0802 (e) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff record file for a teacher with a date of employment of 09/13/2021 was missing on-going training documentation. .1103(a) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. In Space 10, two medical action plans were missing a signature and date. In Space 10, two medical action plans were missing a signature. .0801(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Six staff record files contained health questionnaires. .0701(d) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. Two parent acknowledgement statements for the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy were missing the date the policy was given and explained to the parent and the date of enrollment for the child. .0608(b)(1-6) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. 15A NCAC 18A .2818 LAVATORIES (e) Handwash signs shall be posted at every handwash lavatory area. In the men's and women's bathrooms by the gym and the women's bathroom by Room 6, the handwashing procedure signs were not posted. Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. A compliance plan statement for each violation stating how you plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than November 16, 2023. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance 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. Child care programs 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 eighteen (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. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 During today’s visit, I provided the following technical assistance: The Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law poster and brochure were updated in September 2023. Please be sure the September 2023 poster is posted. A handwashing procedure sign should be posted at all handwashing sinks throughout the facility. Sand needs to be added to the covered sandboxes on the preschool outdoor play space. Permission to administer medication forms for chronic illnesses should be updated every six months. When screen time is offered to the whole group, the screen time may be logged on the activity plan by listing the video link and title and the number of minutes. Medications should not be administered after the expiration date. Medications should be labeled with the name of the child. Aerosol cans should be stored in locked cabinets or closets. Arrival times should be recorded as soon as the child/student arrives. Medical Action Plans (MAP) should be signed and dated by the parent or the health care professional. The acknowledgement statement for the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy should include the date the policy was given and explained to the parent and the child’s date of enrollment. Required staff on-going training should be maintained in the staff record and completed by the annual compliance anniversary date or the hire date anniversary date. Health Questionnaires are considered a medical document and should be kept on file with staff medical records separate from the other staff records. Incident reports should be logged on the incident log and then filed in the child’s record. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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