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Home › NC › Conover › O.L. Moretz Foundation Ymca Early Learning Center
1104 Conover Blvd East, Conover NC 28613 · License #1855133 · Center · Child Care Center
Not published by the state. Owners can add hours via profile claim.
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10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/9/2026 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 6/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. Rebbecca Hayes, Child Care Consultant, assisted me with today’s visit. Malorie Lusk, Assistant Director acting as Interim Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 15, 2025. This facility’s compliance history was 83% as of June 5, 2026. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on June 5, 2026 and was reviewed with you today. We reviewed the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, web address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. This facility currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. I verified that this facility uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition, as the approved curriculum for a facility operating under a four or five star license and serving children who are four and five years of age. The license, NC Summary of Child Care Law poster, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio chart, safe arrival and departure procedures, emergency medical care plan, evacuation plan, daily schedule, activity plan, and emergency phone numbers were posted in a prominent area in the lobby or the classrooms. The most recent fire inspection was dated September 26, 2025 and was received in my office by email on September 26, 2026. Fire drills were up to date, completed monthly, and documented on the Fire Drill Log. The last fire drill was completed on May 29, 2026. Emergency drills were up to date, completed quarterly, and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The last emergency drill was a shelter-in-place drill completed on April 14, 2026. The most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 27, 2026 with a Superior classification and six demerits. Lead water test results dated February 13, 2024 indicated that this facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. Lead-based paint test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from lead-based paint testing based on a submitted attestation statement that the facility is free of lead-based paint hazards. Asbestos test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from asbestos testing based on submitted property tax documents. A current and posted menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals and snacks were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Milk and cold food items were stored in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored in a compact refrigerator in Space 3 (Infant room) at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s meals met meal pattern requirements. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor and outdoor environment. Children were playing in activity areas, transitioning to outdoor play, playing outside, attending to personal care needs, transitioning to indoor activities, eating lunch, and napping. Children under one year of age were playing on the floor, napping in cribs, being bottle fed, being comforted, and being diapered. Supervision, adequate approved space use, enhanced space capacity, enhanced staff/child ratios, enhanced group size, and permit restrictions were maintained during today’s visit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Hayes monitored children’s records and staff records. A Staff and Training (S&T) Worksheet was available for review and was attached to this visit summary. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were observed and cited during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space 4, plastic wipe refills were accessible to children two years of age, in an unlocked drawer below five feet by the changing table area. .0604(q) 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. A staff member hired on 1/12/26 had a medical report dated 3/15/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The facility has not established the ABCMS roster. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. A child enrolled on 2/9/26 did not have the health care needs or concerns second completed on the application. .0801 (a)(5) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. A staff member hired on 3/31/25 did not have signed documentation of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. One staff member hired on 12/23/24 did not have a professional development plan on file for review. .1104 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. One child enrolled on 6/3/24 did not have documentation of receipt of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. 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. Today, I observed no ABCMS roster established for your facility and DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment of new employees hired before or after your last monitoring visit July 15, 2025. To correct this violation, please follow the instructions below: 1. You will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. 2. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. 3. 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. 4. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, be sure to update this information in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. 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 with any of this process, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2. 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. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 01/12/2026 had a staff medical/health assessment on file that was dated 03/15/2023. While this medical/health assessment was prior to employment, the staff medical assessment on file should be dated within twelve months of the date of hire. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the staff member obtain an up to date staff medical/health assessment within the next two weeks. 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. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing them above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Ziploc bags, grocery bags, opened shrink wrapped or bagged products, diapers in opened plastic shrink wrap, opened diaper wipe refill packets, used and unused trash bags, used zip-loc bags, and opened teacher supply materials are considered plastic bags. In Space 4, I observed opened diaper wipe refill bags stored unlocked and below five feet in drawers under the built-in diapering area. The teacher moved these plastic bags out of the drawers and placed them in the diaper cubbies above five feet in the classroom which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review this requirement with your staff, monitor classrooms weekly and remove any plastic bags, place them in your locked storage closet or move them above five feet as required. 4. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 12/23/2024 did not have a staff development plan on file. To correct this violation, I suggested you and the staff member complete a staff development plan for this staff member. I also suggested that you consider using the “Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) / Professional Development (PD) Plan” document as part of the rated license assessment packet. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you create a tracking tool to assist you with keeping up with the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(d)(1-4), the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy should be reviewed with all new staff members prior to their caring for children and an acknowledgement statement should be signed and dated by the staff that includes the individual’s name, the date the center’s policy was given and explained to the individual, the individual’s signature, and the date the individual signed the acknowledgment. Today, one staff member who was hired by the organization on 03/31/2025 and transferred to this site location on 06/02/2026 did not have a signed acknowledgement statement on file documenting that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them on 03/31/2025 or 06/02/2026 prior to their caring for children. To correct this violation, I suggested you review the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the staff member and have them sign the staff acknowledgement page that accompanies the DCDEE sample for a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy which contains all the required information as it is listed in child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the staff files to make sure all current staff members have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy staff acknowledgement statement on file. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(a), each child’s application for enrollment should include a completed health care needs section with information provided by the parent. Today, the health care needs section was incomplete on the child enrollment application for one child with a date of enrollment of 02/09/2026. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the parent write “NA” or “NONE” to indicate that no information needs to be shared. To maintain compliance this child care requirement, I suggest you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(c), each Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed and dated by the parent should include the date the policy was given and explained to the parent and the child’s enrollment date. During today’s visit, one child with a date of enrollment of 06/03/2024 did not have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed by the parent on file. The interim administrator printed the sibling’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the parent’s signature and placed the copy in the child’s file which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. CONSULTATION: 1. From 05/14/2026 through today’s visit, the atmosphere observed in Space 1 appeared to be overstimulating and stressful for both children and teachers. While the space capacity of Space 1 may allow twenty-five children, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for four and five year old children may allow two teachers to twenty-five children, and no violations of staff/child ratio or supervision were observed today, the number of children in Space 1 may exceed a “best practice” group size based on the experience and education of the staff, the needs of the children, and the recent staff turnover in the classroom. 2. During a technical assistance visit on December 18, 2025, the three QRIS Pathways to the Stars effective July 1, 2025 were discussed with you and the administrator at the time. Please send me the “Application for Assessment of a Rated License for a Center” as soon as possible but no later than upon request as preparation for your next monitoring visit. 3. While not a violation today but as discussed, per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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 two weeks and six weeks even if a holiday(s) fall within that period of time. As discussed today, be sure to document on the New Staff Orientation Training Record the exact time spent on each topic. When providing new staff orientation training, be sure to use the most current EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. 4. The Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be reviewed annually and updated as changes occur. Please update the EMC Plan to reflect the names of the current staff members. After updating the EMC Plan, please review the updated EMC Plan with the staff members and have them sign attestation statements documenting that they have reviewed the updated EMC Plan. 5. Ready to Go bags and emergency medications should be stored so that the bottom of the bag or the medication container is above five feet where they can be easily accessed by the staff members but inaccessible to the children. 6. Sand and water play should be offered at least weekly to children three to five years of age. 7. Health Questionnaires (HQ) should be updated annually and when changes occur. The HQ due dates may be reset to assist with tracking and to get all the staff on the same due date rotation. 8. When serving milk and food from the kitchen to the classrooms, remember that the temperature of cold and hot food should be maintained by not serving the milk and food too early which requires the milk and food to sit out of the fridge or off the stove/oven too long. 9. 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. 10. 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 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. 11. 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. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. 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 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 14. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 15. 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: 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) Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. I should receive your compliance letter no later than June 23, 2026. 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 completion of the visit, this visit summary was 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 you may contact Erin Pickard, Licensing Supervisor, 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
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from North Carolina's child care licensing agency on Jul 9, 2026 · Report an error
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0608 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/9/2026 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 6/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. Rebbecca Hayes, Child Care Consultant, assisted me with today’s visit. Malorie Lusk, Assistant Director acting as Interim Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 15, 2025. This facility’s compliance history was 83% as of June 5, 2026. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on June 5, 2026 and was reviewed with you today. We reviewed the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, web address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. This facility currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. I verified that this facility uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition, as the approved curriculum for a facility operating under a four or five star license and serving children who are four and five years of age. The license, NC Summary of Child Care Law poster, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio chart, safe arrival and departure procedures, emergency medical care plan, evacuation plan, daily schedule, activity plan, and emergency phone numbers were posted in a prominent area in the lobby or the classrooms. The most recent fire inspection was dated September 26, 2025 and was received in my office by email on September 26, 2026. Fire drills were up to date, completed monthly, and documented on the Fire Drill Log. The last fire drill was completed on May 29, 2026. Emergency drills were up to date, completed quarterly, and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The last emergency drill was a shelter-in-place drill completed on April 14, 2026. The most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 27, 2026 with a Superior classification and six demerits. Lead water test results dated February 13, 2024 indicated that this facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. Lead-based paint test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from lead-based paint testing based on a submitted attestation statement that the facility is free of lead-based paint hazards. Asbestos test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from asbestos testing based on submitted property tax documents. A current and posted menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals and snacks were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Milk and cold food items were stored in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored in a compact refrigerator in Space 3 (Infant room) at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s meals met meal pattern requirements. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor and outdoor environment. Children were playing in activity areas, transitioning to outdoor play, playing outside, attending to personal care needs, transitioning to indoor activities, eating lunch, and napping. Children under one year of age were playing on the floor, napping in cribs, being bottle fed, being comforted, and being diapered. Supervision, adequate approved space use, enhanced space capacity, enhanced staff/child ratios, enhanced group size, and permit restrictions were maintained during today’s visit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Hayes monitored children’s records and staff records. A Staff and Training (S&T) Worksheet was available for review and was attached to this visit summary. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were observed and cited during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space 4, plastic wipe refills were accessible to children two years of age, in an unlocked drawer below five feet by the changing table area. .0604(q) 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. A staff member hired on 1/12/26 had a medical report dated 3/15/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The facility has not established the ABCMS roster. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. A child enrolled on 2/9/26 did not have the health care needs or concerns second completed on the application. .0801 (a)(5) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. A staff member hired on 3/31/25 did not have signed documentation of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. One staff member hired on 12/23/24 did not have a professional development plan on file for review. .1104 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. One child enrolled on 6/3/24 did not have documentation of receipt of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. 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. Today, I observed no ABCMS roster established for your facility and DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment of new employees hired before or after your last monitoring visit July 15, 2025. To correct this violation, please follow the instructions below: 1. You will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. 2. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. 3. 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. 4. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, be sure to update this information in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. 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 with any of this process, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2. 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. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 01/12/2026 had a staff medical/health assessment on file that was dated 03/15/2023. While this medical/health assessment was prior to employment, the staff medical assessment on file should be dated within twelve months of the date of hire. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the staff member obtain an up to date staff medical/health assessment within the next two weeks. 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. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing them above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Ziploc bags, grocery bags, opened shrink wrapped or bagged products, diapers in opened plastic shrink wrap, opened diaper wipe refill packets, used and unused trash bags, used zip-loc bags, and opened teacher supply materials are considered plastic bags. In Space 4, I observed opened diaper wipe refill bags stored unlocked and below five feet in drawers under the built-in diapering area. The teacher moved these plastic bags out of the drawers and placed them in the diaper cubbies above five feet in the classroom which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review this requirement with your staff, monitor classrooms weekly and remove any plastic bags, place them in your locked storage closet or move them above five feet as required. 4. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 12/23/2024 did not have a staff development plan on file. To correct this violation, I suggested you and the staff member complete a staff development plan for this staff member. I also suggested that you consider using the “Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) / Professional Development (PD) Plan” document as part of the rated license assessment packet. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you create a tracking tool to assist you with keeping up with the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(d)(1-4), the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy should be reviewed with all new staff members prior to their caring for children and an acknowledgement statement should be signed and dated by the staff that includes the individual’s name, the date the center’s policy was given and explained to the individual, the individual’s signature, and the date the individual signed the acknowledgment. Today, one staff member who was hired by the organization on 03/31/2025 and transferred to this site location on 06/02/2026 did not have a signed acknowledgement statement on file documenting that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them on 03/31/2025 or 06/02/2026 prior to their caring for children. To correct this violation, I suggested you review the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the staff member and have them sign the staff acknowledgement page that accompanies the DCDEE sample for a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy which contains all the required information as it is listed in child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the staff files to make sure all current staff members have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy staff acknowledgement statement on file. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(a), each child’s application for enrollment should include a completed health care needs section with information provided by the parent. Today, the health care needs section was incomplete on the child enrollment application for one child with a date of enrollment of 02/09/2026. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the parent write “NA” or “NONE” to indicate that no information needs to be shared. To maintain compliance this child care requirement, I suggest you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(c), each Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed and dated by the parent should include the date the policy was given and explained to the parent and the child’s enrollment date. During today’s visit, one child with a date of enrollment of 06/03/2024 did not have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed by the parent on file. The interim administrator printed the sibling’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the parent’s signature and placed the copy in the child’s file which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. CONSULTATION: 1. From 05/14/2026 through today’s visit, the atmosphere observed in Space 1 appeared to be overstimulating and stressful for both children and teachers. While the space capacity of Space 1 may allow twenty-five children, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for four and five year old children may allow two teachers to twenty-five children, and no violations of staff/child ratio or supervision were observed today, the number of children in Space 1 may exceed a “best practice” group size based on the experience and education of the staff, the needs of the children, and the recent staff turnover in the classroom. 2. During a technical assistance visit on December 18, 2025, the three QRIS Pathways to the Stars effective July 1, 2025 were discussed with you and the administrator at the time. Please send me the “Application for Assessment of a Rated License for a Center” as soon as possible but no later than upon request as preparation for your next monitoring visit. 3. While not a violation today but as discussed, per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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 two weeks and six weeks even if a holiday(s) fall within that period of time. As discussed today, be sure to document on the New Staff Orientation Training Record the exact time spent on each topic. When providing new staff orientation training, be sure to use the most current EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. 4. The Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be reviewed annually and updated as changes occur. Please update the EMC Plan to reflect the names of the current staff members. After updating the EMC Plan, please review the updated EMC Plan with the staff members and have them sign attestation statements documenting that they have reviewed the updated EMC Plan. 5. Ready to Go bags and emergency medications should be stored so that the bottom of the bag or the medication container is above five feet where they can be easily accessed by the staff members but inaccessible to the children. 6. Sand and water play should be offered at least weekly to children three to five years of age. 7. Health Questionnaires (HQ) should be updated annually and when changes occur. The HQ due dates may be reset to assist with tracking and to get all the staff on the same due date rotation. 8. When serving milk and food from the kitchen to the classrooms, remember that the temperature of cold and hot food should be maintained by not serving the milk and food too early which requires the milk and food to sit out of the fridge or off the stove/oven too long. 9. 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. 10. 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 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. 11. 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. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. 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 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 14. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 15. 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: 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) Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. I should receive your compliance letter no later than June 23, 2026. 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 completion of the visit, this visit summary was 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 you may contact Erin Pickard, Licensing Supervisor, 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/9/2026 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 6/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. Rebbecca Hayes, Child Care Consultant, assisted me with today’s visit. Malorie Lusk, Assistant Director acting as Interim Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 15, 2025. This facility’s compliance history was 83% as of June 5, 2026. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on June 5, 2026 and was reviewed with you today. We reviewed the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, web address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. This facility currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. I verified that this facility uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition, as the approved curriculum for a facility operating under a four or five star license and serving children who are four and five years of age. The license, NC Summary of Child Care Law poster, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio chart, safe arrival and departure procedures, emergency medical care plan, evacuation plan, daily schedule, activity plan, and emergency phone numbers were posted in a prominent area in the lobby or the classrooms. The most recent fire inspection was dated September 26, 2025 and was received in my office by email on September 26, 2026. Fire drills were up to date, completed monthly, and documented on the Fire Drill Log. The last fire drill was completed on May 29, 2026. Emergency drills were up to date, completed quarterly, and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The last emergency drill was a shelter-in-place drill completed on April 14, 2026. The most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 27, 2026 with a Superior classification and six demerits. Lead water test results dated February 13, 2024 indicated that this facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. Lead-based paint test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from lead-based paint testing based on a submitted attestation statement that the facility is free of lead-based paint hazards. Asbestos test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from asbestos testing based on submitted property tax documents. A current and posted menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals and snacks were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Milk and cold food items were stored in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored in a compact refrigerator in Space 3 (Infant room) at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s meals met meal pattern requirements. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor and outdoor environment. Children were playing in activity areas, transitioning to outdoor play, playing outside, attending to personal care needs, transitioning to indoor activities, eating lunch, and napping. Children under one year of age were playing on the floor, napping in cribs, being bottle fed, being comforted, and being diapered. Supervision, adequate approved space use, enhanced space capacity, enhanced staff/child ratios, enhanced group size, and permit restrictions were maintained during today’s visit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Hayes monitored children’s records and staff records. A Staff and Training (S&T) Worksheet was available for review and was attached to this visit summary. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were observed and cited during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space 4, plastic wipe refills were accessible to children two years of age, in an unlocked drawer below five feet by the changing table area. .0604(q) 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. A staff member hired on 1/12/26 had a medical report dated 3/15/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The facility has not established the ABCMS roster. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. A child enrolled on 2/9/26 did not have the health care needs or concerns second completed on the application. .0801 (a)(5) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. A staff member hired on 3/31/25 did not have signed documentation of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. One staff member hired on 12/23/24 did not have a professional development plan on file for review. .1104 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. One child enrolled on 6/3/24 did not have documentation of receipt of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. 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. Today, I observed no ABCMS roster established for your facility and DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment of new employees hired before or after your last monitoring visit July 15, 2025. To correct this violation, please follow the instructions below: 1. You will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. 2. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. 3. 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. 4. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, be sure to update this information in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. 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 with any of this process, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2. 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. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 01/12/2026 had a staff medical/health assessment on file that was dated 03/15/2023. While this medical/health assessment was prior to employment, the staff medical assessment on file should be dated within twelve months of the date of hire. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the staff member obtain an up to date staff medical/health assessment within the next two weeks. 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. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing them above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Ziploc bags, grocery bags, opened shrink wrapped or bagged products, diapers in opened plastic shrink wrap, opened diaper wipe refill packets, used and unused trash bags, used zip-loc bags, and opened teacher supply materials are considered plastic bags. In Space 4, I observed opened diaper wipe refill bags stored unlocked and below five feet in drawers under the built-in diapering area. The teacher moved these plastic bags out of the drawers and placed them in the diaper cubbies above five feet in the classroom which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review this requirement with your staff, monitor classrooms weekly and remove any plastic bags, place them in your locked storage closet or move them above five feet as required. 4. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 12/23/2024 did not have a staff development plan on file. To correct this violation, I suggested you and the staff member complete a staff development plan for this staff member. I also suggested that you consider using the “Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) / Professional Development (PD) Plan” document as part of the rated license assessment packet. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you create a tracking tool to assist you with keeping up with the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(d)(1-4), the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy should be reviewed with all new staff members prior to their caring for children and an acknowledgement statement should be signed and dated by the staff that includes the individual’s name, the date the center’s policy was given and explained to the individual, the individual’s signature, and the date the individual signed the acknowledgment. Today, one staff member who was hired by the organization on 03/31/2025 and transferred to this site location on 06/02/2026 did not have a signed acknowledgement statement on file documenting that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them on 03/31/2025 or 06/02/2026 prior to their caring for children. To correct this violation, I suggested you review the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the staff member and have them sign the staff acknowledgement page that accompanies the DCDEE sample for a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy which contains all the required information as it is listed in child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the staff files to make sure all current staff members have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy staff acknowledgement statement on file. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(a), each child’s application for enrollment should include a completed health care needs section with information provided by the parent. Today, the health care needs section was incomplete on the child enrollment application for one child with a date of enrollment of 02/09/2026. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the parent write “NA” or “NONE” to indicate that no information needs to be shared. To maintain compliance this child care requirement, I suggest you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(c), each Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed and dated by the parent should include the date the policy was given and explained to the parent and the child’s enrollment date. During today’s visit, one child with a date of enrollment of 06/03/2024 did not have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed by the parent on file. The interim administrator printed the sibling’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the parent’s signature and placed the copy in the child’s file which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. CONSULTATION: 1. From 05/14/2026 through today’s visit, the atmosphere observed in Space 1 appeared to be overstimulating and stressful for both children and teachers. While the space capacity of Space 1 may allow twenty-five children, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for four and five year old children may allow two teachers to twenty-five children, and no violations of staff/child ratio or supervision were observed today, the number of children in Space 1 may exceed a “best practice” group size based on the experience and education of the staff, the needs of the children, and the recent staff turnover in the classroom. 2. During a technical assistance visit on December 18, 2025, the three QRIS Pathways to the Stars effective July 1, 2025 were discussed with you and the administrator at the time. Please send me the “Application for Assessment of a Rated License for a Center” as soon as possible but no later than upon request as preparation for your next monitoring visit. 3. While not a violation today but as discussed, per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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 two weeks and six weeks even if a holiday(s) fall within that period of time. As discussed today, be sure to document on the New Staff Orientation Training Record the exact time spent on each topic. When providing new staff orientation training, be sure to use the most current EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. 4. The Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be reviewed annually and updated as changes occur. Please update the EMC Plan to reflect the names of the current staff members. After updating the EMC Plan, please review the updated EMC Plan with the staff members and have them sign attestation statements documenting that they have reviewed the updated EMC Plan. 5. Ready to Go bags and emergency medications should be stored so that the bottom of the bag or the medication container is above five feet where they can be easily accessed by the staff members but inaccessible to the children. 6. Sand and water play should be offered at least weekly to children three to five years of age. 7. Health Questionnaires (HQ) should be updated annually and when changes occur. The HQ due dates may be reset to assist with tracking and to get all the staff on the same due date rotation. 8. When serving milk and food from the kitchen to the classrooms, remember that the temperature of cold and hot food should be maintained by not serving the milk and food too early which requires the milk and food to sit out of the fridge or off the stove/oven too long. 9. 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. 10. 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 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. 11. 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. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. 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 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 14. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 15. 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: 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) Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. I should receive your compliance letter no later than June 23, 2026. 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 completion of the visit, this visit summary was 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 you may contact Erin Pickard, Licensing Supervisor, 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0801 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/9/2026 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 6/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. Rebbecca Hayes, Child Care Consultant, assisted me with today’s visit. Malorie Lusk, Assistant Director acting as Interim Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 15, 2025. This facility’s compliance history was 83% as of June 5, 2026. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on June 5, 2026 and was reviewed with you today. We reviewed the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, web address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. This facility currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. I verified that this facility uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition, as the approved curriculum for a facility operating under a four or five star license and serving children who are four and five years of age. The license, NC Summary of Child Care Law poster, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio chart, safe arrival and departure procedures, emergency medical care plan, evacuation plan, daily schedule, activity plan, and emergency phone numbers were posted in a prominent area in the lobby or the classrooms. The most recent fire inspection was dated September 26, 2025 and was received in my office by email on September 26, 2026. Fire drills were up to date, completed monthly, and documented on the Fire Drill Log. The last fire drill was completed on May 29, 2026. Emergency drills were up to date, completed quarterly, and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The last emergency drill was a shelter-in-place drill completed on April 14, 2026. The most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 27, 2026 with a Superior classification and six demerits. Lead water test results dated February 13, 2024 indicated that this facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. Lead-based paint test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from lead-based paint testing based on a submitted attestation statement that the facility is free of lead-based paint hazards. Asbestos test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from asbestos testing based on submitted property tax documents. A current and posted menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals and snacks were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Milk and cold food items were stored in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored in a compact refrigerator in Space 3 (Infant room) at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s meals met meal pattern requirements. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor and outdoor environment. Children were playing in activity areas, transitioning to outdoor play, playing outside, attending to personal care needs, transitioning to indoor activities, eating lunch, and napping. Children under one year of age were playing on the floor, napping in cribs, being bottle fed, being comforted, and being diapered. Supervision, adequate approved space use, enhanced space capacity, enhanced staff/child ratios, enhanced group size, and permit restrictions were maintained during today’s visit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Hayes monitored children’s records and staff records. A Staff and Training (S&T) Worksheet was available for review and was attached to this visit summary. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were observed and cited during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space 4, plastic wipe refills were accessible to children two years of age, in an unlocked drawer below five feet by the changing table area. .0604(q) 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. A staff member hired on 1/12/26 had a medical report dated 3/15/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The facility has not established the ABCMS roster. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. A child enrolled on 2/9/26 did not have the health care needs or concerns second completed on the application. .0801 (a)(5) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. A staff member hired on 3/31/25 did not have signed documentation of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. One staff member hired on 12/23/24 did not have a professional development plan on file for review. .1104 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. One child enrolled on 6/3/24 did not have documentation of receipt of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. 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. Today, I observed no ABCMS roster established for your facility and DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment of new employees hired before or after your last monitoring visit July 15, 2025. To correct this violation, please follow the instructions below: 1. You will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. 2. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. 3. 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. 4. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, be sure to update this information in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. 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 with any of this process, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2. 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. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 01/12/2026 had a staff medical/health assessment on file that was dated 03/15/2023. While this medical/health assessment was prior to employment, the staff medical assessment on file should be dated within twelve months of the date of hire. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the staff member obtain an up to date staff medical/health assessment within the next two weeks. 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. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing them above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Ziploc bags, grocery bags, opened shrink wrapped or bagged products, diapers in opened plastic shrink wrap, opened diaper wipe refill packets, used and unused trash bags, used zip-loc bags, and opened teacher supply materials are considered plastic bags. In Space 4, I observed opened diaper wipe refill bags stored unlocked and below five feet in drawers under the built-in diapering area. The teacher moved these plastic bags out of the drawers and placed them in the diaper cubbies above five feet in the classroom which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review this requirement with your staff, monitor classrooms weekly and remove any plastic bags, place them in your locked storage closet or move them above five feet as required. 4. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 12/23/2024 did not have a staff development plan on file. To correct this violation, I suggested you and the staff member complete a staff development plan for this staff member. I also suggested that you consider using the “Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) / Professional Development (PD) Plan” document as part of the rated license assessment packet. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you create a tracking tool to assist you with keeping up with the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(d)(1-4), the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy should be reviewed with all new staff members prior to their caring for children and an acknowledgement statement should be signed and dated by the staff that includes the individual’s name, the date the center’s policy was given and explained to the individual, the individual’s signature, and the date the individual signed the acknowledgment. Today, one staff member who was hired by the organization on 03/31/2025 and transferred to this site location on 06/02/2026 did not have a signed acknowledgement statement on file documenting that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them on 03/31/2025 or 06/02/2026 prior to their caring for children. To correct this violation, I suggested you review the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the staff member and have them sign the staff acknowledgement page that accompanies the DCDEE sample for a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy which contains all the required information as it is listed in child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the staff files to make sure all current staff members have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy staff acknowledgement statement on file. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(a), each child’s application for enrollment should include a completed health care needs section with information provided by the parent. Today, the health care needs section was incomplete on the child enrollment application for one child with a date of enrollment of 02/09/2026. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the parent write “NA” or “NONE” to indicate that no information needs to be shared. To maintain compliance this child care requirement, I suggest you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(c), each Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed and dated by the parent should include the date the policy was given and explained to the parent and the child’s enrollment date. During today’s visit, one child with a date of enrollment of 06/03/2024 did not have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed by the parent on file. The interim administrator printed the sibling’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the parent’s signature and placed the copy in the child’s file which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. CONSULTATION: 1. From 05/14/2026 through today’s visit, the atmosphere observed in Space 1 appeared to be overstimulating and stressful for both children and teachers. While the space capacity of Space 1 may allow twenty-five children, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for four and five year old children may allow two teachers to twenty-five children, and no violations of staff/child ratio or supervision were observed today, the number of children in Space 1 may exceed a “best practice” group size based on the experience and education of the staff, the needs of the children, and the recent staff turnover in the classroom. 2. During a technical assistance visit on December 18, 2025, the three QRIS Pathways to the Stars effective July 1, 2025 were discussed with you and the administrator at the time. Please send me the “Application for Assessment of a Rated License for a Center” as soon as possible but no later than upon request as preparation for your next monitoring visit. 3. While not a violation today but as discussed, per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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 two weeks and six weeks even if a holiday(s) fall within that period of time. As discussed today, be sure to document on the New Staff Orientation Training Record the exact time spent on each topic. When providing new staff orientation training, be sure to use the most current EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. 4. The Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be reviewed annually and updated as changes occur. Please update the EMC Plan to reflect the names of the current staff members. After updating the EMC Plan, please review the updated EMC Plan with the staff members and have them sign attestation statements documenting that they have reviewed the updated EMC Plan. 5. Ready to Go bags and emergency medications should be stored so that the bottom of the bag or the medication container is above five feet where they can be easily accessed by the staff members but inaccessible to the children. 6. Sand and water play should be offered at least weekly to children three to five years of age. 7. Health Questionnaires (HQ) should be updated annually and when changes occur. The HQ due dates may be reset to assist with tracking and to get all the staff on the same due date rotation. 8. When serving milk and food from the kitchen to the classrooms, remember that the temperature of cold and hot food should be maintained by not serving the milk and food too early which requires the milk and food to sit out of the fridge or off the stove/oven too long. 9. 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. 10. 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 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. 11. 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. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. 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 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 14. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 15. 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: 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) Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. I should receive your compliance letter no later than June 23, 2026. 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 completion of the visit, this visit summary was 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 you may contact Erin Pickard, Licensing Supervisor, 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .1101 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/9/2026 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 6/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. Rebbecca Hayes, Child Care Consultant, assisted me with today’s visit. Malorie Lusk, Assistant Director acting as Interim Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 15, 2025. This facility’s compliance history was 83% as of June 5, 2026. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on June 5, 2026 and was reviewed with you today. We reviewed the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, web address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. This facility currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. I verified that this facility uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition, as the approved curriculum for a facility operating under a four or five star license and serving children who are four and five years of age. The license, NC Summary of Child Care Law poster, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio chart, safe arrival and departure procedures, emergency medical care plan, evacuation plan, daily schedule, activity plan, and emergency phone numbers were posted in a prominent area in the lobby or the classrooms. The most recent fire inspection was dated September 26, 2025 and was received in my office by email on September 26, 2026. Fire drills were up to date, completed monthly, and documented on the Fire Drill Log. The last fire drill was completed on May 29, 2026. Emergency drills were up to date, completed quarterly, and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The last emergency drill was a shelter-in-place drill completed on April 14, 2026. The most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 27, 2026 with a Superior classification and six demerits. Lead water test results dated February 13, 2024 indicated that this facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. Lead-based paint test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from lead-based paint testing based on a submitted attestation statement that the facility is free of lead-based paint hazards. Asbestos test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from asbestos testing based on submitted property tax documents. A current and posted menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals and snacks were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Milk and cold food items were stored in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored in a compact refrigerator in Space 3 (Infant room) at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s meals met meal pattern requirements. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor and outdoor environment. Children were playing in activity areas, transitioning to outdoor play, playing outside, attending to personal care needs, transitioning to indoor activities, eating lunch, and napping. Children under one year of age were playing on the floor, napping in cribs, being bottle fed, being comforted, and being diapered. Supervision, adequate approved space use, enhanced space capacity, enhanced staff/child ratios, enhanced group size, and permit restrictions were maintained during today’s visit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Hayes monitored children’s records and staff records. A Staff and Training (S&T) Worksheet was available for review and was attached to this visit summary. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were observed and cited during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space 4, plastic wipe refills were accessible to children two years of age, in an unlocked drawer below five feet by the changing table area. .0604(q) 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. A staff member hired on 1/12/26 had a medical report dated 3/15/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The facility has not established the ABCMS roster. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. A child enrolled on 2/9/26 did not have the health care needs or concerns second completed on the application. .0801 (a)(5) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. A staff member hired on 3/31/25 did not have signed documentation of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. One staff member hired on 12/23/24 did not have a professional development plan on file for review. .1104 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. One child enrolled on 6/3/24 did not have documentation of receipt of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. 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. Today, I observed no ABCMS roster established for your facility and DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment of new employees hired before or after your last monitoring visit July 15, 2025. To correct this violation, please follow the instructions below: 1. You will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. 2. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. 3. 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. 4. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, be sure to update this information in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. 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 with any of this process, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2. 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. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 01/12/2026 had a staff medical/health assessment on file that was dated 03/15/2023. While this medical/health assessment was prior to employment, the staff medical assessment on file should be dated within twelve months of the date of hire. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the staff member obtain an up to date staff medical/health assessment within the next two weeks. 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. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing them above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Ziploc bags, grocery bags, opened shrink wrapped or bagged products, diapers in opened plastic shrink wrap, opened diaper wipe refill packets, used and unused trash bags, used zip-loc bags, and opened teacher supply materials are considered plastic bags. In Space 4, I observed opened diaper wipe refill bags stored unlocked and below five feet in drawers under the built-in diapering area. The teacher moved these plastic bags out of the drawers and placed them in the diaper cubbies above five feet in the classroom which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review this requirement with your staff, monitor classrooms weekly and remove any plastic bags, place them in your locked storage closet or move them above five feet as required. 4. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 12/23/2024 did not have a staff development plan on file. To correct this violation, I suggested you and the staff member complete a staff development plan for this staff member. I also suggested that you consider using the “Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) / Professional Development (PD) Plan” document as part of the rated license assessment packet. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you create a tracking tool to assist you with keeping up with the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(d)(1-4), the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy should be reviewed with all new staff members prior to their caring for children and an acknowledgement statement should be signed and dated by the staff that includes the individual’s name, the date the center’s policy was given and explained to the individual, the individual’s signature, and the date the individual signed the acknowledgment. Today, one staff member who was hired by the organization on 03/31/2025 and transferred to this site location on 06/02/2026 did not have a signed acknowledgement statement on file documenting that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them on 03/31/2025 or 06/02/2026 prior to their caring for children. To correct this violation, I suggested you review the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the staff member and have them sign the staff acknowledgement page that accompanies the DCDEE sample for a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy which contains all the required information as it is listed in child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the staff files to make sure all current staff members have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy staff acknowledgement statement on file. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(a), each child’s application for enrollment should include a completed health care needs section with information provided by the parent. Today, the health care needs section was incomplete on the child enrollment application for one child with a date of enrollment of 02/09/2026. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the parent write “NA” or “NONE” to indicate that no information needs to be shared. To maintain compliance this child care requirement, I suggest you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(c), each Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed and dated by the parent should include the date the policy was given and explained to the parent and the child’s enrollment date. During today’s visit, one child with a date of enrollment of 06/03/2024 did not have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed by the parent on file. The interim administrator printed the sibling’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the parent’s signature and placed the copy in the child’s file which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. CONSULTATION: 1. From 05/14/2026 through today’s visit, the atmosphere observed in Space 1 appeared to be overstimulating and stressful for both children and teachers. While the space capacity of Space 1 may allow twenty-five children, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for four and five year old children may allow two teachers to twenty-five children, and no violations of staff/child ratio or supervision were observed today, the number of children in Space 1 may exceed a “best practice” group size based on the experience and education of the staff, the needs of the children, and the recent staff turnover in the classroom. 2. During a technical assistance visit on December 18, 2025, the three QRIS Pathways to the Stars effective July 1, 2025 were discussed with you and the administrator at the time. Please send me the “Application for Assessment of a Rated License for a Center” as soon as possible but no later than upon request as preparation for your next monitoring visit. 3. While not a violation today but as discussed, per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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 two weeks and six weeks even if a holiday(s) fall within that period of time. As discussed today, be sure to document on the New Staff Orientation Training Record the exact time spent on each topic. When providing new staff orientation training, be sure to use the most current EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. 4. The Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be reviewed annually and updated as changes occur. Please update the EMC Plan to reflect the names of the current staff members. After updating the EMC Plan, please review the updated EMC Plan with the staff members and have them sign attestation statements documenting that they have reviewed the updated EMC Plan. 5. Ready to Go bags and emergency medications should be stored so that the bottom of the bag or the medication container is above five feet where they can be easily accessed by the staff members but inaccessible to the children. 6. Sand and water play should be offered at least weekly to children three to five years of age. 7. Health Questionnaires (HQ) should be updated annually and when changes occur. The HQ due dates may be reset to assist with tracking and to get all the staff on the same due date rotation. 8. When serving milk and food from the kitchen to the classrooms, remember that the temperature of cold and hot food should be maintained by not serving the milk and food too early which requires the milk and food to sit out of the fridge or off the stove/oven too long. 9. 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. 10. 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 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. 11. 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. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. 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 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 14. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 15. 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: 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) Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. I should receive your compliance letter no later than June 23, 2026. 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 completion of the visit, this visit summary was 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 you may contact Erin Pickard, Licensing Supervisor, 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/9/2026 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 6/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. Rebbecca Hayes, Child Care Consultant, assisted me with today’s visit. Malorie Lusk, Assistant Director acting as Interim Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 15, 2025. This facility’s compliance history was 83% as of June 5, 2026. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on June 5, 2026 and was reviewed with you today. We reviewed the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, web address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. This facility currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. I verified that this facility uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition, as the approved curriculum for a facility operating under a four or five star license and serving children who are four and five years of age. The license, NC Summary of Child Care Law poster, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio chart, safe arrival and departure procedures, emergency medical care plan, evacuation plan, daily schedule, activity plan, and emergency phone numbers were posted in a prominent area in the lobby or the classrooms. The most recent fire inspection was dated September 26, 2025 and was received in my office by email on September 26, 2026. Fire drills were up to date, completed monthly, and documented on the Fire Drill Log. The last fire drill was completed on May 29, 2026. Emergency drills were up to date, completed quarterly, and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The last emergency drill was a shelter-in-place drill completed on April 14, 2026. The most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 27, 2026 with a Superior classification and six demerits. Lead water test results dated February 13, 2024 indicated that this facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. Lead-based paint test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from lead-based paint testing based on a submitted attestation statement that the facility is free of lead-based paint hazards. Asbestos test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from asbestos testing based on submitted property tax documents. A current and posted menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals and snacks were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Milk and cold food items were stored in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored in a compact refrigerator in Space 3 (Infant room) at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s meals met meal pattern requirements. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor and outdoor environment. Children were playing in activity areas, transitioning to outdoor play, playing outside, attending to personal care needs, transitioning to indoor activities, eating lunch, and napping. Children under one year of age were playing on the floor, napping in cribs, being bottle fed, being comforted, and being diapered. Supervision, adequate approved space use, enhanced space capacity, enhanced staff/child ratios, enhanced group size, and permit restrictions were maintained during today’s visit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Hayes monitored children’s records and staff records. A Staff and Training (S&T) Worksheet was available for review and was attached to this visit summary. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were observed and cited during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space 4, plastic wipe refills were accessible to children two years of age, in an unlocked drawer below five feet by the changing table area. .0604(q) 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. A staff member hired on 1/12/26 had a medical report dated 3/15/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The facility has not established the ABCMS roster. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. A child enrolled on 2/9/26 did not have the health care needs or concerns second completed on the application. .0801 (a)(5) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. A staff member hired on 3/31/25 did not have signed documentation of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. One staff member hired on 12/23/24 did not have a professional development plan on file for review. .1104 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. One child enrolled on 6/3/24 did not have documentation of receipt of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. 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. Today, I observed no ABCMS roster established for your facility and DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment of new employees hired before or after your last monitoring visit July 15, 2025. To correct this violation, please follow the instructions below: 1. You will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. 2. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. 3. 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. 4. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, be sure to update this information in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. 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 with any of this process, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2. 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. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 01/12/2026 had a staff medical/health assessment on file that was dated 03/15/2023. While this medical/health assessment was prior to employment, the staff medical assessment on file should be dated within twelve months of the date of hire. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the staff member obtain an up to date staff medical/health assessment within the next two weeks. 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. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing them above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Ziploc bags, grocery bags, opened shrink wrapped or bagged products, diapers in opened plastic shrink wrap, opened diaper wipe refill packets, used and unused trash bags, used zip-loc bags, and opened teacher supply materials are considered plastic bags. In Space 4, I observed opened diaper wipe refill bags stored unlocked and below five feet in drawers under the built-in diapering area. The teacher moved these plastic bags out of the drawers and placed them in the diaper cubbies above five feet in the classroom which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review this requirement with your staff, monitor classrooms weekly and remove any plastic bags, place them in your locked storage closet or move them above five feet as required. 4. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 12/23/2024 did not have a staff development plan on file. To correct this violation, I suggested you and the staff member complete a staff development plan for this staff member. I also suggested that you consider using the “Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) / Professional Development (PD) Plan” document as part of the rated license assessment packet. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you create a tracking tool to assist you with keeping up with the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(d)(1-4), the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy should be reviewed with all new staff members prior to their caring for children and an acknowledgement statement should be signed and dated by the staff that includes the individual’s name, the date the center’s policy was given and explained to the individual, the individual’s signature, and the date the individual signed the acknowledgment. Today, one staff member who was hired by the organization on 03/31/2025 and transferred to this site location on 06/02/2026 did not have a signed acknowledgement statement on file documenting that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them on 03/31/2025 or 06/02/2026 prior to their caring for children. To correct this violation, I suggested you review the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the staff member and have them sign the staff acknowledgement page that accompanies the DCDEE sample for a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy which contains all the required information as it is listed in child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the staff files to make sure all current staff members have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy staff acknowledgement statement on file. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(a), each child’s application for enrollment should include a completed health care needs section with information provided by the parent. Today, the health care needs section was incomplete on the child enrollment application for one child with a date of enrollment of 02/09/2026. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the parent write “NA” or “NONE” to indicate that no information needs to be shared. To maintain compliance this child care requirement, I suggest you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(c), each Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed and dated by the parent should include the date the policy was given and explained to the parent and the child’s enrollment date. During today’s visit, one child with a date of enrollment of 06/03/2024 did not have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed by the parent on file. The interim administrator printed the sibling’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the parent’s signature and placed the copy in the child’s file which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. CONSULTATION: 1. From 05/14/2026 through today’s visit, the atmosphere observed in Space 1 appeared to be overstimulating and stressful for both children and teachers. While the space capacity of Space 1 may allow twenty-five children, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for four and five year old children may allow two teachers to twenty-five children, and no violations of staff/child ratio or supervision were observed today, the number of children in Space 1 may exceed a “best practice” group size based on the experience and education of the staff, the needs of the children, and the recent staff turnover in the classroom. 2. During a technical assistance visit on December 18, 2025, the three QRIS Pathways to the Stars effective July 1, 2025 were discussed with you and the administrator at the time. Please send me the “Application for Assessment of a Rated License for a Center” as soon as possible but no later than upon request as preparation for your next monitoring visit. 3. While not a violation today but as discussed, per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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 two weeks and six weeks even if a holiday(s) fall within that period of time. As discussed today, be sure to document on the New Staff Orientation Training Record the exact time spent on each topic. When providing new staff orientation training, be sure to use the most current EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. 4. The Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be reviewed annually and updated as changes occur. Please update the EMC Plan to reflect the names of the current staff members. After updating the EMC Plan, please review the updated EMC Plan with the staff members and have them sign attestation statements documenting that they have reviewed the updated EMC Plan. 5. Ready to Go bags and emergency medications should be stored so that the bottom of the bag or the medication container is above five feet where they can be easily accessed by the staff members but inaccessible to the children. 6. Sand and water play should be offered at least weekly to children three to five years of age. 7. Health Questionnaires (HQ) should be updated annually and when changes occur. The HQ due dates may be reset to assist with tracking and to get all the staff on the same due date rotation. 8. When serving milk and food from the kitchen to the classrooms, remember that the temperature of cold and hot food should be maintained by not serving the milk and food too early which requires the milk and food to sit out of the fridge or off the stove/oven too long. 9. 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. 10. 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 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. 11. 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. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. 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 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 14. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 15. 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: 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) Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. I should receive your compliance letter no later than June 23, 2026. 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 completion of the visit, this visit summary was 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 you may contact Erin Pickard, Licensing Supervisor, 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
G.S. 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/9/2026 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 6/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 05:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. Rebbecca Hayes, Child Care Consultant, assisted me with today’s visit. Malorie Lusk, Assistant Director acting as Interim Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 15, 2025. This facility’s compliance history was 83% as of June 5, 2026. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on June 5, 2026 and was reviewed with you today. We reviewed the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, web address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. This facility currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. I verified that this facility uses Creative Curriculum, Fourth Edition, as the approved curriculum for a facility operating under a four or five star license and serving children who are four and five years of age. The license, NC Summary of Child Care Law poster, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio chart, safe arrival and departure procedures, emergency medical care plan, evacuation plan, daily schedule, activity plan, and emergency phone numbers were posted in a prominent area in the lobby or the classrooms. The most recent fire inspection was dated September 26, 2025 and was received in my office by email on September 26, 2026. Fire drills were up to date, completed monthly, and documented on the Fire Drill Log. The last fire drill was completed on May 29, 2026. Emergency drills were up to date, completed quarterly, and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The last emergency drill was a shelter-in-place drill completed on April 14, 2026. The most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 27, 2026 with a Superior classification and six demerits. Lead water test results dated February 13, 2024 indicated that this facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. Lead-based paint test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from lead-based paint testing based on a submitted attestation statement that the facility is free of lead-based paint hazards. Asbestos test results dated July 3, 2025 indicated that this facility is exempt from asbestos testing based on submitted property tax documents. A current and posted menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals and snacks were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Milk and cold food items were stored in a commercial refrigerator at a temperature of thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored in a compact refrigerator in Space 3 (Infant room) at a temperature of thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s meals met meal pattern requirements. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor and outdoor environment. Children were playing in activity areas, transitioning to outdoor play, playing outside, attending to personal care needs, transitioning to indoor activities, eating lunch, and napping. Children under one year of age were playing on the floor, napping in cribs, being bottle fed, being comforted, and being diapered. Supervision, adequate approved space use, enhanced space capacity, enhanced staff/child ratios, enhanced group size, and permit restrictions were maintained during today’s visit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Hayes monitored children’s records and staff records. A Staff and Training (S&T) Worksheet was available for review and was attached to this visit summary. Please keep the Staff and Training Worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff. This facility does not provide transportation. The following violations were observed and cited during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space 4, plastic wipe refills were accessible to children two years of age, in an unlocked drawer below five feet by the changing table area. .0604(q) 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. A staff member hired on 1/12/26 had a medical report dated 3/15/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The facility has not established the ABCMS roster. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1832 Application did not include health care needs or concerns, symptoms of and the type of response required for the health care needs or concerns. A child enrolled on 2/9/26 did not have the health care needs or concerns second completed on the application. .0801 (a)(5) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. A staff member hired on 3/31/25 did not have signed documentation of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. One staff member hired on 12/23/24 did not have a professional development plan on file for review. .1104 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. One child enrolled on 6/3/24 did not have documentation of receipt of the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. 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. Today, I observed no ABCMS roster established for your facility and DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment of new employees hired before or after your last monitoring visit July 15, 2025. To correct this violation, please follow the instructions below: 1. You will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. 2. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. 3. 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. 4. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, be sure to update this information in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. 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 with any of this process, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2. 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. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 01/12/2026 had a staff medical/health assessment on file that was dated 03/15/2023. While this medical/health assessment was prior to employment, the staff medical assessment on file should be dated within twelve months of the date of hire. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the staff member obtain an up to date staff medical/health assessment within the next two weeks. 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. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing them above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Ziploc bags, grocery bags, opened shrink wrapped or bagged products, diapers in opened plastic shrink wrap, opened diaper wipe refill packets, used and unused trash bags, used zip-loc bags, and opened teacher supply materials are considered plastic bags. In Space 4, I observed opened diaper wipe refill bags stored unlocked and below five feet in drawers under the built-in diapering area. The teacher moved these plastic bags out of the drawers and placed them in the diaper cubbies above five feet in the classroom which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review this requirement with your staff, monitor classrooms weekly and remove any plastic bags, place them in your locked storage closet or move them above five feet as required. 4. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. Today, one staff member with a date of hire of 12/23/2024 did not have a staff development plan on file. To correct this violation, I suggested you and the staff member complete a staff development plan for this staff member. I also suggested that you consider using the “Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) / Professional Development (PD) Plan” document as part of the rated license assessment packet. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you create a tracking tool to assist you with keeping up with the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(d)(1-4), the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy should be reviewed with all new staff members prior to their caring for children and an acknowledgement statement should be signed and dated by the staff that includes the individual’s name, the date the center’s policy was given and explained to the individual, the individual’s signature, and the date the individual signed the acknowledgment. Today, one staff member who was hired by the organization on 03/31/2025 and transferred to this site location on 06/02/2026 did not have a signed acknowledgement statement on file documenting that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy had been reviewed with them on 03/31/2025 or 06/02/2026 prior to their caring for children. To correct this violation, I suggested you review the facility’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the staff member and have them sign the staff acknowledgement page that accompanies the DCDEE sample for a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy which contains all the required information as it is listed in child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the staff files to make sure all current staff members have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy staff acknowledgement statement on file. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(a), each child’s application for enrollment should include a completed health care needs section with information provided by the parent. Today, the health care needs section was incomplete on the child enrollment application for one child with a date of enrollment of 02/09/2026. To correct this violation, I suggest you have the parent write “NA” or “NONE” to indicate that no information needs to be shared. To maintain compliance this child care requirement, I suggest you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0608(c), each Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed and dated by the parent should include the date the policy was given and explained to the parent and the child’s enrollment date. During today’s visit, one child with a date of enrollment of 06/03/2024 did not have a Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy acknowledgement statement signed by the parent on file. The interim administrator printed the sibling’s Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy with the parent’s signature and placed the copy in the child’s file which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review the child enrollment forms carefully when receiving them from the parent and have the parent add any missing information before the child’s first day of attendance. CONSULTATION: 1. From 05/14/2026 through today’s visit, the atmosphere observed in Space 1 appeared to be overstimulating and stressful for both children and teachers. While the space capacity of Space 1 may allow twenty-five children, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for four and five year old children may allow two teachers to twenty-five children, and no violations of staff/child ratio or supervision were observed today, the number of children in Space 1 may exceed a “best practice” group size based on the experience and education of the staff, the needs of the children, and the recent staff turnover in the classroom. 2. During a technical assistance visit on December 18, 2025, the three QRIS Pathways to the Stars effective July 1, 2025 were discussed with you and the administrator at the time. Please send me the “Application for Assessment of a Rated License for a Center” as soon as possible but no later than upon request as preparation for your next monitoring visit. 3. While not a violation today but as discussed, per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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 two weeks and six weeks even if a holiday(s) fall within that period of time. As discussed today, be sure to document on the New Staff Orientation Training Record the exact time spent on each topic. When providing new staff orientation training, be sure to use the most current EPR Plan and Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. 4. The Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be reviewed annually and updated as changes occur. Please update the EMC Plan to reflect the names of the current staff members. After updating the EMC Plan, please review the updated EMC Plan with the staff members and have them sign attestation statements documenting that they have reviewed the updated EMC Plan. 5. Ready to Go bags and emergency medications should be stored so that the bottom of the bag or the medication container is above five feet where they can be easily accessed by the staff members but inaccessible to the children. 6. Sand and water play should be offered at least weekly to children three to five years of age. 7. Health Questionnaires (HQ) should be updated annually and when changes occur. The HQ due dates may be reset to assist with tracking and to get all the staff on the same due date rotation. 8. When serving milk and food from the kitchen to the classrooms, remember that the temperature of cold and hot food should be maintained by not serving the milk and food too early which requires the milk and food to sit out of the fridge or off the stove/oven too long. 9. 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. 10. 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 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. 11. 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. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. 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 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 14. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 15. 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: 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) Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. I should receive your compliance letter no later than June 23, 2026. 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 completion of the visit, this visit summary was 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 you may contact Erin Pickard, Licensing Supervisor, 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .1801 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0526-057L Visit Date: 5/21/2026 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 5/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 01:55 PM Time Out: 05:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to verify correction of violations documented on 05/14/2026 during the complaint visit related to enhanced staff/child ratios and permit restrictions related to age range. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Mallorie Lusk, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Today, I monitored supervision, enhanced staff-child ratios, use of adequate approved space, and permit restrictions. Upon arrival, I walked through the facility gathering a count of the children and staff present in each classroom. In Space 1, thirteen children ranging from four to five years of age were napping while supervised by one teacher. In Space 2, thirteen children ranging from three to four years of age were napping while supervised by one teacher. In Space 3, ten children ranging from zero to one year of age were napping, playing on the floor, having tummy time, and being bottle fed while supervised by two teachers. In Space 4, fifteen two-year-old children were napping, waking from nap, having diapers changed, and preparing for snack while supervised by two teachers. In Space 5, fifteen children ranging from two to three years of age were napping, waking from nap, having diapers changed, using the bathroom, and preparing for snack while supervised by two teachers. In Space 6, six one-year-old children were waking from nap and preparing for snack while supervised by one teacher. During the walk-through of the facility, I was unable to monitor Space 1 upon entry of the classroom due to the excessively dark environment that had been created by pulling the three room darkening shades on the windows and the hallway door, placing a poster on the observation window of the exit door, and turning off all the lights in the classroom and the bathroom. Upon entering the classroom, I was able to see cots on the floor closest to me, but I was unable to count cots or children, and I was unable to see the teacher in the classroom. After my eyes were able to adjust, I observed the teacher in Space 1 laying between two child cots on the large group carpet with a standard bed pillow while covered in a blanket. I observed the assistant director walk over to the teacher and place her hand on the teacher at which time the teacher stood up and approached me. After viewing camera footage, I was able to determine that the teacher in Space 1 was not positioned in the classroom to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; was not interacting with the children while moving about the classroom and checking on children while they slept or were awake on their cots; and was not providing supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child during nap period today from 12:15pm to 2:08pm when the assistant director entered the classroom and approached the teacher. During that one-hour and fifty-three minute timeframe, one was awake and had not been asleep at all and two additional children woke up, got off their cots, walked over to the teacher, and returned to their cots. Only children ranging in age from zero to five years were present during today’s visit. Enhanced staff-child ratios, use of approved adequate space, and permit restrictions were maintained today. The following violation unrelated to the substantiated allegations was observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. During the walkthrough of the facility today, I observed one teacher alone in Space 1 laying on the carpet with a pillow and blanket during the children’s naptime. Upon entering the classroom, this staff member did not move until the assistant director touched her shoulder. During today’s visit, I observed video footage of the same teacher in space 1 laying on the carpet with a pillow and blanket from 12:15pm to 2:08pm without properly supervising children. The teacher did not move from the laying position on the floor or respond to the children who were awake and moving around in the classroom for the one-hour and fifty-three minute timeframe. .1801(a)(1-5) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5), children should be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. As stated in child care rule, adequate supervision means that: (1) staff are positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff know where each child is located and are aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff are able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. Today, while conducting a follow-up visit for violations cited and allegations substantiated during a recent unannounced visit, I observed the teacher in Space 1 laying between two child cots on the large group carpet with a standard bed pillow while covered in a blanket. I observed the assistant director walk over to the teacher and place her hand on the teacher at which time the teacher stood up and approached me. After viewing camera footage, I was able to determine that the teacher in Space 1 was not positioned in the classroom to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; was not interacting with the children while moving about the classroom and checking on children while they slept or were awake on their cots; and was not providing supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child during nap period today from 12:15pm to 2:08pm when the assistant director entered the classroom and approached the teacher. During that one-hour and fifty-three minute timeframe, one child was awake and had not been asleep and two additional children woke up, got off their cots, walked over to the teacher, and returned to their cots. To correct this violation, I suggest you train and require teachers to walk through the classrooms while children are resting to check on each child individually regardless of the child’s age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I advise you to consider providing a supervision training opportunity for your staff and hold a staff meeting after the training to review your facility’s supervision policy and expectations. CONSULTATION: 1. As discussed today, due to the nature of the allegations substantiated with this report, an administrative action may be issued by the Division of Child Development and Early Education. As I explained today, an administrative action is not meant to be punitive but rather is a means to provide additional technical assistance and consultation to the facility. 2. As discussed today, due to the nature of the violations cited today, a follow-up visit will be made to this facility within the next two weeks. 3. As discussed today, the facility permit posted was dated September 28, 2021 and included licensed ages 0 – 12 years. I requested a reprint of the May 28, 2024 permit and it will be mailed to the facility location address. Please keep the September 28, 2021 permit posted until you receive the reprinted permit dated May 28, 2024 in the mail. 4. As discussed today, if room darkening measures have been implemented in a classroom that require your eyes more than a few seconds to adjust when you walk into the classroom, the classroom is too dark to ensure safety for staff members and children when they walk around the classroom during nap time and to ensure that staff members can see to monitor the children while they sleep. Likewise, if the music playing at nap time is so loud that staff members cannot hear each other talk or hear when a visitor enters the classroom, the music is too loud to ensure that staff members can hear the children and render assistance if needed during nap time. 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. 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 4, 2026. 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 completion of the visit, this visit summary was 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 and your staff are doing 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0526-057L Visit Date: 5/14/2026 Number Present: 83 Completed Date: 5/14/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 370 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to gather information related to allegations of violations of child care requirements. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility’s compliance history was 84% prior to today’s visit. According to the report, there are allegations of violations of child care requirements related to enhanced staff/child ratio, supervision, nutrition, and permit restrictions regarding age range. Today, I investigated the allegation of violations of child care requirements related to enhanced staff/child ratios not being followed during drop off and pick up hours. From 10:00am to 10:15am shortly after arriving at the facility, I walked through the facility gathering a count of children and teachers present in each classroom. The administrator and the assistant director were not needed in a classroom to maintain staff/child ratio. Nineteen children four and five years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 1. Nineteen children three and four years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 2. Eight children under one year of age and one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 3. Nine children two years of age were supervised by one teacher in Space 4. Seventeen children two and three years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 5. Eleven children one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 6. Later in the visit from 11:15am to 11:30am, I walked through the facility gathering a second count of children and staff present in each classroom. The administrator and the assistant director were not needed in a classroom to maintain staff/child ratio. The number of children and teachers present in each classroom had not changed from the information gathered from 10:00am to 10:15am. After nap period and snack at approximately 3:00pm to 3:15pm, I walked through the facility gathering a third count of children and staff present in each classroom. The assistant director were needed in a classroom to maintain staff/child ratio. Seventeen children four and five years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 1. Seventeen children three and four years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 2. Eight children under one year of age and one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 3. Eight children two years of age were supervised by one teacher in Space 4. Fifteen children two and three years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 5. Eleven children one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 6. Today, I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated they could recall multiple times over the past month that staff-child ratios were not maintained for two-year through five-year-old children from 6:00am to 9:15am in the morning and for four-year and five-year-old children from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. You stated that you currently have two part-time positions vacant for the hours of 1:00pm to 6:00pm and one full-time position vacant for the classroom serving four-year and five-year-old children. You stated that the “BrightWheel” app sends you a notification on your phone anytime a classroom has exceeded their maximum staff/child ratio and you had not received a notification from the “BrightWheel” app. Staff members stated that the teachers use a “chat group” on their personal phones and the facility walkie-talkies to communicate to the administrative team when their classroom has exceeded their maximum staff/child ratio resulting in a “staff/child ratio crisis” in their classroom. Staff members stated that “staff/child ratio crisis” had been communicated to the administrative team multiple times over the past month and administrative staff immediately stepped in the classroom to assist and correct the “staff/child ratio crisis”. Based on staff interviews, the allegations related to enhanced staff/child ratio was confirmed, therefore, the allegations were substantiated. Today, I investigated the allegations of violations of child care requirements related supervision. While monitoring staff-child ratios from 10:00am to 10:30am, 11:15am to 11:30, and 3:13pm to 3:25pm, I observed children adequately supervised throughout the indoor and outdoor environments. I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated that while they felt children were supervised adequately, the number of children in care in some of the classrooms contributed to the chaos and stress of the day. Based on my observations and staff interviews, insufficient information/evidence was available to confirm allegations related to supervision, therefore, the allegations were unsubstantiated. Today, I investigated the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to nutrition. I visited the kitchen area where I monitored the lunch and snack menu planned for today and the milk supply. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch and snack met the meal pattern requirements and milk was planned for and served at both lunch and snack. Today, I observed a sufficient supply of milk to support the planned and posted menu. I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated that milk had been supplied for breakfast and lunch daily and for snack several times a week over the past month. Staff members stated they did not recall a time that the facility had not supplied a sufficient amount of milk for the children. You stated that the facility provides whole milk, 1% milk, and almond milk as a cow’s milk substitute. You stated that families can opt out of the facility’s milk options and provide a milk choice of their own. Based on staff interviews and my observations, the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to nutrition were not confirmed, therefore, the allegations were unsubstantiated. I investigated the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to permit restrictions regarding age range. I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated they recalled multiple occasions over the past few months when one school-age child of a staff member had attended the facility and had been cared for in a classroom with preschool-age children. During today’s visit, I observed no school-age children attending the facility. Based on interviews with staff members, the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to permit restrictions regarding age range were confirmed, therefore, the allegations were substantiated. Enhanced staff/child ratios, adequate space capacity, approved space use, and age range were maintained during today’s visit. The facility permit was posted, and permit restrictions were maintained during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The facility is licensed for children ages 0-5 years. On multiple occasions over the past few months, one school-age child of a staff member attended the facility and was cared for in a classroom with preschool-age children. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Sign-in and sign-out records from April 20, 2026 through May 1, 2026 documented Space 5 out of compliance with staff/child ratios on fifteen different days at various times between the hours of 7:00am to 8:15am. Sign-in and sign-out records from April 20, 2026 through May 1, 2026 documented space 1 out of compliance with staff/child ratios on eight different days at various times between the hours of 7:30am to 4:30pm. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 and .3208, enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes shall(must) be maintained at all times. During today’s visit, staff members stated they could recall multiple times over the past month that staff-child ratios were not maintained for two-year through five-year-old children from 6:00am to 9:15am in the morning and for four-year and five-year-old children from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. To correct this child care requirement, I suggested you review the enhanced staff/child ratio requirements with the staff. I suggested you encourage the teachers to alert the administrative team when the group is one child from reaching maximum staff/child ratios and instruct the teachers not to accept any more children into their care until staff/child ratio assistance is rendered. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you develop a plan for maintaining day to day operations and staff-child ratios when a “staff-child ratio crisis” evolves at the center due to staffing. I encouraged you to include solutions that do not include the administrator being required to perform more than two of the following responsibilities at the same time: prepare meals, serve meals, care for children, carry out day to day operations, and carry out administrative duties. 2. Per North Carolina General Statute 110-91 and North Carolina General Statute 110-106, the center should comply with the permit restrictions. The permit dated May 28, 2024 lists the age range as “0 – 5 years”. During today’s visit, staff members stated they recalled multiple occasions over the past few months when one school-age child of a staff member had attended the facility and had been cared for in a classroom with preschool-age children. To correct this violation, I suggested you inform the staff that the facility is not licensed to care for school-age children and school-age children of staff members should not be in the classroom area of the building when staff members are working. I also suggested you inform the families that school-age children should not be in the classroom area of the building without direct parent supervision. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested the organization due their due diligence to inform the families, the staff, and the public that this facility does not provide licensed school-age care. CONSULTATION: 1. As discussed today, due to the nature of the allegations substantiated and the violations cited today, a follow-up visit will be made to this facility within the next two weeks. 2. As discussed today, due to the nature of the allegations substantiated today, an administrative action may be issued by the Division of Child Development and Early Education. As I explained today, an administrative action is not meant to be punitive but rather is a means to provide additional technical assistance and consultation to the facility. 3. As discussed today, the facility permit posted was dated September 28, 2021 and included licensed ages 0 – 12 years. You stated you were unable to locate the most recent permit dated May 28, 2024 which reflected the age range change from 0 – 12 years to 0 – 5 years made by the organization in 2024. I will request a reprint of the May 28, 2024 permit and have it mailed to the facility location address. Please keep the September 28, 2021 permit posted until you receive the reprinted permit in the mail. 4. 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. 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. 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 May 28, 2026. 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 completion of the visit, this visit summary was 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 and your staff are doing 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
GS 110-106 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0526-057L Visit Date: 5/14/2026 Number Present: 83 Completed Date: 5/14/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 370 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to gather information related to allegations of violations of child care requirements. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility’s compliance history was 84% prior to today’s visit. According to the report, there are allegations of violations of child care requirements related to enhanced staff/child ratio, supervision, nutrition, and permit restrictions regarding age range. Today, I investigated the allegation of violations of child care requirements related to enhanced staff/child ratios not being followed during drop off and pick up hours. From 10:00am to 10:15am shortly after arriving at the facility, I walked through the facility gathering a count of children and teachers present in each classroom. The administrator and the assistant director were not needed in a classroom to maintain staff/child ratio. Nineteen children four and five years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 1. Nineteen children three and four years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 2. Eight children under one year of age and one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 3. Nine children two years of age were supervised by one teacher in Space 4. Seventeen children two and three years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 5. Eleven children one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 6. Later in the visit from 11:15am to 11:30am, I walked through the facility gathering a second count of children and staff present in each classroom. The administrator and the assistant director were not needed in a classroom to maintain staff/child ratio. The number of children and teachers present in each classroom had not changed from the information gathered from 10:00am to 10:15am. After nap period and snack at approximately 3:00pm to 3:15pm, I walked through the facility gathering a third count of children and staff present in each classroom. The assistant director were needed in a classroom to maintain staff/child ratio. Seventeen children four and five years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 1. Seventeen children three and four years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 2. Eight children under one year of age and one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 3. Eight children two years of age were supervised by one teacher in Space 4. Fifteen children two and three years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 5. Eleven children one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 6. Today, I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated they could recall multiple times over the past month that staff-child ratios were not maintained for two-year through five-year-old children from 6:00am to 9:15am in the morning and for four-year and five-year-old children from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. You stated that you currently have two part-time positions vacant for the hours of 1:00pm to 6:00pm and one full-time position vacant for the classroom serving four-year and five-year-old children. You stated that the “BrightWheel” app sends you a notification on your phone anytime a classroom has exceeded their maximum staff/child ratio and you had not received a notification from the “BrightWheel” app. Staff members stated that the teachers use a “chat group” on their personal phones and the facility walkie-talkies to communicate to the administrative team when their classroom has exceeded their maximum staff/child ratio resulting in a “staff/child ratio crisis” in their classroom. Staff members stated that “staff/child ratio crisis” had been communicated to the administrative team multiple times over the past month and administrative staff immediately stepped in the classroom to assist and correct the “staff/child ratio crisis”. Based on staff interviews, the allegations related to enhanced staff/child ratio was confirmed, therefore, the allegations were substantiated. Today, I investigated the allegations of violations of child care requirements related supervision. While monitoring staff-child ratios from 10:00am to 10:30am, 11:15am to 11:30, and 3:13pm to 3:25pm, I observed children adequately supervised throughout the indoor and outdoor environments. I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated that while they felt children were supervised adequately, the number of children in care in some of the classrooms contributed to the chaos and stress of the day. Based on my observations and staff interviews, insufficient information/evidence was available to confirm allegations related to supervision, therefore, the allegations were unsubstantiated. Today, I investigated the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to nutrition. I visited the kitchen area where I monitored the lunch and snack menu planned for today and the milk supply. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch and snack met the meal pattern requirements and milk was planned for and served at both lunch and snack. Today, I observed a sufficient supply of milk to support the planned and posted menu. I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated that milk had been supplied for breakfast and lunch daily and for snack several times a week over the past month. Staff members stated they did not recall a time that the facility had not supplied a sufficient amount of milk for the children. You stated that the facility provides whole milk, 1% milk, and almond milk as a cow’s milk substitute. You stated that families can opt out of the facility’s milk options and provide a milk choice of their own. Based on staff interviews and my observations, the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to nutrition were not confirmed, therefore, the allegations were unsubstantiated. I investigated the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to permit restrictions regarding age range. I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated they recalled multiple occasions over the past few months when one school-age child of a staff member had attended the facility and had been cared for in a classroom with preschool-age children. During today’s visit, I observed no school-age children attending the facility. Based on interviews with staff members, the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to permit restrictions regarding age range were confirmed, therefore, the allegations were substantiated. Enhanced staff/child ratios, adequate space capacity, approved space use, and age range were maintained during today’s visit. The facility permit was posted, and permit restrictions were maintained during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The facility is licensed for children ages 0-5 years. On multiple occasions over the past few months, one school-age child of a staff member attended the facility and was cared for in a classroom with preschool-age children. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Sign-in and sign-out records from April 20, 2026 through May 1, 2026 documented Space 5 out of compliance with staff/child ratios on fifteen different days at various times between the hours of 7:00am to 8:15am. Sign-in and sign-out records from April 20, 2026 through May 1, 2026 documented space 1 out of compliance with staff/child ratios on eight different days at various times between the hours of 7:30am to 4:30pm. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 and .3208, enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes shall(must) be maintained at all times. During today’s visit, staff members stated they could recall multiple times over the past month that staff-child ratios were not maintained for two-year through five-year-old children from 6:00am to 9:15am in the morning and for four-year and five-year-old children from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. To correct this child care requirement, I suggested you review the enhanced staff/child ratio requirements with the staff. I suggested you encourage the teachers to alert the administrative team when the group is one child from reaching maximum staff/child ratios and instruct the teachers not to accept any more children into their care until staff/child ratio assistance is rendered. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you develop a plan for maintaining day to day operations and staff-child ratios when a “staff-child ratio crisis” evolves at the center due to staffing. I encouraged you to include solutions that do not include the administrator being required to perform more than two of the following responsibilities at the same time: prepare meals, serve meals, care for children, carry out day to day operations, and carry out administrative duties. 2. Per North Carolina General Statute 110-91 and North Carolina General Statute 110-106, the center should comply with the permit restrictions. The permit dated May 28, 2024 lists the age range as “0 – 5 years”. During today’s visit, staff members stated they recalled multiple occasions over the past few months when one school-age child of a staff member had attended the facility and had been cared for in a classroom with preschool-age children. To correct this violation, I suggested you inform the staff that the facility is not licensed to care for school-age children and school-age children of staff members should not be in the classroom area of the building when staff members are working. I also suggested you inform the families that school-age children should not be in the classroom area of the building without direct parent supervision. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested the organization due their due diligence to inform the families, the staff, and the public that this facility does not provide licensed school-age care. CONSULTATION: 1. As discussed today, due to the nature of the allegations substantiated and the violations cited today, a follow-up visit will be made to this facility within the next two weeks. 2. As discussed today, due to the nature of the allegations substantiated today, an administrative action may be issued by the Division of Child Development and Early Education. As I explained today, an administrative action is not meant to be punitive but rather is a means to provide additional technical assistance and consultation to the facility. 3. As discussed today, the facility permit posted was dated September 28, 2021 and included licensed ages 0 – 12 years. You stated you were unable to locate the most recent permit dated May 28, 2024 which reflected the age range change from 0 – 12 years to 0 – 5 years made by the organization in 2024. I will request a reprint of the May 28, 2024 permit and have it mailed to the facility location address. Please keep the September 28, 2021 permit posted until you receive the reprinted permit in the mail. 4. 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. 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. 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 May 28, 2026. 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 completion of the visit, this visit summary was 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 and your staff are doing 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
GS 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0526-057L Visit Date: 5/14/2026 Number Present: 83 Completed Date: 5/14/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 370 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to gather information related to allegations of violations of child care requirements. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility’s compliance history was 84% prior to today’s visit. According to the report, there are allegations of violations of child care requirements related to enhanced staff/child ratio, supervision, nutrition, and permit restrictions regarding age range. Today, I investigated the allegation of violations of child care requirements related to enhanced staff/child ratios not being followed during drop off and pick up hours. From 10:00am to 10:15am shortly after arriving at the facility, I walked through the facility gathering a count of children and teachers present in each classroom. The administrator and the assistant director were not needed in a classroom to maintain staff/child ratio. Nineteen children four and five years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 1. Nineteen children three and four years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 2. Eight children under one year of age and one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 3. Nine children two years of age were supervised by one teacher in Space 4. Seventeen children two and three years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 5. Eleven children one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 6. Later in the visit from 11:15am to 11:30am, I walked through the facility gathering a second count of children and staff present in each classroom. The administrator and the assistant director were not needed in a classroom to maintain staff/child ratio. The number of children and teachers present in each classroom had not changed from the information gathered from 10:00am to 10:15am. After nap period and snack at approximately 3:00pm to 3:15pm, I walked through the facility gathering a third count of children and staff present in each classroom. The assistant director were needed in a classroom to maintain staff/child ratio. Seventeen children four and five years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 1. Seventeen children three and four years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 2. Eight children under one year of age and one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 3. Eight children two years of age were supervised by one teacher in Space 4. Fifteen children two and three years of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 5. Eleven children one year of age were supervised by two teachers in Space 6. Today, I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated they could recall multiple times over the past month that staff-child ratios were not maintained for two-year through five-year-old children from 6:00am to 9:15am in the morning and for four-year and five-year-old children from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. You stated that you currently have two part-time positions vacant for the hours of 1:00pm to 6:00pm and one full-time position vacant for the classroom serving four-year and five-year-old children. You stated that the “BrightWheel” app sends you a notification on your phone anytime a classroom has exceeded their maximum staff/child ratio and you had not received a notification from the “BrightWheel” app. Staff members stated that the teachers use a “chat group” on their personal phones and the facility walkie-talkies to communicate to the administrative team when their classroom has exceeded their maximum staff/child ratio resulting in a “staff/child ratio crisis” in their classroom. Staff members stated that “staff/child ratio crisis” had been communicated to the administrative team multiple times over the past month and administrative staff immediately stepped in the classroom to assist and correct the “staff/child ratio crisis”. Based on staff interviews, the allegations related to enhanced staff/child ratio was confirmed, therefore, the allegations were substantiated. Today, I investigated the allegations of violations of child care requirements related supervision. While monitoring staff-child ratios from 10:00am to 10:30am, 11:15am to 11:30, and 3:13pm to 3:25pm, I observed children adequately supervised throughout the indoor and outdoor environments. I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated that while they felt children were supervised adequately, the number of children in care in some of the classrooms contributed to the chaos and stress of the day. Based on my observations and staff interviews, insufficient information/evidence was available to confirm allegations related to supervision, therefore, the allegations were unsubstantiated. Today, I investigated the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to nutrition. I visited the kitchen area where I monitored the lunch and snack menu planned for today and the milk supply. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch and snack met the meal pattern requirements and milk was planned for and served at both lunch and snack. Today, I observed a sufficient supply of milk to support the planned and posted menu. I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated that milk had been supplied for breakfast and lunch daily and for snack several times a week over the past month. Staff members stated they did not recall a time that the facility had not supplied a sufficient amount of milk for the children. You stated that the facility provides whole milk, 1% milk, and almond milk as a cow’s milk substitute. You stated that families can opt out of the facility’s milk options and provide a milk choice of their own. Based on staff interviews and my observations, the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to nutrition were not confirmed, therefore, the allegations were unsubstantiated. I investigated the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to permit restrictions regarding age range. I interviewed twelve staff members. Staff members stated they recalled multiple occasions over the past few months when one school-age child of a staff member had attended the facility and had been cared for in a classroom with preschool-age children. During today’s visit, I observed no school-age children attending the facility. Based on interviews with staff members, the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to permit restrictions regarding age range were confirmed, therefore, the allegations were substantiated. Enhanced staff/child ratios, adequate space capacity, approved space use, and age range were maintained during today’s visit. The facility permit was posted, and permit restrictions were maintained during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The facility is licensed for children ages 0-5 years. On multiple occasions over the past few months, one school-age child of a staff member attended the facility and was cared for in a classroom with preschool-age children. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Sign-in and sign-out records from April 20, 2026 through May 1, 2026 documented Space 5 out of compliance with staff/child ratios on fifteen different days at various times between the hours of 7:00am to 8:15am. Sign-in and sign-out records from April 20, 2026 through May 1, 2026 documented space 1 out of compliance with staff/child ratios on eight different days at various times between the hours of 7:30am to 4:30pm. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 and .3208, enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes shall(must) be maintained at all times. During today’s visit, staff members stated they could recall multiple times over the past month that staff-child ratios were not maintained for two-year through five-year-old children from 6:00am to 9:15am in the morning and for four-year and five-year-old children from 2:30pm to 4:30pm. To correct this child care requirement, I suggested you review the enhanced staff/child ratio requirements with the staff. I suggested you encourage the teachers to alert the administrative team when the group is one child from reaching maximum staff/child ratios and instruct the teachers not to accept any more children into their care until staff/child ratio assistance is rendered. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you develop a plan for maintaining day to day operations and staff-child ratios when a “staff-child ratio crisis” evolves at the center due to staffing. I encouraged you to include solutions that do not include the administrator being required to perform more than two of the following responsibilities at the same time: prepare meals, serve meals, care for children, carry out day to day operations, and carry out administrative duties. 2. Per North Carolina General Statute 110-91 and North Carolina General Statute 110-106, the center should comply with the permit restrictions. The permit dated May 28, 2024 lists the age range as “0 – 5 years”. During today’s visit, staff members stated they recalled multiple occasions over the past few months when one school-age child of a staff member had attended the facility and had been cared for in a classroom with preschool-age children. To correct this violation, I suggested you inform the staff that the facility is not licensed to care for school-age children and school-age children of staff members should not be in the classroom area of the building when staff members are working. I also suggested you inform the families that school-age children should not be in the classroom area of the building without direct parent supervision. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested the organization due their due diligence to inform the families, the staff, and the public that this facility does not provide licensed school-age care. CONSULTATION: 1. As discussed today, due to the nature of the allegations substantiated and the violations cited today, a follow-up visit will be made to this facility within the next two weeks. 2. As discussed today, due to the nature of the allegations substantiated today, an administrative action may be issued by the Division of Child Development and Early Education. As I explained today, an administrative action is not meant to be punitive but rather is a means to provide additional technical assistance and consultation to the facility. 3. As discussed today, the facility permit posted was dated September 28, 2021 and included licensed ages 0 – 12 years. You stated you were unable to locate the most recent permit dated May 28, 2024 which reflected the age range change from 0 – 12 years to 0 – 5 years made by the organization in 2024. I will request a reprint of the May 28, 2024 permit and have it mailed to the facility location address. Please keep the September 28, 2021 permit posted until you receive the reprinted permit in the mail. 4. 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. 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. 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 May 28, 2026. 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 completion of the visit, this visit summary was 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 and your staff are doing 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0510 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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 .0514 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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 .0605 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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 .0703 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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 .0902 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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 .1005 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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 .1101 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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 .1103 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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. 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/15/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 7/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 437 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:58 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. You, Heather Powell, Administrator, and Angie Vasquez-Lopez, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, accompanied and assisted me today. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. 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 requested that I add the facility web address, and I made that addition for you today. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc, that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on July 9, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your center's compliance history was 78% as of July 14, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 1, 2025 with a superior classification and four demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. Your most recent lead water test results were dated February 13, 2024 indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you started the enrollment process for asbestos testing. Please complete that enrollment process. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. Children were playing in activity areas, playing outdoors on the playground and at the splash pad, transitioning from outdoor play to indoor activity, transitioning from indoor play to outdoor play, eating lunch, napping, and attending to personal care needs. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of thirty-three degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a compact refrigerator at forty-four degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records. Ms. Wilder monitored children’s files and staff files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during an annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. Today, you stated that your written policies had not changed. Ms. Wilder monitored health and safety requirements. 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 542 The written feeding plan was not modified as the child's needs changed. In Space 3, one child less than fifteen months of age who was visiting the classroom from Space 6 did not have an individual feeding plan in Space 3. In Space 6, three children less than fifteen months of age had individual feeding plans that had not been updated as the eating habits of each child had changed to table foods. 10 NCAC 09 .0902(a) 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. In Space 4, screen-time was offered to children less than three years of age. .0510(f) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Outside of the fence by Outdoor Space 1, a black storage container was left uncovered and approximately six inches of rain water had collected in the container. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have a staff medical report completed prior to employment and no staff medical report was on file. 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 of 04/14/2025 did not have TB test results or TB screening form completed prior to employment and no TB test results or screening form were on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/23/2024 completed new staff orientation training on 03/03/2025. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/14/2025 completed new staff orientation training on 03/22/2025. .1101(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 04/14/2025 had not 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 04/14/2025 had not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 as required. One staff member with a date of employment of 02/27/2023 did not complete ten hours of on-going training by 02/27/2025 as required. .1103(a) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 did not complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of hire. .1102(f) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Four staff members with dates of employment of 07/21/2023, 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have an annual staff evaluation completed and on file. Three staff members with dates of employment of 11/15/2023, 09/19/2023, and 02/05/2024 did not have staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1322 A written statement from each child's parent giving standing permission which may be valid for up to twelve months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis was not available. In Space 1, five children with dates of enrollment of 12/15/2020, 02/22/2021, 08/06/2021, 09/19,2022, and 09,22/2023 did not have Off-Premises Activity Permission forms giving parent permission for the children to participate in Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. .1005(b)(4) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025 and was not renewed until 02/13/2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. On Outdoor Space 1, the loose surfacing was less than six inches in depth within the fall zone of the stationary composite play structure. .0605(k)(1-4) 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. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 did not have a completion certificate on file for Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/26/2024 completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on 05/05/2025 more than ninety days after hire. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) &.2703(n)&(o), prior to the expiration date of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter, the child care provider should complete and submit the required forms to complete a criminal background check every five years. During today’s visit, April Childress with a date of employment of 03/06/2017 had a CBC qualification letter that expired on 01/03/2025. Prior to today’s visit, the Ms. Childress’ CBC qualification letter was updated and valid as of 02/13/2025 which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you set a reminder for due dates on your electronic or print office calendar. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a), each child less than fifteen months of age should have an individual feeding plan on file and posted in the classroom the child is attending. The written feeding plan should be modified as the child's needs changed. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers providing care to children less than fifteen months of age. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(f), screen time is not allowed for children under three years of age. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care requirement with the teachers that serve children less than three years of age. I also suggested that you help your teacher in the classroom with two year old children to create a new plan for managing behavior and supervision of the group when she is alone in the classroom and needs to give extra attention to a diaper change. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2832(a), the child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, should be clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you dump the rain water out of the black container located outside the fence of Outdoor Space 1 and keep the lid in place. 5. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(k)(1-4), the depth of the loose surfacing should be based on the critical height of the equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you replenish the wood mulch under and around the stationary composite play structure on Outdoor Space 1 to a depth of six inches within fall zone extending three feet from the structure in all directions. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity. Because the Splash Pad is not a licensed space for the child care center, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form should be completed seasonally and annually before each child is allowed to visit and participate in Splash Pad activities. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you have the parent(s) of each child sign an Off-Premises Activity Permission form to participate in the Splash Pad activities during the summer of 2025. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(f), the administrator should complete ITS-SIDS training within ninety days of assuming administrator duties and maintain current ITS-SIDS certification be repeating the ITS-SIDS training every three years. Today, you as the new administrator with a date of employment of 04/14/2025 had not completed ITS-SIDS training on or before 07/14/2025. You stated you were aware that you needed to complete ITS-SIDS training. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you get registered for and complete an ITS-SIDS training class by 07/29/2025. 8. 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. 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. 9. 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 and may not be more than twelve months old. 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. 10. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1101(a), new staff who have contact with children must 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. While reviewing staff records, we observed that documentation of new staff orientation for two staff members hired on 12/23/2204 and 02/14/2025 was not completed within the required six weeks’ timeframe. Because the new staff orientation training was completed by 03/03/2025 and 03/22/2025 prior to today’s visit, the violation was considered corrected during this visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement in the future, 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 and make an intentional effort to complete the new staff orientation within the six week timeframe. 11. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c)(d), each employee should complete First Aid and CPR training within ninety days of employment and prior to the expiration date and documentation should be maintained 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 suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to register new employees for First Aid and CPR training and intentionally register them for a training date that is within the ninety day requirement. 12. 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. The number of required on-going training hours is calculated based on the staff member’s education, experience, and number of hours worked weekly. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 required to complete twenty hours of on-going training by 05/08/2025 had completed thirteen hours of on-going training resulting in this employee needing seven additional on-going training hours. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking board to include the date and the number of on-going training hours due for each employee. I also suggested you request that your child care consultant monitor your staff records in such a way that gets each employee on an on-going training hour due date that coincides with your annual compliance date within the third or fourth year of employment. 13. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for training due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation and training certificates are on file. 14. Per child care rule .1104 (1-5), each staff member should complete a staff development plan within the first year of employment and review that staff development plan at least annually. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use your tracking tool for staff development plan and annual staff evaluation due dates for each of your employees to assist you. I suggest you update the staff development plan and annual staff evaluation at a designated time 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. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. CONSULTATION: 1. Today, I observed small ants crawling on the counters in Space 3 and 6, the cubbies in Space 2, and the wall in Space 7. As discussed today, per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831 (b & d), pests should be excluded from the child care center. Traps set for pests should only be placed in areas that are inaccessible to children. Only those pesticides which have been registered in accordance with 40 C.F.R. 152 and G.S. 143-442 should be used to control pests at a child care center. Pesticides should be used in accordance with the directions on the label and should be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet separate from foods and medications. Pesticides should not be applied or used when children are present in the area. 2. 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. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted 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. 3. 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. 4. 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. 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. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. 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 7. Here is the link to the Children’s Resource Center training calendar: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchildrensresourcecenter.org%2Ftraining-calendar%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ckimberly.crane%40dhhs.nc.gov%7C101c6551811740280b8508ddb4d5fefa%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638865553370143920%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OdnPYA%2B74ATZff2XV5xCwFjqwhdtx8vlujNbGYWB%2BNA%3D&reserved=0 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0703(c & d), within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual should submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties of lead teacher or administrator. On July 31, 2024, the facility was cited violation item number 1889 due to one staff member with a date of employment of 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment not having documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. On 08/20/2024, Hollie Newton, Administrator, submitted photographs to me by email depicting the staff member’s completed degree from an accredited university which was accepted as verification that the staff member had completed the coursework to be considered for equivalency. In response to Ms. Newton’s email, I responded with an email message reminding Ms. Newton to have the staff member print a copy of two degrees and place the copies in the staff member’s file. I also reminded Ms. Newton to have the staff member request to be evaluated by the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) and have them send their official transcripts to WORKS for evaluation. I reminded Ms. Newton to print the status letter and place it in the file when it was received. Because Ms. Newton is no longer employed with the facility and the facility has a completely new administrative team, no violation was cited during this visit but will be cited at the next monitoring visit if documentation of staff qualifications is not in the lead teacher and administrator staff files at that visit. I strongly suggested that you ask all staff members to provide you with a copy of any completed degree and/or credential certificate and place those copies in their staff file. As discussed, the copy of the degree and/or credential can be used to determine the number of on-going training hours required for a staff member and to determine if the staff member meets preservice requirements and staff qualifications. For the purpose of evaluating education during the rated license assessment process, education qualifications can only be verified through the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS) which is documented on the status letter. In order to expedite the rated license assessment process, I strongly suggested that all staff members establish accounts with the Education Workforce Unit (WORKS), request to be evaluated as a teacher and/or lead teacher, submit higher education transcripts, print WORKS status letters, and place status letters in staff files as they are received. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested during new staff orientation training and preferably on the first day of employment you take time to assist new employees with establishing a WORKS account, submitting a request to be evaluated as a teacher and lead teacher, and submitting official transcripts to the Education Workforce Unit for evaluation of education qualifications. I also suggest you review your staff files at least twice a year prior to your annual compliance date and your routine unannounced date to ensure all the required documentation is on file. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than July 29, 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, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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 .1803 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0525-190A Visit Date: 5/21/2025 Number Present: 80 Completed Date: 5/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 01:45 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding allegations of violations of child care requirements. Angie Vasquez, Assistant Director, assisted me with the visit. Heather Powell, Administrator, was not available today. According to the report, there are allegations of violations of child care requirements related to discipline. Due to the nature of the allegations, a walk-through of the facility was not completed today. You reported ninety-five children ranging in age from zero to five-years were enrolled in your facility with eighty children ranging in age from zero to five-years present during today’s visit. I reviewed the incident report of the incident that occurred on May 14, 2025 at 5:30pm. The incident report was completed on May 15, 2025 with all information as required. The parent refused to sign the incident report, and a statement of decline was documented on the incident report. The incident report documented the injury as a “welp” on the “upper cheek under eye” caused by “teacher inflicted”. I reviewed the written statements provided by three staff members. The three written statements were consistent with each other. I reviewed the video footage captured by the facility camera in Space 1. The time and date of the recorded video footage was May 14, 2025 from 5:29pm to 5:32pm. The video footage did not contain audio. As viewed on the video footage, nine children were present in the classroom with one teacher supervising. At the beginning of the video footage, one parent was seen in the classroom picking up their child while eight children were playing in activity areas and the teacher was seated on a pillow on the rug in the reading area. Two of the eight children were seated at a child-sized table playing with a pegboard and peg set. One of the two children placed a plastic, cylinder-shaped peg in their mouth and kept the peg in their mouth. A few seconds later after the parent left the classroom, the teacher stood up and quickly moved to the table where the two children were playing, flicked the child who had the peg in their mouth on the cheek as the child removed the peg from their mouth. The child immediately began to cry, and the teacher walked to the cabinet area, got a paper towel, and wiped the table in front of the child. The teacher removed the container of pegs from the table and took them to the bathroom. The child’s parent entered the room and approached the child. The parent, teacher, and child appeared to have a conversation. The teacher gave the child a snack from the cabinet. The parent and the child left the classroom. Based on the review of the incident report, the review of the written statements from staff members, and the review of the video footage, the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to discipline are substantiated. The following violation was observed and cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. In Space 1 on 05/14/2025 at 5:30pm, a staff member flicked a three-year-old child on the side of the face. .1803(a)(1) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. The Division of Child Development and Early Education determined child maltreatment based on failure to meet the physical needs of children. GS 110-105.6(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Per 10A NCAC 09 .1803 Prohibited Discipline In Child Care Centers (a), no child should be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" means any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. All child care centers are expected to have behavior management and discipline policies that ensure no child is handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. During today’s visit while reviewing video footage of an incident that occurred on May 14, 2025 at 5:30pm, I observed a staff member in Space 1 flick a child on the side of the face. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review child care rule section .1800 - Staff/Child Interactions And Behavior Management and the facility’s Discipline/Behavior Management policy with all your staff. I also suggest you review the facility’s policy and expected procedures for mandatory report of child abuse and neglect. I suggest you encourage your staff to also report any inappropriate discipline practices used by co-workers when and if they observe these inappropriate practices. CONSULTATION: Today, you asked me for clarification regarding off-premises activities at the splash pad and the track area, sunscreen permission to administer forms, storing the bye-bye buggy in the adult bathroom, staff file organization and tracking, and the training requirements for the food service staff if used as a teacher-assistant to relieve staff for breaks. I answered all your questions but for the sake of time, I will document the consultation provided today regarding these questions in a follow-up email to both the administrator and the assistant director. Due to the nature of the violation, a follow-up visit will be made within two weeks. 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 may include policy or procedure revisions, staff meeting agenda, staff meeting attendance rosters, signed receipt statements from staff and/or parents, etc. I must receive your compliance letter no later than June 4, 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. 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 and your staff 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
GS 110-105 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0525-190A Visit Date: 5/21/2025 Number Present: 80 Completed Date: 5/21/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 01:45 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding allegations of violations of child care requirements. Angie Vasquez, Assistant Director, assisted me with the visit. Heather Powell, Administrator, was not available today. According to the report, there are allegations of violations of child care requirements related to discipline. Due to the nature of the allegations, a walk-through of the facility was not completed today. You reported ninety-five children ranging in age from zero to five-years were enrolled in your facility with eighty children ranging in age from zero to five-years present during today’s visit. I reviewed the incident report of the incident that occurred on May 14, 2025 at 5:30pm. The incident report was completed on May 15, 2025 with all information as required. The parent refused to sign the incident report, and a statement of decline was documented on the incident report. The incident report documented the injury as a “welp” on the “upper cheek under eye” caused by “teacher inflicted”. I reviewed the written statements provided by three staff members. The three written statements were consistent with each other. I reviewed the video footage captured by the facility camera in Space 1. The time and date of the recorded video footage was May 14, 2025 from 5:29pm to 5:32pm. The video footage did not contain audio. As viewed on the video footage, nine children were present in the classroom with one teacher supervising. At the beginning of the video footage, one parent was seen in the classroom picking up their child while eight children were playing in activity areas and the teacher was seated on a pillow on the rug in the reading area. Two of the eight children were seated at a child-sized table playing with a pegboard and peg set. One of the two children placed a plastic, cylinder-shaped peg in their mouth and kept the peg in their mouth. A few seconds later after the parent left the classroom, the teacher stood up and quickly moved to the table where the two children were playing, flicked the child who had the peg in their mouth on the cheek as the child removed the peg from their mouth. The child immediately began to cry, and the teacher walked to the cabinet area, got a paper towel, and wiped the table in front of the child. The teacher removed the container of pegs from the table and took them to the bathroom. The child’s parent entered the room and approached the child. The parent, teacher, and child appeared to have a conversation. The teacher gave the child a snack from the cabinet. The parent and the child left the classroom. Based on the review of the incident report, the review of the written statements from staff members, and the review of the video footage, the allegations of violations of child care requirements related to discipline are substantiated. The following violation was observed and cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. In Space 1 on 05/14/2025 at 5:30pm, a staff member flicked a three-year-old child on the side of the face. .1803(a)(1) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. The Division of Child Development and Early Education determined child maltreatment based on failure to meet the physical needs of children. GS 110-105.6(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Per 10A NCAC 09 .1803 Prohibited Discipline In Child Care Centers (a), no child should be subjected to any form of corporal punishment by the owner, operator, director, or staff of any child care center. For purposes of this Rule, "staff" means any regular or substitute caregiver, any volunteer, and any auxiliary personnel, including cooks, secretaries, janitors, maids, or vehicle drivers. All child care centers are expected to have behavior management and discipline policies that ensure no child is handled roughly in any way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. During today’s visit while reviewing video footage of an incident that occurred on May 14, 2025 at 5:30pm, I observed a staff member in Space 1 flick a child on the side of the face. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review child care rule section .1800 - Staff/Child Interactions And Behavior Management and the facility’s Discipline/Behavior Management policy with all your staff. I also suggest you review the facility’s policy and expected procedures for mandatory report of child abuse and neglect. I suggest you encourage your staff to also report any inappropriate discipline practices used by co-workers when and if they observe these inappropriate practices. CONSULTATION: Today, you asked me for clarification regarding off-premises activities at the splash pad and the track area, sunscreen permission to administer forms, storing the bye-bye buggy in the adult bathroom, staff file organization and tracking, and the training requirements for the food service staff if used as a teacher-assistant to relieve staff for breaks. I answered all your questions but for the sake of time, I will document the consultation provided today regarding these questions in a follow-up email to both the administrator and the assistant director. Due to the nature of the violation, a follow-up visit will be made within two weeks. 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 may include policy or procedure revisions, staff meeting agenda, staff meeting attendance rosters, signed receipt statements from staff and/or parents, etc. I must receive your compliance letter no later than June 4, 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. 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 and your staff 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 .0607 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 3/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 355 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: 01:50 PM Time Out: 04:20 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, Angie Vasquez, Assistant Director and acting Interim Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on March 21, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 76% as of March 21, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 25, 2024 with a Superior classification and seven demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed on February 13, 2024. Today, I verified that those test results indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have enrolled for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you enrolled for asbestos testing. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines, and eating lunch. I observed infants engaged in floor play, napping, and being comforted by caregivers. I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored at 22 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). Today’s lunch included fish sticks, tater tots, fresh banana, wheat roll, and unflavored milk. 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 ten returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for eight new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at routine unannounced visits on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. I reviewed your updated Parent Handbook dated February 2024 at your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed since July 2024. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 4, two permission to administer topical ointment forms were missing the information for where to apply the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/22/2024 did not have a copy of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter dated 07/30/2024 printed and on file at the facility available for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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 4, one medical action plan dated 02/06/2024 was not updated annually by 02/06/2025. .0801(b) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the permission to administer topical over-the-counter medication form should include the name of the medication, the valid dates the medication is to be administered, the amount of medication to be administered, where to apply the topical medication, when to apply the topical medication, and how to apply the topical medication. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you or an appointed staff member review each medication permission form as it is completed by the parent and received by the facility to be sure the permission form is filled out completely with no missing information. If information is missing, I suggest you have the parent add the missing information before leaving the medication at the facility and before the parent leaves the facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(b)(1-4), the medical action plan should contain the required information and should be updated on an annual basis or when changes are made by the child's parent or health care professional. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review each medical action plan throughout the facility and create a tracking tool to assist you with maintaining the annual updates of these plans. 3. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e), each employee should have a valid Criminal Background Check qualification letter on file in their staff records. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you inform the staff member that they must provide you with a printed copy of their CBC qualification letter when they return to work and before they will be allowed to enter the center classroom(s). CONSULTATION: 1. Per General Statute 110-99(a)(1), the license should be posted in a prominent place at all times. The expectation is that the current license be posted. During today’s visit, the license posted in the lobby area was dated September 28, 2021 but the current license is dated May 28, 2024. Please attempt to locate the original copy of the current license. Let me know if you are unable to locate the original copy and I will request a replacement copy be sent to your facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0607(e), the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan should be reviewed and updated by the person on staff who took the EPR Training course at least annually and when any changes to the plan are necessary. An updated EPR Plan should be printed each and any time the EPR Plan is updated for any reason. As discussed today, the current EPR Plan is dated March 4, 2023. Since the person on staff who had the EPR training was the administrator whose last day of employment was March 7, 2025, you have four months to complete the Emergency Preparedness Response training and then update the EPR Plan. 3. 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. Today, I observed the date of the posted Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was September 2023. 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 begin include and begin using the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 4. As discussed today, the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be updated by removing the former director and adding the name of an alternate responsible person. 5. As discussed today, plastic bags including gloves should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing the plastic bags or gloves above five feet or locking them in a cabinet or drawer. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. When deciding the due date for the on-going training hours for your staff, you’ll have to look at each staff member and determine the due date for completion as follows: a) If the staff member had completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member will have 12 months from the new annual compliance date to complete the next annual requirement of on-going training hours. b) If the staff member had not completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member would be given until the annual compliance anniversary date to complete the on-going training requirement. c) If the staff member was newly hired since the last annual compliance visit (ACV), their on-going training hours would not be monitored the first year of employment with the assumption that they’ll complete the first-year training requirements for health & safety and other trainings which will account for the required number of hours. d) If the staff member has worked at your facility for at least one year, their on-going training hours are required to be completed by their 2nd year employment anniversary and will be monitored at the next ACV. 8. As discussed today, please consider delegating administrative duties to veteran staff members who are willing to take on an additional responsibility until a new administrator can be hired and trained. Areas you may consider delegating may include monthly outdoor playground inspections, medication permission slips, medical action plans, activity plans, daily classroom inspections for safety, and daily replenishing of bathroom and handwashing supplies. 9. As discussed today, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form is needed prior to a child being allowed to participate in an activity at the splash pad or the walking track. 10. 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. 11. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to Success” 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 and the NC Child Care Commission will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are 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 3- or 5-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 any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than April 7, 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. 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 and your staff 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0801 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 3/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 355 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: 01:50 PM Time Out: 04:20 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, Angie Vasquez, Assistant Director and acting Interim Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on March 21, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 76% as of March 21, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 25, 2024 with a Superior classification and seven demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed on February 13, 2024. Today, I verified that those test results indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have enrolled for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you enrolled for asbestos testing. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines, and eating lunch. I observed infants engaged in floor play, napping, and being comforted by caregivers. I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored at 22 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). Today’s lunch included fish sticks, tater tots, fresh banana, wheat roll, and unflavored milk. 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 ten returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for eight new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at routine unannounced visits on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. I reviewed your updated Parent Handbook dated February 2024 at your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed since July 2024. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 4, two permission to administer topical ointment forms were missing the information for where to apply the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/22/2024 did not have a copy of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter dated 07/30/2024 printed and on file at the facility available for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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 4, one medical action plan dated 02/06/2024 was not updated annually by 02/06/2025. .0801(b) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the permission to administer topical over-the-counter medication form should include the name of the medication, the valid dates the medication is to be administered, the amount of medication to be administered, where to apply the topical medication, when to apply the topical medication, and how to apply the topical medication. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you or an appointed staff member review each medication permission form as it is completed by the parent and received by the facility to be sure the permission form is filled out completely with no missing information. If information is missing, I suggest you have the parent add the missing information before leaving the medication at the facility and before the parent leaves the facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(b)(1-4), the medical action plan should contain the required information and should be updated on an annual basis or when changes are made by the child's parent or health care professional. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review each medical action plan throughout the facility and create a tracking tool to assist you with maintaining the annual updates of these plans. 3. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e), each employee should have a valid Criminal Background Check qualification letter on file in their staff records. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you inform the staff member that they must provide you with a printed copy of their CBC qualification letter when they return to work and before they will be allowed to enter the center classroom(s). CONSULTATION: 1. Per General Statute 110-99(a)(1), the license should be posted in a prominent place at all times. The expectation is that the current license be posted. During today’s visit, the license posted in the lobby area was dated September 28, 2021 but the current license is dated May 28, 2024. Please attempt to locate the original copy of the current license. Let me know if you are unable to locate the original copy and I will request a replacement copy be sent to your facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0607(e), the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan should be reviewed and updated by the person on staff who took the EPR Training course at least annually and when any changes to the plan are necessary. An updated EPR Plan should be printed each and any time the EPR Plan is updated for any reason. As discussed today, the current EPR Plan is dated March 4, 2023. Since the person on staff who had the EPR training was the administrator whose last day of employment was March 7, 2025, you have four months to complete the Emergency Preparedness Response training and then update the EPR Plan. 3. 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. Today, I observed the date of the posted Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was September 2023. 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 begin include and begin using the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 4. As discussed today, the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be updated by removing the former director and adding the name of an alternate responsible person. 5. As discussed today, plastic bags including gloves should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing the plastic bags or gloves above five feet or locking them in a cabinet or drawer. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. When deciding the due date for the on-going training hours for your staff, you’ll have to look at each staff member and determine the due date for completion as follows: a) If the staff member had completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member will have 12 months from the new annual compliance date to complete the next annual requirement of on-going training hours. b) If the staff member had not completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member would be given until the annual compliance anniversary date to complete the on-going training requirement. c) If the staff member was newly hired since the last annual compliance visit (ACV), their on-going training hours would not be monitored the first year of employment with the assumption that they’ll complete the first-year training requirements for health & safety and other trainings which will account for the required number of hours. d) If the staff member has worked at your facility for at least one year, their on-going training hours are required to be completed by their 2nd year employment anniversary and will be monitored at the next ACV. 8. As discussed today, please consider delegating administrative duties to veteran staff members who are willing to take on an additional responsibility until a new administrator can be hired and trained. Areas you may consider delegating may include monthly outdoor playground inspections, medication permission slips, medical action plans, activity plans, daily classroom inspections for safety, and daily replenishing of bathroom and handwashing supplies. 9. As discussed today, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form is needed prior to a child being allowed to participate in an activity at the splash pad or the walking track. 10. 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. 11. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to Success” 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 and the NC Child Care Commission will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are 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 3- or 5-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 any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than April 7, 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. 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 and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 3/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 355 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: 01:50 PM Time Out: 04:20 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, Angie Vasquez, Assistant Director and acting Interim Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on March 21, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 76% as of March 21, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 25, 2024 with a Superior classification and seven demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed on February 13, 2024. Today, I verified that those test results indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have enrolled for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you enrolled for asbestos testing. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines, and eating lunch. I observed infants engaged in floor play, napping, and being comforted by caregivers. I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored at 22 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). Today’s lunch included fish sticks, tater tots, fresh banana, wheat roll, and unflavored milk. 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 ten returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for eight new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at routine unannounced visits on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. I reviewed your updated Parent Handbook dated February 2024 at your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed since July 2024. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 4, two permission to administer topical ointment forms were missing the information for where to apply the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/22/2024 did not have a copy of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter dated 07/30/2024 printed and on file at the facility available for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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 4, one medical action plan dated 02/06/2024 was not updated annually by 02/06/2025. .0801(b) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the permission to administer topical over-the-counter medication form should include the name of the medication, the valid dates the medication is to be administered, the amount of medication to be administered, where to apply the topical medication, when to apply the topical medication, and how to apply the topical medication. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you or an appointed staff member review each medication permission form as it is completed by the parent and received by the facility to be sure the permission form is filled out completely with no missing information. If information is missing, I suggest you have the parent add the missing information before leaving the medication at the facility and before the parent leaves the facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(b)(1-4), the medical action plan should contain the required information and should be updated on an annual basis or when changes are made by the child's parent or health care professional. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review each medical action plan throughout the facility and create a tracking tool to assist you with maintaining the annual updates of these plans. 3. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e), each employee should have a valid Criminal Background Check qualification letter on file in their staff records. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you inform the staff member that they must provide you with a printed copy of their CBC qualification letter when they return to work and before they will be allowed to enter the center classroom(s). CONSULTATION: 1. Per General Statute 110-99(a)(1), the license should be posted in a prominent place at all times. The expectation is that the current license be posted. During today’s visit, the license posted in the lobby area was dated September 28, 2021 but the current license is dated May 28, 2024. Please attempt to locate the original copy of the current license. Let me know if you are unable to locate the original copy and I will request a replacement copy be sent to your facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0607(e), the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan should be reviewed and updated by the person on staff who took the EPR Training course at least annually and when any changes to the plan are necessary. An updated EPR Plan should be printed each and any time the EPR Plan is updated for any reason. As discussed today, the current EPR Plan is dated March 4, 2023. Since the person on staff who had the EPR training was the administrator whose last day of employment was March 7, 2025, you have four months to complete the Emergency Preparedness Response training and then update the EPR Plan. 3. 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. Today, I observed the date of the posted Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was September 2023. 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 begin include and begin using the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 4. As discussed today, the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be updated by removing the former director and adding the name of an alternate responsible person. 5. As discussed today, plastic bags including gloves should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing the plastic bags or gloves above five feet or locking them in a cabinet or drawer. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. When deciding the due date for the on-going training hours for your staff, you’ll have to look at each staff member and determine the due date for completion as follows: a) If the staff member had completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member will have 12 months from the new annual compliance date to complete the next annual requirement of on-going training hours. b) If the staff member had not completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member would be given until the annual compliance anniversary date to complete the on-going training requirement. c) If the staff member was newly hired since the last annual compliance visit (ACV), their on-going training hours would not be monitored the first year of employment with the assumption that they’ll complete the first-year training requirements for health & safety and other trainings which will account for the required number of hours. d) If the staff member has worked at your facility for at least one year, their on-going training hours are required to be completed by their 2nd year employment anniversary and will be monitored at the next ACV. 8. As discussed today, please consider delegating administrative duties to veteran staff members who are willing to take on an additional responsibility until a new administrator can be hired and trained. Areas you may consider delegating may include monthly outdoor playground inspections, medication permission slips, medical action plans, activity plans, daily classroom inspections for safety, and daily replenishing of bathroom and handwashing supplies. 9. As discussed today, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form is needed prior to a child being allowed to participate in an activity at the splash pad or the walking track. 10. 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. 11. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to Success” 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 and the NC Child Care Commission will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are 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 3- or 5-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 any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than April 7, 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. 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 and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 3/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 355 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: 01:50 PM Time Out: 04:20 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, Angie Vasquez, Assistant Director and acting Interim Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on March 21, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 76% as of March 21, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 25, 2024 with a Superior classification and seven demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed on February 13, 2024. Today, I verified that those test results indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have enrolled for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you enrolled for asbestos testing. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines, and eating lunch. I observed infants engaged in floor play, napping, and being comforted by caregivers. I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored at 22 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). Today’s lunch included fish sticks, tater tots, fresh banana, wheat roll, and unflavored milk. 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 ten returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for eight new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at routine unannounced visits on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. I reviewed your updated Parent Handbook dated February 2024 at your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed since July 2024. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 4, two permission to administer topical ointment forms were missing the information for where to apply the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/22/2024 did not have a copy of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter dated 07/30/2024 printed and on file at the facility available for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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 4, one medical action plan dated 02/06/2024 was not updated annually by 02/06/2025. .0801(b) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the permission to administer topical over-the-counter medication form should include the name of the medication, the valid dates the medication is to be administered, the amount of medication to be administered, where to apply the topical medication, when to apply the topical medication, and how to apply the topical medication. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you or an appointed staff member review each medication permission form as it is completed by the parent and received by the facility to be sure the permission form is filled out completely with no missing information. If information is missing, I suggest you have the parent add the missing information before leaving the medication at the facility and before the parent leaves the facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(b)(1-4), the medical action plan should contain the required information and should be updated on an annual basis or when changes are made by the child's parent or health care professional. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review each medical action plan throughout the facility and create a tracking tool to assist you with maintaining the annual updates of these plans. 3. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e), each employee should have a valid Criminal Background Check qualification letter on file in their staff records. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you inform the staff member that they must provide you with a printed copy of their CBC qualification letter when they return to work and before they will be allowed to enter the center classroom(s). CONSULTATION: 1. Per General Statute 110-99(a)(1), the license should be posted in a prominent place at all times. The expectation is that the current license be posted. During today’s visit, the license posted in the lobby area was dated September 28, 2021 but the current license is dated May 28, 2024. Please attempt to locate the original copy of the current license. Let me know if you are unable to locate the original copy and I will request a replacement copy be sent to your facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0607(e), the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan should be reviewed and updated by the person on staff who took the EPR Training course at least annually and when any changes to the plan are necessary. An updated EPR Plan should be printed each and any time the EPR Plan is updated for any reason. As discussed today, the current EPR Plan is dated March 4, 2023. Since the person on staff who had the EPR training was the administrator whose last day of employment was March 7, 2025, you have four months to complete the Emergency Preparedness Response training and then update the EPR Plan. 3. 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. Today, I observed the date of the posted Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was September 2023. 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 begin include and begin using the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 4. As discussed today, the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be updated by removing the former director and adding the name of an alternate responsible person. 5. As discussed today, plastic bags including gloves should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing the plastic bags or gloves above five feet or locking them in a cabinet or drawer. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. When deciding the due date for the on-going training hours for your staff, you’ll have to look at each staff member and determine the due date for completion as follows: a) If the staff member had completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member will have 12 months from the new annual compliance date to complete the next annual requirement of on-going training hours. b) If the staff member had not completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member would be given until the annual compliance anniversary date to complete the on-going training requirement. c) If the staff member was newly hired since the last annual compliance visit (ACV), their on-going training hours would not be monitored the first year of employment with the assumption that they’ll complete the first-year training requirements for health & safety and other trainings which will account for the required number of hours. d) If the staff member has worked at your facility for at least one year, their on-going training hours are required to be completed by their 2nd year employment anniversary and will be monitored at the next ACV. 8. As discussed today, please consider delegating administrative duties to veteran staff members who are willing to take on an additional responsibility until a new administrator can be hired and trained. Areas you may consider delegating may include monthly outdoor playground inspections, medication permission slips, medical action plans, activity plans, daily classroom inspections for safety, and daily replenishing of bathroom and handwashing supplies. 9. As discussed today, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form is needed prior to a child being allowed to participate in an activity at the splash pad or the walking track. 10. 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. 11. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to Success” 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 and the NC Child Care Commission will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are 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 3- or 5-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 any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than April 7, 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. 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 and your staff 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 .2703 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 3/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 355 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: 01:50 PM Time Out: 04:20 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, Angie Vasquez, Assistant Director and acting Interim Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on March 21, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 76% as of March 21, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 25, 2024 with a Superior classification and seven demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed on February 13, 2024. Today, I verified that those test results indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have enrolled for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you enrolled for asbestos testing. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines, and eating lunch. I observed infants engaged in floor play, napping, and being comforted by caregivers. I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored at 22 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). Today’s lunch included fish sticks, tater tots, fresh banana, wheat roll, and unflavored milk. 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 ten returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for eight new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at routine unannounced visits on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. I reviewed your updated Parent Handbook dated February 2024 at your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed since July 2024. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 4, two permission to administer topical ointment forms were missing the information for where to apply the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/22/2024 did not have a copy of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter dated 07/30/2024 printed and on file at the facility available for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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 4, one medical action plan dated 02/06/2024 was not updated annually by 02/06/2025. .0801(b) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the permission to administer topical over-the-counter medication form should include the name of the medication, the valid dates the medication is to be administered, the amount of medication to be administered, where to apply the topical medication, when to apply the topical medication, and how to apply the topical medication. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you or an appointed staff member review each medication permission form as it is completed by the parent and received by the facility to be sure the permission form is filled out completely with no missing information. If information is missing, I suggest you have the parent add the missing information before leaving the medication at the facility and before the parent leaves the facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(b)(1-4), the medical action plan should contain the required information and should be updated on an annual basis or when changes are made by the child's parent or health care professional. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review each medical action plan throughout the facility and create a tracking tool to assist you with maintaining the annual updates of these plans. 3. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e), each employee should have a valid Criminal Background Check qualification letter on file in their staff records. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you inform the staff member that they must provide you with a printed copy of their CBC qualification letter when they return to work and before they will be allowed to enter the center classroom(s). CONSULTATION: 1. Per General Statute 110-99(a)(1), the license should be posted in a prominent place at all times. The expectation is that the current license be posted. During today’s visit, the license posted in the lobby area was dated September 28, 2021 but the current license is dated May 28, 2024. Please attempt to locate the original copy of the current license. Let me know if you are unable to locate the original copy and I will request a replacement copy be sent to your facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0607(e), the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan should be reviewed and updated by the person on staff who took the EPR Training course at least annually and when any changes to the plan are necessary. An updated EPR Plan should be printed each and any time the EPR Plan is updated for any reason. As discussed today, the current EPR Plan is dated March 4, 2023. Since the person on staff who had the EPR training was the administrator whose last day of employment was March 7, 2025, you have four months to complete the Emergency Preparedness Response training and then update the EPR Plan. 3. 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. Today, I observed the date of the posted Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was September 2023. 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 begin include and begin using the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 4. As discussed today, the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be updated by removing the former director and adding the name of an alternate responsible person. 5. As discussed today, plastic bags including gloves should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing the plastic bags or gloves above five feet or locking them in a cabinet or drawer. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. When deciding the due date for the on-going training hours for your staff, you’ll have to look at each staff member and determine the due date for completion as follows: a) If the staff member had completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member will have 12 months from the new annual compliance date to complete the next annual requirement of on-going training hours. b) If the staff member had not completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member would be given until the annual compliance anniversary date to complete the on-going training requirement. c) If the staff member was newly hired since the last annual compliance visit (ACV), their on-going training hours would not be monitored the first year of employment with the assumption that they’ll complete the first-year training requirements for health & safety and other trainings which will account for the required number of hours. d) If the staff member has worked at your facility for at least one year, their on-going training hours are required to be completed by their 2nd year employment anniversary and will be monitored at the next ACV. 8. As discussed today, please consider delegating administrative duties to veteran staff members who are willing to take on an additional responsibility until a new administrator can be hired and trained. Areas you may consider delegating may include monthly outdoor playground inspections, medication permission slips, medical action plans, activity plans, daily classroom inspections for safety, and daily replenishing of bathroom and handwashing supplies. 9. As discussed today, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form is needed prior to a child being allowed to participate in an activity at the splash pad or the walking track. 10. 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. 11. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to Success” 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 and the NC Child Care Commission will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are 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 3- or 5-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 any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than April 7, 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. 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 and your staff 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. 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 3/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 355 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: 01:50 PM Time Out: 04:20 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, Angie Vasquez, Assistant Director and acting Interim Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I reviewed the facility’s permit today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on March 21, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 76% as of March 21, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 30, 2024 and received in my office by email on September 30, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 25, 2024 with a Superior classification and seven demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed on February 13, 2024. Today, I verified that those test results indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have enrolled for the lead-based paint testing. I verified that you enrolled for asbestos testing. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines, and eating lunch. I observed infants engaged in floor play, napping, and being comforted by caregivers. I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored at 22 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). Today’s lunch included fish sticks, tater tots, fresh banana, wheat roll, and unflavored milk. 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 ten returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for eight new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at routine unannounced visits on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. I reviewed your updated Parent Handbook dated February 2024 at your last annual compliance visit on July 31, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed since July 2024. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 4, two permission to administer topical ointment forms were missing the information for where to apply the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 10/22/2024 did not have a copy of the Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter dated 07/30/2024 printed and on file at the facility available for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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 4, one medical action plan dated 02/06/2024 was not updated annually by 02/06/2025. .0801(b) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the permission to administer topical over-the-counter medication form should include the name of the medication, the valid dates the medication is to be administered, the amount of medication to be administered, where to apply the topical medication, when to apply the topical medication, and how to apply the topical medication. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you or an appointed staff member review each medication permission form as it is completed by the parent and received by the facility to be sure the permission form is filled out completely with no missing information. If information is missing, I suggest you have the parent add the missing information before leaving the medication at the facility and before the parent leaves the facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(b)(1-4), the medical action plan should contain the required information and should be updated on an annual basis or when changes are made by the child's parent or health care professional. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review each medical action plan throughout the facility and create a tracking tool to assist you with maintaining the annual updates of these plans. 3. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e), each employee should have a valid Criminal Background Check qualification letter on file in their staff records. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you inform the staff member that they must provide you with a printed copy of their CBC qualification letter when they return to work and before they will be allowed to enter the center classroom(s). CONSULTATION: 1. Per General Statute 110-99(a)(1), the license should be posted in a prominent place at all times. The expectation is that the current license be posted. During today’s visit, the license posted in the lobby area was dated September 28, 2021 but the current license is dated May 28, 2024. Please attempt to locate the original copy of the current license. Let me know if you are unable to locate the original copy and I will request a replacement copy be sent to your facility. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0607(e), the Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan should be reviewed and updated by the person on staff who took the EPR Training course at least annually and when any changes to the plan are necessary. An updated EPR Plan should be printed each and any time the EPR Plan is updated for any reason. As discussed today, the current EPR Plan is dated March 4, 2023. Since the person on staff who had the EPR training was the administrator whose last day of employment was March 7, 2025, you have four months to complete the Emergency Preparedness Response training and then update the EPR Plan. 3. 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. Today, I observed the date of the posted Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was September 2023. 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 begin include and begin using the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 4. As discussed today, the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan should be updated by removing the former director and adding the name of an alternate responsible person. 5. As discussed today, plastic bags including gloves should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing the plastic bags or gloves above five feet or locking them in a cabinet or drawer. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. When deciding the due date for the on-going training hours for your staff, you’ll have to look at each staff member and determine the due date for completion as follows: a) If the staff member had completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member will have 12 months from the new annual compliance date to complete the next annual requirement of on-going training hours. b) If the staff member had not completed their on-going training hour requirement by the annual compliance anniversary date, then that staff member would be given until the annual compliance anniversary date to complete the on-going training requirement. c) If the staff member was newly hired since the last annual compliance visit (ACV), their on-going training hours would not be monitored the first year of employment with the assumption that they’ll complete the first-year training requirements for health & safety and other trainings which will account for the required number of hours. d) If the staff member has worked at your facility for at least one year, their on-going training hours are required to be completed by their 2nd year employment anniversary and will be monitored at the next ACV. 8. As discussed today, please consider delegating administrative duties to veteran staff members who are willing to take on an additional responsibility until a new administrator can be hired and trained. Areas you may consider delegating may include monthly outdoor playground inspections, medication permission slips, medical action plans, activity plans, daily classroom inspections for safety, and daily replenishing of bathroom and handwashing supplies. 9. As discussed today, an Off-Premises Activity Permission form is needed prior to a child being allowed to participate in an activity at the splash pad or the walking track. 10. 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. 11. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to Success” 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 and the NC Child Care Commission will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are 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 3- or 5-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 any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 12. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 13. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than April 7, 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. 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 and your staff 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 .1801 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0125-163L Visit Date: 1/24/2025 Number Present: 73 Completed Date: 1/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. According to the report, there is a concern of inadequate supervision. A child was accidentally left on the playground for about a minute. In addition to the allegation, I monitored staff-child ratio, adequate space capacity, and approved space use in the Space 2 designated for care of three-year and four-year-old children. I also monitored permit restrictions and posting in the facility. Today, you reported ninety-two children ranging in age from zero to five years of age were enrolled in your facility. You stated seventy-three children ranging in age from zero to five years of age were present during today’s visit. A walk-through of the entire facility was not conducted today. Today, I investigated the concern of inadequate supervision. Due to the nature of the report, I monitored supervision in Space 2 where staff was responsible for supervising three-year and four-year-old children on the day of the alleged incident. In Space 2, you stated twenty children ranging in age from three-years to four-years of age were enrolled with fifteen children attending today. Staff were assisting children as they were preparing for nap. Prior to today’s visit, you sent me by email your written statement and the written statements from two staff members who were involved in the incident. I reviewed these written statements prior to today’s visit and with you during today’s visit. Today, I interviewed you. You stated on January 14, 2025 at approximately 5:00pm, two staff members were supervising a group of twelve three- and four-year-old children and were transitioning this group from the playground to the classroom. You stated that one three-year-old child was left on the playground for approximately one minute before the mother of another child noticed the child was on the playground trying to open the gate after the group had entered the building. You stated the mother of the other child retrieved the child from the playground and brought the child to you as you met her on the sidewalk outside the entrance door. You stated you took the child inside to the classroom and informed the two staff members that the child had been left on the playground. You stated that staff reported that the three-year-old child was with the group when they lined up at the fence to exit the playground and start toward the building. You stated it was a busy and chaotic time of the day with parents coming and going and the combined group of preschool age children transitioning from the playground to the classroom. You stated staff were trained to carry out specific “Line Up Procedures” when transitioning a group from the playground to the building which included the following steps: 1. Staff line the children up along the fence. Count the children. Record the group number on the head count sheet. 2. Walk through the gate. Count the children as they exit through the gate. 3. Stop at the sidewalk and wait for the entire group to gather in line. 4. One teacher leads the group from the front of the line. One teacher maintains the group from the back of the line. Move the group to the facility entrance door. Enter the building. Count the group as they move through the door to the classroom area. After reviewing the written statements from the two staff members who supervised the group at the time the incident occurred on January 14, 2025, I determined that staff members did not count the children as they walked through the playground gate and before they gathered as a group at the sidewalk. Based on my interviews with staff, the written statements from staff members, and my observations, the allegation of a concern of inadequate supervision involving a three-year-old child being left on the playground was confirmed. Therefore, the allegation is substantiated. Staff-child ratios, adequate space capacity, and approved space use were maintained in Space 2 during today’s visit. The facility permit was posted and the facility permit restrictions including “Daytime care only”, “Meets enhanced ratios”, and “Meets enhanced space” were maintained during today’s visit. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On January 14, 2025, one three-year-old child was left unattended on the playground for approximately one minute. .1801(a)(1-5) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5), children should be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision means that: (1) staff are positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff know where each child is located and are aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff are able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. Today, you stated your staff was using head count sheets in each classroom with head counts recorded every 30 minutes prior to, on the day of, and after the incident on January 14, 2025. You stated you had purchased twelve walkie talkies which allowed for two walkie talkies to be assigned to each classroom in addition to the two walkie talkies you already had for administrators. You stated these walkie talkies were delivered on January 21, 2025 and immediately put into use. You stated that staff were instructed and trained to use the walkie talkies to report the group total number and the name of each child in the group each and every time they crossed through a doorway and/or a gate. You said the walkie talkie message was received across all fourteen walkie talkies while administration counts the names of the children in the reporting group to verify that the total group number and the number of names matched. You stated that after putting the walkie talkies in use, you had instructed the staff to stop using the head count sheets and use the walkie talkies only to report the transitioning of any group through a door and/or gate. You stated you had revised your playground schedule, closing procedures, and staff schedules to eliminate the need to combine groups of children on the playgrounds and before 5:30pm each day. You stated that these new procedures and schedules allowed classrooms to open and close daily with the same children and staff thereby eliminating the need to move children and staff from classroom to classroom and the confusion those practices were creating for staff, parents, and children. You stated you had continued to use the Bright wheel app to communicate with parents but had not figured out how to track the moving of children with the app. You stated you hoped to explore more use options with the Bright Wheel app representatives and request training for yourself and your staff in the future. You stated you had spoken to Lorna Keene, Early Childhood Support Specialist, about scheduling a meeting with her to gather insight and options from the Early Childhood Support Team related to closing procedures. You stated you had a meeting scheduled for January 21, 2025 but Ms. Keene had to cancel that meeting and you were waiting for the meeting to be rescheduled. You stated you had been sending messages to the staff that included written reminders of the new closing procedures and instructions for using the new walkie talkies. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you encourage your staff to check the playground for hiding children before leaving the playground. I suggested you encourage your staff to count the children when they line up on the sidewalk and before the group enters the building. I suggested you schedule and hold a staff meeting to review your playground schedules, closing procedures, and arrival and departure procedures. I suggested you document the topics discussed at the staff meeting with an agenda, notes, and an attendance roster that included each staff member’s signature attesting to their attendance. CONSULTATION: Due to the substantiation of an allegation of inadequate supervision, a follow-up visit will be made to your facility in the near future. 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. Your signature I must receive your compliance letter no later than February 7, 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. 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. 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. We appreciate all you and your staff 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0605 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-191L Visit Date: 11/19/2024 Number Present: 80 Completed Date: 11/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to follow-up regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s interview. Your compliance history was 81% was of November 18, 2024 prior to today’s visit. The following allegations were received in the Raleigh office on October 15, 2024: There is a concern that the facility is not conducting monthly fire drills. There is a concern of an unsafe outdoor environment. There is a concern of inadequate supervision while outside on the playground for three-year-old children. I investigated the allegation that the facility is not conducting monthly fire drills. I conducted an interview with you by telephone on October 18, 2024 regarding the allegation that you are not conducting monthly fire drills. During that telephone interview, you stated you had conducted fire drills dated 08/31/2024 through 09/16/2024. You stated you documented each fire drill on the “Emergency Drill Log & Report” provided by DCDEE along with a roster attached that included the staff and the children present for each drill. You stated you coordinated each fire drill with the YMCA maintenance department who sets off the alarm. You stated you oversee the evacuation of the building, record the date of the drill, record the time of the evacuation, and maintain the roster. You stated that when the fire alarm goes off at the facility and it’s not a drill that you always evacuate the building. You stated you had an incident occur in September 16, 2024 when there was an odor of something getting hot which set off the alarm in the building. You stated the building was evacuated and maintenance was alerted by the alarm. You stated that maintenance determined the humidity level in a classroom caused the emergency heat and the air conditioning to come on at the same time which caused the odor of something hot and set off the alarm. You stated you recorded that incident on the “Emergency Drill Log & Report”. Today, I reviewed the “Emergency Drill Log & Report” and the attached rosters. I observed a monthly fire drill recorded for 07/01/2024, 08/27/2024, 09/16/2024, 10/22/2024, and 11/18/2024. I reviewed the roster attached for 11/18/2024 and it was accurate. Based on the interview and the review of the “Emergency Drill Log & Report” and roster, the allegation that the facility is not conducting monthly fire drills was not confirmed. The allegation that the facility is not conducting monthly fire drills was unsubstantiated. I investigated the allegation of an unsafe outdoor environment. I conducted an interview with you by telephone on October 18, 2024 regarding the allegation of an unsafe outdoor environment. During the telephone interview, you stated that Infant children used the Outdoor Space 2 grass area outside the infant classroom door, 1-year-old, 2-year-old, and 3-year-old children used Outdoor Space 1, and 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and 5-year-old children used Outdoor Space 3. You stated that morning outdoor play times begin at 9am and end at 11:45am and afternoon outdoor play times begin at 2pm and end at 5pm. You stated that weather permitting each group of children under the age of three gets at least one hour of outside play time daily and children three to five years of age get at least two hours of outside play time daily. You stated a “gravel pit” was added to Outdoor Space 3 in August 2024 after your annual compliance visit and consultation with an Early Childhood Education Specialist assigned to your facility. You stated the “gravel pit” was located in the corner of the playground on the entrance gate side of the playground, was covered daily, contained gravel purchased at a local bulk store, and was only used by children three-years of age and older. On October 23, 2024, I received an email message from you stating that you had your maintenance department remove the “gravel pit”. Today, I conducted a walk-through of Outdoor Space 1. I observed one group of eleven children one-year of age with two teachers supervising and one group of six children ranging from one-year to two-years of age with one teacher supervising. A combined total of seventeen children were observed using Outdoor Space 1 at the same time. The outdoor space capacity for Outdoor Space 1 was licensed for seventeen young toddler children back in December 2021. Today, I observed a sticker on the stationary climber which indicated that manufacturer intended the piece of equipment to be used with children six to twenty-three months of age. I conducted a walk-through of Outdoor Space 2, I observed no children using this outdoor play space today. I conducted a walk-through of Outdoor Space 3, I observed one group of seventeen children ranging in age from three-years to four-years of age with two teachers supervising. I observed the area where the “gravel pit” had been installed and removed. Where the “gravel pit” once laid, a layer of pea gravel remained on the ground. At the entrance to the playground, a layer of pea gravel had been added. Based on the interview and my observations, the allegation regarding an unsafe outdoor environment was confirmed. The allegation of an unsafe outdoor environment was substantiated. I investigated the allegation of inadequate supervision while outside on the playground for three-year-old children. I conducted an interview with you by telephone on October 18, 2024 regarding the allegation of inadequate supervision while outside on the playground for three-year-old children. During the telephone interview, you stated you expected and your staff was trained to maintain “Supervision Zones” on this playground by positioning themselves at the back, the front, and/or the entrance gate areas of the playground. You stated that teachers were expected to walk back and forth within these “Supervision Zones” continuously aware of each child’s activity and location. You stated that from 4pm to 5pm additional staff members were added to the playground so all three “Supervision Zones” could be maintained. Today, I conducted a walk-through of Outdoor Space 3, I observed one group of seventeen children ranging in age from three-years to four-years of age with two teachers supervising. I observed teachers in these “Supervision Zones” walking around actively supervising the children while they were playing. Based on the interview and my observations, the allegation regarding inadequate supervision while outside on the playground for three-year-old children was not confirmed. The allegation of inadequate supervision while outside on the playground for three-year-old children was unsubstantiated. You stated you had eighty children ranging in age from zero to five-years of age present during today’s visit. The following violation was observed or cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1864 Outdoor play equipment was not age and developmentally appropriate. On Outdoor Space 1, two-year old children were using the stationary climbing piece that was intended by the manufacturer to be used by children six to twenty-three months of age. .0605(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(a), outdoor play equipment should be age and developmentally appropriate. Today, I observed the stationary climbing piece on Outdoor Space 1 was intended by the manufacturer to be used by children six to twenty-three months of age. However, I observed one-year and two-year old children using this equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement and to maintain compliance with the manufacturers intended age use, I advised you develop a plan for the two-year-old children to use Outdoor Space 2 where no equipment was installed or Outdoor Space 3 where the stationary equipment was intended to be used by children two to twelve years of age. You stated you would have two-year-old children use Outdoor Space 2 until the remaining pea gravel could be removed from Outdoor Space 3. I advised you to develop a plan for providing a safe, age, and developmentally appropriate outdoor environment for the group with combined ages of one-year and two-year-old children. I suggested you split the outdoor play time for this group of children that would allow the other one-year-old children to play outdoor in Outdoor Space 1 with the one-year-old group of children and the two-year-old children to play outdoor in Outdoor Space 2 or 3 with the other two-year-old children. CONSULTATION: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(c), separate outdoor play areas or time schedules should be provided for children under two when fifteen or more children are in care. While I observed seventeen one-year and two-year old children together on Outdoor Space 1 today, your outdoor play schedules indicate that children one-year of age do not typically combine with other groups of children when playing outdoors. Today, we discussed this child care requirement and you expressed your understanding of the child care requirement and stated that you only have fifteen one-year-old children enrolled in the center and once you assign a different outdoor space for the two-year-old children to use, this should no longer be an issue even on those non-typical days like today. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(c), plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. While gravel is not usually considered a “toy”, when used as a play material in a “gravel pit” as you had installed on the Outdoor Play Space 3 designated for use by children ages two-years to twelve-years, gravel would be considered a play material and would therefore fall under this child care rule. On October 23, 2024, I received an email message from you stating that you had your maintenance department remove the “gravel pit”. As discussed today, the gravel remaining in the area of Outdoor Space 3 where the “gravel pit” was once installed needs to be removed or made inaccessible to the two-year-old children before they can begin to use Outdoor Space 3. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0714, the child care administrator of your facility is required to be on-site or off-site due to administrative duties, illness or vacation at least thirty hours weekly. During the phone interview on October 18, 2024, you stated you are on-site from 7:30am to 6pm most days but often close your office door and turn off your office lights when you enter your office to work on paperwork, make phone calls, return emails, etc. We discussed that you may want to consider communicating your office practices and contact information with staff and families so they are aware of the hours that you are on-site and when and how to reach you if needed. Today, you stated since our discussion on October 18, 2024, you have adopted an “Open Door” policy and now leaving your door open at all times you are on-site. You stated you are now scheduling all meetings with other organization personnel to take place in your office to minimize the amount of time you are away from the facility. 4. Today, we discussed the space capacity for Outdoor Space 1. You stated you could not find the outdoor space diagrams or space capacities left by the previous administrator. After checking the working file documentation, I verified that the space capacity for Outdoor Space 1 was seventeen children for enhanced space capacity which you facility has opted to maintain. Today, I left you a copy of the outdoor diagrams and the outdoor space capacities for the three outdoor play spaces licensed for your facility. 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: 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 December 3, 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 prepared, printed and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0714 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-191L Visit Date: 11/19/2024 Number Present: 80 Completed Date: 11/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to follow-up regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s interview. Your compliance history was 81% was of November 18, 2024 prior to today’s visit. The following allegations were received in the Raleigh office on October 15, 2024: There is a concern that the facility is not conducting monthly fire drills. There is a concern of an unsafe outdoor environment. There is a concern of inadequate supervision while outside on the playground for three-year-old children. I investigated the allegation that the facility is not conducting monthly fire drills. I conducted an interview with you by telephone on October 18, 2024 regarding the allegation that you are not conducting monthly fire drills. During that telephone interview, you stated you had conducted fire drills dated 08/31/2024 through 09/16/2024. You stated you documented each fire drill on the “Emergency Drill Log & Report” provided by DCDEE along with a roster attached that included the staff and the children present for each drill. You stated you coordinated each fire drill with the YMCA maintenance department who sets off the alarm. You stated you oversee the evacuation of the building, record the date of the drill, record the time of the evacuation, and maintain the roster. You stated that when the fire alarm goes off at the facility and it’s not a drill that you always evacuate the building. You stated you had an incident occur in September 16, 2024 when there was an odor of something getting hot which set off the alarm in the building. You stated the building was evacuated and maintenance was alerted by the alarm. You stated that maintenance determined the humidity level in a classroom caused the emergency heat and the air conditioning to come on at the same time which caused the odor of something hot and set off the alarm. You stated you recorded that incident on the “Emergency Drill Log & Report”. Today, I reviewed the “Emergency Drill Log & Report” and the attached rosters. I observed a monthly fire drill recorded for 07/01/2024, 08/27/2024, 09/16/2024, 10/22/2024, and 11/18/2024. I reviewed the roster attached for 11/18/2024 and it was accurate. Based on the interview and the review of the “Emergency Drill Log & Report” and roster, the allegation that the facility is not conducting monthly fire drills was not confirmed. The allegation that the facility is not conducting monthly fire drills was unsubstantiated. I investigated the allegation of an unsafe outdoor environment. I conducted an interview with you by telephone on October 18, 2024 regarding the allegation of an unsafe outdoor environment. During the telephone interview, you stated that Infant children used the Outdoor Space 2 grass area outside the infant classroom door, 1-year-old, 2-year-old, and 3-year-old children used Outdoor Space 1, and 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and 5-year-old children used Outdoor Space 3. You stated that morning outdoor play times begin at 9am and end at 11:45am and afternoon outdoor play times begin at 2pm and end at 5pm. You stated that weather permitting each group of children under the age of three gets at least one hour of outside play time daily and children three to five years of age get at least two hours of outside play time daily. You stated a “gravel pit” was added to Outdoor Space 3 in August 2024 after your annual compliance visit and consultation with an Early Childhood Education Specialist assigned to your facility. You stated the “gravel pit” was located in the corner of the playground on the entrance gate side of the playground, was covered daily, contained gravel purchased at a local bulk store, and was only used by children three-years of age and older. On October 23, 2024, I received an email message from you stating that you had your maintenance department remove the “gravel pit”. Today, I conducted a walk-through of Outdoor Space 1. I observed one group of eleven children one-year of age with two teachers supervising and one group of six children ranging from one-year to two-years of age with one teacher supervising. A combined total of seventeen children were observed using Outdoor Space 1 at the same time. The outdoor space capacity for Outdoor Space 1 was licensed for seventeen young toddler children back in December 2021. Today, I observed a sticker on the stationary climber which indicated that manufacturer intended the piece of equipment to be used with children six to twenty-three months of age. I conducted a walk-through of Outdoor Space 2, I observed no children using this outdoor play space today. I conducted a walk-through of Outdoor Space 3, I observed one group of seventeen children ranging in age from three-years to four-years of age with two teachers supervising. I observed the area where the “gravel pit” had been installed and removed. Where the “gravel pit” once laid, a layer of pea gravel remained on the ground. At the entrance to the playground, a layer of pea gravel had been added. Based on the interview and my observations, the allegation regarding an unsafe outdoor environment was confirmed. The allegation of an unsafe outdoor environment was substantiated. I investigated the allegation of inadequate supervision while outside on the playground for three-year-old children. I conducted an interview with you by telephone on October 18, 2024 regarding the allegation of inadequate supervision while outside on the playground for three-year-old children. During the telephone interview, you stated you expected and your staff was trained to maintain “Supervision Zones” on this playground by positioning themselves at the back, the front, and/or the entrance gate areas of the playground. You stated that teachers were expected to walk back and forth within these “Supervision Zones” continuously aware of each child’s activity and location. You stated that from 4pm to 5pm additional staff members were added to the playground so all three “Supervision Zones” could be maintained. Today, I conducted a walk-through of Outdoor Space 3, I observed one group of seventeen children ranging in age from three-years to four-years of age with two teachers supervising. I observed teachers in these “Supervision Zones” walking around actively supervising the children while they were playing. Based on the interview and my observations, the allegation regarding inadequate supervision while outside on the playground for three-year-old children was not confirmed. The allegation of inadequate supervision while outside on the playground for three-year-old children was unsubstantiated. You stated you had eighty children ranging in age from zero to five-years of age present during today’s visit. The following violation was observed or cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1864 Outdoor play equipment was not age and developmentally appropriate. On Outdoor Space 1, two-year old children were using the stationary climbing piece that was intended by the manufacturer to be used by children six to twenty-three months of age. .0605(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(a), outdoor play equipment should be age and developmentally appropriate. Today, I observed the stationary climbing piece on Outdoor Space 1 was intended by the manufacturer to be used by children six to twenty-three months of age. However, I observed one-year and two-year old children using this equipment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement and to maintain compliance with the manufacturers intended age use, I advised you develop a plan for the two-year-old children to use Outdoor Space 2 where no equipment was installed or Outdoor Space 3 where the stationary equipment was intended to be used by children two to twelve years of age. You stated you would have two-year-old children use Outdoor Space 2 until the remaining pea gravel could be removed from Outdoor Space 3. I advised you to develop a plan for providing a safe, age, and developmentally appropriate outdoor environment for the group with combined ages of one-year and two-year-old children. I suggested you split the outdoor play time for this group of children that would allow the other one-year-old children to play outdoor in Outdoor Space 1 with the one-year-old group of children and the two-year-old children to play outdoor in Outdoor Space 2 or 3 with the other two-year-old children. CONSULTATION: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(c), separate outdoor play areas or time schedules should be provided for children under two when fifteen or more children are in care. While I observed seventeen one-year and two-year old children together on Outdoor Space 1 today, your outdoor play schedules indicate that children one-year of age do not typically combine with other groups of children when playing outdoors. Today, we discussed this child care requirement and you expressed your understanding of the child care requirement and stated that you only have fifteen one-year-old children enrolled in the center and once you assign a different outdoor space for the two-year-old children to use, this should no longer be an issue even on those non-typical days like today. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605(c), plastic bags, toys, toy parts small enough to be swallowed, and materials that can be torn apart, such as foam rubber and styrofoam, shall not be accessible to children under three years of age. While gravel is not usually considered a “toy”, when used as a play material in a “gravel pit” as you had installed on the Outdoor Play Space 3 designated for use by children ages two-years to twelve-years, gravel would be considered a play material and would therefore fall under this child care rule. On October 23, 2024, I received an email message from you stating that you had your maintenance department remove the “gravel pit”. As discussed today, the gravel remaining in the area of Outdoor Space 3 where the “gravel pit” was once installed needs to be removed or made inaccessible to the two-year-old children before they can begin to use Outdoor Space 3. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0714, the child care administrator of your facility is required to be on-site or off-site due to administrative duties, illness or vacation at least thirty hours weekly. During the phone interview on October 18, 2024, you stated you are on-site from 7:30am to 6pm most days but often close your office door and turn off your office lights when you enter your office to work on paperwork, make phone calls, return emails, etc. We discussed that you may want to consider communicating your office practices and contact information with staff and families so they are aware of the hours that you are on-site and when and how to reach you if needed. Today, you stated since our discussion on October 18, 2024, you have adopted an “Open Door” policy and now leaving your door open at all times you are on-site. You stated you are now scheduling all meetings with other organization personnel to take place in your office to minimize the amount of time you are away from the facility. 4. Today, we discussed the space capacity for Outdoor Space 1. You stated you could not find the outdoor space diagrams or space capacities left by the previous administrator. After checking the working file documentation, I verified that the space capacity for Outdoor Space 1 was seventeen children for enhanced space capacity which you facility has opted to maintain. Today, I left you a copy of the outdoor diagrams and the outdoor space capacities for the three outdoor play spaces licensed for your facility. 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: 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 December 3, 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 prepared, printed and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/31/2024 Number Present: 67 Completed Date: 7/31/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 425 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:10 PM Time In: 01:10 PM Time Out: 05:15 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. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on August 9, 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 requested that I add the organizations web address. I will make that addition for you. I reviewed the facility’s permit including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns your facility, was reviewed and listed as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website on July 30, 2024. Your program’s compliance history was 84% as of July 30, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your last sanitation inspection was dated May 22, 2024 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I verified that on February 13, 2024, you received lead water testing results that are required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results indicate that the facility’s water is within acceptable limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and was received in my office on September 20, 2023. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing outdoors and at the splash pad, playing in activity areas, transitioning outdoors, transitioning indoors, participating in routine care activities, napping, and eating lunch. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch included macaroni and cheese, green peas, raspberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a small compact refrigerator at 38 degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records and child record files. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to review staff record files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during a routine unannounced visit on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. Today, you stated that your written administrative and personnel polices had not changed. You stated that your Parent Handbook which contained your operational policies and parent participation plan were updated in February 2024 after my visit. Today, I reviewed your Parent Handbook dated February 2024 and observed all the required components included in these written policies. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. 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. Fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and out sheet and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. 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. One aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion were stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The group permission to administer form created by the facility for sunscreen provided by the facility did not include the of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to administer the sunscreen, when to administer the sunscreen, how to administer the sunscreen, and a date of the parent signature. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space 3, caregivers did not record the sleep positions for multiple children on multiple dates. .0606(g) 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 11/15/2023 whose First Aid training was due by 02/15/2024 completed First Aid training on 03/03/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/11/2024 whose First Aid training was due by 06/11/2024 has not 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 11/15/2023 whose CPR training was due by 02/15/2024 had completed CPR training on 03/03/2024. .1102(d) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/29/2022 had a CBC qualification letter on file dated 06/05/2019 that had expired on 06/05/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1889 Individuals that did not meet the staff qualifications as required by G.S. 110-91(8) did not submit to the Division documentation of completed coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming duties. Two staff members with dates of employment of 08/29/2022 and 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment did not have documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. .0703(d) 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. Four staff record files contained health questionnaires. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/26/2023 whose health and safety training was due by 05/26/2024 had not completed eight of the nine required trainings. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), hazardous items including aerosol cans and non-prescription medications such sunscreen should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. During today’s visit, I observed one aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. The teacher locked the three aerosol cans of sunscreen and the one tube of sunscreen lotion in a locked cabinet under the handwashing sink in the classroom. You removed the aerosol can of shaving cream from the classroom and informed the teacher that shaving cream could not be used in the classroom for any reason. These actions corrected this violation today. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you review this sanitation rule with your staff. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4), daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center should be maintained as children arrive and depart. During today’s visit, fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and sheet out and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. I observed the teacher record the arrival time for the four children that did not have an arrival time recorded. This action corrected the violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care rule with your staff and remind them that they can record the child’s arrival and departure time if the parent forgets. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(g), caregivers should document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and the documents should be maintained for a minimum of one month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the proper procedure for documenting the visual checks of sleeping infants. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the medication permission to administer form for sunscreens should include the name of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to apply the sunscreen, when to apply the sunscreen, and how to apply the sunscreen. While facilities may create their own forms, the form should include all the information required by the child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you revise your facility created permission form for administering sunscreen provided by the facility and be sure all the required information has been included on the permission form. I sent you an email today with a sample permission form attached that I created and sent to providers last summer to use when a facility wanted to provide the sunscreen and wanted to have a group permission to administer form that included all the children in the group rather than individual permission to administer forms. CONSULTATION: 1. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to monitor staff record files. Please be sure your staff and training worksheets are complete including no blank spaces, expiration dates for CPR and First Aid, education listed as high school only, associates degree with field of study, or bachelor's degree with field of study, or master’s degree with field of study, group or class, and NA, NEW, or In Process as applicable. Please be reminded that “Floater” is no longer recognized as a staff position and should be replaced with “Teacher” or “Teacher Assistant”. 2. As we discussed, child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(e)(2) requires materials and toys be made available and accessible daily to the children three (3) years of age and older with enough supplies for three (3) children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. When you have three-year-old children enrolled in a two-year-old classroom, you should provide the materials and supplies required for three-year-old children in the classroom for two-year-old and three-year-old children. 3. As discussed on August 9, 2023 and again today, shaving cream should not be used as an art material or a cleaner in the child care setting. 4. As discussed today, all medications, prescription or non-prescription, should be labeled with the name of the child. When the facility provides sunscreen for the children, the sunscreen container used in the classroom should be labeled with the name of the “group/classroom”. 5. As discussed today, when meal substitutions are necessary and are made, the substituted food item should be recorded on all the menus posted throughout the facility including those posted in the kitchen and the hallway before the substitution is prepared and served. Best practice is to record the substitution change as soon the decision is made to substitute an item. If you know a food item was not or will not be delivered on time or was delivered but was not acceptable quality, the substitute item(s) should be recorded as soon as the planned meal preparation is revised. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. From 02/07/2024 to 05/23/2024, there was a series of email and phone call exchanges between Paxton Tallent, Executive Director of Services, at Hickory Foundation YMCA, and me regarding a request to operate unlicensed school-age child care for the summer months and throughout the school year. As a result of these conversations, expectations and requirements were shared with the Mr. Tallent and Nat Auten, CEO of Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center. On May 22, 2024, I requested a written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 24, 2024, I received the written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 28, 2024, I notified Mr. Tallent and Mr. Auten the response from DCDEE upper management regarding their written plan as follows: Your written plan for summer operation from May 28, 2024 through August 23, 2024 has been approved. Per your request, effective May 24, 2024, the age range on your license will be changed from 0 – 12 years to 0 -5 years. Please keep your current license posted in the O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center until a new license/permit is processed and mailed to you. Per your request, the gymnasium and all other licensed spaces in the main building will be removed from the licensed program with plans to return the gymnasium to licensed space after August 23, 2024. We are waiting for further clarification and verification regarding the previously shared information that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections would not be required when the gym is added back as licensed space for the licensed program at the end of the requested unlicensed period. I will pass along clarifying information as soon as I receive it. If DCDEE upper management determines, that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections are required when you add the gym back to the licensed space, the Off-Premise Activity Permission Forms may continue to be used for the children enrolled in the licensed program to be able to continue to use the unlicensed gym. Please respond to this email to verify that you received this information and understand the approved terms for operating both a licensed and unlicensed program at the Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA site. On May 28, 2024, I received an email response from Mr. Tallent that included an acknowledgement statement and a request for additional information regarding the use of the gymnasium after the summer. The response was as follows: We have received and acknowledge the requirements to operate licensed and unlicensed programming on the Adrian L Shuford Jr YMCA campus and will await further direction regarding usage of the gymnasium after the summer. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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 Cohorts 1 & 2? 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. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 125 and 840 corrected during today’s visit. In today’s visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All other 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than August 14, 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 and your staff 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0510 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/31/2024 Number Present: 67 Completed Date: 7/31/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 425 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:10 PM Time In: 01:10 PM Time Out: 05:15 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. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on August 9, 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 requested that I add the organizations web address. I will make that addition for you. I reviewed the facility’s permit including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns your facility, was reviewed and listed as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website on July 30, 2024. Your program’s compliance history was 84% as of July 30, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your last sanitation inspection was dated May 22, 2024 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I verified that on February 13, 2024, you received lead water testing results that are required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results indicate that the facility’s water is within acceptable limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and was received in my office on September 20, 2023. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing outdoors and at the splash pad, playing in activity areas, transitioning outdoors, transitioning indoors, participating in routine care activities, napping, and eating lunch. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch included macaroni and cheese, green peas, raspberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a small compact refrigerator at 38 degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records and child record files. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to review staff record files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during a routine unannounced visit on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. Today, you stated that your written administrative and personnel polices had not changed. You stated that your Parent Handbook which contained your operational policies and parent participation plan were updated in February 2024 after my visit. Today, I reviewed your Parent Handbook dated February 2024 and observed all the required components included in these written policies. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. 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. Fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and out sheet and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. 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. One aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion were stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The group permission to administer form created by the facility for sunscreen provided by the facility did not include the of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to administer the sunscreen, when to administer the sunscreen, how to administer the sunscreen, and a date of the parent signature. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space 3, caregivers did not record the sleep positions for multiple children on multiple dates. .0606(g) 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 11/15/2023 whose First Aid training was due by 02/15/2024 completed First Aid training on 03/03/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/11/2024 whose First Aid training was due by 06/11/2024 has not 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 11/15/2023 whose CPR training was due by 02/15/2024 had completed CPR training on 03/03/2024. .1102(d) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/29/2022 had a CBC qualification letter on file dated 06/05/2019 that had expired on 06/05/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1889 Individuals that did not meet the staff qualifications as required by G.S. 110-91(8) did not submit to the Division documentation of completed coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming duties. Two staff members with dates of employment of 08/29/2022 and 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment did not have documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. .0703(d) 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. Four staff record files contained health questionnaires. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/26/2023 whose health and safety training was due by 05/26/2024 had not completed eight of the nine required trainings. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), hazardous items including aerosol cans and non-prescription medications such sunscreen should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. During today’s visit, I observed one aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. The teacher locked the three aerosol cans of sunscreen and the one tube of sunscreen lotion in a locked cabinet under the handwashing sink in the classroom. You removed the aerosol can of shaving cream from the classroom and informed the teacher that shaving cream could not be used in the classroom for any reason. These actions corrected this violation today. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you review this sanitation rule with your staff. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4), daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center should be maintained as children arrive and depart. During today’s visit, fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and sheet out and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. I observed the teacher record the arrival time for the four children that did not have an arrival time recorded. This action corrected the violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care rule with your staff and remind them that they can record the child’s arrival and departure time if the parent forgets. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(g), caregivers should document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and the documents should be maintained for a minimum of one month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the proper procedure for documenting the visual checks of sleeping infants. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the medication permission to administer form for sunscreens should include the name of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to apply the sunscreen, when to apply the sunscreen, and how to apply the sunscreen. While facilities may create their own forms, the form should include all the information required by the child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you revise your facility created permission form for administering sunscreen provided by the facility and be sure all the required information has been included on the permission form. I sent you an email today with a sample permission form attached that I created and sent to providers last summer to use when a facility wanted to provide the sunscreen and wanted to have a group permission to administer form that included all the children in the group rather than individual permission to administer forms. CONSULTATION: 1. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to monitor staff record files. Please be sure your staff and training worksheets are complete including no blank spaces, expiration dates for CPR and First Aid, education listed as high school only, associates degree with field of study, or bachelor's degree with field of study, or master’s degree with field of study, group or class, and NA, NEW, or In Process as applicable. Please be reminded that “Floater” is no longer recognized as a staff position and should be replaced with “Teacher” or “Teacher Assistant”. 2. As we discussed, child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(e)(2) requires materials and toys be made available and accessible daily to the children three (3) years of age and older with enough supplies for three (3) children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. When you have three-year-old children enrolled in a two-year-old classroom, you should provide the materials and supplies required for three-year-old children in the classroom for two-year-old and three-year-old children. 3. As discussed on August 9, 2023 and again today, shaving cream should not be used as an art material or a cleaner in the child care setting. 4. As discussed today, all medications, prescription or non-prescription, should be labeled with the name of the child. When the facility provides sunscreen for the children, the sunscreen container used in the classroom should be labeled with the name of the “group/classroom”. 5. As discussed today, when meal substitutions are necessary and are made, the substituted food item should be recorded on all the menus posted throughout the facility including those posted in the kitchen and the hallway before the substitution is prepared and served. Best practice is to record the substitution change as soon the decision is made to substitute an item. If you know a food item was not or will not be delivered on time or was delivered but was not acceptable quality, the substitute item(s) should be recorded as soon as the planned meal preparation is revised. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. From 02/07/2024 to 05/23/2024, there was a series of email and phone call exchanges between Paxton Tallent, Executive Director of Services, at Hickory Foundation YMCA, and me regarding a request to operate unlicensed school-age child care for the summer months and throughout the school year. As a result of these conversations, expectations and requirements were shared with the Mr. Tallent and Nat Auten, CEO of Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center. On May 22, 2024, I requested a written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 24, 2024, I received the written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 28, 2024, I notified Mr. Tallent and Mr. Auten the response from DCDEE upper management regarding their written plan as follows: Your written plan for summer operation from May 28, 2024 through August 23, 2024 has been approved. Per your request, effective May 24, 2024, the age range on your license will be changed from 0 – 12 years to 0 -5 years. Please keep your current license posted in the O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center until a new license/permit is processed and mailed to you. Per your request, the gymnasium and all other licensed spaces in the main building will be removed from the licensed program with plans to return the gymnasium to licensed space after August 23, 2024. We are waiting for further clarification and verification regarding the previously shared information that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections would not be required when the gym is added back as licensed space for the licensed program at the end of the requested unlicensed period. I will pass along clarifying information as soon as I receive it. If DCDEE upper management determines, that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections are required when you add the gym back to the licensed space, the Off-Premise Activity Permission Forms may continue to be used for the children enrolled in the licensed program to be able to continue to use the unlicensed gym. Please respond to this email to verify that you received this information and understand the approved terms for operating both a licensed and unlicensed program at the Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA site. On May 28, 2024, I received an email response from Mr. Tallent that included an acknowledgement statement and a request for additional information regarding the use of the gymnasium after the summer. The response was as follows: We have received and acknowledge the requirements to operate licensed and unlicensed programming on the Adrian L Shuford Jr YMCA campus and will await further direction regarding usage of the gymnasium after the summer. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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 Cohorts 1 & 2? 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. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 125 and 840 corrected during today’s visit. In today’s visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All other 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than August 14, 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 and your staff 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 .0606 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/31/2024 Number Present: 67 Completed Date: 7/31/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 425 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:10 PM Time In: 01:10 PM Time Out: 05:15 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. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on August 9, 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 requested that I add the organizations web address. I will make that addition for you. I reviewed the facility’s permit including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns your facility, was reviewed and listed as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website on July 30, 2024. Your program’s compliance history was 84% as of July 30, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your last sanitation inspection was dated May 22, 2024 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I verified that on February 13, 2024, you received lead water testing results that are required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results indicate that the facility’s water is within acceptable limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and was received in my office on September 20, 2023. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing outdoors and at the splash pad, playing in activity areas, transitioning outdoors, transitioning indoors, participating in routine care activities, napping, and eating lunch. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch included macaroni and cheese, green peas, raspberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a small compact refrigerator at 38 degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records and child record files. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to review staff record files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during a routine unannounced visit on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. Today, you stated that your written administrative and personnel polices had not changed. You stated that your Parent Handbook which contained your operational policies and parent participation plan were updated in February 2024 after my visit. Today, I reviewed your Parent Handbook dated February 2024 and observed all the required components included in these written policies. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. 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. Fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and out sheet and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. 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. One aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion were stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The group permission to administer form created by the facility for sunscreen provided by the facility did not include the of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to administer the sunscreen, when to administer the sunscreen, how to administer the sunscreen, and a date of the parent signature. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space 3, caregivers did not record the sleep positions for multiple children on multiple dates. .0606(g) 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 11/15/2023 whose First Aid training was due by 02/15/2024 completed First Aid training on 03/03/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/11/2024 whose First Aid training was due by 06/11/2024 has not 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 11/15/2023 whose CPR training was due by 02/15/2024 had completed CPR training on 03/03/2024. .1102(d) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/29/2022 had a CBC qualification letter on file dated 06/05/2019 that had expired on 06/05/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1889 Individuals that did not meet the staff qualifications as required by G.S. 110-91(8) did not submit to the Division documentation of completed coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming duties. Two staff members with dates of employment of 08/29/2022 and 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment did not have documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. .0703(d) 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. Four staff record files contained health questionnaires. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/26/2023 whose health and safety training was due by 05/26/2024 had not completed eight of the nine required trainings. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), hazardous items including aerosol cans and non-prescription medications such sunscreen should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. During today’s visit, I observed one aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. The teacher locked the three aerosol cans of sunscreen and the one tube of sunscreen lotion in a locked cabinet under the handwashing sink in the classroom. You removed the aerosol can of shaving cream from the classroom and informed the teacher that shaving cream could not be used in the classroom for any reason. These actions corrected this violation today. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you review this sanitation rule with your staff. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4), daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center should be maintained as children arrive and depart. During today’s visit, fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and sheet out and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. I observed the teacher record the arrival time for the four children that did not have an arrival time recorded. This action corrected the violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care rule with your staff and remind them that they can record the child’s arrival and departure time if the parent forgets. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(g), caregivers should document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and the documents should be maintained for a minimum of one month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the proper procedure for documenting the visual checks of sleeping infants. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the medication permission to administer form for sunscreens should include the name of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to apply the sunscreen, when to apply the sunscreen, and how to apply the sunscreen. While facilities may create their own forms, the form should include all the information required by the child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you revise your facility created permission form for administering sunscreen provided by the facility and be sure all the required information has been included on the permission form. I sent you an email today with a sample permission form attached that I created and sent to providers last summer to use when a facility wanted to provide the sunscreen and wanted to have a group permission to administer form that included all the children in the group rather than individual permission to administer forms. CONSULTATION: 1. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to monitor staff record files. Please be sure your staff and training worksheets are complete including no blank spaces, expiration dates for CPR and First Aid, education listed as high school only, associates degree with field of study, or bachelor's degree with field of study, or master’s degree with field of study, group or class, and NA, NEW, or In Process as applicable. Please be reminded that “Floater” is no longer recognized as a staff position and should be replaced with “Teacher” or “Teacher Assistant”. 2. As we discussed, child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(e)(2) requires materials and toys be made available and accessible daily to the children three (3) years of age and older with enough supplies for three (3) children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. When you have three-year-old children enrolled in a two-year-old classroom, you should provide the materials and supplies required for three-year-old children in the classroom for two-year-old and three-year-old children. 3. As discussed on August 9, 2023 and again today, shaving cream should not be used as an art material or a cleaner in the child care setting. 4. As discussed today, all medications, prescription or non-prescription, should be labeled with the name of the child. When the facility provides sunscreen for the children, the sunscreen container used in the classroom should be labeled with the name of the “group/classroom”. 5. As discussed today, when meal substitutions are necessary and are made, the substituted food item should be recorded on all the menus posted throughout the facility including those posted in the kitchen and the hallway before the substitution is prepared and served. Best practice is to record the substitution change as soon the decision is made to substitute an item. If you know a food item was not or will not be delivered on time or was delivered but was not acceptable quality, the substitute item(s) should be recorded as soon as the planned meal preparation is revised. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. From 02/07/2024 to 05/23/2024, there was a series of email and phone call exchanges between Paxton Tallent, Executive Director of Services, at Hickory Foundation YMCA, and me regarding a request to operate unlicensed school-age child care for the summer months and throughout the school year. As a result of these conversations, expectations and requirements were shared with the Mr. Tallent and Nat Auten, CEO of Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center. On May 22, 2024, I requested a written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 24, 2024, I received the written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 28, 2024, I notified Mr. Tallent and Mr. Auten the response from DCDEE upper management regarding their written plan as follows: Your written plan for summer operation from May 28, 2024 through August 23, 2024 has been approved. Per your request, effective May 24, 2024, the age range on your license will be changed from 0 – 12 years to 0 -5 years. Please keep your current license posted in the O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center until a new license/permit is processed and mailed to you. Per your request, the gymnasium and all other licensed spaces in the main building will be removed from the licensed program with plans to return the gymnasium to licensed space after August 23, 2024. We are waiting for further clarification and verification regarding the previously shared information that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections would not be required when the gym is added back as licensed space for the licensed program at the end of the requested unlicensed period. I will pass along clarifying information as soon as I receive it. If DCDEE upper management determines, that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections are required when you add the gym back to the licensed space, the Off-Premise Activity Permission Forms may continue to be used for the children enrolled in the licensed program to be able to continue to use the unlicensed gym. Please respond to this email to verify that you received this information and understand the approved terms for operating both a licensed and unlicensed program at the Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA site. On May 28, 2024, I received an email response from Mr. Tallent that included an acknowledgement statement and a request for additional information regarding the use of the gymnasium after the summer. The response was as follows: We have received and acknowledge the requirements to operate licensed and unlicensed programming on the Adrian L Shuford Jr YMCA campus and will await further direction regarding usage of the gymnasium after the summer. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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 Cohorts 1 & 2? 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. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 125 and 840 corrected during today’s visit. In today’s visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All other 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than August 14, 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 and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/31/2024 Number Present: 67 Completed Date: 7/31/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 425 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:10 PM Time In: 01:10 PM Time Out: 05:15 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. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on August 9, 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 requested that I add the organizations web address. I will make that addition for you. I reviewed the facility’s permit including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns your facility, was reviewed and listed as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website on July 30, 2024. Your program’s compliance history was 84% as of July 30, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your last sanitation inspection was dated May 22, 2024 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I verified that on February 13, 2024, you received lead water testing results that are required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results indicate that the facility’s water is within acceptable limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and was received in my office on September 20, 2023. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing outdoors and at the splash pad, playing in activity areas, transitioning outdoors, transitioning indoors, participating in routine care activities, napping, and eating lunch. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch included macaroni and cheese, green peas, raspberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a small compact refrigerator at 38 degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records and child record files. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to review staff record files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during a routine unannounced visit on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. Today, you stated that your written administrative and personnel polices had not changed. You stated that your Parent Handbook which contained your operational policies and parent participation plan were updated in February 2024 after my visit. Today, I reviewed your Parent Handbook dated February 2024 and observed all the required components included in these written policies. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. 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. Fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and out sheet and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. 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. One aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion were stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The group permission to administer form created by the facility for sunscreen provided by the facility did not include the of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to administer the sunscreen, when to administer the sunscreen, how to administer the sunscreen, and a date of the parent signature. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space 3, caregivers did not record the sleep positions for multiple children on multiple dates. .0606(g) 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 11/15/2023 whose First Aid training was due by 02/15/2024 completed First Aid training on 03/03/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/11/2024 whose First Aid training was due by 06/11/2024 has not 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 11/15/2023 whose CPR training was due by 02/15/2024 had completed CPR training on 03/03/2024. .1102(d) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/29/2022 had a CBC qualification letter on file dated 06/05/2019 that had expired on 06/05/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1889 Individuals that did not meet the staff qualifications as required by G.S. 110-91(8) did not submit to the Division documentation of completed coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming duties. Two staff members with dates of employment of 08/29/2022 and 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment did not have documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. .0703(d) 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. Four staff record files contained health questionnaires. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/26/2023 whose health and safety training was due by 05/26/2024 had not completed eight of the nine required trainings. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), hazardous items including aerosol cans and non-prescription medications such sunscreen should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. During today’s visit, I observed one aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. The teacher locked the three aerosol cans of sunscreen and the one tube of sunscreen lotion in a locked cabinet under the handwashing sink in the classroom. You removed the aerosol can of shaving cream from the classroom and informed the teacher that shaving cream could not be used in the classroom for any reason. These actions corrected this violation today. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you review this sanitation rule with your staff. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4), daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center should be maintained as children arrive and depart. During today’s visit, fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and sheet out and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. I observed the teacher record the arrival time for the four children that did not have an arrival time recorded. This action corrected the violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care rule with your staff and remind them that they can record the child’s arrival and departure time if the parent forgets. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(g), caregivers should document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and the documents should be maintained for a minimum of one month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the proper procedure for documenting the visual checks of sleeping infants. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the medication permission to administer form for sunscreens should include the name of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to apply the sunscreen, when to apply the sunscreen, and how to apply the sunscreen. While facilities may create their own forms, the form should include all the information required by the child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you revise your facility created permission form for administering sunscreen provided by the facility and be sure all the required information has been included on the permission form. I sent you an email today with a sample permission form attached that I created and sent to providers last summer to use when a facility wanted to provide the sunscreen and wanted to have a group permission to administer form that included all the children in the group rather than individual permission to administer forms. CONSULTATION: 1. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to monitor staff record files. Please be sure your staff and training worksheets are complete including no blank spaces, expiration dates for CPR and First Aid, education listed as high school only, associates degree with field of study, or bachelor's degree with field of study, or master’s degree with field of study, group or class, and NA, NEW, or In Process as applicable. Please be reminded that “Floater” is no longer recognized as a staff position and should be replaced with “Teacher” or “Teacher Assistant”. 2. As we discussed, child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(e)(2) requires materials and toys be made available and accessible daily to the children three (3) years of age and older with enough supplies for three (3) children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. When you have three-year-old children enrolled in a two-year-old classroom, you should provide the materials and supplies required for three-year-old children in the classroom for two-year-old and three-year-old children. 3. As discussed on August 9, 2023 and again today, shaving cream should not be used as an art material or a cleaner in the child care setting. 4. As discussed today, all medications, prescription or non-prescription, should be labeled with the name of the child. When the facility provides sunscreen for the children, the sunscreen container used in the classroom should be labeled with the name of the “group/classroom”. 5. As discussed today, when meal substitutions are necessary and are made, the substituted food item should be recorded on all the menus posted throughout the facility including those posted in the kitchen and the hallway before the substitution is prepared and served. Best practice is to record the substitution change as soon the decision is made to substitute an item. If you know a food item was not or will not be delivered on time or was delivered but was not acceptable quality, the substitute item(s) should be recorded as soon as the planned meal preparation is revised. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. From 02/07/2024 to 05/23/2024, there was a series of email and phone call exchanges between Paxton Tallent, Executive Director of Services, at Hickory Foundation YMCA, and me regarding a request to operate unlicensed school-age child care for the summer months and throughout the school year. As a result of these conversations, expectations and requirements were shared with the Mr. Tallent and Nat Auten, CEO of Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center. On May 22, 2024, I requested a written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 24, 2024, I received the written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 28, 2024, I notified Mr. Tallent and Mr. Auten the response from DCDEE upper management regarding their written plan as follows: Your written plan for summer operation from May 28, 2024 through August 23, 2024 has been approved. Per your request, effective May 24, 2024, the age range on your license will be changed from 0 – 12 years to 0 -5 years. Please keep your current license posted in the O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center until a new license/permit is processed and mailed to you. Per your request, the gymnasium and all other licensed spaces in the main building will be removed from the licensed program with plans to return the gymnasium to licensed space after August 23, 2024. We are waiting for further clarification and verification regarding the previously shared information that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections would not be required when the gym is added back as licensed space for the licensed program at the end of the requested unlicensed period. I will pass along clarifying information as soon as I receive it. If DCDEE upper management determines, that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections are required when you add the gym back to the licensed space, the Off-Premise Activity Permission Forms may continue to be used for the children enrolled in the licensed program to be able to continue to use the unlicensed gym. Please respond to this email to verify that you received this information and understand the approved terms for operating both a licensed and unlicensed program at the Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA site. On May 28, 2024, I received an email response from Mr. Tallent that included an acknowledgement statement and a request for additional information regarding the use of the gymnasium after the summer. The response was as follows: We have received and acknowledge the requirements to operate licensed and unlicensed programming on the Adrian L Shuford Jr YMCA campus and will await further direction regarding usage of the gymnasium after the summer. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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 Cohorts 1 & 2? 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. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 125 and 840 corrected during today’s visit. In today’s visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All other 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than August 14, 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 and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/31/2024 Number Present: 67 Completed Date: 7/31/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 425 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:10 PM Time In: 01:10 PM Time Out: 05:15 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. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on August 9, 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 requested that I add the organizations web address. I will make that addition for you. I reviewed the facility’s permit including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns your facility, was reviewed and listed as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website on July 30, 2024. Your program’s compliance history was 84% as of July 30, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your last sanitation inspection was dated May 22, 2024 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I verified that on February 13, 2024, you received lead water testing results that are required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results indicate that the facility’s water is within acceptable limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and was received in my office on September 20, 2023. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing outdoors and at the splash pad, playing in activity areas, transitioning outdoors, transitioning indoors, participating in routine care activities, napping, and eating lunch. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch included macaroni and cheese, green peas, raspberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a small compact refrigerator at 38 degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records and child record files. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to review staff record files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during a routine unannounced visit on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. Today, you stated that your written administrative and personnel polices had not changed. You stated that your Parent Handbook which contained your operational policies and parent participation plan were updated in February 2024 after my visit. Today, I reviewed your Parent Handbook dated February 2024 and observed all the required components included in these written policies. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. 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. Fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and out sheet and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. 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. One aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion were stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The group permission to administer form created by the facility for sunscreen provided by the facility did not include the of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to administer the sunscreen, when to administer the sunscreen, how to administer the sunscreen, and a date of the parent signature. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space 3, caregivers did not record the sleep positions for multiple children on multiple dates. .0606(g) 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 11/15/2023 whose First Aid training was due by 02/15/2024 completed First Aid training on 03/03/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/11/2024 whose First Aid training was due by 06/11/2024 has not 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 11/15/2023 whose CPR training was due by 02/15/2024 had completed CPR training on 03/03/2024. .1102(d) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/29/2022 had a CBC qualification letter on file dated 06/05/2019 that had expired on 06/05/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1889 Individuals that did not meet the staff qualifications as required by G.S. 110-91(8) did not submit to the Division documentation of completed coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming duties. Two staff members with dates of employment of 08/29/2022 and 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment did not have documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. .0703(d) 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. Four staff record files contained health questionnaires. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/26/2023 whose health and safety training was due by 05/26/2024 had not completed eight of the nine required trainings. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), hazardous items including aerosol cans and non-prescription medications such sunscreen should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. During today’s visit, I observed one aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. The teacher locked the three aerosol cans of sunscreen and the one tube of sunscreen lotion in a locked cabinet under the handwashing sink in the classroom. You removed the aerosol can of shaving cream from the classroom and informed the teacher that shaving cream could not be used in the classroom for any reason. These actions corrected this violation today. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you review this sanitation rule with your staff. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4), daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center should be maintained as children arrive and depart. During today’s visit, fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and sheet out and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. I observed the teacher record the arrival time for the four children that did not have an arrival time recorded. This action corrected the violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care rule with your staff and remind them that they can record the child’s arrival and departure time if the parent forgets. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(g), caregivers should document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and the documents should be maintained for a minimum of one month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the proper procedure for documenting the visual checks of sleeping infants. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the medication permission to administer form for sunscreens should include the name of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to apply the sunscreen, when to apply the sunscreen, and how to apply the sunscreen. While facilities may create their own forms, the form should include all the information required by the child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you revise your facility created permission form for administering sunscreen provided by the facility and be sure all the required information has been included on the permission form. I sent you an email today with a sample permission form attached that I created and sent to providers last summer to use when a facility wanted to provide the sunscreen and wanted to have a group permission to administer form that included all the children in the group rather than individual permission to administer forms. CONSULTATION: 1. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to monitor staff record files. Please be sure your staff and training worksheets are complete including no blank spaces, expiration dates for CPR and First Aid, education listed as high school only, associates degree with field of study, or bachelor's degree with field of study, or master’s degree with field of study, group or class, and NA, NEW, or In Process as applicable. Please be reminded that “Floater” is no longer recognized as a staff position and should be replaced with “Teacher” or “Teacher Assistant”. 2. As we discussed, child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(e)(2) requires materials and toys be made available and accessible daily to the children three (3) years of age and older with enough supplies for three (3) children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. When you have three-year-old children enrolled in a two-year-old classroom, you should provide the materials and supplies required for three-year-old children in the classroom for two-year-old and three-year-old children. 3. As discussed on August 9, 2023 and again today, shaving cream should not be used as an art material or a cleaner in the child care setting. 4. As discussed today, all medications, prescription or non-prescription, should be labeled with the name of the child. When the facility provides sunscreen for the children, the sunscreen container used in the classroom should be labeled with the name of the “group/classroom”. 5. As discussed today, when meal substitutions are necessary and are made, the substituted food item should be recorded on all the menus posted throughout the facility including those posted in the kitchen and the hallway before the substitution is prepared and served. Best practice is to record the substitution change as soon the decision is made to substitute an item. If you know a food item was not or will not be delivered on time or was delivered but was not acceptable quality, the substitute item(s) should be recorded as soon as the planned meal preparation is revised. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. From 02/07/2024 to 05/23/2024, there was a series of email and phone call exchanges between Paxton Tallent, Executive Director of Services, at Hickory Foundation YMCA, and me regarding a request to operate unlicensed school-age child care for the summer months and throughout the school year. As a result of these conversations, expectations and requirements were shared with the Mr. Tallent and Nat Auten, CEO of Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center. On May 22, 2024, I requested a written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 24, 2024, I received the written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 28, 2024, I notified Mr. Tallent and Mr. Auten the response from DCDEE upper management regarding their written plan as follows: Your written plan for summer operation from May 28, 2024 through August 23, 2024 has been approved. Per your request, effective May 24, 2024, the age range on your license will be changed from 0 – 12 years to 0 -5 years. Please keep your current license posted in the O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center until a new license/permit is processed and mailed to you. Per your request, the gymnasium and all other licensed spaces in the main building will be removed from the licensed program with plans to return the gymnasium to licensed space after August 23, 2024. We are waiting for further clarification and verification regarding the previously shared information that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections would not be required when the gym is added back as licensed space for the licensed program at the end of the requested unlicensed period. I will pass along clarifying information as soon as I receive it. If DCDEE upper management determines, that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections are required when you add the gym back to the licensed space, the Off-Premise Activity Permission Forms may continue to be used for the children enrolled in the licensed program to be able to continue to use the unlicensed gym. Please respond to this email to verify that you received this information and understand the approved terms for operating both a licensed and unlicensed program at the Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA site. On May 28, 2024, I received an email response from Mr. Tallent that included an acknowledgement statement and a request for additional information regarding the use of the gymnasium after the summer. The response was as follows: We have received and acknowledge the requirements to operate licensed and unlicensed programming on the Adrian L Shuford Jr YMCA campus and will await further direction regarding usage of the gymnasium after the summer. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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 Cohorts 1 & 2? 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. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 125 and 840 corrected during today’s visit. In today’s visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All other 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than August 14, 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 and your staff 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. 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/31/2024 Number Present: 67 Completed Date: 7/31/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 425 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:10 PM Time In: 01:10 PM Time Out: 05:15 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. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on August 9, 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 requested that I add the organizations web address. I will make that addition for you. I reviewed the facility’s permit including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns your facility, was reviewed and listed as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website on July 30, 2024. Your program’s compliance history was 84% as of July 30, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your last sanitation inspection was dated May 22, 2024 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I verified that on February 13, 2024, you received lead water testing results that are required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results indicate that the facility’s water is within acceptable limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and was received in my office on September 20, 2023. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing outdoors and at the splash pad, playing in activity areas, transitioning outdoors, transitioning indoors, participating in routine care activities, napping, and eating lunch. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch included macaroni and cheese, green peas, raspberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a small compact refrigerator at 38 degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records and child record files. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to review staff record files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during a routine unannounced visit on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. Today, you stated that your written administrative and personnel polices had not changed. You stated that your Parent Handbook which contained your operational policies and parent participation plan were updated in February 2024 after my visit. Today, I reviewed your Parent Handbook dated February 2024 and observed all the required components included in these written policies. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. 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. Fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and out sheet and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. 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. One aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion were stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The group permission to administer form created by the facility for sunscreen provided by the facility did not include the of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to administer the sunscreen, when to administer the sunscreen, how to administer the sunscreen, and a date of the parent signature. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space 3, caregivers did not record the sleep positions for multiple children on multiple dates. .0606(g) 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 11/15/2023 whose First Aid training was due by 02/15/2024 completed First Aid training on 03/03/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/11/2024 whose First Aid training was due by 06/11/2024 has not 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 11/15/2023 whose CPR training was due by 02/15/2024 had completed CPR training on 03/03/2024. .1102(d) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/29/2022 had a CBC qualification letter on file dated 06/05/2019 that had expired on 06/05/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1889 Individuals that did not meet the staff qualifications as required by G.S. 110-91(8) did not submit to the Division documentation of completed coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming duties. Two staff members with dates of employment of 08/29/2022 and 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment did not have documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. .0703(d) 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. Four staff record files contained health questionnaires. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/26/2023 whose health and safety training was due by 05/26/2024 had not completed eight of the nine required trainings. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), hazardous items including aerosol cans and non-prescription medications such sunscreen should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. During today’s visit, I observed one aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. The teacher locked the three aerosol cans of sunscreen and the one tube of sunscreen lotion in a locked cabinet under the handwashing sink in the classroom. You removed the aerosol can of shaving cream from the classroom and informed the teacher that shaving cream could not be used in the classroom for any reason. These actions corrected this violation today. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you review this sanitation rule with your staff. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4), daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center should be maintained as children arrive and depart. During today’s visit, fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and sheet out and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. I observed the teacher record the arrival time for the four children that did not have an arrival time recorded. This action corrected the violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care rule with your staff and remind them that they can record the child’s arrival and departure time if the parent forgets. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(g), caregivers should document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and the documents should be maintained for a minimum of one month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the proper procedure for documenting the visual checks of sleeping infants. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the medication permission to administer form for sunscreens should include the name of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to apply the sunscreen, when to apply the sunscreen, and how to apply the sunscreen. While facilities may create their own forms, the form should include all the information required by the child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you revise your facility created permission form for administering sunscreen provided by the facility and be sure all the required information has been included on the permission form. I sent you an email today with a sample permission form attached that I created and sent to providers last summer to use when a facility wanted to provide the sunscreen and wanted to have a group permission to administer form that included all the children in the group rather than individual permission to administer forms. CONSULTATION: 1. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to monitor staff record files. Please be sure your staff and training worksheets are complete including no blank spaces, expiration dates for CPR and First Aid, education listed as high school only, associates degree with field of study, or bachelor's degree with field of study, or master’s degree with field of study, group or class, and NA, NEW, or In Process as applicable. Please be reminded that “Floater” is no longer recognized as a staff position and should be replaced with “Teacher” or “Teacher Assistant”. 2. As we discussed, child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(e)(2) requires materials and toys be made available and accessible daily to the children three (3) years of age and older with enough supplies for three (3) children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. When you have three-year-old children enrolled in a two-year-old classroom, you should provide the materials and supplies required for three-year-old children in the classroom for two-year-old and three-year-old children. 3. As discussed on August 9, 2023 and again today, shaving cream should not be used as an art material or a cleaner in the child care setting. 4. As discussed today, all medications, prescription or non-prescription, should be labeled with the name of the child. When the facility provides sunscreen for the children, the sunscreen container used in the classroom should be labeled with the name of the “group/classroom”. 5. As discussed today, when meal substitutions are necessary and are made, the substituted food item should be recorded on all the menus posted throughout the facility including those posted in the kitchen and the hallway before the substitution is prepared and served. Best practice is to record the substitution change as soon the decision is made to substitute an item. If you know a food item was not or will not be delivered on time or was delivered but was not acceptable quality, the substitute item(s) should be recorded as soon as the planned meal preparation is revised. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. From 02/07/2024 to 05/23/2024, there was a series of email and phone call exchanges between Paxton Tallent, Executive Director of Services, at Hickory Foundation YMCA, and me regarding a request to operate unlicensed school-age child care for the summer months and throughout the school year. As a result of these conversations, expectations and requirements were shared with the Mr. Tallent and Nat Auten, CEO of Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center. On May 22, 2024, I requested a written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 24, 2024, I received the written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 28, 2024, I notified Mr. Tallent and Mr. Auten the response from DCDEE upper management regarding their written plan as follows: Your written plan for summer operation from May 28, 2024 through August 23, 2024 has been approved. Per your request, effective May 24, 2024, the age range on your license will be changed from 0 – 12 years to 0 -5 years. Please keep your current license posted in the O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center until a new license/permit is processed and mailed to you. Per your request, the gymnasium and all other licensed spaces in the main building will be removed from the licensed program with plans to return the gymnasium to licensed space after August 23, 2024. We are waiting for further clarification and verification regarding the previously shared information that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections would not be required when the gym is added back as licensed space for the licensed program at the end of the requested unlicensed period. I will pass along clarifying information as soon as I receive it. If DCDEE upper management determines, that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections are required when you add the gym back to the licensed space, the Off-Premise Activity Permission Forms may continue to be used for the children enrolled in the licensed program to be able to continue to use the unlicensed gym. Please respond to this email to verify that you received this information and understand the approved terms for operating both a licensed and unlicensed program at the Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA site. On May 28, 2024, I received an email response from Mr. Tallent that included an acknowledgement statement and a request for additional information regarding the use of the gymnasium after the summer. The response was as follows: We have received and acknowledge the requirements to operate licensed and unlicensed programming on the Adrian L Shuford Jr YMCA campus and will await further direction regarding usage of the gymnasium after the summer. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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 Cohorts 1 & 2? 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. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 125 and 840 corrected during today’s visit. In today’s visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All other 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than August 14, 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 and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/31/2024 Number Present: 67 Completed Date: 7/31/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 425 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:10 PM Time In: 01:10 PM Time Out: 05:15 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. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on August 9, 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 requested that I add the organizations web address. I will make that addition for you. I reviewed the facility’s permit including the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns your facility, was reviewed and listed as current-active on the NC Secretary of State website on July 30, 2024. Your program’s compliance history was 84% as of July 30, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on May 28, 2024, earning five points in staff education, four points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your last sanitation inspection was dated May 22, 2024 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I verified that on February 13, 2024, you received lead water testing results that are required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results indicate that the facility’s water is within acceptable limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead-based paint and asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and was received in my office on September 20, 2023. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing outdoors and at the splash pad, playing in activity areas, transitioning outdoors, transitioning indoors, participating in routine care activities, napping, and eating lunch. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 4-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. A current menu was posted, 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 classrooms. Today’s lunch included macaroni and cheese, green peas, raspberries, and unflavored milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a small compact refrigerator at 38 degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records and child record files. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to review staff record files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during a routine unannounced visit on February 22, 2023 and February 8, 2024. Today, you stated that your written administrative and personnel polices had not changed. You stated that your Parent Handbook which contained your operational policies and parent participation plan were updated in February 2024 after my visit. Today, I reviewed your Parent Handbook dated February 2024 and observed all the required components included in these written policies. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. 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. Fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and out sheet and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. 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. One aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion were stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The group permission to administer form created by the facility for sunscreen provided by the facility did not include the of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to administer the sunscreen, when to administer the sunscreen, how to administer the sunscreen, and a date of the parent signature. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In Space 3, caregivers did not record the sleep positions for multiple children on multiple dates. .0606(g) 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 11/15/2023 whose First Aid training was due by 02/15/2024 completed First Aid training on 03/03/2024. One staff member with a date of employment of 03/11/2024 whose First Aid training was due by 06/11/2024 has not 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 11/15/2023 whose CPR training was due by 02/15/2024 had completed CPR training on 03/03/2024. .1102(d) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One staff member with a date of employment of 08/29/2022 had a CBC qualification letter on file dated 06/05/2019 that had expired on 06/05/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1889 Individuals that did not meet the staff qualifications as required by G.S. 110-91(8) did not submit to the Division documentation of completed coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming duties. Two staff members with dates of employment of 08/29/2022 and 09/19/2023 who had been assigned the position as lead teacher upon employment did not have documentation in the file of completed coursework or credentials to be considered for equivalency. .0703(d) 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. Four staff record files contained health questionnaires. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 05/26/2023 whose health and safety training was due by 05/26/2024 had not completed eight of the nine required trainings. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), hazardous items including aerosol cans and non-prescription medications such sunscreen should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. During today’s visit, I observed one aerosol can of shaving cream, three aerosol cans of sunscreen, and one tube of sunscreen lotion stored in unlocked cabinets in Space 2. The teacher locked the three aerosol cans of sunscreen and the one tube of sunscreen lotion in a locked cabinet under the handwashing sink in the classroom. You removed the aerosol can of shaving cream from the classroom and informed the teacher that shaving cream could not be used in the classroom for any reason. These actions corrected this violation today. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you review this sanitation rule with your staff. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4), daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center should be maintained as children arrive and depart. During today’s visit, fourteen children were present in Space 1 but only ten children were signed in on the sign in and sheet out and/or the BrightWheel electronic application. I observed the teacher record the arrival time for the four children that did not have an arrival time recorded. This action corrected the violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this child care rule with your staff and remind them that they can record the child’s arrival and departure time if the parent forgets. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0606(g), caregivers should document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and the documents should be maintained for a minimum of one month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the proper procedure for documenting the visual checks of sleeping infants. 4. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), the medication permission to administer form for sunscreens should include the name of the sunscreen, the valid dates for the sunscreen to be administered, the amount of sunscreen to be administered, where to apply the sunscreen, when to apply the sunscreen, and how to apply the sunscreen. While facilities may create their own forms, the form should include all the information required by the child care rule. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you revise your facility created permission form for administering sunscreen provided by the facility and be sure all the required information has been included on the permission form. I sent you an email today with a sample permission form attached that I created and sent to providers last summer to use when a facility wanted to provide the sunscreen and wanted to have a group permission to administer form that included all the children in the group rather than individual permission to administer forms. CONSULTATION: 1. I will return on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 to monitor staff record files. Please be sure your staff and training worksheets are complete including no blank spaces, expiration dates for CPR and First Aid, education listed as high school only, associates degree with field of study, or bachelor's degree with field of study, or master’s degree with field of study, group or class, and NA, NEW, or In Process as applicable. Please be reminded that “Floater” is no longer recognized as a staff position and should be replaced with “Teacher” or “Teacher Assistant”. 2. As we discussed, child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(e)(2) requires materials and toys be made available and accessible daily to the children three (3) years of age and older with enough supplies for three (3) children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. When you have three-year-old children enrolled in a two-year-old classroom, you should provide the materials and supplies required for three-year-old children in the classroom for two-year-old and three-year-old children. 3. As discussed on August 9, 2023 and again today, shaving cream should not be used as an art material or a cleaner in the child care setting. 4. As discussed today, all medications, prescription or non-prescription, should be labeled with the name of the child. When the facility provides sunscreen for the children, the sunscreen container used in the classroom should be labeled with the name of the “group/classroom”. 5. As discussed today, when meal substitutions are necessary and are made, the substituted food item should be recorded on all the menus posted throughout the facility including those posted in the kitchen and the hallway before the substitution is prepared and served. Best practice is to record the substitution change as soon the decision is made to substitute an item. If you know a food item was not or will not be delivered on time or was delivered but was not acceptable quality, the substitute item(s) should be recorded as soon as the planned meal preparation is revised. 6. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(g)(1-6), an incident log should be completed any time an incident report is completed. As discussed today, the expectation is that each incident be logged on the incident log form when the incident occurs. Best practice is to maintain the incident log daily. You stated you record incident reports on the incident log monthly. 7. From 02/07/2024 to 05/23/2024, there was a series of email and phone call exchanges between Paxton Tallent, Executive Director of Services, at Hickory Foundation YMCA, and me regarding a request to operate unlicensed school-age child care for the summer months and throughout the school year. As a result of these conversations, expectations and requirements were shared with the Mr. Tallent and Nat Auten, CEO of Young Men’s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, the corporation that owns O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center. On May 22, 2024, I requested a written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 24, 2024, I received the written plan to operate full-day unlicensed summer care for school-aged children and half-day unlicensed summer care for preschool children and half-day unlicensed care for school-aged children during the school year and the request to remove the licensed spaces in the main building from the licensed primary spaces for the facility. On May 28, 2024, I notified Mr. Tallent and Mr. Auten the response from DCDEE upper management regarding their written plan as follows: Your written plan for summer operation from May 28, 2024 through August 23, 2024 has been approved. Per your request, effective May 24, 2024, the age range on your license will be changed from 0 – 12 years to 0 -5 years. Please keep your current license posted in the O. L. Moretz Foundation YMCA Early Learning Center until a new license/permit is processed and mailed to you. Per your request, the gymnasium and all other licensed spaces in the main building will be removed from the licensed program with plans to return the gymnasium to licensed space after August 23, 2024. We are waiting for further clarification and verification regarding the previously shared information that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections would not be required when the gym is added back as licensed space for the licensed program at the end of the requested unlicensed period. I will pass along clarifying information as soon as I receive it. If DCDEE upper management determines, that building, fire, and/or sanitation inspections are required when you add the gym back to the licensed space, the Off-Premise Activity Permission Forms may continue to be used for the children enrolled in the licensed program to be able to continue to use the unlicensed gym. Please respond to this email to verify that you received this information and understand the approved terms for operating both a licensed and unlicensed program at the Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA site. On May 28, 2024, I received an email response from Mr. Tallent that included an acknowledgement statement and a request for additional information regarding the use of the gymnasium after the summer. The response was as follows: We have received and acknowledge the requirements to operate licensed and unlicensed programming on the Adrian L Shuford Jr YMCA campus and will await further direction regarding usage of the gymnasium after the summer. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. 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 Cohorts 1 & 2? 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. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item numbers 125 and 840 corrected during today’s visit. In today’s visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All other 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than August 14, 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 and your staff 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 .1801 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-193L Visit Date: 4/24/2024 Number Present: 86 Completed Date: 4/24/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 12:20 PM Time Out: 03:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. According to the report, there is a concern of inadequate supervision. A four-year-old child was left outside on the playground unattended. In addition to the allegation, I monitored staff-child ratio, adequate space capacity, and approved space use in the classrooms for four-year-old children. I also monitored permit restrictions and posting in the facility. Today, you reported ninety-five children ranging in age from zero to five years of age were enrolled in your facility. You stated eighty-six children ranging in age from zero to five years of age were present during today’s visit. A walk-through of the entire facility was not conducted today. Today, I investigated the concern of inadequate supervision. Due to the nature of the report, I monitored supervision in Spaces 1, 2, and 4 where staff responsible for supervising four-year-old children on the day of the alleged incident were currently assigned. In Space 1 and 2, staff were assisting children as they got up from nap, prepared for snack, and ate snack. In Space 4, staff were assisting children with preparations for outdoor play, engaging the children in a name to face activity, transitioning the children from indoors to outdoor play, and supervising the children during outdoor play on the playground. Prior to today’s visit, you sent me by email the written statements from four staff members who witnessed the incident. I reviewed these written statements prior to today’s visit. I interviewed five staff members. Staff members stated three staff members were supervising a group of seven three- to five-year-old children and left one four-year-old child on the playground at approximately 5pm for approximately six minutes before the child’s mother arrived at the classroom to pick the child up and staff noticed that the child was missing from the group. Staff members stated it was a busy and chaotic time of the day with parents coming and going, staff departing for the day, and the combined group of preschool age children transitioning from the playground to the classroom. Staff members stated that the four-year-old child typically attended until late in the operating day, typically played alone or with staff members, and had not been feeling well the afternoon of the incident. Staff members stated that the four-year-old child would often wander away from the group if not redirected and reminded to stay with the group. Based on my interviews with staff, the written statements from staff members, and my observations, the allegation of a concern of inadequate supervision involving a four-year-old child being left on the playground unattended was confirmed. Therefore, the allegation is substantiated. Staff-child ratios, adequate space capacity, and approved space use were maintained in Spaces 1, 2, and 5 during today’s visit. The facility permit was posted and the facility permit restrictions including “Daytime care only”, “Meets enhanced ratios”, and “Meets enhanced space” were maintained during today’s visit. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. One four-year-old child was left unattended on the playground for approximately six minutes before staff members noticed the child was missing from the group. .1801(a)(1-5) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a)(1-5), children should be adequately supervised at all times in child care centers. Adequate supervision means that: (1) staff are positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render assistance; (2) staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor or outdoor area; (3) staff know where each child is located and are aware of the children's activities at all times; (4) staff provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs, and capabilities of each child; and (5) staff are able to see and hear children aged birth to five years old while the children are eating. Today, you stated that a four-year-old child was left unattended on the playground for approximately six minutes before staff discovered the child was missing from the group and located the child asleep on the playground slide. You stated you had printed head count sheets which are being used in each classroom with head counts recorded every 30 minutes. You stated you had also purchased Bright wheel and were hoping to use the head count feature every 30 minutes. You stated you had spoken to Lorna Keene, Early Childhood Support Specialist, about scheduling in-person training for all your staff on the topic of supervision and you were waiting to hear back from Ms. Keene. You stated you had made virtual supervision training available to your staff, as well. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I advised to use caution when recording head count on sheets and programs such as Bright Wheel as these practices may require time and attention from the staff with a potential to create additional supervision issues. I encouraged you to use the head count sheets to record transitions and arrivals and departures from the group. I encouraged you to use the Bright Wheel features sparingly as not to promote the use of electronic devices or cell phones by the staff. 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 May 8, 2024. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. 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. We appreciate all you and your staff 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/8/2024 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 2/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:55 PM Time In: 01:55 PM Time Out: 05:10 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. Hollie Newton, Administrator, was not available today. Lisa Evans, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on September 28, 2021, earning five points in education standards, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having enhanced policies approved and staff benefits package. Your center's compliance history was 89% as of February 5, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your facility, owned by Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc., was reviewed and listed as current- active on the NC Secretary of State website on February 5, 2024. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and received in my office by email on September 20, 2023. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 5, 2023 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor areas in both buildings and all outdoor areas. I observed Spaces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10A, 10B, and 12 in the main building unused by the child care program today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed infants engaged in floor play. I observed your facility using Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I observed infant bottles and food stored at a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). 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 twelve returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. I reviewed staff record files for six new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on August 8, 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 February 22, 2023. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were 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 1, an unlocked cabinet under the sink was used to store a variety of cleaning supplies. The assistant director locked the cabinet. In Space 5, five cans of aerosol sunscreen, one aerosol can of disinfecting spray, one spray bottle of glass cleaner, and one container of disinfecting wipes were stored in an unlocked cabinet with the keys left in the lock. The assistant director removed the aerosol cans of sunscreen and locked the cabinet. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Space 2 and 6, emergency medications were stored in Ready-to-Go bags stored on shelving that was less than five feet from the floor. In Space 2, the assistant director moved the bag to a hook that allowed the bottom of the bag to hang at least five feet from the floor. In Space 6, the assistant director moved the bag to a top cubby shelf that was at least five feet above the floor. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 4, one non-prescription topical ointment was applied with no written authorization. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 4, one prescription topical ointment was not in the original container with the pharmaceutical label attached. .0803(2)(a) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In Space 4, one non-prescription topical ointment was not labeled with the name of the child. The assistant director added the name of the child to the non-prescription topical ointment container. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 3, two permission forms were missing the amount of medication to apply. One permission form was missing a parent signature. One permission form was missing the information for when to apply the medication. One permission form was missing information for how to apply the medication. Authorization to administer one prescription topical medication was recorded on the over-the-counter permission form. In Space 4, one permission form was missing information for how to apply the medication. Authorization to administer one prescription topical medication was recorded on the over-the-counter permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 4, one non-prescription diaper ointment expired in 10/2023 but had not been discarded within 72 hours. The assistant director removed the diaper ointment from the classroom. In Space 6, one non-prescription diaper ointment expired in 12/2023 but had not been discarded within 72 hours. The assistant director removed the diaper ointment from the classroom. .0803(12) 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. First Aid training certification expired on 01//10/2024 for one employee. One employee with a date of hire of 09/19/2023 has not completed First Aid training within 90 days. .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. CPR training certification expired on 01//10/2024 for one employee. One employee with a date of hire of 09/19/2023 has not completed CPR training within 90 days. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. An emergency drill was conducted in 09/2023 making the next emergency drill due in 12/2023 but a shelter-in-place drill was not conducted until 01/12/2024. The emergency drill conducted in 01/2024 corrected the emergency drill not conducted in 12/2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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. Three employees with dates of hire of 05/26/2023, 07/27/2023, and 09/19/2023 have not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One employee with a date of hire of 01/2023 did not complete all the required health and safety training topics within the first year of employment. The employee was missing three training topics. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. When a medication or a permission to administer form has expired, the medication should be returned to the parent within 72 hours. You stated you monitor the medications in each classroom at least twice a month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you monitor the medications in the classrooms weekly. 2. Permission to Administer medication forms for non-prescription topical medications should include all the information on the permission form. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review each permission to administer form with the parent before the parent leaves the facility so any missing information can be filled in on the same day the medication is brought to the facility. 3. Emergency medications should be stored inaccessible to children but readily available to staff at least five feet above the floor. Today, I observed emergency medications stored in ready-to-go bags sitting on cubbies or hanging on hooks that were less than five feet above the floor. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you hang the bag on a hook that allowed the bottom of the bag to hang at least five feet off the floor or sit the bag on a shelf that measures at least five feet off the floor. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), all cleaning supplies and items with “Keep out of the reach children” labels with additional warnings such as poison control contact numbers or first aid procedures should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. Today, I observed two cabinets located below five feet used to store cleaning supplies and aerosol cans. I observed these cabinets with locking mechanisms that were not locked. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the importance of keeping cabinets locked. 5. Non-prescription ointments and medications should be labeled with the name of the child. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review medication requirements with your staff. 6. 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 suggested you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(a), prescription medications should be in the original pharmaceutical container with the original pharmaceutical label attached. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you ask the parent to bring the original container with the prescription label and then place the medication in the container. As discussed today, if the original container has been lost or destroyed, the parent may revisit the pharmacy and request the pharmacist print a replacement prescription label and attach it to a pharmacy bag. The parent may then place the medication in the pharmacy bag with the attached pharmaceutical label and bring that the facility. 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the Staff and Training worksheet as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining staff record requirements within the required timeframes. 9. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c & d), each employee must maintain documentation in their staff record file as verification that the employee has completed First Aid and CPR training within the first ninety (90) days of employment and has maintained a current and valid First Aid and CPR certificate. I suggest you contact fire departments, fire inspectors, community colleges, EMS departments, public health departments, and hospitals in your community as well as local Resource and Referral agencies in your county and surrounding counties to acquire information of upcoming first aid and CPR classes you can register your staff to attend or instructors you may contact. 10. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the Staff and Training worksheet as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining staff record requirements within the required timeframes. CONSULTATION: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. 4. The Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report form should include the date of the assessment as the date the health exam was completed as well as the health care professional’s signature and date of signature. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you highlight the “date of the assessment” on the document so remind health care professionals that information is required in addition to their signature and date of signature. 5. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. While the first reassessment year will not begin until July 1, 2024, the preparation year for cohort one begins July 1, 2023. Your facility is in Cohort 1. Throughout the next few months, I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) • Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways O ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality O If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment O Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year O Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than February 22, 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 and your staff 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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 . 1102 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/8/2024 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 2/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:55 PM Time In: 01:55 PM Time Out: 05:10 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. Hollie Newton, Administrator, was not available today. Lisa Evans, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on September 28, 2021, earning five points in education standards, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having enhanced policies approved and staff benefits package. Your center's compliance history was 89% as of February 5, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your facility, owned by Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc., was reviewed and listed as current- active on the NC Secretary of State website on February 5, 2024. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and received in my office by email on September 20, 2023. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 5, 2023 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor areas in both buildings and all outdoor areas. I observed Spaces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10A, 10B, and 12 in the main building unused by the child care program today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed infants engaged in floor play. I observed your facility using Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I observed infant bottles and food stored at a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). 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 twelve returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. I reviewed staff record files for six new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on August 8, 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 February 22, 2023. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were 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 1, an unlocked cabinet under the sink was used to store a variety of cleaning supplies. The assistant director locked the cabinet. In Space 5, five cans of aerosol sunscreen, one aerosol can of disinfecting spray, one spray bottle of glass cleaner, and one container of disinfecting wipes were stored in an unlocked cabinet with the keys left in the lock. The assistant director removed the aerosol cans of sunscreen and locked the cabinet. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Space 2 and 6, emergency medications were stored in Ready-to-Go bags stored on shelving that was less than five feet from the floor. In Space 2, the assistant director moved the bag to a hook that allowed the bottom of the bag to hang at least five feet from the floor. In Space 6, the assistant director moved the bag to a top cubby shelf that was at least five feet above the floor. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 4, one non-prescription topical ointment was applied with no written authorization. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 4, one prescription topical ointment was not in the original container with the pharmaceutical label attached. .0803(2)(a) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In Space 4, one non-prescription topical ointment was not labeled with the name of the child. The assistant director added the name of the child to the non-prescription topical ointment container. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 3, two permission forms were missing the amount of medication to apply. One permission form was missing a parent signature. One permission form was missing the information for when to apply the medication. One permission form was missing information for how to apply the medication. Authorization to administer one prescription topical medication was recorded on the over-the-counter permission form. In Space 4, one permission form was missing information for how to apply the medication. Authorization to administer one prescription topical medication was recorded on the over-the-counter permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 4, one non-prescription diaper ointment expired in 10/2023 but had not been discarded within 72 hours. The assistant director removed the diaper ointment from the classroom. In Space 6, one non-prescription diaper ointment expired in 12/2023 but had not been discarded within 72 hours. The assistant director removed the diaper ointment from the classroom. .0803(12) 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. First Aid training certification expired on 01//10/2024 for one employee. One employee with a date of hire of 09/19/2023 has not completed First Aid training within 90 days. .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. CPR training certification expired on 01//10/2024 for one employee. One employee with a date of hire of 09/19/2023 has not completed CPR training within 90 days. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. An emergency drill was conducted in 09/2023 making the next emergency drill due in 12/2023 but a shelter-in-place drill was not conducted until 01/12/2024. The emergency drill conducted in 01/2024 corrected the emergency drill not conducted in 12/2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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. Three employees with dates of hire of 05/26/2023, 07/27/2023, and 09/19/2023 have not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One employee with a date of hire of 01/2023 did not complete all the required health and safety training topics within the first year of employment. The employee was missing three training topics. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. When a medication or a permission to administer form has expired, the medication should be returned to the parent within 72 hours. You stated you monitor the medications in each classroom at least twice a month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you monitor the medications in the classrooms weekly. 2. Permission to Administer medication forms for non-prescription topical medications should include all the information on the permission form. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review each permission to administer form with the parent before the parent leaves the facility so any missing information can be filled in on the same day the medication is brought to the facility. 3. Emergency medications should be stored inaccessible to children but readily available to staff at least five feet above the floor. Today, I observed emergency medications stored in ready-to-go bags sitting on cubbies or hanging on hooks that were less than five feet above the floor. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you hang the bag on a hook that allowed the bottom of the bag to hang at least five feet off the floor or sit the bag on a shelf that measures at least five feet off the floor. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), all cleaning supplies and items with “Keep out of the reach children” labels with additional warnings such as poison control contact numbers or first aid procedures should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. Today, I observed two cabinets located below five feet used to store cleaning supplies and aerosol cans. I observed these cabinets with locking mechanisms that were not locked. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the importance of keeping cabinets locked. 5. Non-prescription ointments and medications should be labeled with the name of the child. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review medication requirements with your staff. 6. 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 suggested you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(a), prescription medications should be in the original pharmaceutical container with the original pharmaceutical label attached. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you ask the parent to bring the original container with the prescription label and then place the medication in the container. As discussed today, if the original container has been lost or destroyed, the parent may revisit the pharmacy and request the pharmacist print a replacement prescription label and attach it to a pharmacy bag. The parent may then place the medication in the pharmacy bag with the attached pharmaceutical label and bring that the facility. 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the Staff and Training worksheet as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining staff record requirements within the required timeframes. 9. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c & d), each employee must maintain documentation in their staff record file as verification that the employee has completed First Aid and CPR training within the first ninety (90) days of employment and has maintained a current and valid First Aid and CPR certificate. I suggest you contact fire departments, fire inspectors, community colleges, EMS departments, public health departments, and hospitals in your community as well as local Resource and Referral agencies in your county and surrounding counties to acquire information of upcoming first aid and CPR classes you can register your staff to attend or instructors you may contact. 10. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the Staff and Training worksheet as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining staff record requirements within the required timeframes. CONSULTATION: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. 4. The Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report form should include the date of the assessment as the date the health exam was completed as well as the health care professional’s signature and date of signature. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you highlight the “date of the assessment” on the document so remind health care professionals that information is required in addition to their signature and date of signature. 5. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. While the first reassessment year will not begin until July 1, 2024, the preparation year for cohort one begins July 1, 2023. Your facility is in Cohort 1. Throughout the next few months, I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) • Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways O ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality O If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment O Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year O Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than February 22, 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 and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/8/2024 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 2/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:55 PM Time In: 01:55 PM Time Out: 05:10 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. Hollie Newton, Administrator, was not available today. Lisa Evans, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on September 28, 2021, earning five points in education standards, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having enhanced policies approved and staff benefits package. Your center's compliance history was 89% as of February 5, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your facility, owned by Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc., was reviewed and listed as current- active on the NC Secretary of State website on February 5, 2024. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and received in my office by email on September 20, 2023. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 5, 2023 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor areas in both buildings and all outdoor areas. I observed Spaces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10A, 10B, and 12 in the main building unused by the child care program today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed infants engaged in floor play. I observed your facility using Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I observed infant bottles and food stored at a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). 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 twelve returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. I reviewed staff record files for six new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on August 8, 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 February 22, 2023. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were 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 1, an unlocked cabinet under the sink was used to store a variety of cleaning supplies. The assistant director locked the cabinet. In Space 5, five cans of aerosol sunscreen, one aerosol can of disinfecting spray, one spray bottle of glass cleaner, and one container of disinfecting wipes were stored in an unlocked cabinet with the keys left in the lock. The assistant director removed the aerosol cans of sunscreen and locked the cabinet. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Space 2 and 6, emergency medications were stored in Ready-to-Go bags stored on shelving that was less than five feet from the floor. In Space 2, the assistant director moved the bag to a hook that allowed the bottom of the bag to hang at least five feet from the floor. In Space 6, the assistant director moved the bag to a top cubby shelf that was at least five feet above the floor. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 4, one non-prescription topical ointment was applied with no written authorization. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 4, one prescription topical ointment was not in the original container with the pharmaceutical label attached. .0803(2)(a) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In Space 4, one non-prescription topical ointment was not labeled with the name of the child. The assistant director added the name of the child to the non-prescription topical ointment container. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 3, two permission forms were missing the amount of medication to apply. One permission form was missing a parent signature. One permission form was missing the information for when to apply the medication. One permission form was missing information for how to apply the medication. Authorization to administer one prescription topical medication was recorded on the over-the-counter permission form. In Space 4, one permission form was missing information for how to apply the medication. Authorization to administer one prescription topical medication was recorded on the over-the-counter permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 4, one non-prescription diaper ointment expired in 10/2023 but had not been discarded within 72 hours. The assistant director removed the diaper ointment from the classroom. In Space 6, one non-prescription diaper ointment expired in 12/2023 but had not been discarded within 72 hours. The assistant director removed the diaper ointment from the classroom. .0803(12) 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. First Aid training certification expired on 01//10/2024 for one employee. One employee with a date of hire of 09/19/2023 has not completed First Aid training within 90 days. .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. CPR training certification expired on 01//10/2024 for one employee. One employee with a date of hire of 09/19/2023 has not completed CPR training within 90 days. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. An emergency drill was conducted in 09/2023 making the next emergency drill due in 12/2023 but a shelter-in-place drill was not conducted until 01/12/2024. The emergency drill conducted in 01/2024 corrected the emergency drill not conducted in 12/2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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. Three employees with dates of hire of 05/26/2023, 07/27/2023, and 09/19/2023 have not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One employee with a date of hire of 01/2023 did not complete all the required health and safety training topics within the first year of employment. The employee was missing three training topics. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. When a medication or a permission to administer form has expired, the medication should be returned to the parent within 72 hours. You stated you monitor the medications in each classroom at least twice a month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you monitor the medications in the classrooms weekly. 2. Permission to Administer medication forms for non-prescription topical medications should include all the information on the permission form. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review each permission to administer form with the parent before the parent leaves the facility so any missing information can be filled in on the same day the medication is brought to the facility. 3. Emergency medications should be stored inaccessible to children but readily available to staff at least five feet above the floor. Today, I observed emergency medications stored in ready-to-go bags sitting on cubbies or hanging on hooks that were less than five feet above the floor. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you hang the bag on a hook that allowed the bottom of the bag to hang at least five feet off the floor or sit the bag on a shelf that measures at least five feet off the floor. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), all cleaning supplies and items with “Keep out of the reach children” labels with additional warnings such as poison control contact numbers or first aid procedures should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. Today, I observed two cabinets located below five feet used to store cleaning supplies and aerosol cans. I observed these cabinets with locking mechanisms that were not locked. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the importance of keeping cabinets locked. 5. Non-prescription ointments and medications should be labeled with the name of the child. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review medication requirements with your staff. 6. 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 suggested you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(a), prescription medications should be in the original pharmaceutical container with the original pharmaceutical label attached. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you ask the parent to bring the original container with the prescription label and then place the medication in the container. As discussed today, if the original container has been lost or destroyed, the parent may revisit the pharmacy and request the pharmacist print a replacement prescription label and attach it to a pharmacy bag. The parent may then place the medication in the pharmacy bag with the attached pharmaceutical label and bring that the facility. 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the Staff and Training worksheet as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining staff record requirements within the required timeframes. 9. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c & d), each employee must maintain documentation in their staff record file as verification that the employee has completed First Aid and CPR training within the first ninety (90) days of employment and has maintained a current and valid First Aid and CPR certificate. I suggest you contact fire departments, fire inspectors, community colleges, EMS departments, public health departments, and hospitals in your community as well as local Resource and Referral agencies in your county and surrounding counties to acquire information of upcoming first aid and CPR classes you can register your staff to attend or instructors you may contact. 10. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the Staff and Training worksheet as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining staff record requirements within the required timeframes. CONSULTATION: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. 4. The Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report form should include the date of the assessment as the date the health exam was completed as well as the health care professional’s signature and date of signature. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you highlight the “date of the assessment” on the document so remind health care professionals that information is required in addition to their signature and date of signature. 5. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. While the first reassessment year will not begin until July 1, 2024, the preparation year for cohort one begins July 1, 2023. Your facility is in Cohort 1. Throughout the next few months, I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) • Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways O ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality O If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment O Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year O Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than February 22, 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 and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/8/2024 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 2/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:55 PM Time In: 01:55 PM Time Out: 05:10 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. Hollie Newton, Administrator, was not available today. Lisa Evans, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on September 28, 2021, earning five points in education standards, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having enhanced policies approved and staff benefits package. Your center's compliance history was 89% as of February 5, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your facility, owned by Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc., was reviewed and listed as current- active on the NC Secretary of State website on February 5, 2024. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and received in my office by email on September 20, 2023. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 5, 2023 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor areas in both buildings and all outdoor areas. I observed Spaces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10A, 10B, and 12 in the main building unused by the child care program today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed infants engaged in floor play. I observed your facility using Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I observed infant bottles and food stored at a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). 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 twelve returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. I reviewed staff record files for six new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on August 8, 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 February 22, 2023. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were 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 1, an unlocked cabinet under the sink was used to store a variety of cleaning supplies. The assistant director locked the cabinet. In Space 5, five cans of aerosol sunscreen, one aerosol can of disinfecting spray, one spray bottle of glass cleaner, and one container of disinfecting wipes were stored in an unlocked cabinet with the keys left in the lock. The assistant director removed the aerosol cans of sunscreen and locked the cabinet. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Space 2 and 6, emergency medications were stored in Ready-to-Go bags stored on shelving that was less than five feet from the floor. In Space 2, the assistant director moved the bag to a hook that allowed the bottom of the bag to hang at least five feet from the floor. In Space 6, the assistant director moved the bag to a top cubby shelf that was at least five feet above the floor. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 4, one non-prescription topical ointment was applied with no written authorization. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 4, one prescription topical ointment was not in the original container with the pharmaceutical label attached. .0803(2)(a) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In Space 4, one non-prescription topical ointment was not labeled with the name of the child. The assistant director added the name of the child to the non-prescription topical ointment container. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 3, two permission forms were missing the amount of medication to apply. One permission form was missing a parent signature. One permission form was missing the information for when to apply the medication. One permission form was missing information for how to apply the medication. Authorization to administer one prescription topical medication was recorded on the over-the-counter permission form. In Space 4, one permission form was missing information for how to apply the medication. Authorization to administer one prescription topical medication was recorded on the over-the-counter permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 4, one non-prescription diaper ointment expired in 10/2023 but had not been discarded within 72 hours. The assistant director removed the diaper ointment from the classroom. In Space 6, one non-prescription diaper ointment expired in 12/2023 but had not been discarded within 72 hours. The assistant director removed the diaper ointment from the classroom. .0803(12) 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. First Aid training certification expired on 01//10/2024 for one employee. One employee with a date of hire of 09/19/2023 has not completed First Aid training within 90 days. .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. CPR training certification expired on 01//10/2024 for one employee. One employee with a date of hire of 09/19/2023 has not completed CPR training within 90 days. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. An emergency drill was conducted in 09/2023 making the next emergency drill due in 12/2023 but a shelter-in-place drill was not conducted until 01/12/2024. The emergency drill conducted in 01/2024 corrected the emergency drill not conducted in 12/2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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. Three employees with dates of hire of 05/26/2023, 07/27/2023, and 09/19/2023 have not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One employee with a date of hire of 01/2023 did not complete all the required health and safety training topics within the first year of employment. The employee was missing three training topics. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. When a medication or a permission to administer form has expired, the medication should be returned to the parent within 72 hours. You stated you monitor the medications in each classroom at least twice a month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you monitor the medications in the classrooms weekly. 2. Permission to Administer medication forms for non-prescription topical medications should include all the information on the permission form. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review each permission to administer form with the parent before the parent leaves the facility so any missing information can be filled in on the same day the medication is brought to the facility. 3. Emergency medications should be stored inaccessible to children but readily available to staff at least five feet above the floor. Today, I observed emergency medications stored in ready-to-go bags sitting on cubbies or hanging on hooks that were less than five feet above the floor. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you hang the bag on a hook that allowed the bottom of the bag to hang at least five feet off the floor or sit the bag on a shelf that measures at least five feet off the floor. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), all cleaning supplies and items with “Keep out of the reach children” labels with additional warnings such as poison control contact numbers or first aid procedures should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. Today, I observed two cabinets located below five feet used to store cleaning supplies and aerosol cans. I observed these cabinets with locking mechanisms that were not locked. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the importance of keeping cabinets locked. 5. Non-prescription ointments and medications should be labeled with the name of the child. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review medication requirements with your staff. 6. 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 suggested you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(a), prescription medications should be in the original pharmaceutical container with the original pharmaceutical label attached. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you ask the parent to bring the original container with the prescription label and then place the medication in the container. As discussed today, if the original container has been lost or destroyed, the parent may revisit the pharmacy and request the pharmacist print a replacement prescription label and attach it to a pharmacy bag. The parent may then place the medication in the pharmacy bag with the attached pharmaceutical label and bring that the facility. 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the Staff and Training worksheet as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining staff record requirements within the required timeframes. 9. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c & d), each employee must maintain documentation in their staff record file as verification that the employee has completed First Aid and CPR training within the first ninety (90) days of employment and has maintained a current and valid First Aid and CPR certificate. I suggest you contact fire departments, fire inspectors, community colleges, EMS departments, public health departments, and hospitals in your community as well as local Resource and Referral agencies in your county and surrounding counties to acquire information of upcoming first aid and CPR classes you can register your staff to attend or instructors you may contact. 10. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the Staff and Training worksheet as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining staff record requirements within the required timeframes. CONSULTATION: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. 4. The Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report form should include the date of the assessment as the date the health exam was completed as well as the health care professional’s signature and date of signature. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you highlight the “date of the assessment” on the document so remind health care professionals that information is required in addition to their signature and date of signature. 5. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. While the first reassessment year will not begin until July 1, 2024, the preparation year for cohort one begins July 1, 2023. Your facility is in Cohort 1. Throughout the next few months, I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) • Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways O ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality O If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment O Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year O Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than February 22, 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 and your staff 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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/8/2024 Number Present: 77 Completed Date: 2/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:55 PM Time In: 01:55 PM Time Out: 05:10 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. Hollie Newton, Administrator, was not available today. Lisa Evans, Assistant Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on September 28, 2021, earning five points in education standards, four points in program standards, and one quality point for having enhanced policies approved and staff benefits package. Your center's compliance history was 89% as of February 5, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your facility, owned by Young Men's Christian Association Of Catawba Valley, Inc., was reviewed and listed as current- active on the NC Secretary of State website on February 5, 2024. Your most recent fire inspection was dated September 19, 2023 and received in my office by email on September 20, 2023. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 5, 2023 with a Superior classification and two demerits. I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor areas in both buildings and all outdoor areas. I observed Spaces 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10A, 10B, and 12 in the main building unused by the child care program today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed infants engaged in floor play. I observed your facility using Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a four-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. I observed infant bottles and food stored at a temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). 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 twelve returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. I reviewed staff record files for six new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on August 8, 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 February 22, 2023. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were 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 1, an unlocked cabinet under the sink was used to store a variety of cleaning supplies. The assistant director locked the cabinet. In Space 5, five cans of aerosol sunscreen, one aerosol can of disinfecting spray, one spray bottle of glass cleaner, and one container of disinfecting wipes were stored in an unlocked cabinet with the keys left in the lock. The assistant director removed the aerosol cans of sunscreen and locked the cabinet. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Space 2 and 6, emergency medications were stored in Ready-to-Go bags stored on shelving that was less than five feet from the floor. In Space 2, the assistant director moved the bag to a hook that allowed the bottom of the bag to hang at least five feet from the floor. In Space 6, the assistant director moved the bag to a top cubby shelf that was at least five feet above the floor. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In Space 4, one non-prescription topical ointment was applied with no written authorization. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In Space 4, one prescription topical ointment was not in the original container with the pharmaceutical label attached. .0803(2)(a) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In Space 4, one non-prescription topical ointment was not labeled with the name of the child. The assistant director added the name of the child to the non-prescription topical ointment container. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 3, two permission forms were missing the amount of medication to apply. One permission form was missing a parent signature. One permission form was missing the information for when to apply the medication. One permission form was missing information for how to apply the medication. Authorization to administer one prescription topical medication was recorded on the over-the-counter permission form. In Space 4, one permission form was missing information for how to apply the medication. Authorization to administer one prescription topical medication was recorded on the over-the-counter permission form. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 4, one non-prescription diaper ointment expired in 10/2023 but had not been discarded within 72 hours. The assistant director removed the diaper ointment from the classroom. In Space 6, one non-prescription diaper ointment expired in 12/2023 but had not been discarded within 72 hours. The assistant director removed the diaper ointment from the classroom. .0803(12) 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. First Aid training certification expired on 01//10/2024 for one employee. One employee with a date of hire of 09/19/2023 has not completed First Aid training within 90 days. .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. CPR training certification expired on 01//10/2024 for one employee. One employee with a date of hire of 09/19/2023 has not completed CPR training within 90 days. .1102(d) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. An emergency drill was conducted in 09/2023 making the next emergency drill due in 12/2023 but a shelter-in-place drill was not conducted until 01/12/2024. The emergency drill conducted in 01/2024 corrected the emergency drill not conducted in 12/2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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. Three employees with dates of hire of 05/26/2023, 07/27/2023, and 09/19/2023 have not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One employee with a date of hire of 01/2023 did not complete all the required health and safety training topics within the first year of employment. The employee was missing three training topics. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. When a medication or a permission to administer form has expired, the medication should be returned to the parent within 72 hours. You stated you monitor the medications in each classroom at least twice a month. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you monitor the medications in the classrooms weekly. 2. Permission to Administer medication forms for non-prescription topical medications should include all the information on the permission form. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review each permission to administer form with the parent before the parent leaves the facility so any missing information can be filled in on the same day the medication is brought to the facility. 3. Emergency medications should be stored inaccessible to children but readily available to staff at least five feet above the floor. Today, I observed emergency medications stored in ready-to-go bags sitting on cubbies or hanging on hooks that were less than five feet above the floor. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggested you hang the bag on a hook that allowed the bottom of the bag to hang at least five feet off the floor or sit the bag on a shelf that measures at least five feet off the floor. 4. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), all cleaning supplies and items with “Keep out of the reach children” labels with additional warnings such as poison control contact numbers or first aid procedures should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. Today, I observed two cabinets located below five feet used to store cleaning supplies and aerosol cans. I observed these cabinets with locking mechanisms that were not locked. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review with your staff the importance of keeping cabinets locked. 5. Non-prescription ointments and medications should be labeled with the name of the child. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review medication requirements with your staff. 6. 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 suggested you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 7. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(a), prescription medications should be in the original pharmaceutical container with the original pharmaceutical label attached. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you ask the parent to bring the original container with the prescription label and then place the medication in the container. As discussed today, if the original container has been lost or destroyed, the parent may revisit the pharmacy and request the pharmacist print a replacement prescription label and attach it to a pharmacy bag. The parent may then place the medication in the pharmacy bag with the attached pharmaceutical label and bring that the facility. 8. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the Staff and Training worksheet as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining staff record requirements within the required timeframes. 9. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c & d), each employee must maintain documentation in their staff record file as verification that the employee has completed First Aid and CPR training within the first ninety (90) days of employment and has maintained a current and valid First Aid and CPR certificate. I suggest you contact fire departments, fire inspectors, community colleges, EMS departments, public health departments, and hospitals in your community as well as local Resource and Referral agencies in your county and surrounding counties to acquire information of upcoming first aid and CPR classes you can register your staff to attend or instructors you may contact. 10. 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you use the Staff and Training worksheet as a tracking tool to assist you in maintaining staff record requirements within the required timeframes. CONSULTATION: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. 4. The Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report form should include the date of the assessment as the date the health exam was completed as well as the health care professional’s signature and date of signature. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you highlight the “date of the assessment” on the document so remind health care professionals that information is required in addition to their signature and date of signature. 5. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. While the first reassessment year will not begin until July 1, 2024, the preparation year for cohort one begins July 1, 2023. Your facility is in Cohort 1. Throughout the next few months, I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) • Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways O ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality O If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment O Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year O Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than February 22, 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 and your staff 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 .0510 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/9/2023 Number Present: 74 Completed Date: 8/9/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 451 Time In: 08:56 AM Time Out: 11:48 AM Time In: 12:51 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. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on August 16, 2022. Your facility, owned by Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc., was current/active as viewed on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on August 7, 2023 prior to today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on September 28, 2021, earning five points in the education component, four points in the program standards component and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. It should be noted that while your facility is licensed to care for school-age children, Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. has chosen to operate the school-age program as an unregulated program this summer. When public school starts back in a few weeks, Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. will decide whether to resume licensed care for school-age children and leave school-age care on the license or remove school-age from the license and continue to provide school-age care as a legally operating unregulated program. Your program’s compliance history was 87% as of August 7, 2023 and was reviewed with you today. Your last sanitation inspection was dated April 21, 2023 with a Superior classification and 7 demerits. Your last fire inspection was dated September 6, 2022 and was received in my office on September 6, 2022. You visited each licensed indoor space in both buildings and each outdoor space with me today. I observed preschool aged children playing in activity areas, participating in a teacher directed whole group activities, and participating in a teacher directed small group art activity. I observed infants playing on the floor. I observed one-year-old and two-year-old children playing outside. I observed two and three-year-old children returning to the classroom from the splash pad and transitioning to indoor play after changing clothes and using the potty. I observed children receiving care according to individual needs including diapering and toileting. I observed proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed enhanced staff-child ratios maintained during today’s visit. I observed approved space used and enhanced space capacity maintained during today’s visit. I observed permit restrictions including “daytime care only”, “enhanced space”, “enhanced ratios”, and “children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only” maintained during today’s visit. I reviewed program records, children’s records, and staff records during today’s visit. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I observed and cited the following violation(s) during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. In Space 5, the block area needed a third type of blocks to be accessible to the children. The assistant director placed a set of cardboard blocks in the block center, thereby correcting this violation during today's visit. .0510(d)(1) 825 Before staff members walked children off premises for play or outings, the center did not obtain written permission from the parent of each child. The off-premise activity permission forms for the 14 children participating in an activity at the splash pad today were missing information including the location of the activity, the departure time, and the return time. .1005(b)(3) 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 can of aerosol sunscreen and one bottle of correction fluid were stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet. The teacher moved the aerosol can of sunscreen and the bottle of correction fluid to a locked cabinet under a sink which corrected this violation during today's visit. .2820(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. The 6 weeks section on the New Staff Orientation Record for one staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 had not been completed. .1101(a) 1325 Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. In 8 out of 10 child record files reviewed today, the discipline policy acknowledgement statement signed by parents was missing the enrollment date for the child. .1804(b) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. In 3 out of 10 child record files reviewed today, the child enrollment application was missing information required in the health cares needs section of the application. .0801(a)(1-7) Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your 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 I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. I must receive your compliance letter no later than August 23, 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: 1) As we discussed, child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(e)(2) requires materials and toys be made available and accessible daily to the children three (3) years of age and older with enough supplies for three (3) children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. 2) Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), hazardous items including aerosol cans and correction fluid with additional warnings must be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. 3) New staff orientation training should be completed within two (2) weeks and six (6) weeks even if a holiday(s) fall within that period of time and recorded on the New Staff Orientation Record. 4) While not an issue today, please be reminded per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s must complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b), returning employees should revisit each H&S Training topic every five years. The due date of the H&S training five year renewal is calculated five years from the date on each H&S training certificate. 5) Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity and all the required information including the location of the activity, the departure time, and the return time should be completed on the permission form. Since your facility includes specific licensed spaces within the YMCA campus, off-premises locations would include unlicensed spaces in the YMCA building. Off-premises activities would include activities that require the children to frequent and occupy unlicensed spaces in the YMCA building such as visiting the splash pad or the indoor pool. 6) Discipline policy acknowledgement statements signed by parents should include the child’s enrolment date. 7) I suggest you review the child enrollment application with the parent(s) when the application is accepted to ensure all information is provided to be sure all the information is provided including the health care needs section. 8) As discussed today, shaving cream should not be used as an art material or a cleaner in the child care setting. 9) When completing the Playground Inspection Checklist during the monthly outdoor inspections, I suggested you document the inspection for each of the three licensed outdoor play areas and develop a system for documenting where the concerns are located. 10) Medication Administration Permission forms for medications due to chronic illnesses should be updated every 6 months. Medical Action Plans should be updated annually. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. While the first reassessment year will not begin until July 1, 2024, the preparation year for cohort one begins July 1, 2023. Your facility is in Cohort 1. Throughout the next few months, I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) • Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways o ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality o If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment o Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year o Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. 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. We appreciate all you are doing 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, Kris Updike, by email at kris.updike@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
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .1005 · Violation
Name of Operation: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/9/2023 Number Present: 74 Completed Date: 8/9/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 451 Time In: 08:56 AM Time Out: 11:48 AM Time In: 12:51 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. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on August 16, 2022. Your facility, owned by Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc., was current/active as viewed on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on August 7, 2023 prior to today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on September 28, 2021, earning five points in the education component, four points in the program standards component and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. It should be noted that while your facility is licensed to care for school-age children, Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. has chosen to operate the school-age program as an unregulated program this summer. When public school starts back in a few weeks, Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. will decide whether to resume licensed care for school-age children and leave school-age care on the license or remove school-age from the license and continue to provide school-age care as a legally operating unregulated program. Your program’s compliance history was 87% as of August 7, 2023 and was reviewed with you today. Your last sanitation inspection was dated April 21, 2023 with a Superior classification and 7 demerits. Your last fire inspection was dated September 6, 2022 and was received in my office on September 6, 2022. You visited each licensed indoor space in both buildings and each outdoor space with me today. I observed preschool aged children playing in activity areas, participating in a teacher directed whole group activities, and participating in a teacher directed small group art activity. I observed infants playing on the floor. I observed one-year-old and two-year-old children playing outside. I observed two and three-year-old children returning to the classroom from the splash pad and transitioning to indoor play after changing clothes and using the potty. I observed children receiving care according to individual needs including diapering and toileting. I observed proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed enhanced staff-child ratios maintained during today’s visit. I observed approved space used and enhanced space capacity maintained during today’s visit. I observed permit restrictions including “daytime care only”, “enhanced space”, “enhanced ratios”, and “children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only” maintained during today’s visit. I reviewed program records, children’s records, and staff records during today’s visit. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I observed and cited the following violation(s) during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. In Space 5, the block area needed a third type of blocks to be accessible to the children. The assistant director placed a set of cardboard blocks in the block center, thereby correcting this violation during today's visit. .0510(d)(1) 825 Before staff members walked children off premises for play or outings, the center did not obtain written permission from the parent of each child. The off-premise activity permission forms for the 14 children participating in an activity at the splash pad today were missing information including the location of the activity, the departure time, and the return time. .1005(b)(3) 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 can of aerosol sunscreen and one bottle of correction fluid were stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet. The teacher moved the aerosol can of sunscreen and the bottle of correction fluid to a locked cabinet under a sink which corrected this violation during today's visit. .2820(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. The 6 weeks section on the New Staff Orientation Record for one staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 had not been completed. .1101(a) 1325 Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. In 8 out of 10 child record files reviewed today, the discipline policy acknowledgement statement signed by parents was missing the enrollment date for the child. .1804(b) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. In 3 out of 10 child record files reviewed today, the child enrollment application was missing information required in the health cares needs section of the application. .0801(a)(1-7) Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your 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 I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. I must receive your compliance letter no later than August 23, 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: 1) As we discussed, child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(e)(2) requires materials and toys be made available and accessible daily to the children three (3) years of age and older with enough supplies for three (3) children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. 2) Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), hazardous items including aerosol cans and correction fluid with additional warnings must be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. 3) New staff orientation training should be completed within two (2) weeks and six (6) weeks even if a holiday(s) fall within that period of time and recorded on the New Staff Orientation Record. 4) While not an issue today, please be reminded per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s must complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b), returning employees should revisit each H&S Training topic every five years. The due date of the H&S training five year renewal is calculated five years from the date on each H&S training certificate. 5) Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity and all the required information including the location of the activity, the departure time, and the return time should be completed on the permission form. Since your facility includes specific licensed spaces within the YMCA campus, off-premises locations would include unlicensed spaces in the YMCA building. Off-premises activities would include activities that require the children to frequent and occupy unlicensed spaces in the YMCA building such as visiting the splash pad or the indoor pool. 6) Discipline policy acknowledgement statements signed by parents should include the child’s enrolment date. 7) I suggest you review the child enrollment application with the parent(s) when the application is accepted to ensure all information is provided to be sure all the information is provided including the health care needs section. 8) As discussed today, shaving cream should not be used as an art material or a cleaner in the child care setting. 9) When completing the Playground Inspection Checklist during the monthly outdoor inspections, I suggested you document the inspection for each of the three licensed outdoor play areas and develop a system for documenting where the concerns are located. 10) Medication Administration Permission forms for medications due to chronic illnesses should be updated every 6 months. Medical Action Plans should be updated annually. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. While the first reassessment year will not begin until July 1, 2024, the preparation year for cohort one begins July 1, 2023. Your facility is in Cohort 1. Throughout the next few months, I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) • Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways o ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality o If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment o Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year o Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. 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. We appreciate all you are doing 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, Kris Updike, by email at kris.updike@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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/9/2023 Number Present: 74 Completed Date: 8/9/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 451 Time In: 08:56 AM Time Out: 11:48 AM Time In: 12:51 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. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on August 16, 2022. Your facility, owned by Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc., was current/active as viewed on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on August 7, 2023 prior to today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on September 28, 2021, earning five points in the education component, four points in the program standards component and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. It should be noted that while your facility is licensed to care for school-age children, Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. has chosen to operate the school-age program as an unregulated program this summer. When public school starts back in a few weeks, Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. will decide whether to resume licensed care for school-age children and leave school-age care on the license or remove school-age from the license and continue to provide school-age care as a legally operating unregulated program. Your program’s compliance history was 87% as of August 7, 2023 and was reviewed with you today. Your last sanitation inspection was dated April 21, 2023 with a Superior classification and 7 demerits. Your last fire inspection was dated September 6, 2022 and was received in my office on September 6, 2022. You visited each licensed indoor space in both buildings and each outdoor space with me today. I observed preschool aged children playing in activity areas, participating in a teacher directed whole group activities, and participating in a teacher directed small group art activity. I observed infants playing on the floor. I observed one-year-old and two-year-old children playing outside. I observed two and three-year-old children returning to the classroom from the splash pad and transitioning to indoor play after changing clothes and using the potty. I observed children receiving care according to individual needs including diapering and toileting. I observed proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed enhanced staff-child ratios maintained during today’s visit. I observed approved space used and enhanced space capacity maintained during today’s visit. I observed permit restrictions including “daytime care only”, “enhanced space”, “enhanced ratios”, and “children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only” maintained during today’s visit. I reviewed program records, children’s records, and staff records during today’s visit. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I observed and cited the following violation(s) during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. In Space 5, the block area needed a third type of blocks to be accessible to the children. The assistant director placed a set of cardboard blocks in the block center, thereby correcting this violation during today's visit. .0510(d)(1) 825 Before staff members walked children off premises for play or outings, the center did not obtain written permission from the parent of each child. The off-premise activity permission forms for the 14 children participating in an activity at the splash pad today were missing information including the location of the activity, the departure time, and the return time. .1005(b)(3) 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 can of aerosol sunscreen and one bottle of correction fluid were stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet. The teacher moved the aerosol can of sunscreen and the bottle of correction fluid to a locked cabinet under a sink which corrected this violation during today's visit. .2820(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. The 6 weeks section on the New Staff Orientation Record for one staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 had not been completed. .1101(a) 1325 Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. In 8 out of 10 child record files reviewed today, the discipline policy acknowledgement statement signed by parents was missing the enrollment date for the child. .1804(b) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. In 3 out of 10 child record files reviewed today, the child enrollment application was missing information required in the health cares needs section of the application. .0801(a)(1-7) Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your 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 I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. I must receive your compliance letter no later than August 23, 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: 1) As we discussed, child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(e)(2) requires materials and toys be made available and accessible daily to the children three (3) years of age and older with enough supplies for three (3) children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. 2) Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), hazardous items including aerosol cans and correction fluid with additional warnings must be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. 3) New staff orientation training should be completed within two (2) weeks and six (6) weeks even if a holiday(s) fall within that period of time and recorded on the New Staff Orientation Record. 4) While not an issue today, please be reminded per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s must complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b), returning employees should revisit each H&S Training topic every five years. The due date of the H&S training five year renewal is calculated five years from the date on each H&S training certificate. 5) Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity and all the required information including the location of the activity, the departure time, and the return time should be completed on the permission form. Since your facility includes specific licensed spaces within the YMCA campus, off-premises locations would include unlicensed spaces in the YMCA building. Off-premises activities would include activities that require the children to frequent and occupy unlicensed spaces in the YMCA building such as visiting the splash pad or the indoor pool. 6) Discipline policy acknowledgement statements signed by parents should include the child’s enrolment date. 7) I suggest you review the child enrollment application with the parent(s) when the application is accepted to ensure all information is provided to be sure all the information is provided including the health care needs section. 8) As discussed today, shaving cream should not be used as an art material or a cleaner in the child care setting. 9) When completing the Playground Inspection Checklist during the monthly outdoor inspections, I suggested you document the inspection for each of the three licensed outdoor play areas and develop a system for documenting where the concerns are located. 10) Medication Administration Permission forms for medications due to chronic illnesses should be updated every 6 months. Medical Action Plans should be updated annually. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. While the first reassessment year will not begin until July 1, 2024, the preparation year for cohort one begins July 1, 2023. Your facility is in Cohort 1. Throughout the next few months, I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) • Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways o ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality o If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment o Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year o Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. 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. We appreciate all you are doing 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, Kris Updike, by email at kris.updike@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: O.L. MORETZ FOUNDATION YMCA EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 1855133 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/9/2023 Number Present: 74 Completed Date: 8/9/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 451 Time In: 08:56 AM Time Out: 11:48 AM Time In: 12:51 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. You, Hollie Newton, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on August 16, 2022. Your facility, owned by Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc., was current/active as viewed on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on August 7, 2023 prior to today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license, issued on September 28, 2021, earning five points in the education component, four points in the program standards component and one quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. It should be noted that while your facility is licensed to care for school-age children, Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. has chosen to operate the school-age program as an unregulated program this summer. When public school starts back in a few weeks, Young Men`s Christian Association of Catawba Valley, Inc. will decide whether to resume licensed care for school-age children and leave school-age care on the license or remove school-age from the license and continue to provide school-age care as a legally operating unregulated program. Your program’s compliance history was 87% as of August 7, 2023 and was reviewed with you today. Your last sanitation inspection was dated April 21, 2023 with a Superior classification and 7 demerits. Your last fire inspection was dated September 6, 2022 and was received in my office on September 6, 2022. You visited each licensed indoor space in both buildings and each outdoor space with me today. I observed preschool aged children playing in activity areas, participating in a teacher directed whole group activities, and participating in a teacher directed small group art activity. I observed infants playing on the floor. I observed one-year-old and two-year-old children playing outside. I observed two and three-year-old children returning to the classroom from the splash pad and transitioning to indoor play after changing clothes and using the potty. I observed children receiving care according to individual needs including diapering and toileting. I observed proper hand washing techniques and diaper changing procedures. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed enhanced staff-child ratios maintained during today’s visit. I observed approved space used and enhanced space capacity maintained during today’s visit. I observed permit restrictions including “daytime care only”, “enhanced space”, “enhanced ratios”, and “children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only” maintained during today’s visit. I reviewed program records, children’s records, and staff records during today’s visit. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I observed and cited the following violation(s) during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. In Space 5, the block area needed a third type of blocks to be accessible to the children. The assistant director placed a set of cardboard blocks in the block center, thereby correcting this violation during today's visit. .0510(d)(1) 825 Before staff members walked children off premises for play or outings, the center did not obtain written permission from the parent of each child. The off-premise activity permission forms for the 14 children participating in an activity at the splash pad today were missing information including the location of the activity, the departure time, and the return time. .1005(b)(3) 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 can of aerosol sunscreen and one bottle of correction fluid were stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet. The teacher moved the aerosol can of sunscreen and the bottle of correction fluid to a locked cabinet under a sink which corrected this violation during today's visit. .2820(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. The 6 weeks section on the New Staff Orientation Record for one staff member with a date of employment of 05/08/2023 had not been completed. .1101(a) 1325 Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. In 8 out of 10 child record files reviewed today, the discipline policy acknowledgement statement signed by parents was missing the enrollment date for the child. .1804(b) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. In 3 out of 10 child record files reviewed today, the child enrollment application was missing information required in the health cares needs section of the application. .0801(a)(1-7) Compliance Plan: All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your 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 I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. I must receive your compliance letter no later than August 23, 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: 1) As we discussed, child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0510(e)(2) requires materials and toys be made available and accessible daily to the children three (3) years of age and older with enough supplies for three (3) children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. 2) Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), hazardous items including aerosol cans and correction fluid with additional warnings must be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet. 3) New staff orientation training should be completed within two (2) weeks and six (6) weeks even if a holiday(s) fall within that period of time and recorded on the New Staff Orientation Record. 4) While not an issue today, please be reminded per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s must complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b), returning employees should revisit each H&S Training topic every five years. The due date of the H&S training five year renewal is calculated five years from the date on each H&S training certificate. 5) Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1005(b)(3), parents should sign an off-premises activity permission form for each off-premises activity and all the required information including the location of the activity, the departure time, and the return time should be completed on the permission form. Since your facility includes specific licensed spaces within the YMCA campus, off-premises locations would include unlicensed spaces in the YMCA building. Off-premises activities would include activities that require the children to frequent and occupy unlicensed spaces in the YMCA building such as visiting the splash pad or the indoor pool. 6) Discipline policy acknowledgement statements signed by parents should include the child’s enrolment date. 7) I suggest you review the child enrollment application with the parent(s) when the application is accepted to ensure all information is provided to be sure all the information is provided including the health care needs section. 8) As discussed today, shaving cream should not be used as an art material or a cleaner in the child care setting. 9) When completing the Playground Inspection Checklist during the monthly outdoor inspections, I suggested you document the inspection for each of the three licensed outdoor play areas and develop a system for documenting where the concerns are located. 10) Medication Administration Permission forms for medications due to chronic illnesses should be updated every 6 months. Medical Action Plans should be updated annually. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. While the first reassessment year will not begin until July 1, 2024, the preparation year for cohort one begins July 1, 2023. Your facility is in Cohort 1. Throughout the next few months, I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) • Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways o ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality o If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment o Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year o Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. 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. We appreciate all you are doing 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, Kris Updike, by email at kris.updike@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
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