Supervision
Name of Operation: MABEL DEVELOPMENTAL DAY Facility ID: 95000160 Consultant: GEORGIA MARSHALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/2/2026 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 4/2/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an Annual Compliance with a Rated License Assessment visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Georgia Lee Marshall, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Kathy Abi-Haydar, Lead Teacher, during the visit. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site with you. Ms. Haydar was available during the visit to assist me and answer my questions. Upon checking in at the front desk, I asked that they inform the administrator, Elin Reuben, that I was here today to monitor the pre-k. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including (but not limited to) supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five percent (95%) as of 4/2/2026. This NC-Pre-k facility is owned and operated by Watauga County Schools and is housed in Mabel Elementary School. Permit type – Five (5) Star Rated License, issued 10/23/2020. Special Services/Restrictions – 1st shift (Daytime care), meets enhanced space, Certified Developmental Day, meets reduced ratios, meets decreased ratios by 1 from the 7 pt level. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/9/2025. The last fire drill was practiced on 3/27/26. The last lock down drill was practiced on 1/14/26. The last playground inspection was documented on 3/4/26. The last fire inspection was approved on 8/29/2025. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 2/16/2026 with two (2) demerits for a superior classification. The program does provide transportation on one (1) public school bus. You stated that you transport two (2) children, aged 5 years old, for morning and afternoon routes. The approved curriculum Creative Curriculum. Approved formative assessment Teaching Strategies Gold. Two (2) staff files, two (2) children files, and program records were monitored during today’s visit. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. It was signed by the administrator and dated 10/30/25. The classroom operates from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. When I arrived, I checked in at the front office and asked that they let the principal/administrator know that I am here today to monitor the pre-k classroom. When I arrived at the classroom, they were outside playing on the playground. They had a variety of materials to choose from including balls, riding toys, balance beams, climber with slides, sandbox and more. When the children went inside, they washed hands and most joined the teacher in group for a story, songs and gross motor dancing activity. The other teacher cleaned the tables to prepare for lunch. Teachers sat with the children during lunch to assist those that needed help. Calm lighting and music was on during this time to encourage the children to calm their bodies to prepare for rest. Routine caregiving activities such as diaper changes occurred as needed throughout the day. After lunch time, children transitioned to their individual cots and teacher went around and assisted the children to calm themselves and relax enough to fall asleep. About half of the children napped and the others rested for a while and then got quiet activates to do Lunch today consisted of chicken fajitas, rice, black beans, mixed fruit and milk. Rated License Information: The program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/23/2020, earning five (5) points in the education component, seven (7) points in the program standards component with a score of 5.59 on the ECERS-R (meeting enhanced space) and one (1) quality point. I received the Star Rated License application on 3/30/26, applying for Pathway #2, Classroom and Instructional Quality. Your new Five (5) Star License is based on the following: PATHWAY #2 – Classroom and Instructional Quality. The following was verified to be in process or completed for the classroom and instructional quality pathway based on five (5) star level. 10A NCAC 09 .3205 CLASSROOM AND INSTRUCTIONAL QUALITY PATHWAY FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS Since your program is a Developmental Day Program, you will continue to follow the ratio’s set forth in: 10A NCAC 09 .2902 LICENSE (f) The center shall comply with the staff-child ratio and maximum group size as follows: MAXIMUM AGE RATIO STAFF/CHILDREN GROUP SIZE 0-12 Months 1/4 8 1 to 2 Years 1/5 10 2 Years and Older 1/6 18 (g) A minimum of two staff members shall be on site at all times while children are in attendance at the facility. 10A NCAC 09 .3210 ENHANCED SPACE REQUIRMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS In order for a child care center to meet enhanced space requirements: (1) There shall be at least 30 square feet inside space per child per the total licensed capacity and 100 square feet outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time; and (2) There shall be an area that can be arranged for administrative and private conference activities. *The program receives NC Pre-Kindergarten funding and Developmental Day Funding and must adhere to the highest standards of staff/child ratios of 1/6 with a group size of 18 (for your program, you maintain a 2/12 ratio). 10A NCAC 09 .3219 FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS *Evidence of implementing family and community engagement foundational practices. The following was verified during the visit. * Required for two-star or higher. The facility provided communication documentation as evidence of responsive communication with families. * Required for two-star or higher. The facility provided a pre-k welcome letter that verifies an annual family conference is offered. * Required for two-star or higher. The facility offers annual opportunities for families to share cultural heritage in the classroom * Required for two-star or higher. The facility provided a pre-k welcome letter that verifies the program offers volunteer opportunities to families. *Required for two-star or higher. The facility uses Ready Rosie and in-person communication to communicate with families regarding available resources. *C-1 A communication log is created each week and filled in for each child if they have made contact with the parent/guardian by email, phone, newsletter, papers were sent home or other- such as Google Meet, Open House, conference.... Occasional updates are sent home in the child’s folder, which includes weekly plans, upcoming events, and ways to participate. All information is sent out in English and Spanish. Parents are enrolled in Ready Rosie and receive texts or emails with weekly videos with modeled activities. *C-3 The first parent teacher conference was held on October 29 & 30, 2025. At this conference the staff reviewed the developmental screening assessment, and the Fall Creative Curriculum assessments were reviewed and goals for each child were discussed. The second parent teacher conferences started on February 4, 2026 and finished on March 4, 2026. Due to a snow storm, it took longer to get them all completed. IEP meetings are sometimes incorporated into these conferences. *EL-2 Beginning of the year classroom visits were August 14-18, 2025, in which students and families were able to meet the teachers and visit the classroom prior to the students’ first day of school. Children started school on a staggered entry schedule over three days. *EL-3 Parents were invited to come to a Halloween party (7 attended), a thanksgiving dinner (10 attended), Valentine’s party (8 attended) and an end of year celebration (Raising A Reader activity), ice-cream party/literacy event. *EL-4 A letter to families was sent home at the end of March to ask about their interest in participating in Easter-related activities. They were asked to share their families traditions and if they would want to share them with the class. Parents had the choice to give permission or not based on their beliefs. Another note to families was sent home this week to ask families to bring in an item or activity to share with the class surrounding their family heritage. *EO-3 A three-fold educational literacy opportunity to discuss the importance of literacy and reading with their children. Teachers present the families resources from Ready Rosie and Raising a Reader donated by a local resource, the Children’s Council. They had their annual Read-a-thon and a “Blue Bag Event”. They are encouraged to get a library card at the local library to encourage read-a-loud and literacy events with their children. *EO-6 Paid planning time for lead teachers is built into the calendar on optional teacher work days and early release days. This also allows teachers time to plan, prepare and conduct conferences by phone, virtually or in person. 10A NCAC 09 .3221 CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (CQI) STANDARDS *Evidence of implementing continuous quality improvement (CQI) plans for the facility and individual staff. The CQI plan for the facility has been completed; the form was received prior to the visit. The individual CQI plans for the two (2) main teachers were verified. The staff CQI plans must be completed by each staff member’s one year of employment. Reminder that the CQI plans are continuous and once one is completed, another must be started to meet this annual requirement. *Evidence of the lead teacher completing training related to the curriculum and formative assessment tool that is used by the center with children. An email from Teaching Strategies Finch Literacy Screener Webinar was available for review for the lead teacher. *Evidence of the administrator participating in one activity regarding classroom and instructional quality practices as outlined in the child care rule .3205 (f,10). Monthly principals meetings are held and training are offered in Early Literacy Systems. You stated that you are part of the Pathways to Accreditation Program NC Pre- K Cohort at The Children’s Council of Watauga County (Partnership for Children). Reminder that this is an annual requirement and must be completed on or before each staff member’s year of employment, and every year thereafter. * Evidence of all lead teachers participating in one activity regarding classroom and instructional quality practices as outlined in the child care rule .3205 (f, 10). annual completion of five hours of coaching or mentoring by an administrator of another licensed child care center with a star-rating of five stars, or a community resource partner. *Staff education evaluation of fifty percent (50%) of lead teachers and fifty percent (50%) of other educators resulting in staff education at the five-star level. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submitted an official transcript (if applicable) and applied for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. *E. Reuben, Administrator, has been evaluated as a Level III Administrator with nine (9) years or more administrative work experience. *K. Haydar, Lead Teacher, has been evaluated and is qualified as a DPI lead teacher with 4-year degree in Birth-Kindergarten with eight (8) years’ experience. *C. Westpfahl, Teacher, has been evaluated and is qualified as a DPI teacher assistant with 2-year degree in other, and a CDA Preschool and with three (3) years’ experience. *Evidence of implementing a curriculum that has been approved by the Commission. The curriculum implemented Creative Curriculum. It was verified during the visit that the one (1) classroom was implementing the Creative Curriculum as activity plans and parent/teacher conference preparations. *Evidence of conducting on-going formative assessments that have been approved by the Commission and sharing results with parents at least twice annually. It was reported that conferences are held three times per year October, February and May. The approved assessment used is GOLD by Teaching Strategies. It was verified during the visit that on-going formative assessments were in process of being shared with parents October 29 & 30,2025, February 4- March 4, 2026 and again in May. Evidence of observations being completed were verified through the Teaching Strategies application, Smart Teach. There were pictures, work samples, portfolios, and anecdotal notes. *Per NC Pre-Kindergarten requirements an environment rating scale is needed in order to meet requirements for funding. The request for environment rating scales was received on 2/27/2026, and the scales were ordered. The facility currently has a four (4) week window of 5/4/2026 to 5/29/2026. After completion of the ECERS-3 assessment, I will share the results with you. If anything scores below a 5, I will schedule a visit to go over the scores with you. Based on verification of requirements in the .3205 section of the child care rules, a five-star license has been earned. After final review, a different star level may be determined. Any discrepancies would be reviewed with you. A rated license is evaluated every three years, and the facility will be due again for a rated license assessment by April 2029. At each annual compliance visit, rated license components chosen will be monitored for meeting compliance. We recognition of quality initiatives were received and verified and are as follows: Educational Recognition: * 75 percent of teachers employed by a child care facility have earned an AAS degree or higher in early childhood education, child development or related field. * 75 percent of lead teachers employed by a child care facility have earned a BA/BS degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or related field. * All lead teachers employed by a child care facility have earned an AAS degree or higher in early childhood education, child development or related field. Professional Development Recognition: * A child care facility operator compensates staff members for the time spent completing professional development activities. * A child care facility operator compensates staff members for the cost of professional development activities. Longevity and Experience Recognition: * All lead teachers and teachers have at least five years of early childhood work experience in a licensed child care facility and have been employed by no more than two different child care facilities. * The child care center has a combined turnover rate of 20 percent or less for the administrator, lead teacher and teacher positions over the last 12 months. Staff Supports and Benefits Recognition: * A child care facility offers a staff benefits package that includes at least three of the following benefits: paid time off for vacation, sick and/or personal leave, paid family and medical leave, fully or partially paid health insurance, retirement contribution or annual bonuses. * A child care facility offers at least two mental health supports such as training offered on-site, paid time off for wellness, mental health coverage as part of health benefits or assistance in obtaining access to other services as requested. Health & Wellness Opportunities Recognition: * A child care facility provides support to staff members and families regarding challenging behaviors using community, regional or state resources. *A child care center has a licensed or registered nurse on staff for at least half of the operating hours of the program. *A child care facility offers oral health education and opportunities such as dental screenings and outreach with community, regional and state resources. Culinary Emphasis Recognition: * A chef or cook at a child care center has completed culinary classes or has completed food handler program training or certification, such as ServSafe. The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 532 All children were not held or placed in feeding chairs or other appropriate apparatus to be fed. A child was drinking a bottle of milk while laying on the cot at rest time. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two emergency medicines had an action plan but not parent permission to administer the medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) Item # 842 Two emergency medicines had an action plan but not parent permission to administer the medication. *We discussed that both are required. Emergency medications need an action plan to help you know when to take action and what to do and when. The permission to administer is the parents statement that they are giving you permission to administer this medication to the child. Item #532 A child was drinking a bottle of milk while laying on the cot at rest time. *We discussed that unless this practice is part of the child's IEP or a doctor’s note is on site with a medical reason, the bottle should be given only at the table. The teacher stated that they had tried all types of straws and sippy/transition cups to get the child to drink. The child also had one for water during the day. Achieving Compliance: Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by April 16, 2026. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: lee.marshall@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Georgia Lee Marshall PO Box Zionville, NC 28698 Please call me at 828-434-0236, or email [email protected], if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. 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. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: • ABCMS- Continue to update the staff roster as needed in the ABCMS portal. New and terminated staff notification requirement: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. • There is a newer Summary of the Law on our website. Be sure you have the newest one posted and give the most recent out to newly enrolled children. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at [email protected] or 828-200-9952, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at [email protected]. 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