10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/18/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 11/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 252 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:47 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shifts with an age range of 0-12 years old and meet enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance was conducted at this facility on November 26, 2024. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Fire Inspection – 10/28/2025 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 06/11/2025 – 2 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Sharon Henry, was present and available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough and observations of the facility, unaccompanied. There were thirty-nine children enrolled and twenty children, aged 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. Some age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted, and safe sleep charts are being maintained. In space #3, I observed two infants asleep in their cribs, one toddler asleep on a cot on the floor, one infant being fed by caregiver, and two additional infants awake sitting in bouncy seats. There was one caregiver present with five infants and a one-year-old; this was cited as a staff/child ratio violation. Staff/child ratios must be always maintained. Toddlers in space #2 and preschool children in space #1 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of rotisserie chicken, wild rice, mash potatoes, apple slices, and milk. After lunch, toddlers completed bathroom and handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. Covered mats with blankets for each child were appropriately spaced and lights were dimmed. It may be more soothing for children if you play appropriate music softly as they nap/rest. Due to the time of the visit, school age children were not present in space #4. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, push toys, push cars, covered sand boxes and sand toys, swing set, and a new rock climber. Picnic tables and shade structures were also in the outdoor spaces. The rock climber stands over 5 ft; therefore, it must be anchored, have at least 12 inches of sand for surfacing, and have a fall zone of at least six feet. The manufacturer's instructions must be kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. This piece of equipment is not approved. The new equipment must be restricted for use by children until it is approved by meeting the requirements noted above. The children’s safety is always our main priority. Moving forward, ensure all new playground equipment used by children is monitored for compliance and approved prior to allowing the children to play on the equipment. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing this required training. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. There were nine violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continue to comply with all applicable child care rules. Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Menu posted was dated for January 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 528 Food substitution was not recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Wrong menu was posted and there was no indication posted of what the children were served for lunch. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 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. Wipes in plastic containers was observed in the cubbies, which is accessible to the children, in space #2. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification for two staff's completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of two staff's completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. .1102(d) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1805 The Criminal Background Check (CBC) Portal has not been completed and staff have not been linked to this facility in the portal. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1876 A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. During nap/rest time in space #1, caregiver repeatedly told a three year old child, "you need to close your eyes, that's what you better do, do I need to get up and come over there?" When the caregiver threatened to come over there - you could hear the fear in the child's voice when child would reply, No." I listened to this as I stood at the door before opening the door and addressing the matter with the administrator. .1803(a)(9) 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. Medical information for all staff, including health questionnaire forms, must be maintained in a separate file from personnel information. .0701(d) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before December 2, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. 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. Due to the staff/child ratio and discipline violation cited, a return visit will be conducted to verify compliance with the violation documented today. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. Repeat violations may warrant an administrative action being issued. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited Staff/Child Ratios - Staff-child ratios must be always maintained. Staff-child ratio refers to the maximum number of children who may be supervised by one staff member. A group is the maximum number of children occupying an individual classroom or well-defined space. Each group of children must have the appropriate number of staff members present always based on the total number and ages of children in care. For the health and safety of all children in your facility, staff/child ratios must be always maintained, no exceptions. A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each child care provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is also essential to the health and safety of children. If children are combined with similar age groups, such as in the early morning or later evening hours, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are always in each group. Discipline - You cannot hit, yank, push, and/or grab children. Child care rules not only prohibit the use of inappropriate discipline but require all children be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner. This can only be achieved when staff members recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors and respond in ways consistent with what is developmentally appropriate for each child. Children should be spoken to in a calm, respectful voice always. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child's developmental needs. No form of corporal punishment or rough handling is ever acceptable. No child may be yelled at, threatened, shamed, humiliated, bullied or subjected to sarcastic remarks or profanity. it is important to remember to engage in one-to-one interactions with children, get on the child’s level for face-to-face interactions, use a pleasant, calm voice and simple language, provide warm, responsive physical contact, help children understand classroom expectations, redirect children when they engage in challenging behavior, listen to children and encourage them to listen to others, and acknowledge children for their accomplishments and efforts. Positive interactions between children and the caregiver are fundamental to quality child care, Safety starts in the classroom. Children should feel and be safe everywhere at your facility—in the rest rooms, hallways, on field trips, and on the playground. Feeling safe makes learning possible. Caregivers can help a child feel safe, secure, and supported by acknowledging and responding sensitively to children's cues/signals and supporting children's secure attachment through consistent and warm nurturing relationships. Understanding the stages of children’s development is critical. Help toddlers navigate their emotions. Recognize and name feelings, then offer guidance on how to manage them. Suggest jumping up and down or visiting the cozy area. Empathize with their feelings and provide acceptable choices to help them feel in control. Comfort them with warm, physical contact, or give them a safe space to work through their negative emotions. By creating and maintaining a safe environment, you provide children with the security they need to develop. You also provide families with the peace of mind they deserve to adequately focus on work or other life needs. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. You have completed the training but have not linked staff to your facility. You must begin actively working to enter the information for all your staff. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This is a requirement and will continue to be documented as a violation until you have linked your staff to your facility. Current menu must be always posted and any changes made to the menu must be recorded on the menu prior to meal or snack being served, no exceptions. All medical information for staff, including health questionnaire, must be stored in a separate file from personnel information for each staff member. Any items, including baby wipes, that have a label that reads, “keep out of the reach of children,” must be inaccessible to children. Inaccessible means being stored at least five feet above floor level. Other Information - CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 13, 2025. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt N/A • Asbestos- Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, we talked about the QRIS Conversation Template and decided that we will discuss it further and complete it during your annual compliance follow-up visit. You reported that your facility has not decided on Pathway #1 or Pathway #2 at this time, but you plan to apply by May 2026. A copy of this template will be included in the annual compliance follow up visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Immunizations - The 2025-2026 Annual Child Care Immunization Report Reporting Portal is now open, and reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. Instructions and worksheets are available for download and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. For more information, download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo. Newsletter - Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Annual License Fees - Invoices for the annual license fees were emailed to facilities subject to license fees on November 3, 2025. Please note that annual license fees do not apply to state or public school-operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. Payments are due by December 3, 2025. All payments must be submitted through our website using a Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card or via e-check. Payments may not be dropped off or mailed to the Division or the Department of Health & Human Services. The Division cannot guarantee timely receipt or deposit of paper checks. Pay the Annual License Fee Online >> Compliance Reminder: Please be aware that failure to pay the license may result in the revocation of your child care license. Unpaid license fees will also incur a 10% late fee and interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. For questions regarding license fees, visit the License Fee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs en español) or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov for further assistance. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Henry. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/18/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 11/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 252 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:47 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shifts with an age range of 0-12 years old and meet enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance was conducted at this facility on November 26, 2024. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Fire Inspection – 10/28/2025 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 06/11/2025 – 2 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Sharon Henry, was present and available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough and observations of the facility, unaccompanied. There were thirty-nine children enrolled and twenty children, aged 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. Some age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted, and safe sleep charts are being maintained. In space #3, I observed two infants asleep in their cribs, one toddler asleep on a cot on the floor, one infant being fed by caregiver, and two additional infants awake sitting in bouncy seats. There was one caregiver present with five infants and a one-year-old; this was cited as a staff/child ratio violation. Staff/child ratios must be always maintained. Toddlers in space #2 and preschool children in space #1 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of rotisserie chicken, wild rice, mash potatoes, apple slices, and milk. After lunch, toddlers completed bathroom and handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. Covered mats with blankets for each child were appropriately spaced and lights were dimmed. It may be more soothing for children if you play appropriate music softly as they nap/rest. Due to the time of the visit, school age children were not present in space #4. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, push toys, push cars, covered sand boxes and sand toys, swing set, and a new rock climber. Picnic tables and shade structures were also in the outdoor spaces. The rock climber stands over 5 ft; therefore, it must be anchored, have at least 12 inches of sand for surfacing, and have a fall zone of at least six feet. The manufacturer's instructions must be kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. This piece of equipment is not approved. The new equipment must be restricted for use by children until it is approved by meeting the requirements noted above. The children’s safety is always our main priority. Moving forward, ensure all new playground equipment used by children is monitored for compliance and approved prior to allowing the children to play on the equipment. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing this required training. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. There were nine violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continue to comply with all applicable child care rules. Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Menu posted was dated for January 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 528 Food substitution was not recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Wrong menu was posted and there was no indication posted of what the children were served for lunch. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 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. Wipes in plastic containers was observed in the cubbies, which is accessible to the children, in space #2. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification for two staff's completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of two staff's completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. .1102(d) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1805 The Criminal Background Check (CBC) Portal has not been completed and staff have not been linked to this facility in the portal. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1876 A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. During nap/rest time in space #1, caregiver repeatedly told a three year old child, "you need to close your eyes, that's what you better do, do I need to get up and come over there?" When the caregiver threatened to come over there - you could hear the fear in the child's voice when child would reply, No." I listened to this as I stood at the door before opening the door and addressing the matter with the administrator. .1803(a)(9) 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. Medical information for all staff, including health questionnaire forms, must be maintained in a separate file from personnel information. .0701(d) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before December 2, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. 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. Due to the staff/child ratio and discipline violation cited, a return visit will be conducted to verify compliance with the violation documented today. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. Repeat violations may warrant an administrative action being issued. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited Staff/Child Ratios - Staff-child ratios must be always maintained. Staff-child ratio refers to the maximum number of children who may be supervised by one staff member. A group is the maximum number of children occupying an individual classroom or well-defined space. Each group of children must have the appropriate number of staff members present always based on the total number and ages of children in care. For the health and safety of all children in your facility, staff/child ratios must be always maintained, no exceptions. A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each child care provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is also essential to the health and safety of children. If children are combined with similar age groups, such as in the early morning or later evening hours, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are always in each group. Discipline - You cannot hit, yank, push, and/or grab children. Child care rules not only prohibit the use of inappropriate discipline but require all children be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner. This can only be achieved when staff members recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors and respond in ways consistent with what is developmentally appropriate for each child. Children should be spoken to in a calm, respectful voice always. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child's developmental needs. No form of corporal punishment or rough handling is ever acceptable. No child may be yelled at, threatened, shamed, humiliated, bullied or subjected to sarcastic remarks or profanity. it is important to remember to engage in one-to-one interactions with children, get on the child’s level for face-to-face interactions, use a pleasant, calm voice and simple language, provide warm, responsive physical contact, help children understand classroom expectations, redirect children when they engage in challenging behavior, listen to children and encourage them to listen to others, and acknowledge children for their accomplishments and efforts. Positive interactions between children and the caregiver are fundamental to quality child care, Safety starts in the classroom. Children should feel and be safe everywhere at your facility—in the rest rooms, hallways, on field trips, and on the playground. Feeling safe makes learning possible. Caregivers can help a child feel safe, secure, and supported by acknowledging and responding sensitively to children's cues/signals and supporting children's secure attachment through consistent and warm nurturing relationships. Understanding the stages of children’s development is critical. Help toddlers navigate their emotions. Recognize and name feelings, then offer guidance on how to manage them. Suggest jumping up and down or visiting the cozy area. Empathize with their feelings and provide acceptable choices to help them feel in control. Comfort them with warm, physical contact, or give them a safe space to work through their negative emotions. By creating and maintaining a safe environment, you provide children with the security they need to develop. You also provide families with the peace of mind they deserve to adequately focus on work or other life needs. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. You have completed the training but have not linked staff to your facility. You must begin actively working to enter the information for all your staff. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This is a requirement and will continue to be documented as a violation until you have linked your staff to your facility. Current menu must be always posted and any changes made to the menu must be recorded on the menu prior to meal or snack being served, no exceptions. All medical information for staff, including health questionnaire, must be stored in a separate file from personnel information for each staff member. Any items, including baby wipes, that have a label that reads, “keep out of the reach of children,” must be inaccessible to children. Inaccessible means being stored at least five feet above floor level. Other Information - CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 13, 2025. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt N/A • Asbestos- Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, we talked about the QRIS Conversation Template and decided that we will discuss it further and complete it during your annual compliance follow-up visit. You reported that your facility has not decided on Pathway #1 or Pathway #2 at this time, but you plan to apply by May 2026. A copy of this template will be included in the annual compliance follow up visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Immunizations - The 2025-2026 Annual Child Care Immunization Report Reporting Portal is now open, and reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. Instructions and worksheets are available for download and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. For more information, download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo. Newsletter - Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Annual License Fees - Invoices for the annual license fees were emailed to facilities subject to license fees on November 3, 2025. Please note that annual license fees do not apply to state or public school-operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. Payments are due by December 3, 2025. All payments must be submitted through our website using a Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card or via e-check. Payments may not be dropped off or mailed to the Division or the Department of Health & Human Services. The Division cannot guarantee timely receipt or deposit of paper checks. Pay the Annual License Fee Online >> Compliance Reminder: Please be aware that failure to pay the license may result in the revocation of your child care license. Unpaid license fees will also incur a 10% late fee and interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. For questions regarding license fees, visit the License Fee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs en español) or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov for further assistance. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Henry. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/18/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 11/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 252 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:47 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shifts with an age range of 0-12 years old and meet enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance was conducted at this facility on November 26, 2024. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Fire Inspection – 10/28/2025 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 06/11/2025 – 2 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Sharon Henry, was present and available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough and observations of the facility, unaccompanied. There were thirty-nine children enrolled and twenty children, aged 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. Some age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted, and safe sleep charts are being maintained. In space #3, I observed two infants asleep in their cribs, one toddler asleep on a cot on the floor, one infant being fed by caregiver, and two additional infants awake sitting in bouncy seats. There was one caregiver present with five infants and a one-year-old; this was cited as a staff/child ratio violation. Staff/child ratios must be always maintained. Toddlers in space #2 and preschool children in space #1 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of rotisserie chicken, wild rice, mash potatoes, apple slices, and milk. After lunch, toddlers completed bathroom and handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. Covered mats with blankets for each child were appropriately spaced and lights were dimmed. It may be more soothing for children if you play appropriate music softly as they nap/rest. Due to the time of the visit, school age children were not present in space #4. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, push toys, push cars, covered sand boxes and sand toys, swing set, and a new rock climber. Picnic tables and shade structures were also in the outdoor spaces. The rock climber stands over 5 ft; therefore, it must be anchored, have at least 12 inches of sand for surfacing, and have a fall zone of at least six feet. The manufacturer's instructions must be kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. This piece of equipment is not approved. The new equipment must be restricted for use by children until it is approved by meeting the requirements noted above. The children’s safety is always our main priority. Moving forward, ensure all new playground equipment used by children is monitored for compliance and approved prior to allowing the children to play on the equipment. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing this required training. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. There were nine violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continue to comply with all applicable child care rules. Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Menu posted was dated for January 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 528 Food substitution was not recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Wrong menu was posted and there was no indication posted of what the children were served for lunch. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 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. Wipes in plastic containers was observed in the cubbies, which is accessible to the children, in space #2. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification for two staff's completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of two staff's completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. .1102(d) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1805 The Criminal Background Check (CBC) Portal has not been completed and staff have not been linked to this facility in the portal. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1876 A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. During nap/rest time in space #1, caregiver repeatedly told a three year old child, "you need to close your eyes, that's what you better do, do I need to get up and come over there?" When the caregiver threatened to come over there - you could hear the fear in the child's voice when child would reply, No." I listened to this as I stood at the door before opening the door and addressing the matter with the administrator. .1803(a)(9) 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. Medical information for all staff, including health questionnaire forms, must be maintained in a separate file from personnel information. .0701(d) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before December 2, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. 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. Due to the staff/child ratio and discipline violation cited, a return visit will be conducted to verify compliance with the violation documented today. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. Repeat violations may warrant an administrative action being issued. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited Staff/Child Ratios - Staff-child ratios must be always maintained. Staff-child ratio refers to the maximum number of children who may be supervised by one staff member. A group is the maximum number of children occupying an individual classroom or well-defined space. Each group of children must have the appropriate number of staff members present always based on the total number and ages of children in care. For the health and safety of all children in your facility, staff/child ratios must be always maintained, no exceptions. A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each child care provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is also essential to the health and safety of children. If children are combined with similar age groups, such as in the early morning or later evening hours, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are always in each group. Discipline - You cannot hit, yank, push, and/or grab children. Child care rules not only prohibit the use of inappropriate discipline but require all children be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner. This can only be achieved when staff members recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors and respond in ways consistent with what is developmentally appropriate for each child. Children should be spoken to in a calm, respectful voice always. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child's developmental needs. No form of corporal punishment or rough handling is ever acceptable. No child may be yelled at, threatened, shamed, humiliated, bullied or subjected to sarcastic remarks or profanity. it is important to remember to engage in one-to-one interactions with children, get on the child’s level for face-to-face interactions, use a pleasant, calm voice and simple language, provide warm, responsive physical contact, help children understand classroom expectations, redirect children when they engage in challenging behavior, listen to children and encourage them to listen to others, and acknowledge children for their accomplishments and efforts. Positive interactions between children and the caregiver are fundamental to quality child care, Safety starts in the classroom. Children should feel and be safe everywhere at your facility—in the rest rooms, hallways, on field trips, and on the playground. Feeling safe makes learning possible. Caregivers can help a child feel safe, secure, and supported by acknowledging and responding sensitively to children's cues/signals and supporting children's secure attachment through consistent and warm nurturing relationships. Understanding the stages of children’s development is critical. Help toddlers navigate their emotions. Recognize and name feelings, then offer guidance on how to manage them. Suggest jumping up and down or visiting the cozy area. Empathize with their feelings and provide acceptable choices to help them feel in control. Comfort them with warm, physical contact, or give them a safe space to work through their negative emotions. By creating and maintaining a safe environment, you provide children with the security they need to develop. You also provide families with the peace of mind they deserve to adequately focus on work or other life needs. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. You have completed the training but have not linked staff to your facility. You must begin actively working to enter the information for all your staff. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This is a requirement and will continue to be documented as a violation until you have linked your staff to your facility. Current menu must be always posted and any changes made to the menu must be recorded on the menu prior to meal or snack being served, no exceptions. All medical information for staff, including health questionnaire, must be stored in a separate file from personnel information for each staff member. Any items, including baby wipes, that have a label that reads, “keep out of the reach of children,” must be inaccessible to children. Inaccessible means being stored at least five feet above floor level. Other Information - CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 13, 2025. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt N/A • Asbestos- Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, we talked about the QRIS Conversation Template and decided that we will discuss it further and complete it during your annual compliance follow-up visit. You reported that your facility has not decided on Pathway #1 or Pathway #2 at this time, but you plan to apply by May 2026. A copy of this template will be included in the annual compliance follow up visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Immunizations - The 2025-2026 Annual Child Care Immunization Report Reporting Portal is now open, and reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. Instructions and worksheets are available for download and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. For more information, download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo. Newsletter - Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Annual License Fees - Invoices for the annual license fees were emailed to facilities subject to license fees on November 3, 2025. Please note that annual license fees do not apply to state or public school-operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. Payments are due by December 3, 2025. All payments must be submitted through our website using a Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card or via e-check. Payments may not be dropped off or mailed to the Division or the Department of Health & Human Services. The Division cannot guarantee timely receipt or deposit of paper checks. Pay the Annual License Fee Online >> Compliance Reminder: Please be aware that failure to pay the license may result in the revocation of your child care license. Unpaid license fees will also incur a 10% late fee and interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. For questions regarding license fees, visit the License Fee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs en español) or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov for further assistance. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Henry. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/18/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 11/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 252 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:47 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shifts with an age range of 0-12 years old and meet enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance was conducted at this facility on November 26, 2024. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Fire Inspection – 10/28/2025 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 06/11/2025 – 2 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Sharon Henry, was present and available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough and observations of the facility, unaccompanied. There were thirty-nine children enrolled and twenty children, aged 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. Some age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted, and safe sleep charts are being maintained. In space #3, I observed two infants asleep in their cribs, one toddler asleep on a cot on the floor, one infant being fed by caregiver, and two additional infants awake sitting in bouncy seats. There was one caregiver present with five infants and a one-year-old; this was cited as a staff/child ratio violation. Staff/child ratios must be always maintained. Toddlers in space #2 and preschool children in space #1 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of rotisserie chicken, wild rice, mash potatoes, apple slices, and milk. After lunch, toddlers completed bathroom and handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. Covered mats with blankets for each child were appropriately spaced and lights were dimmed. It may be more soothing for children if you play appropriate music softly as they nap/rest. Due to the time of the visit, school age children were not present in space #4. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, push toys, push cars, covered sand boxes and sand toys, swing set, and a new rock climber. Picnic tables and shade structures were also in the outdoor spaces. The rock climber stands over 5 ft; therefore, it must be anchored, have at least 12 inches of sand for surfacing, and have a fall zone of at least six feet. The manufacturer's instructions must be kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. This piece of equipment is not approved. The new equipment must be restricted for use by children until it is approved by meeting the requirements noted above. The children’s safety is always our main priority. Moving forward, ensure all new playground equipment used by children is monitored for compliance and approved prior to allowing the children to play on the equipment. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing this required training. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. There were nine violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continue to comply with all applicable child care rules. Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Menu posted was dated for January 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 528 Food substitution was not recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Wrong menu was posted and there was no indication posted of what the children were served for lunch. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 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. Wipes in plastic containers was observed in the cubbies, which is accessible to the children, in space #2. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification for two staff's completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of two staff's completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. .1102(d) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1805 The Criminal Background Check (CBC) Portal has not been completed and staff have not been linked to this facility in the portal. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1876 A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. During nap/rest time in space #1, caregiver repeatedly told a three year old child, "you need to close your eyes, that's what you better do, do I need to get up and come over there?" When the caregiver threatened to come over there - you could hear the fear in the child's voice when child would reply, No." I listened to this as I stood at the door before opening the door and addressing the matter with the administrator. .1803(a)(9) 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. Medical information for all staff, including health questionnaire forms, must be maintained in a separate file from personnel information. .0701(d) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before December 2, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. 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. Due to the staff/child ratio and discipline violation cited, a return visit will be conducted to verify compliance with the violation documented today. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. Repeat violations may warrant an administrative action being issued. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited Staff/Child Ratios - Staff-child ratios must be always maintained. Staff-child ratio refers to the maximum number of children who may be supervised by one staff member. A group is the maximum number of children occupying an individual classroom or well-defined space. Each group of children must have the appropriate number of staff members present always based on the total number and ages of children in care. For the health and safety of all children in your facility, staff/child ratios must be always maintained, no exceptions. A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each child care provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is also essential to the health and safety of children. If children are combined with similar age groups, such as in the early morning or later evening hours, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are always in each group. Discipline - You cannot hit, yank, push, and/or grab children. Child care rules not only prohibit the use of inappropriate discipline but require all children be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner. This can only be achieved when staff members recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors and respond in ways consistent with what is developmentally appropriate for each child. Children should be spoken to in a calm, respectful voice always. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child's developmental needs. No form of corporal punishment or rough handling is ever acceptable. No child may be yelled at, threatened, shamed, humiliated, bullied or subjected to sarcastic remarks or profanity. it is important to remember to engage in one-to-one interactions with children, get on the child’s level for face-to-face interactions, use a pleasant, calm voice and simple language, provide warm, responsive physical contact, help children understand classroom expectations, redirect children when they engage in challenging behavior, listen to children and encourage them to listen to others, and acknowledge children for their accomplishments and efforts. Positive interactions between children and the caregiver are fundamental to quality child care, Safety starts in the classroom. Children should feel and be safe everywhere at your facility—in the rest rooms, hallways, on field trips, and on the playground. Feeling safe makes learning possible. Caregivers can help a child feel safe, secure, and supported by acknowledging and responding sensitively to children's cues/signals and supporting children's secure attachment through consistent and warm nurturing relationships. Understanding the stages of children’s development is critical. Help toddlers navigate their emotions. Recognize and name feelings, then offer guidance on how to manage them. Suggest jumping up and down or visiting the cozy area. Empathize with their feelings and provide acceptable choices to help them feel in control. Comfort them with warm, physical contact, or give them a safe space to work through their negative emotions. By creating and maintaining a safe environment, you provide children with the security they need to develop. You also provide families with the peace of mind they deserve to adequately focus on work or other life needs. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. You have completed the training but have not linked staff to your facility. You must begin actively working to enter the information for all your staff. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This is a requirement and will continue to be documented as a violation until you have linked your staff to your facility. Current menu must be always posted and any changes made to the menu must be recorded on the menu prior to meal or snack being served, no exceptions. All medical information for staff, including health questionnaire, must be stored in a separate file from personnel information for each staff member. Any items, including baby wipes, that have a label that reads, “keep out of the reach of children,” must be inaccessible to children. Inaccessible means being stored at least five feet above floor level. Other Information - CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 13, 2025. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt N/A • Asbestos- Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, we talked about the QRIS Conversation Template and decided that we will discuss it further and complete it during your annual compliance follow-up visit. You reported that your facility has not decided on Pathway #1 or Pathway #2 at this time, but you plan to apply by May 2026. A copy of this template will be included in the annual compliance follow up visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Immunizations - The 2025-2026 Annual Child Care Immunization Report Reporting Portal is now open, and reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. Instructions and worksheets are available for download and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. For more information, download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo. Newsletter - Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Annual License Fees - Invoices for the annual license fees were emailed to facilities subject to license fees on November 3, 2025. Please note that annual license fees do not apply to state or public school-operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. Payments are due by December 3, 2025. All payments must be submitted through our website using a Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card or via e-check. Payments may not be dropped off or mailed to the Division or the Department of Health & Human Services. The Division cannot guarantee timely receipt or deposit of paper checks. Pay the Annual License Fee Online >> Compliance Reminder: Please be aware that failure to pay the license may result in the revocation of your child care license. Unpaid license fees will also incur a 10% late fee and interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. For questions regarding license fees, visit the License Fee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs en español) or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov for further assistance. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Henry. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/18/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 11/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 252 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:47 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shifts with an age range of 0-12 years old and meet enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance was conducted at this facility on November 26, 2024. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Fire Inspection – 10/28/2025 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 06/11/2025 – 2 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Sharon Henry, was present and available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough and observations of the facility, unaccompanied. There were thirty-nine children enrolled and twenty children, aged 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. Some age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted, and safe sleep charts are being maintained. In space #3, I observed two infants asleep in their cribs, one toddler asleep on a cot on the floor, one infant being fed by caregiver, and two additional infants awake sitting in bouncy seats. There was one caregiver present with five infants and a one-year-old; this was cited as a staff/child ratio violation. Staff/child ratios must be always maintained. Toddlers in space #2 and preschool children in space #1 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of rotisserie chicken, wild rice, mash potatoes, apple slices, and milk. After lunch, toddlers completed bathroom and handwashing routines and prepared for nap/rest time. Covered mats with blankets for each child were appropriately spaced and lights were dimmed. It may be more soothing for children if you play appropriate music softly as they nap/rest. Due to the time of the visit, school age children were not present in space #4. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, push toys, push cars, covered sand boxes and sand toys, swing set, and a new rock climber. Picnic tables and shade structures were also in the outdoor spaces. The rock climber stands over 5 ft; therefore, it must be anchored, have at least 12 inches of sand for surfacing, and have a fall zone of at least six feet. The manufacturer's instructions must be kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. This piece of equipment is not approved. The new equipment must be restricted for use by children until it is approved by meeting the requirements noted above. The children’s safety is always our main priority. Moving forward, ensure all new playground equipment used by children is monitored for compliance and approved prior to allowing the children to play on the equipment. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing this required training. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. There were nine violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continue to comply with all applicable child care rules. Violation Number Comment Rule 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Menu posted was dated for January 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 528 Food substitution was not recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Wrong menu was posted and there was no indication posted of what the children were served for lunch. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 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. Wipes in plastic containers was observed in the cubbies, which is accessible to the children, in space #2. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification for two staff's completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of two staff's completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. .1102(d) 1804 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers who were hired or moved into the home within five business days by submitting the Change of Information form provided by the Division. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(o) 1805 The Criminal Background Check (CBC) Portal has not been completed and staff have not been linked to this facility in the portal. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1876 A child was yelled at, shamed, humiliated, frightened, threatened or bullied. During nap/rest time in space #1, caregiver repeatedly told a three year old child, "you need to close your eyes, that's what you better do, do I need to get up and come over there?" When the caregiver threatened to come over there - you could hear the fear in the child's voice when child would reply, No." I listened to this as I stood at the door before opening the door and addressing the matter with the administrator. .1803(a)(9) 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. Medical information for all staff, including health questionnaire forms, must be maintained in a separate file from personnel information. .0701(d) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before December 2, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. 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. Due to the staff/child ratio and discipline violation cited, a return visit will be conducted to verify compliance with the violation documented today. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. Repeat violations may warrant an administrative action being issued. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violations cited Staff/Child Ratios - Staff-child ratios must be always maintained. Staff-child ratio refers to the maximum number of children who may be supervised by one staff member. A group is the maximum number of children occupying an individual classroom or well-defined space. Each group of children must have the appropriate number of staff members present always based on the total number and ages of children in care. For the health and safety of all children in your facility, staff/child ratios must be always maintained, no exceptions. A staff-to-child ratio is a measure of the number of children for whom each child care provider is responsible. Because younger children need more direct one-on-one interaction, response, and supervision, staff-to-child ratios are lower for younger children than for older ones. Ratio and group size are two factors that are critical to a child’s health, safety, and development. Ratios and group sizes help ensure that a child gets enough one-on-one attention from an adult who is available to take care of each child’s unique needs. This responsive caregiving is extremely important to a child’s social and emotional development, physical well-being, and overall learning. Maintaining staff/child ratios and maximum group sizes is also essential to the health and safety of children. If children are combined with similar age groups, such as in the early morning or later evening hours, the staff/child ratio and maximum group size for the youngest child in the group must be maintained. Staff must be aware of children’s ages and how many children are always in each group. Discipline - You cannot hit, yank, push, and/or grab children. Child care rules not only prohibit the use of inappropriate discipline but require all children be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner. This can only be achieved when staff members recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors and respond in ways consistent with what is developmentally appropriate for each child. Children should be spoken to in a calm, respectful voice always. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child's developmental needs. No form of corporal punishment or rough handling is ever acceptable. No child may be yelled at, threatened, shamed, humiliated, bullied or subjected to sarcastic remarks or profanity. it is important to remember to engage in one-to-one interactions with children, get on the child’s level for face-to-face interactions, use a pleasant, calm voice and simple language, provide warm, responsive physical contact, help children understand classroom expectations, redirect children when they engage in challenging behavior, listen to children and encourage them to listen to others, and acknowledge children for their accomplishments and efforts. Positive interactions between children and the caregiver are fundamental to quality child care, Safety starts in the classroom. Children should feel and be safe everywhere at your facility—in the rest rooms, hallways, on field trips, and on the playground. Feeling safe makes learning possible. Caregivers can help a child feel safe, secure, and supported by acknowledging and responding sensitively to children's cues/signals and supporting children's secure attachment through consistent and warm nurturing relationships. Understanding the stages of children’s development is critical. Help toddlers navigate their emotions. Recognize and name feelings, then offer guidance on how to manage them. Suggest jumping up and down or visiting the cozy area. Empathize with their feelings and provide acceptable choices to help them feel in control. Comfort them with warm, physical contact, or give them a safe space to work through their negative emotions. By creating and maintaining a safe environment, you provide children with the security they need to develop. You also provide families with the peace of mind they deserve to adequately focus on work or other life needs. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. You have completed the training but have not linked staff to your facility. You must begin actively working to enter the information for all your staff. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This is a requirement and will continue to be documented as a violation until you have linked your staff to your facility. Current menu must be always posted and any changes made to the menu must be recorded on the menu prior to meal or snack being served, no exceptions. All medical information for staff, including health questionnaire, must be stored in a separate file from personnel information for each staff member. Any items, including baby wipes, that have a label that reads, “keep out of the reach of children,” must be inaccessible to children. Inaccessible means being stored at least five feet above floor level. Other Information - CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 13, 2025. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Exempt N/A • Asbestos- Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, we talked about the QRIS Conversation Template and decided that we will discuss it further and complete it during your annual compliance follow-up visit. You reported that your facility has not decided on Pathway #1 or Pathway #2 at this time, but you plan to apply by May 2026. A copy of this template will be included in the annual compliance follow up visit summary. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. Immunizations - The 2025-2026 Annual Child Care Immunization Report Reporting Portal is now open, and reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. Instructions and worksheets are available for download and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. For more information, download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo. Newsletter - Sign up for the Raise NC Newsletter! Don’t miss out on timely, relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, proposed rules, upcoming training opportunities, and other resources for you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab to enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Annual License Fees - Invoices for the annual license fees were emailed to facilities subject to license fees on November 3, 2025. Please note that annual license fees do not apply to state or public school-operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. Payments are due by December 3, 2025. All payments must be submitted through our website using a Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card or via e-check. Payments may not be dropped off or mailed to the Division or the Department of Health & Human Services. The Division cannot guarantee timely receipt or deposit of paper checks. Pay the Annual License Fee Online >> Compliance Reminder: Please be aware that failure to pay the license may result in the revocation of your child care license. Unpaid license fees will also incur a 10% late fee and interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. For questions regarding license fees, visit the License Fee Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs en español) or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov for further assistance. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Henry. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 6/18/2025 Age: From 1 To 9 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s routine unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shifts with an age range of 0-12 years old and meet enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance was conducted at this facility on November 26, 2024. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Fire Inspection – 11/18/2024 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 06/11/2025 – 2 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Sharon Henry, was present and available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough of the facility, unaccompanied. There are thirty- eight children enrolled and twenty-eight children, aged 1- 9, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. Some age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. There were no infants present today. All toddlers and preschool children were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of fish sticks, French fries, fruit cocktail, butter beans, hushpuppies, and apple juice or milk. I observed very few children drinking milk, including one year old children. Milk, whole or 1%, should be served to all children during lunch. Juice must be pasteurized. Full-strength juice may only be offered to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at one meal or snack per day. A vegetable may be offered to meet the entire fruit requirement. When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds of vegetables must be served. After lunch, children completed handwashing/bathroom routines and had nap/rest time. Covered mats with blankets for each child were appropriately spaced and lights were dimmed. It may be more soothing for children if you play appropriate music softly as they nap/rest. The school age children were not served lunch at the facility as Ms. Henry stated children will be receiving free bag lunches from the Pender County Schools Summer Meal Program. This is the first day for the program and Ms. Henry states she will leave each day to pick up the meals for the school age children at her facility. She also states she will ensure meals meet the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and provide supplements if needed. When Me. Henry returned with lunch from the school, it consisted of hotdogs with buns, corn, tater tots, fruit, and milk. Ms. Henry prepared the meal and served it to the children. Be reminded that children must be provided a meal or snack a minimum of every four hours. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, push toys, push cars, covered sand boxes and sand toys, swing set, dome, and a basketball goal. Picnic tables and shade structures were also in the outdoor spaces. Sand has been added for surfacing for the swings and dome. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. There have been no new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. There was one violation observed today. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Toddlers and preschool children, aged 1-4, were served juice instead of milk for lunch. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received July 2, 2025, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical assistance regarding violation cited: Meal components. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each meal served in the Program must contain, at a minimum, the indicated components: (1) Fluid milk. Fluid milk must be served as a beverage or on cereal, or a combination of both. Lactose-free and reduced-lactose milk that meet the fat content and flavor specifications for each age group may also be offered. (i) Children 1 year old. Unflavored whole milk must be served. (ii) Children 2 through 5 years old. Either unflavored low-fat (1 percent) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk must be served. (iii) Children 6 years old and older. Low-fat (1 percent fat or less) or fat-free (skim) milk must be served. Milk may be unflavored or flavored. (iv) Adults. Low-fat (1 percent fat or less) or fat-free (skim) milk must be served. Milk may be unflavored or flavored. Six ounces (weight) or 3⁄4 cup (volume) of yogurt may be used to fulfill the equivalent of 8 ounces of fluid milk once per day. Yogurt may be counted as either a fluid milk substitute or as a meat alternate, but not as both in the same meal. (2) Vegetables. A serving may contain fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables, dry beans, peas, and lentils, or vegetable juice. All vegetables are credited based on their volume as served, except that 1 cup of leafy greens counts as 1⁄2 cup of vegetables. (i) Pasteurized, full-strength vegetable juice may be used to fulfill the entire requirement. Vegetable juice or fruit juice may only be served at one meal, including snack, per day. (ii) Cooked dry beans, peas, and lentils may be counted as either a vegetable or as a meat alternate, but not as both in the same dish. (3) Fruits. A serving may contain fresh, frozen, canned, dried fruits, or fruit juice. All fruits are based on their volume as served, except that 1⁄4 cup of dried fruit counts as 1⁄2 cup of fruit. (i) Pasteurized, full-strength fruit juice may be used to fulfill the entire requirement. Fruit juice or vegetable juice may only be served at one meal, including snack, per day. (ii) A vegetable may be used to meet the entire fruit requirement at lunch and supper. When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds of vegetables must be served. Other Information - Medication – Sunscreen During today’s visit, we discussed concerns regarding the requirements to apply sunscreen on children before going outside to play. You stated the sunscreen would be provided by the facility. We reviewed the rule regarding your question and completed permission slips for children in your care to received sunscreen. A parent may give a caregiver standing authorization for up to 12 months to apply over-the- counter, topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder, to a child, when needed. The authorization shall be in writing and shall contain: the child's name; the names of the authorized ointments, repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders; the criteria for the administration of the ointments, repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders; the manner in which the ointments, repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders shall be applied; the signature of the parent; the date the authorization was signed by the parent; and the length of time authorization is valid, if less than 12 months. Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs have been completed – lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos status is survey review by RTI with no results yet. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. You must complete this training and begin actively working to enter the information for all your staff. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Henry. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 6/18/2025 Age: From 1 To 9 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s routine unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shifts with an age range of 0-12 years old and meet enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance was conducted at this facility on November 26, 2024. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Fire Inspection – 11/18/2024 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 06/11/2025 – 2 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Sharon Henry, was present and available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough of the facility, unaccompanied. There are thirty- eight children enrolled and twenty-eight children, aged 1- 9, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. Some age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. There were no infants present today. All toddlers and preschool children were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of fish sticks, French fries, fruit cocktail, butter beans, hushpuppies, and apple juice or milk. I observed very few children drinking milk, including one year old children. Milk, whole or 1%, should be served to all children during lunch. Juice must be pasteurized. Full-strength juice may only be offered to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at one meal or snack per day. A vegetable may be offered to meet the entire fruit requirement. When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds of vegetables must be served. After lunch, children completed handwashing/bathroom routines and had nap/rest time. Covered mats with blankets for each child were appropriately spaced and lights were dimmed. It may be more soothing for children if you play appropriate music softly as they nap/rest. The school age children were not served lunch at the facility as Ms. Henry stated children will be receiving free bag lunches from the Pender County Schools Summer Meal Program. This is the first day for the program and Ms. Henry states she will leave each day to pick up the meals for the school age children at her facility. She also states she will ensure meals meet the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and provide supplements if needed. When Me. Henry returned with lunch from the school, it consisted of hotdogs with buns, corn, tater tots, fruit, and milk. Ms. Henry prepared the meal and served it to the children. Be reminded that children must be provided a meal or snack a minimum of every four hours. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, push toys, push cars, covered sand boxes and sand toys, swing set, dome, and a basketball goal. Picnic tables and shade structures were also in the outdoor spaces. Sand has been added for surfacing for the swings and dome. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. There have been no new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. There was one violation observed today. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Toddlers and preschool children, aged 1-4, were served juice instead of milk for lunch. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received July 2, 2025, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical assistance regarding violation cited: Meal components. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each meal served in the Program must contain, at a minimum, the indicated components: (1) Fluid milk. Fluid milk must be served as a beverage or on cereal, or a combination of both. Lactose-free and reduced-lactose milk that meet the fat content and flavor specifications for each age group may also be offered. (i) Children 1 year old. Unflavored whole milk must be served. (ii) Children 2 through 5 years old. Either unflavored low-fat (1 percent) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk must be served. (iii) Children 6 years old and older. Low-fat (1 percent fat or less) or fat-free (skim) milk must be served. Milk may be unflavored or flavored. (iv) Adults. Low-fat (1 percent fat or less) or fat-free (skim) milk must be served. Milk may be unflavored or flavored. Six ounces (weight) or 3⁄4 cup (volume) of yogurt may be used to fulfill the equivalent of 8 ounces of fluid milk once per day. Yogurt may be counted as either a fluid milk substitute or as a meat alternate, but not as both in the same meal. (2) Vegetables. A serving may contain fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables, dry beans, peas, and lentils, or vegetable juice. All vegetables are credited based on their volume as served, except that 1 cup of leafy greens counts as 1⁄2 cup of vegetables. (i) Pasteurized, full-strength vegetable juice may be used to fulfill the entire requirement. Vegetable juice or fruit juice may only be served at one meal, including snack, per day. (ii) Cooked dry beans, peas, and lentils may be counted as either a vegetable or as a meat alternate, but not as both in the same dish. (3) Fruits. A serving may contain fresh, frozen, canned, dried fruits, or fruit juice. All fruits are based on their volume as served, except that 1⁄4 cup of dried fruit counts as 1⁄2 cup of fruit. (i) Pasteurized, full-strength fruit juice may be used to fulfill the entire requirement. Fruit juice or vegetable juice may only be served at one meal, including snack, per day. (ii) A vegetable may be used to meet the entire fruit requirement at lunch and supper. When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds of vegetables must be served. Other Information - Medication – Sunscreen During today’s visit, we discussed concerns regarding the requirements to apply sunscreen on children before going outside to play. You stated the sunscreen would be provided by the facility. We reviewed the rule regarding your question and completed permission slips for children in your care to received sunscreen. A parent may give a caregiver standing authorization for up to 12 months to apply over-the- counter, topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder, to a child, when needed. The authorization shall be in writing and shall contain: the child's name; the names of the authorized ointments, repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders; the criteria for the administration of the ointments, repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders; the manner in which the ointments, repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders shall be applied; the signature of the parent; the date the authorization was signed by the parent; and the length of time authorization is valid, if less than 12 months. Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs have been completed – lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos status is survey review by RTI with no results yet. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. You must complete this training and begin actively working to enter the information for all your staff. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Henry. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 6/18/2025 Age: From 1 To 9 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s routine unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shifts with an age range of 0-12 years old and meet enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance was conducted at this facility on November 26, 2024. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 99%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance 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. Fire Inspection – 11/18/2024 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 06/11/2025 – 2 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Sharon Henry, was present and available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough of the facility, unaccompanied. There are thirty- eight children enrolled and twenty-eight children, aged 1- 9, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. Some age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. There were no infants present today. All toddlers and preschool children were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of fish sticks, French fries, fruit cocktail, butter beans, hushpuppies, and apple juice or milk. I observed very few children drinking milk, including one year old children. Milk, whole or 1%, should be served to all children during lunch. Juice must be pasteurized. Full-strength juice may only be offered to meet the vegetable or fruit requirement at one meal or snack per day. A vegetable may be offered to meet the entire fruit requirement. When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds of vegetables must be served. After lunch, children completed handwashing/bathroom routines and had nap/rest time. Covered mats with blankets for each child were appropriately spaced and lights were dimmed. It may be more soothing for children if you play appropriate music softly as they nap/rest. The school age children were not served lunch at the facility as Ms. Henry stated children will be receiving free bag lunches from the Pender County Schools Summer Meal Program. This is the first day for the program and Ms. Henry states she will leave each day to pick up the meals for the school age children at her facility. She also states she will ensure meals meet the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and provide supplements if needed. When Me. Henry returned with lunch from the school, it consisted of hotdogs with buns, corn, tater tots, fruit, and milk. Ms. Henry prepared the meal and served it to the children. Be reminded that children must be provided a meal or snack a minimum of every four hours. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, push toys, push cars, covered sand boxes and sand toys, swing set, dome, and a basketball goal. Picnic tables and shade structures were also in the outdoor spaces. Sand has been added for surfacing for the swings and dome. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. There have been no new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. There was one violation observed today. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 501 Meals/snacks did not comply with the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Toddlers and preschool children, aged 1-4, were served juice instead of milk for lunch. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received July 2, 2025, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical assistance regarding violation cited: Meal components. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each meal served in the Program must contain, at a minimum, the indicated components: (1) Fluid milk. Fluid milk must be served as a beverage or on cereal, or a combination of both. Lactose-free and reduced-lactose milk that meet the fat content and flavor specifications for each age group may also be offered. (i) Children 1 year old. Unflavored whole milk must be served. (ii) Children 2 through 5 years old. Either unflavored low-fat (1 percent) or unflavored fat-free (skim) milk must be served. (iii) Children 6 years old and older. Low-fat (1 percent fat or less) or fat-free (skim) milk must be served. Milk may be unflavored or flavored. (iv) Adults. Low-fat (1 percent fat or less) or fat-free (skim) milk must be served. Milk may be unflavored or flavored. Six ounces (weight) or 3⁄4 cup (volume) of yogurt may be used to fulfill the equivalent of 8 ounces of fluid milk once per day. Yogurt may be counted as either a fluid milk substitute or as a meat alternate, but not as both in the same meal. (2) Vegetables. A serving may contain fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables, dry beans, peas, and lentils, or vegetable juice. All vegetables are credited based on their volume as served, except that 1 cup of leafy greens counts as 1⁄2 cup of vegetables. (i) Pasteurized, full-strength vegetable juice may be used to fulfill the entire requirement. Vegetable juice or fruit juice may only be served at one meal, including snack, per day. (ii) Cooked dry beans, peas, and lentils may be counted as either a vegetable or as a meat alternate, but not as both in the same dish. (3) Fruits. A serving may contain fresh, frozen, canned, dried fruits, or fruit juice. All fruits are based on their volume as served, except that 1⁄4 cup of dried fruit counts as 1⁄2 cup of fruit. (i) Pasteurized, full-strength fruit juice may be used to fulfill the entire requirement. Fruit juice or vegetable juice may only be served at one meal, including snack, per day. (ii) A vegetable may be used to meet the entire fruit requirement at lunch and supper. When two vegetables are served at lunch or supper, two different kinds of vegetables must be served. Other Information - Medication – Sunscreen During today’s visit, we discussed concerns regarding the requirements to apply sunscreen on children before going outside to play. You stated the sunscreen would be provided by the facility. We reviewed the rule regarding your question and completed permission slips for children in your care to received sunscreen. A parent may give a caregiver standing authorization for up to 12 months to apply over-the- counter, topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder, to a child, when needed. The authorization shall be in writing and shall contain: the child's name; the names of the authorized ointments, repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders; the criteria for the administration of the ointments, repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders; the manner in which the ointments, repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders shall be applied; the signature of the parent; the date the authorization was signed by the parent; and the length of time authorization is valid, if less than 12 months. Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs have been completed – lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos status is survey review by RTI with no results yet. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. You must complete this training and begin actively working to enter the information for all your staff. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Henry. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shifts with an age range of 0-12 years old, and meets enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance was conducted at this facility on November 30, 2023. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 90%. 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. Fire Inspection – 11/18/2024 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 06/12/2024 – 4 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Sharon Henry, was present and available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough of the facility, unaccompanied. There are thirty- one children enrolled and fifteen children, aged 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. Some age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. The one-year-old children in space #3 received care based on their individual needs; two children were present. Toddlers and preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities. Children were also observed completing personal hygiene routines and preparing to eat lunch. Lunch consisted of ground beef with noodles, peas and carrots, oranges, and milk. After lunch, children completed handwashing/bathroom routines and had nap/rest time. Covered mats with blankets for each child were appropriately spaced and lights were dimmed. It may be more soothing for children if you play appropriate music softly as they nap/rest. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, push toys, push cars, covered sand boxes and sand toys, swing set, dome, and a basketball goal. Picnic tables and shade structures were also in the outdoor spaces. Sand has been added for the surfacing for the swings and an additional area is restricted by “caution” tape as Ms. Henry completes the surfacing area for the dome. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. Ensure the staff/child ratio form is accurately completed for each room. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There was one violation observed. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. I observed completed health questionnaire forms, TB skin test results, and medical reports in staff member's personnel files. .0701(d) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received December 10, 2024, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violation cited: Staff member’s required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaire must be maintained in a medical file, separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Space Calculation Update for Indoor Space # 4– The bathrooms and a wall has been removed in Space #4. Space #4 now measures 459.91 square feet and is approved for 15 children @ 30 square feet per child. An approved building inspection was received on November 14, 2024. The total capacity of this facility will increase to 46 for first and second shift. Paperwork for a new permit to be issued to increase the capacity will be submitted to my supervisor for review and then forwarded to the Raleigh office for processing and printing. You will receive a new license from the Raleigh office. When you receive your new license, you must post this new license immediately in a prominent place. Other Information Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. Certificates will need to be attached to the training record for verification purposes. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - You stated the registration, and webinars have been completed for Clean classrooms for Carolina Kids. You have completed this process and results are on file. We reviewed the FAQ regarding next steps for the asbestos requirements. I advised you to visit the website at https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps are followed. This is a reminder and update about the REQUIRED testing for lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing for lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are almost up. -Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) must have water tested by January 1, 2025. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program provides free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket costs. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement and will allow facilities to participate in the funding mechanisms. Rated License Reassessment Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due to be completed in June 2025. There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you hire new staff or as staff complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Criminal Background Check Information - DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. DCDEE RESOURCES - I recommended you periodically visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the "What's New" tab to stay abreast of updated information provided. Remember you are responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable child care requirements whether they have been discussed or reviewed with you in the past. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shifts with an age range of 0-12 years old, and meets enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance was conducted at this facility on November 30, 2023. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 90%. 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. Fire Inspection – 11/18/2024 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 06/12/2024 – 4 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Sharon Henry, was present and available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough of the facility, unaccompanied. There are thirty- one children enrolled and fifteen children, aged 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. Some age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. The one-year-old children in space #3 received care based on their individual needs; two children were present. Toddlers and preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities. Children were also observed completing personal hygiene routines and preparing to eat lunch. Lunch consisted of ground beef with noodles, peas and carrots, oranges, and milk. After lunch, children completed handwashing/bathroom routines and had nap/rest time. Covered mats with blankets for each child were appropriately spaced and lights were dimmed. It may be more soothing for children if you play appropriate music softly as they nap/rest. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, push toys, push cars, covered sand boxes and sand toys, swing set, dome, and a basketball goal. Picnic tables and shade structures were also in the outdoor spaces. Sand has been added for the surfacing for the swings and an additional area is restricted by “caution” tape as Ms. Henry completes the surfacing area for the dome. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. Ensure the staff/child ratio form is accurately completed for each room. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There was one violation observed. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. I observed completed health questionnaire forms, TB skin test results, and medical reports in staff member's personnel files. .0701(d) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received December 10, 2024, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violation cited: Staff member’s required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaire must be maintained in a medical file, separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Space Calculation Update for Indoor Space # 4– The bathrooms and a wall has been removed in Space #4. Space #4 now measures 459.91 square feet and is approved for 15 children @ 30 square feet per child. An approved building inspection was received on November 14, 2024. The total capacity of this facility will increase to 46 for first and second shift. Paperwork for a new permit to be issued to increase the capacity will be submitted to my supervisor for review and then forwarded to the Raleigh office for processing and printing. You will receive a new license from the Raleigh office. When you receive your new license, you must post this new license immediately in a prominent place. Other Information Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. Certificates will need to be attached to the training record for verification purposes. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - You stated the registration, and webinars have been completed for Clean classrooms for Carolina Kids. You have completed this process and results are on file. We reviewed the FAQ regarding next steps for the asbestos requirements. I advised you to visit the website at https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps are followed. This is a reminder and update about the REQUIRED testing for lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing for lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are almost up. -Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) must have water tested by January 1, 2025. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program provides free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket costs. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement and will allow facilities to participate in the funding mechanisms. Rated License Reassessment Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due to be completed in June 2025. There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you hire new staff or as staff complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Criminal Background Check Information - DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. DCDEE RESOURCES - I recommended you periodically visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the "What's New" tab to stay abreast of updated information provided. Remember you are responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable child care requirements whether they have been discussed or reviewed with you in the past. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/26/2024 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 11/26/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shifts with an age range of 0-12 years old, and meets enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance was conducted at this facility on November 30, 2023. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 90%. 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. Fire Inspection – 11/18/2024 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 06/12/2024 – 4 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Sharon Henry, was present and available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough of the facility, unaccompanied. There are thirty- one children enrolled and fifteen children, aged 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. Some age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. The one-year-old children in space #3 received care based on their individual needs; two children were present. Toddlers and preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities. Children were also observed completing personal hygiene routines and preparing to eat lunch. Lunch consisted of ground beef with noodles, peas and carrots, oranges, and milk. After lunch, children completed handwashing/bathroom routines and had nap/rest time. Covered mats with blankets for each child were appropriately spaced and lights were dimmed. It may be more soothing for children if you play appropriate music softly as they nap/rest. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, push toys, push cars, covered sand boxes and sand toys, swing set, dome, and a basketball goal. Picnic tables and shade structures were also in the outdoor spaces. Sand has been added for the surfacing for the swings and an additional area is restricted by “caution” tape as Ms. Henry completes the surfacing area for the dome. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. Ensure the staff/child ratio form is accurately completed for each room. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There was one violation observed. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. I observed completed health questionnaire forms, TB skin test results, and medical reports in staff member's personnel files. .0701(d) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received December 10, 2024, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violation cited: Staff member’s required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaire must be maintained in a medical file, separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Space Calculation Update for Indoor Space # 4– The bathrooms and a wall has been removed in Space #4. Space #4 now measures 459.91 square feet and is approved for 15 children @ 30 square feet per child. An approved building inspection was received on November 14, 2024. The total capacity of this facility will increase to 46 for first and second shift. Paperwork for a new permit to be issued to increase the capacity will be submitted to my supervisor for review and then forwarded to the Raleigh office for processing and printing. You will receive a new license from the Raleigh office. When you receive your new license, you must post this new license immediately in a prominent place. Other Information Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. Certificates will need to be attached to the training record for verification purposes. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - You stated the registration, and webinars have been completed for Clean classrooms for Carolina Kids. You have completed this process and results are on file. We reviewed the FAQ regarding next steps for the asbestos requirements. I advised you to visit the website at https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps are followed. This is a reminder and update about the REQUIRED testing for lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing for lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are almost up. -Family Child Care Homes (FCCH) must have water tested by January 1, 2025. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program provides free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket costs. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement and will allow facilities to participate in the funding mechanisms. Rated License Reassessment Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due to be completed in June 2025. There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you hire new staff or as staff complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Criminal Background Check Information - DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. DCDEE RESOURCES - I recommended you periodically visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the "What's New" tab to stay abreast of updated information provided. Remember you are responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable child care requirements whether they have been discussed or reviewed with you in the past. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/30/2023 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 11/30/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, and meets enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance with rated license visit was conducted at this facility on December 6, 2022. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 82%. 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. Fire Inspection – 09/19/2023 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 04/13/2023 – 7 Demerits – Superior When I arrived, Administrator, Sharon Henry was not present; she arrived approximately 15 minutes into the visit and was available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. There are forty children enrolled and seventeen children, ages 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. A variety of age appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Infant and one year old children in space #3 received care based on their individual needs. There were six present – one was observed asleep in their crib, one was observed asleep on a covered cot with a blanket, and four were sitting in feeding chairs/high chair preparing to eat. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Toddlers in space #2 were observed participating in free choice activities. As the children played with blocks, the caregiver would say the color of the block and have the children repeat the color. Preschool children in spaces #1 were engaged in playing with puzzles with caregiver. Due to the timing of the visit, school-age children were not present. I also observed lunch. Lunch consisted of spaghetti o’s, franks or corn dogs, baked beans, blueberries, and milk. After lunch, children completed handwashing and bathroom routines and had nap/rest time. Lights were off, covered mats with blankets were appropriately spaced, and soft music played making the area conducive to nap time. Staff/child ration were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were five violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Sand needs to be tilled in area where dome and swings are located. Remove grass from surfacing area. Anchors/bolts protruding on metal cars and missing pedals on tricycle ride need to be removed, replaced, or repaired as they are hazards. All toys/equipment that is not in good repair should be removed. Some playground equipment has rust on it. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Baby room air freshener and Clorox disinfectant spray was located in the bathroom for space #2 and #3. .2820(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed/revised annually. The EPR plan was last updated in October 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. This information was not updated and on file for all staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1897 All staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Myrtle Henry started employment in June 2023 and has not completed this required training. .1102(g) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before December 14, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance letter must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Comments regarding violations cited: EPR Plan must be updated at least once per year. Your EPR plan was last updated in October 2022. I would suggest you review your EPR plan with staff when you update it annually. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1703(b) must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. New staff who have been hired for more than 90 days have not completed this required training. Myrtle Henry was hired in June 2023 and has not completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. This form was emailed to you to be completed by all staff to verify completion of these required trainings. Health and Safety trainings will be monitored for compliance during you next visit. Staff Records - All staff must have a staff development plan and an evaluation annually. Staff should also have a signed statement on file verifying they have received a copy of the Operational and Personnel policies for your facility. Orientation must be completed when new staff is employed and within the required timeframe for all new staff on updated form. Ensure staff’s medical information, including medical statement/physical, TB skin test results, and health questionnaire form are stored separately from other staff information. Children’s Records – Ensure “no smoking” policy is on file for all children. Checklists are available for staff records and children's records on the website; you should use these forms to ensure all required information is on file for staff and children in a timely manner. Outdoor play area – Sand needs to be tilled in area where dome and swings are located. Remove grass from surfacing area. Anchors/bolts protruding on metal cars and missing pedals on tricycle ride need to be removed, replaced, or repaired as they are hazards. All toys/equipment that is not in good repair should be removed. Some playground equipment contained rust. I spoke with Ms. Henry regarding the rust on the equipment and she stated areas will be painted. Items in aerosol dispensing cans must be kept in locked storage. Aerosol cans are dangerous because of the unusual mix of substances stored under pressure inside the metal canister. Even if the active ingredient is not a hazardous chemical (eg, food products) the can is still capable of exploding or turning into a dangerous projectile. Other Information Rated License Reassessment - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due June 2025. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 3.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact Smart Start of Pender County for assistance. I am also available to assist you upon request. Rules - Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. Licensing Fees - There have been changes to the 2023 licensing fees this year. License fee collection has moved to December 2023. •All invoices will be emailed, and no paper copies will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. •All invoices will be emailed by December 1, 2023, and will include the invoice number and total amount due. •All payments are due no later than December 31, 2023 Payments must be submitted online only through the Division’s website using a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by e-check. Providers will need their Facility ID number and their 2023 Invoice number to complete the payment process. Annual license fees do not apply to state or public-school operated child care facilities, or to religious sponsored facilities operated pursuant to a Notice of Compliance. Failure to pay the license fee is a violation of NCGS § 110-90(1a) and can result in a revocation of your child care license. In addition, unpaid license fees will be assessed a 10% late fee and accrued interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov At the end of this visit, a one page visit summary completed and signed by Ms. Henry; all information, including violations, were reviewed and discussed. Due to internet issues, documentation was not completed on site. Reminder: According to your fire drill report, your facility has not completed a fire drill for this month; therefore a fire drill must be conducted and recorded today to maintain compliance. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Continue to contact me with any questions or concerns at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov and/or(910)824-1143. 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/30/2023 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 11/30/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, and meets enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance with rated license visit was conducted at this facility on December 6, 2022. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 82%. 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. Fire Inspection – 09/19/2023 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 04/13/2023 – 7 Demerits – Superior When I arrived, Administrator, Sharon Henry was not present; she arrived approximately 15 minutes into the visit and was available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. There are forty children enrolled and seventeen children, ages 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. A variety of age appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Infant and one year old children in space #3 received care based on their individual needs. There were six present – one was observed asleep in their crib, one was observed asleep on a covered cot with a blanket, and four were sitting in feeding chairs/high chair preparing to eat. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Toddlers in space #2 were observed participating in free choice activities. As the children played with blocks, the caregiver would say the color of the block and have the children repeat the color. Preschool children in spaces #1 were engaged in playing with puzzles with caregiver. Due to the timing of the visit, school-age children were not present. I also observed lunch. Lunch consisted of spaghetti o’s, franks or corn dogs, baked beans, blueberries, and milk. After lunch, children completed handwashing and bathroom routines and had nap/rest time. Lights were off, covered mats with blankets were appropriately spaced, and soft music played making the area conducive to nap time. Staff/child ration were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were five violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Sand needs to be tilled in area where dome and swings are located. Remove grass from surfacing area. Anchors/bolts protruding on metal cars and missing pedals on tricycle ride need to be removed, replaced, or repaired as they are hazards. All toys/equipment that is not in good repair should be removed. Some playground equipment has rust on it. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Baby room air freshener and Clorox disinfectant spray was located in the bathroom for space #2 and #3. .2820(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed/revised annually. The EPR plan was last updated in October 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. This information was not updated and on file for all staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1897 All staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Myrtle Henry started employment in June 2023 and has not completed this required training. .1102(g) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before December 14, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance letter must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Comments regarding violations cited: EPR Plan must be updated at least once per year. Your EPR plan was last updated in October 2022. I would suggest you review your EPR plan with staff when you update it annually. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1703(b) must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. New staff who have been hired for more than 90 days have not completed this required training. Myrtle Henry was hired in June 2023 and has not completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. This form was emailed to you to be completed by all staff to verify completion of these required trainings. Health and Safety trainings will be monitored for compliance during you next visit. Staff Records - All staff must have a staff development plan and an evaluation annually. Staff should also have a signed statement on file verifying they have received a copy of the Operational and Personnel policies for your facility. Orientation must be completed when new staff is employed and within the required timeframe for all new staff on updated form. Ensure staff’s medical information, including medical statement/physical, TB skin test results, and health questionnaire form are stored separately from other staff information. Children’s Records – Ensure “no smoking” policy is on file for all children. Checklists are available for staff records and children's records on the website; you should use these forms to ensure all required information is on file for staff and children in a timely manner. Outdoor play area – Sand needs to be tilled in area where dome and swings are located. Remove grass from surfacing area. Anchors/bolts protruding on metal cars and missing pedals on tricycle ride need to be removed, replaced, or repaired as they are hazards. All toys/equipment that is not in good repair should be removed. Some playground equipment contained rust. I spoke with Ms. Henry regarding the rust on the equipment and she stated areas will be painted. Items in aerosol dispensing cans must be kept in locked storage. Aerosol cans are dangerous because of the unusual mix of substances stored under pressure inside the metal canister. Even if the active ingredient is not a hazardous chemical (eg, food products) the can is still capable of exploding or turning into a dangerous projectile. Other Information Rated License Reassessment - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due June 2025. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 3.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact Smart Start of Pender County for assistance. I am also available to assist you upon request. Rules - Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. Licensing Fees - There have been changes to the 2023 licensing fees this year. License fee collection has moved to December 2023. •All invoices will be emailed, and no paper copies will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. •All invoices will be emailed by December 1, 2023, and will include the invoice number and total amount due. •All payments are due no later than December 31, 2023 Payments must be submitted online only through the Division’s website using a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by e-check. Providers will need their Facility ID number and their 2023 Invoice number to complete the payment process. Annual license fees do not apply to state or public-school operated child care facilities, or to religious sponsored facilities operated pursuant to a Notice of Compliance. Failure to pay the license fee is a violation of NCGS § 110-90(1a) and can result in a revocation of your child care license. In addition, unpaid license fees will be assessed a 10% late fee and accrued interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov At the end of this visit, a one page visit summary completed and signed by Ms. Henry; all information, including violations, were reviewed and discussed. Due to internet issues, documentation was not completed on site. Reminder: According to your fire drill report, your facility has not completed a fire drill for this month; therefore a fire drill must be conducted and recorded today to maintain compliance. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Continue to contact me with any questions or concerns at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov and/or(910)824-1143. 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: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/30/2023 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 11/30/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, and meets enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance with rated license visit was conducted at this facility on December 6, 2022. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 82%. 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. Fire Inspection – 09/19/2023 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 04/13/2023 – 7 Demerits – Superior When I arrived, Administrator, Sharon Henry was not present; she arrived approximately 15 minutes into the visit and was available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. There are forty children enrolled and seventeen children, ages 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. A variety of age appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Infant and one year old children in space #3 received care based on their individual needs. There were six present – one was observed asleep in their crib, one was observed asleep on a covered cot with a blanket, and four were sitting in feeding chairs/high chair preparing to eat. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Toddlers in space #2 were observed participating in free choice activities. As the children played with blocks, the caregiver would say the color of the block and have the children repeat the color. Preschool children in spaces #1 were engaged in playing with puzzles with caregiver. Due to the timing of the visit, school-age children were not present. I also observed lunch. Lunch consisted of spaghetti o’s, franks or corn dogs, baked beans, blueberries, and milk. After lunch, children completed handwashing and bathroom routines and had nap/rest time. Lights were off, covered mats with blankets were appropriately spaced, and soft music played making the area conducive to nap time. Staff/child ration were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were five violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Sand needs to be tilled in area where dome and swings are located. Remove grass from surfacing area. Anchors/bolts protruding on metal cars and missing pedals on tricycle ride need to be removed, replaced, or repaired as they are hazards. All toys/equipment that is not in good repair should be removed. Some playground equipment has rust on it. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Baby room air freshener and Clorox disinfectant spray was located in the bathroom for space #2 and #3. .2820(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed/revised annually. The EPR plan was last updated in October 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. This information was not updated and on file for all staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1897 All staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Myrtle Henry started employment in June 2023 and has not completed this required training. .1102(g) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before December 14, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance letter must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Comments regarding violations cited: EPR Plan must be updated at least once per year. Your EPR plan was last updated in October 2022. I would suggest you review your EPR plan with staff when you update it annually. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1703(b) must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. New staff who have been hired for more than 90 days have not completed this required training. Myrtle Henry was hired in June 2023 and has not completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. This form was emailed to you to be completed by all staff to verify completion of these required trainings. Health and Safety trainings will be monitored for compliance during you next visit. Staff Records - All staff must have a staff development plan and an evaluation annually. Staff should also have a signed statement on file verifying they have received a copy of the Operational and Personnel policies for your facility. Orientation must be completed when new staff is employed and within the required timeframe for all new staff on updated form. Ensure staff’s medical information, including medical statement/physical, TB skin test results, and health questionnaire form are stored separately from other staff information. Children’s Records – Ensure “no smoking” policy is on file for all children. Checklists are available for staff records and children's records on the website; you should use these forms to ensure all required information is on file for staff and children in a timely manner. Outdoor play area – Sand needs to be tilled in area where dome and swings are located. Remove grass from surfacing area. Anchors/bolts protruding on metal cars and missing pedals on tricycle ride need to be removed, replaced, or repaired as they are hazards. All toys/equipment that is not in good repair should be removed. Some playground equipment contained rust. I spoke with Ms. Henry regarding the rust on the equipment and she stated areas will be painted. Items in aerosol dispensing cans must be kept in locked storage. Aerosol cans are dangerous because of the unusual mix of substances stored under pressure inside the metal canister. Even if the active ingredient is not a hazardous chemical (eg, food products) the can is still capable of exploding or turning into a dangerous projectile. Other Information Rated License Reassessment - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due June 2025. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 3.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact Smart Start of Pender County for assistance. I am also available to assist you upon request. Rules - Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. Licensing Fees - There have been changes to the 2023 licensing fees this year. License fee collection has moved to December 2023. •All invoices will be emailed, and no paper copies will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. •All invoices will be emailed by December 1, 2023, and will include the invoice number and total amount due. •All payments are due no later than December 31, 2023 Payments must be submitted online only through the Division’s website using a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by e-check. Providers will need their Facility ID number and their 2023 Invoice number to complete the payment process. Annual license fees do not apply to state or public-school operated child care facilities, or to religious sponsored facilities operated pursuant to a Notice of Compliance. Failure to pay the license fee is a violation of NCGS § 110-90(1a) and can result in a revocation of your child care license. In addition, unpaid license fees will be assessed a 10% late fee and accrued interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov At the end of this visit, a one page visit summary completed and signed by Ms. Henry; all information, including violations, were reviewed and discussed. Due to internet issues, documentation was not completed on site. Reminder: According to your fire drill report, your facility has not completed a fire drill for this month; therefore a fire drill must be conducted and recorded today to maintain compliance. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Continue to contact me with any questions or concerns at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov and/or(910)824-1143. 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 .1703 · Violation

Name of Operation: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/30/2023 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 11/30/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, and meets enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance with rated license visit was conducted at this facility on December 6, 2022. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 82%. 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. Fire Inspection – 09/19/2023 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 04/13/2023 – 7 Demerits – Superior When I arrived, Administrator, Sharon Henry was not present; she arrived approximately 15 minutes into the visit and was available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. There are forty children enrolled and seventeen children, ages 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. A variety of age appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Infant and one year old children in space #3 received care based on their individual needs. There were six present – one was observed asleep in their crib, one was observed asleep on a covered cot with a blanket, and four were sitting in feeding chairs/high chair preparing to eat. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Toddlers in space #2 were observed participating in free choice activities. As the children played with blocks, the caregiver would say the color of the block and have the children repeat the color. Preschool children in spaces #1 were engaged in playing with puzzles with caregiver. Due to the timing of the visit, school-age children were not present. I also observed lunch. Lunch consisted of spaghetti o’s, franks or corn dogs, baked beans, blueberries, and milk. After lunch, children completed handwashing and bathroom routines and had nap/rest time. Lights were off, covered mats with blankets were appropriately spaced, and soft music played making the area conducive to nap time. Staff/child ration were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were five violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Sand needs to be tilled in area where dome and swings are located. Remove grass from surfacing area. Anchors/bolts protruding on metal cars and missing pedals on tricycle ride need to be removed, replaced, or repaired as they are hazards. All toys/equipment that is not in good repair should be removed. Some playground equipment has rust on it. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Baby room air freshener and Clorox disinfectant spray was located in the bathroom for space #2 and #3. .2820(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed/revised annually. The EPR plan was last updated in October 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. This information was not updated and on file for all staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1897 All staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Myrtle Henry started employment in June 2023 and has not completed this required training. .1102(g) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before December 14, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance letter must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Comments regarding violations cited: EPR Plan must be updated at least once per year. Your EPR plan was last updated in October 2022. I would suggest you review your EPR plan with staff when you update it annually. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1703(b) must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. New staff who have been hired for more than 90 days have not completed this required training. Myrtle Henry was hired in June 2023 and has not completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. This form was emailed to you to be completed by all staff to verify completion of these required trainings. Health and Safety trainings will be monitored for compliance during you next visit. Staff Records - All staff must have a staff development plan and an evaluation annually. Staff should also have a signed statement on file verifying they have received a copy of the Operational and Personnel policies for your facility. Orientation must be completed when new staff is employed and within the required timeframe for all new staff on updated form. Ensure staff’s medical information, including medical statement/physical, TB skin test results, and health questionnaire form are stored separately from other staff information. Children’s Records – Ensure “no smoking” policy is on file for all children. Checklists are available for staff records and children's records on the website; you should use these forms to ensure all required information is on file for staff and children in a timely manner. Outdoor play area – Sand needs to be tilled in area where dome and swings are located. Remove grass from surfacing area. Anchors/bolts protruding on metal cars and missing pedals on tricycle ride need to be removed, replaced, or repaired as they are hazards. All toys/equipment that is not in good repair should be removed. Some playground equipment contained rust. I spoke with Ms. Henry regarding the rust on the equipment and she stated areas will be painted. Items in aerosol dispensing cans must be kept in locked storage. Aerosol cans are dangerous because of the unusual mix of substances stored under pressure inside the metal canister. Even if the active ingredient is not a hazardous chemical (eg, food products) the can is still capable of exploding or turning into a dangerous projectile. Other Information Rated License Reassessment - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due June 2025. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 3.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact Smart Start of Pender County for assistance. I am also available to assist you upon request. Rules - Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. Licensing Fees - There have been changes to the 2023 licensing fees this year. License fee collection has moved to December 2023. •All invoices will be emailed, and no paper copies will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. •All invoices will be emailed by December 1, 2023, and will include the invoice number and total amount due. •All payments are due no later than December 31, 2023 Payments must be submitted online only through the Division’s website using a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by e-check. Providers will need their Facility ID number and their 2023 Invoice number to complete the payment process. Annual license fees do not apply to state or public-school operated child care facilities, or to religious sponsored facilities operated pursuant to a Notice of Compliance. Failure to pay the license fee is a violation of NCGS § 110-90(1a) and can result in a revocation of your child care license. In addition, unpaid license fees will be assessed a 10% late fee and accrued interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov At the end of this visit, a one page visit summary completed and signed by Ms. Henry; all information, including violations, were reviewed and discussed. Due to internet issues, documentation was not completed on site. Reminder: According to your fire drill report, your facility has not completed a fire drill for this month; therefore a fire drill must be conducted and recorded today to maintain compliance. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Continue to contact me with any questions or concerns at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov and/or(910)824-1143. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: DYAMOND'S EDUCATIONAL LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 71000260 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/30/2023 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 11/30/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The program currently operates with a 4 Star License, issued June 22, 2022, earning 7 points in Education, 2 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 38 for first and second shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, and meets enhanced space and ratios. The last annual compliance with rated license visit was conducted at this facility on December 6, 2022. As of today, your facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 82%. 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. Fire Inspection – 09/19/2023 - PASS Sanitation Inspection – 04/13/2023 – 7 Demerits – Superior When I arrived, Administrator, Sharon Henry was not present; she arrived approximately 15 minutes into the visit and was available for consultation. I completed a walkthrough of the facility. There are forty children enrolled and seventeen children, ages 0-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; ensure materials and activities support the theme on the activity plan. A variety of age appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Infant and one year old children in space #3 received care based on their individual needs. There were six present – one was observed asleep in their crib, one was observed asleep on a covered cot with a blanket, and four were sitting in feeding chairs/high chair preparing to eat. Infant feeding schedules and safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance. Toddlers in space #2 were observed participating in free choice activities. As the children played with blocks, the caregiver would say the color of the block and have the children repeat the color. Preschool children in spaces #1 were engaged in playing with puzzles with caregiver. Due to the timing of the visit, school-age children were not present. I also observed lunch. Lunch consisted of spaghetti o’s, franks or corn dogs, baked beans, blueberries, and milk. After lunch, children completed handwashing and bathroom routines and had nap/rest time. Lights were off, covered mats with blankets were appropriately spaced, and soft music played making the area conducive to nap time. Staff/child ration were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were five violations observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Sand needs to be tilled in area where dome and swings are located. Remove grass from surfacing area. Anchors/bolts protruding on metal cars and missing pedals on tricycle ride need to be removed, replaced, or repaired as they are hazards. All toys/equipment that is not in good repair should be removed. Some playground equipment has rust on it. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Baby room air freshener and Clorox disinfectant spray was located in the bathroom for space #2 and #3. .2820(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed/revised annually. The EPR plan was last updated in October 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. This information was not updated and on file for all staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1897 All staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Myrtle Henry started employment in June 2023 and has not completed this required training. .1102(g) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before December 14, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance letter must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Comments regarding violations cited: EPR Plan must be updated at least once per year. Your EPR plan was last updated in October 2022. I would suggest you review your EPR plan with staff when you update it annually. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1703(b) must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. New staff who have been hired for more than 90 days have not completed this required training. Myrtle Henry was hired in June 2023 and has not completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. This form was emailed to you to be completed by all staff to verify completion of these required trainings. Health and Safety trainings will be monitored for compliance during you next visit. Staff Records - All staff must have a staff development plan and an evaluation annually. Staff should also have a signed statement on file verifying they have received a copy of the Operational and Personnel policies for your facility. Orientation must be completed when new staff is employed and within the required timeframe for all new staff on updated form. Ensure staff’s medical information, including medical statement/physical, TB skin test results, and health questionnaire form are stored separately from other staff information. Children’s Records – Ensure “no smoking” policy is on file for all children. Checklists are available for staff records and children's records on the website; you should use these forms to ensure all required information is on file for staff and children in a timely manner. Outdoor play area – Sand needs to be tilled in area where dome and swings are located. Remove grass from surfacing area. Anchors/bolts protruding on metal cars and missing pedals on tricycle ride need to be removed, replaced, or repaired as they are hazards. All toys/equipment that is not in good repair should be removed. Some playground equipment contained rust. I spoke with Ms. Henry regarding the rust on the equipment and she stated areas will be painted. Items in aerosol dispensing cans must be kept in locked storage. Aerosol cans are dangerous because of the unusual mix of substances stored under pressure inside the metal canister. Even if the active ingredient is not a hazardous chemical (eg, food products) the can is still capable of exploding or turning into a dangerous projectile. Other Information Rated License Reassessment - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment is due June 2025. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 3.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact Smart Start of Pender County for assistance. I am also available to assist you upon request. Rules - Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. Licensing Fees - There have been changes to the 2023 licensing fees this year. License fee collection has moved to December 2023. •All invoices will be emailed, and no paper copies will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. •All invoices will be emailed by December 1, 2023, and will include the invoice number and total amount due. •All payments are due no later than December 31, 2023 Payments must be submitted online only through the Division’s website using a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by e-check. Providers will need their Facility ID number and their 2023 Invoice number to complete the payment process. Annual license fees do not apply to state or public-school operated child care facilities, or to religious sponsored facilities operated pursuant to a Notice of Compliance. Failure to pay the license fee is a violation of NCGS § 110-90(1a) and can result in a revocation of your child care license. In addition, unpaid license fees will be assessed a 10% late fee and accrued interest as established by NCGS § 147-86.23. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov At the end of this visit, a one page visit summary completed and signed by Ms. Henry; all information, including violations, were reviewed and discussed. Due to internet issues, documentation was not completed on site. Reminder: According to your fire drill report, your facility has not completed a fire drill for this month; therefore a fire drill must be conducted and recorded today to maintain compliance. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Continue to contact me with any questions or concerns at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov and/or(910)824-1143. 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