GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HEARTS CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 43000623 Consultant: MICHELE REMINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/12/2023 Number Present: 3 Completed Date: 7/12/2023 Age: From 0 To 2 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor your center for meeting applicable child care requirements during your Temporary License period. During today’s visit the following items were monitored for compliance: supervision, ratios, CPR/FA training, Criminal Background Checks, storage of hazardous substances, and medications, use of approved/adequate space, children’s and program records, license, and permit restrictions. The last fire drill was on 06/23/2023 with an evacuation time of seven (7) minutes. We discussed the length of the evacuation time and you stated that was the time from sounding the alarm, pushing the evacuation crib across the yard and out the gate, you ended the time when everyone was at the meeting spot. The last outdoor inspection was completed by PM on 06/12/2023. Daily schedules were posted in each classroom, a weekly activity plan for infants was posted however it was not dated. A weekly activity plan for space #2 was not available. A weekly menu was posted, the children in care supply their own food. When I arrived, the children were waking up from rest time. The 2 yr. old cane the door with you since you are the teacher in this room. One infant was being held and read a story; a second infant was waking up in the crib. Both infants were held, given floor time, and materials were accessible to them. The two yr. old participated in free choice activities with the staff member. During the visit you and the staff in the infant room switched classroom and you played on the floor with the infants. All children and staff went outside during the visit. Staff engaged in activities and conversations with each child during the visit. . One (1) violation of child care requirements were cited today. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan in space #3 did not have a date, an activity plan for space #2 was not available. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) COMPLIANCE LETTER: The violations documented during today's assessment were reviewed with the operator and must be corrected IMMEDIATELY. Evidence of correction must be received no later than 07/20/2023., this is less than two weeks because any violations must be corrected prior to a rated license being processed. Compliance verification may be sent via email to michele.remington@dhhs.nc.gov. Compliance verification may be sent via postal mail to PO Box 701 Benson, NC 27504. Please include statements addressing how and when the violations were corrected. The compliance letter must also include a plan that ensures that the center will maintain compliance with documented violations. Please include the facility's ID number and the operator's signature on the letter of compliance. The staff:child ratios were posted in each classroom. The maximum number of children will be the lowest number allowed either based on maximum group size or the capacity of the classroom. The classroom capacity for each space is less than the maximum group size. Please update the maximum number of children to reflect the following: Space #1 – 8 Space #2 – 11 Space #3 – 8 Space #4 – NA – now staff lounge Space #5 – 7 RATED LICENSE ASSESSMENT: a rated license application and quality point form were completed today. A rated license will be processed by 07/21/2023, the temporary license expires on 08/10/2023. Details were reviewed last week during a courtesy visit. Today you stated you have two staff that should start soon, you are waiting for background checks to come back. I will need to verify staff information and WORKS. Based on the two names you provided today, neither have a WORKS account or criminal background check account. No one can work in child care without a background check/qualifying letter. Without education information in WORKS neither will increase the education points on the rated license. You will need to submit a staff & training worksheet to me with new staff listed by 07/20/2023. Program Points- 2 Education Points – 2 based on current staff information. Quality point – 1 Total: 5 points = 2 star rated license. This may increase with new staff information. As discussed, staff need at least EDU 119 (or equivalency) to get to four (4) points in Education. You need to have at least four (4) points in Education to get to three (3) stars. If a rated license is issued and you become eligible for higher stars you will need to contact your child care consultant and request a rated license evaluation and if eligible a higher star rated license will be issued. You understand that to continue to receive DSS funds you must have a three star or higher rated license. DSS will remove any children on vouchers 45 days after a 1-2 star license is issued. Once I receive the star rated license, I will transfer your file to Mashekia Raines. I will notify you of her contact information prior to the transfer. You are working in a classroom and the administrator, as Administrator you are required to spend 25 hrs. per week on administrative duties outside the classroom. As a lead teacher you are required to be in the classroom 75% of the operating day. The program is open from 6:00 am – 6:00pm. Based on a review of daily sign in/out sheets children are in care from approximately 6:15 am – 5:00 pm. which requires you to be in the classroom for eight (8) hrs. per day. You will need to send me written verification of the hours you are in the classroom (total 40 per week) and the hours you are performing administrative duties (25 per week). ANNUAL COMPLIANCE VISIT: Your center will be due for an annual compliance visit prior to 02/10/2024. Additional visits may be conducted by the Child Care Consultant prior to then. In mid-December complete the staff and training worksheet. You will need to have an annual fire inspection by 01/25/2024. An annual sanitation inspection will be due by 06/11/2024. The sanitation and fire inspections must be mailed to your consultant within 7 days. You may access these forms on the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. ON-GOING TRAINING: Training hours will be monitored for compliance during your annual compliance visit. Training hours are required to be recorded on the on-going training log with certificates attached to the log for verification. This information will be reviewed by the child care consultant during the annual compline visit. HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING: All staff must complete Health & Safety training topics within one (1) year of hire. After initial completion all topic areas must be completed every five years. A training log is available on the DCDEE website. This training information will be reviewed by a DCDEE consultant during a routine unannounced/technical assistance or courtesy visit. Annually you must review the EPR plan online and print the review form for your records. You must review the EPR plan and the EMC plan with all staff on an annual basis. I recommend doing this in the fall each year prior to the annual compliance visit. GENERAL INFORMATION: The facility email and phone number were verified during today’s visit. If you have any changes to your phone number, email or mailing address, please update me so I can make changes in Regulatory. This information is what DCDEE uses on the Search for Childcare site, it is also the only way DCDEE communities with you. 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. I encourage you to review DCDEE training modules, and to check your email for any additional information or updates. You will need to have an NCID which is the same NCID that you use for Health and Safety training, WORKS login, and the CBC Portal- to view Moodle training. For the most up to date information, copies of sample forms, and copies of the child care requirements, updates to rules/laws you were encouraged to periodically visit the Division's website and click on the What’s New tab at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov Call me at (919) 819-9355 or email me at michele.remington@dhhs.nc.gov with any questions. You may also contact Teraesa Leak, Licensing Supervisor at Teraesa.leak@dhhs.nc.gov or 919-971-7765. 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