Branches Community School

10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/4/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 3/4/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the owner/director greeted me. The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements for your Annual Compliance visit. Rated License reassessment was included in today’s visit. The last Annual Compliance visit was conducted on 3/11/25. This center operates with a five-star license, which was issued 6/7/24. The license was re-issued on 4/7/25 to reflect a capacity change CORPORATION STATUS: According to the NC Secretary of State web site, the corporation status of Branches Education LLC is “current-active”. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 85%. During today’s visit all indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored. OBSERVATIONS: During today’s visit I observed the children enjoying the outdoor environment and engaged in a variety of indoor free play activities. I observed the toddlers eating a morning snack of gold fish crackers, cantaloupe, and bananas. The children at this center bring their lunches from home. I observed additional food to supplement the lunches, if needed. Current activity plans and staff/child ratio information were posted in each classroom. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Ten children’s records were reviewed today. STAFF RECORDS: Staff files were reviewed today. Yearly in-service training hour requirements were tallied during the visit for all trainings completed after the 3/11/25 Annual Compliance visit. TRANSPORTATION: During today’s visit the Ford Transit van with license #LMS-1785 was monitored for transportation requirements. INCIDENT LOG: The incident log was reviewed during the visit. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 10/29/25. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/15/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 2/16/26. The last documented lockdown drill was conducted on 12/16/25. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 2/16/26. The last documented water testing for Clean Water for NC Kids was completed on 1/11/24. The center completed Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids on 5/2/24. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. (1) One staff person needed an additional 9.5 hours of in-service training to meet her yearly requirement. (2) Another staff needed an additional 5 hours of in-service training to meet his yearly requirement. .1103(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff needed an updated annual evaluation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1313 Emergency information did not include name, address, and telephone number of parent or other emergency contact person. One child needed emergency information on file. .0802(c)(1) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff needed to take Recognizing and Responding to Child Maltreatment again to complete the every five-year Health and Safety training requirement. .1103(b) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. One child needed the signed form on file. .0608(b)(1-6) 9999 During today's visit the direct exit for the children in classroom space #4 was closed off with a gate. This is a violation of NC Fire Code. All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 3/18/26, stating how each violation has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: CLASSROOM SPACE #4: During today’s visit the toddlers in classroom space #3 were eating snack in classroom space #4. The owner/director stated that classroom space #4 was used as the cafeteria for the children in classroom space #3. The owner/director stated that the books and toys in classroom space #4 were carried to classroom space #3 for the children to play. NC FIRE CODE: Classroom space #4 adjoined the kitchen area. The owner/director stated that the toddlers in classroom space #3 would use the direct exit from the kitchen area in case of fire. Today I observed that a mesh fence separated classroom space #4 from the kitchen area. The fencing would need to be opened to access the direct exit. I stated that a solution could be to re-position the fencing so the direct exit would not be blocked. SCHOOL AGE CARE: Today the owner/director discussed a plan for adding school age care for afterschool and on public school Teacher Work Days. The owner/director wants to use the upstairs office area: The following was discussed today: • The owner/director will contact Durham Fire Inspections to inquire about options for obtaining approval to use the upstairs space, such as having the building sprinkled. • With a successful plan from Durham Fire Inspections, the owner/director will reach out to Durham County Environment Health and Durham Building Inspections, about adding a bathroom on the second floor. • The owner/director stated that if the two above options did not work out, she may explore obtaining another building for licensure for school age care. CMS PROVIDER PORTAL North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. The provider will have access to see background check status for all employees and add/delete applicants on their roster. Access to the ABCMS Provider Portal is granted by the DCDEE Criminal Record Check Unit after completing the required Moodle training and submitting the signed form available at the conclusion of the training. NC child care providers must obtain access to the ABCMS Provider Portal to meet the requirement to record new employees within five days of hire, in accordance with NC Child Care Rules. The Division no longer recognizes or accepts the Change of Information form. RATED LICENSE: On 1/21/26 I received a signed conversion form from the administrator stating that this center would use Pathway II for star-rated license reassessment. During today’s visit we reviewed the requirements to achieve a five-star license with Pathway 11. We discussed the plans for two staff to complete Education 119 and register in the WORKS database. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES: Visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ often. Click on the “What’s New” tab for new requirements and updates. CONTACT INFORMATION: Please contact me if I can be of any assistance to you. I can be reached at toni.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov or (919) 819-9366. You can also reach out to the licensing supervisor, Holli Hemby, at holli.hemby@dhhs.nc.gov or (919) 819-9363. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/15/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the assistant director greeted me. The director arrives shortly after the visit began. The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. This center operates with a five-star license. The license was re-issued on 4/7/25 to increase center capacity, in accordance with changes in Durham County Zoning requirements. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 84%. CORPORATION STATUS: According to the NC Secretary of State web site, the status of Branches Education LLC is “current-active”. During today’s visit all indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored. OBSERVATIONS: I observed one class of children eating snack at the picnic tables on the back deck of the center. I observed a portion of the infant/toddler class having tummy time. The teacher stated that the other 4 infant/toddlers present today were on a walking trip around the neighborhood with two teachers. One classroom of children was enjoying the outdoor environment. The children at this center bring their lunches from home. I checked the temperature in the refrigerator and checked two lunchboxes. Both lunches met the NC Child Care Nutrition requirements. I also observed food items that could be used to supplement lunches if needed. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Children’s records were not reviewed today. STAFF RECORDS: I verified that five staff had completed updated CPR/First Aid training on 3/24/25. I reviewed the file for the staff person, who began employment on 8/27/25. I verified that all staff have current Criminal Record Check clearance on file, to include the two therapists that work with children at this center. TRANSPORTATION: This program does not offer transportation services. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 6/14/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/15/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 9/18/25. The last documented shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 9/19/25. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 9/23/25. The last documented water testing for Clean Water for NC Kids was completed on 1/11/24. The center completed Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids on 5/2/24. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last annual fire inspection was completed on 6/14/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The permit on the license reads "Children in care on ground level only". Upon arrival there was a child working with a therapist on the upstairs level of the center. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. There was no documentation that the staff person, who began employment on 8/27/25 had received new staff orientation. .1101(a) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 10/29/25, stating how each violation has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: FIRE INSPECTION: The director was aware that the fire inspection was past due. She stated that the center had been in the process of changing to a different fire alarm contractor. The director stated that the change had been completed, and she would call Durham Fire Inspections for an inspection. THERAPY: During today’s visit we discussed locations on the ground level that would work for individual therapy. RATED LICENSE: I regret that you were unable to attend the training on 9/18/25 on the new QRIS, star-rated license process. After the training, I emailed all the operator who had not attended to inform them that all the information shared during the training was on the DCDEE website, under the “What’s New” tab, QRIS Modernization. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization During today’s visit the director stated that she had read the information on the website. During today’s visit I answered her questions about the three pathways. Regarding Pathway 1, I stated that free webinars were offered on the ECERS-3 and ITERS-3 through the NC Rated License Assessment Project. www.ncrlap.org. I stated that the webinars could be used to meet yearly in-service training hour requirements. Since the director was interested in Pathway 3, based on having experience in accreditation in another state, I explained that if she selected Pathway 3, she needed to begin the accreditation process immediately. During today’s visit we talked about the staff/child ratio and space requirements for a five-star license through Pathway 1 and Pathway 2. I asked the director to contact me with any additional questions. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES: Visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ often. Click on the “What’s New” tab for new requirements and updates. CONTACT INFORMATION: Please contact me if I can be of any assistance to you. I can be reached at toni.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov or (919) 819-9366. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-106 · Violation

Name of Operation: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/15/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the assistant director greeted me. The director arrives shortly after the visit began. The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. This center operates with a five-star license. The license was re-issued on 4/7/25 to increase center capacity, in accordance with changes in Durham County Zoning requirements. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 84%. CORPORATION STATUS: According to the NC Secretary of State web site, the status of Branches Education LLC is “current-active”. During today’s visit all indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored. OBSERVATIONS: I observed one class of children eating snack at the picnic tables on the back deck of the center. I observed a portion of the infant/toddler class having tummy time. The teacher stated that the other 4 infant/toddlers present today were on a walking trip around the neighborhood with two teachers. One classroom of children was enjoying the outdoor environment. The children at this center bring their lunches from home. I checked the temperature in the refrigerator and checked two lunchboxes. Both lunches met the NC Child Care Nutrition requirements. I also observed food items that could be used to supplement lunches if needed. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Children’s records were not reviewed today. STAFF RECORDS: I verified that five staff had completed updated CPR/First Aid training on 3/24/25. I reviewed the file for the staff person, who began employment on 8/27/25. I verified that all staff have current Criminal Record Check clearance on file, to include the two therapists that work with children at this center. TRANSPORTATION: This program does not offer transportation services. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 6/14/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/15/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 9/18/25. The last documented shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 9/19/25. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 9/23/25. The last documented water testing for Clean Water for NC Kids was completed on 1/11/24. The center completed Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids on 5/2/24. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last annual fire inspection was completed on 6/14/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The permit on the license reads "Children in care on ground level only". Upon arrival there was a child working with a therapist on the upstairs level of the center. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. There was no documentation that the staff person, who began employment on 8/27/25 had received new staff orientation. .1101(a) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 10/29/25, stating how each violation has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: FIRE INSPECTION: The director was aware that the fire inspection was past due. She stated that the center had been in the process of changing to a different fire alarm contractor. The director stated that the change had been completed, and she would call Durham Fire Inspections for an inspection. THERAPY: During today’s visit we discussed locations on the ground level that would work for individual therapy. RATED LICENSE: I regret that you were unable to attend the training on 9/18/25 on the new QRIS, star-rated license process. After the training, I emailed all the operator who had not attended to inform them that all the information shared during the training was on the DCDEE website, under the “What’s New” tab, QRIS Modernization. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization During today’s visit the director stated that she had read the information on the website. During today’s visit I answered her questions about the three pathways. Regarding Pathway 1, I stated that free webinars were offered on the ECERS-3 and ITERS-3 through the NC Rated License Assessment Project. www.ncrlap.org. I stated that the webinars could be used to meet yearly in-service training hour requirements. Since the director was interested in Pathway 3, based on having experience in accreditation in another state, I explained that if she selected Pathway 3, she needed to begin the accreditation process immediately. During today’s visit we talked about the staff/child ratio and space requirements for a five-star license through Pathway 1 and Pathway 2. I asked the director to contact me with any additional questions. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES: Visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ often. Click on the “What’s New” tab for new requirements and updates. CONTACT INFORMATION: Please contact me if I can be of any assistance to you. I can be reached at toni.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov or (919) 819-9366. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/15/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 10/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the assistant director greeted me. The director arrives shortly after the visit began. The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. This center operates with a five-star license. The license was re-issued on 4/7/25 to increase center capacity, in accordance with changes in Durham County Zoning requirements. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 84%. CORPORATION STATUS: According to the NC Secretary of State web site, the status of Branches Education LLC is “current-active”. During today’s visit all indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored. OBSERVATIONS: I observed one class of children eating snack at the picnic tables on the back deck of the center. I observed a portion of the infant/toddler class having tummy time. The teacher stated that the other 4 infant/toddlers present today were on a walking trip around the neighborhood with two teachers. One classroom of children was enjoying the outdoor environment. The children at this center bring their lunches from home. I checked the temperature in the refrigerator and checked two lunchboxes. Both lunches met the NC Child Care Nutrition requirements. I also observed food items that could be used to supplement lunches if needed. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Children’s records were not reviewed today. STAFF RECORDS: I verified that five staff had completed updated CPR/First Aid training on 3/24/25. I reviewed the file for the staff person, who began employment on 8/27/25. I verified that all staff have current Criminal Record Check clearance on file, to include the two therapists that work with children at this center. TRANSPORTATION: This program does not offer transportation services. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 6/14/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/15/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 9/18/25. The last documented shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 9/19/25. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 9/23/25. The last documented water testing for Clean Water for NC Kids was completed on 1/11/24. The center completed Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids on 5/2/24. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last annual fire inspection was completed on 6/14/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. The permit on the license reads "Children in care on ground level only". Upon arrival there was a child working with a therapist on the upstairs level of the center. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. There was no documentation that the staff person, who began employment on 8/27/25 had received new staff orientation. .1101(a) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 10/29/25, stating how each violation has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: FIRE INSPECTION: The director was aware that the fire inspection was past due. She stated that the center had been in the process of changing to a different fire alarm contractor. The director stated that the change had been completed, and she would call Durham Fire Inspections for an inspection. THERAPY: During today’s visit we discussed locations on the ground level that would work for individual therapy. RATED LICENSE: I regret that you were unable to attend the training on 9/18/25 on the new QRIS, star-rated license process. After the training, I emailed all the operator who had not attended to inform them that all the information shared during the training was on the DCDEE website, under the “What’s New” tab, QRIS Modernization. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization During today’s visit the director stated that she had read the information on the website. During today’s visit I answered her questions about the three pathways. Regarding Pathway 1, I stated that free webinars were offered on the ECERS-3 and ITERS-3 through the NC Rated License Assessment Project. www.ncrlap.org. I stated that the webinars could be used to meet yearly in-service training hour requirements. Since the director was interested in Pathway 3, based on having experience in accreditation in another state, I explained that if she selected Pathway 3, she needed to begin the accreditation process immediately. During today’s visit we talked about the staff/child ratio and space requirements for a five-star license through Pathway 1 and Pathway 2. I asked the director to contact me with any additional questions. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES: Visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ often. Click on the “What’s New” tab for new requirements and updates. CONTACT INFORMATION: Please contact me if I can be of any assistance to you. I can be reached at toni.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov or (919) 819-9366. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2025 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 3/11/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the owner/director greeted me. The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during the center’s Annual Compliance visit. This center operates with a five-star license, which was issued on 6/7/24. The last Annual Compliance visit was conducted on 4/9/24. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 75%. I explained that having a compliance history of less than 75% could result in the center being issued a Written Warning. CORPORATION: According to the NC Secretary of State web site, the corporation status of Branches Education LLC is “current-active”. During today’s visit all indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored. OBSERVATIONS: I observed the children enjoying the outdoor environment. I observed the children in classroom space #1 eating lunch outside at picnic tables. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Nine children’s records were reviewed today. STAFF RECORDS: All staff files were reviewed today and yearly in-service training hours were tallied. CURRICULUM: This center implements the NC Foundations curriculum. TRANSPORTATION: This center does not offer transportation services. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 6/14/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 2/18/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 2/13/25. The last documented shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 3/5/25. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 3/4/25. The last documented water testing for Clean Water for NC Kids was completed on 1/11/24. The center completed the lead/asbestos testing for clearance on 5/2/24. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 201 A room was occupied by more children than the space allowed at 25-sq. ft. of floor space per child. Classroom space #1 will accommodate 10 children. There were 14 children enrolled in classroom space #1. Thirteen of the fourteen children were present on 3/11/25. GS 110-91(6); .1401(f) 716 All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. There was no measurable surfacing at the exit point of the two slides. .0605(j) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. .0802(g)(1-6) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Three staff needed additional training hours to meet their yearly requirement. .1103(a) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The permission slip to administer a breathing treatment with Albuterol to a child in classroom space #2 was dated 9/1/24 to 9/1/25. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. The staff person, who began employment on 12/4/23, had not completed the required Health and Safety trainings. .1102(a) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 3/24/25, stating how each violation has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: ANNUAL EVALUATIONS: Annual evaluations, consisting of self-evaluations and owner/director documentation were completed in June 2024. During today’s visit we discussed that the staff development plan could be included in the yearly evaluations, as long as it was clearly marked. Please remember that yearly evaluations should be signed by the staff person and by administration. TRAINING REMINDERS: The owner/director was aware that CPR and First Aid training would expire for several staff in April. I also reminded the owner/director that IT’S SIDS training would expire for one teacher in May 2025. HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAININGS: I reminded the owner/director that completed Health and Safety training hours could be counted toward meeting yearly in-service training hour requirements. I reminded the owner/director that one staff person needed to complete the required Health and Safety trainings again in 2025, in accordance with NC Child Care Rule 10NCAC 09. 1103(b). RECORD RETENTION: The owner/director was given a copy of the form for record retention requirements. RATED LICENSE: Please know that the “hold harmless” status for Rated License reassessment has been extended until the new QRIS guidelines are ready for implementation. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES: Visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ often. Click on the “What’s New” tab for new requirements and updates. CONTACT INFORMATION: Please contact me if I can be of any assistance to you. I can be reached at toni.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov or (919) 819-9366. 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: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/25/2024 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 11/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the assistant director greeted me. The assistant director stated that the director was on family leave. The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. The last Annual Compliance visit was conducted on 4/9/24. This center operates with a five-star license, which was issued on 6/7/24. All indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored today. OBSERVATIONS: I observed the preschool age children enjoying the outdoor environment. The assistant director stated that the infant/toddler age group were on a buggy ride in the neighborhood. TRANSPORTATION: This center does not offer transportation services. CHILDREN’S FILES: Children’s records were not reviewed today. STAFF FILES: During today’s visit I monitored files for updated Criminal Record Check clearance, CPR/First Aid, and IT’S SIDS training requirements. CURRICULUM: The assistant director stated that the center implemented The Creative Curriculum and NC Foundations, using the Reggio approach to learning. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 6/14/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 5/6/24. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 11/18/24. The last documented shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 9/23/24. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 11/4/24. The last documented water testing for Clean Water for NC Kids was completed on 1/11/24. The center has completed lead/asbestos abatement through Clean Classrooms for NC Kids on 5/2/24. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Criminal Record Check clearance for one teacher expired on 11/1/24. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. The First Aid training for one staff person expired on 8/15/24. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. The CPR training for one staff expired on 8/15/24. .1102(d) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 12/9/24, stating how each violation has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: STAFF REQUIREMENTS: I explained the importance of completing training and obtaining updated Criminal Record Check clearance prior to the expiration date. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES: Visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ often. Click on the “What’s New” tab for new requirements and updates. CONTACT INFORMATION: Please contact me if I can be of any assistance to you. I can be reached at toni.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov or (919) 819-9366. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: CORRINE FULP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/4/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 6/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. I also monitor for enhanced licensing requirements for the issuance of a Rated License. Amanda Annunziata, Child Care Consultant assisted me on today’s visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the preschool teacher, Bathsheba Everett. CURRENT LICENSE STATUS: The facility currently operates with a Provisional License that was issued on September 14, 2023, for lead remediation. INSPECTIONS: The last Fire Inspection was conducted 3/6/24. The last Sanitation Inspection was conducted on 5/6/24. The last Fire Drill was conducted on 6/4/23. The last Shelter-In-Place (Lockdown Drill) was conducted on 3/14/24. The last playground Inspection was conducted on 6/4/24. The last EPR plan update was completed on 4/9/24. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/9/24. Prior to the visit I reviewed the NC Secretary of State's website and observed that the owner of this facility, BRANCHES EDUCATION LLC. was current/active. MONITORING CONDUCTED TODAY A walk through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. A partial monitoring of applicable child care requirements was conducted, monitoring Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, CPR/First Aid, Special Training, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Storage of Medication, Adequate Approved/Space, Program Records, License Posted, and Permit Restrictions. All stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan for the Provisional License issued to Branches Community School, ID#32002215, on September 14, 2023, have been completed. The facility received a letter from the Environmental health Specialist stating that the lead hazards identified have been remediated in accordance with the plan. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last recorded drill was conducted on 4/8/24. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. Hand sanitizer, disinfected solution and sunscreen was stored less than 5 feet from the floor. .0604(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the natural playground measured only 3 feet 7 inches. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last recorded playground inspection was conducted on 4/8/24. .0605(q) Please submit a corrective action letter for the above violations. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when they are documented, it is expected that you correct all violations immediately. Your corrective action letter must include the following: Name of your program, Id number of your program, Date of Letter, Violation(s) number(s), and How and Date each violation was corrected. Your letter is due no later than 6/18/24 and should be emailed to: corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history score was 87%. 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 today may impact your compliance history score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The fence on the back playground measured 3 feet 7 inches. You stated that additional fencing/mulch would be removed to measure 4 feet since my last visit, however the height is still insufficient. The fence must measure 4 feet in all areas. A violation was documented regarding this item. Because this is a repeated violation it is potentially an administrative action. FIRE INSPECTION You stated that you are working to resolve a failed fire inspection due to repairs needed on our FACP (fire alarm control panel). You also stated that technician informed you that the system that you are using is outdated and it would have to be replaced. The parts have been ordered and you are waiting for them to arrive. Once received and installed the fire Marshall will make a visit and the forms will be email to the consultant. All violation must be corrected before your license can be processed. RATED LICENSE INFORMATION: The rated license visit was conducted today. The staff education is based upon the information currently available in the Workforce database and on information provided during today’s visit, the staff members are eligible for the following point level. EDUCATION STANDARDS Administrator - 7 Lead Teacher – 7 Teacher – 7 Therefore, you are eligible for 7 points in education. PROGRAM STANDARDS The facility completed the request for the Environmental Rating Scales. The ECERS and ITERS were administered on 7/25/23. The assessment report was reviewed during an annual compliance visit on April 9, 2024. The scores are as follows. ECERS 5.31 and ITERS 4.73. The overall average score (across 2 assessments) is 5.14 points. Therefore, you are eligible for 6 points in this component. QUALITY POINTS The Quality Point option was discussed, and you chose the Programmatic Option meeting the staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Based on the education points earned (7) and program standards (6) and quality point (1) a total of 14 points = 5 Star License. Your three-year reassessment will be due by June 4, 2027. A new license will be mailed directly to you. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES Visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov often for the What’s New section for the new rules and other updates. CONTACT INFORMATION At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919) 606-2388 or email me at corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. All mail correspondence should be sent to 1781 Indian Camp Road, Clayton NC 27520. 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: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: CORRINE FULP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/4/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 6/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. I also monitor for enhanced licensing requirements for the issuance of a Rated License. Amanda Annunziata, Child Care Consultant assisted me on today’s visit. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the preschool teacher, Bathsheba Everett. CURRENT LICENSE STATUS: The facility currently operates with a Provisional License that was issued on September 14, 2023, for lead remediation. INSPECTIONS: The last Fire Inspection was conducted 3/6/24. The last Sanitation Inspection was conducted on 5/6/24. The last Fire Drill was conducted on 6/4/23. The last Shelter-In-Place (Lockdown Drill) was conducted on 3/14/24. The last playground Inspection was conducted on 6/4/24. The last EPR plan update was completed on 4/9/24. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/9/24. Prior to the visit I reviewed the NC Secretary of State's website and observed that the owner of this facility, BRANCHES EDUCATION LLC. was current/active. MONITORING CONDUCTED TODAY A walk through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. A partial monitoring of applicable child care requirements was conducted, monitoring Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, CPR/First Aid, Special Training, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Storage of Medication, Adequate Approved/Space, Program Records, License Posted, and Permit Restrictions. All stipulations of the Corrective Action Plan for the Provisional License issued to Branches Community School, ID#32002215, on September 14, 2023, have been completed. The facility received a letter from the Environmental health Specialist stating that the lead hazards identified have been remediated in accordance with the plan. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last recorded drill was conducted on 4/8/24. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. Hand sanitizer, disinfected solution and sunscreen was stored less than 5 feet from the floor. .0604(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the natural playground measured only 3 feet 7 inches. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last recorded playground inspection was conducted on 4/8/24. .0605(q) Please submit a corrective action letter for the above violations. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when they are documented, it is expected that you correct all violations immediately. Your corrective action letter must include the following: Name of your program, Id number of your program, Date of Letter, Violation(s) number(s), and How and Date each violation was corrected. Your letter is due no later than 6/18/24 and should be emailed to: corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history score was 87%. 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 today may impact your compliance history score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The fence on the back playground measured 3 feet 7 inches. You stated that additional fencing/mulch would be removed to measure 4 feet since my last visit, however the height is still insufficient. The fence must measure 4 feet in all areas. A violation was documented regarding this item. Because this is a repeated violation it is potentially an administrative action. FIRE INSPECTION You stated that you are working to resolve a failed fire inspection due to repairs needed on our FACP (fire alarm control panel). You also stated that technician informed you that the system that you are using is outdated and it would have to be replaced. The parts have been ordered and you are waiting for them to arrive. Once received and installed the fire Marshall will make a visit and the forms will be email to the consultant. All violation must be corrected before your license can be processed. RATED LICENSE INFORMATION: The rated license visit was conducted today. The staff education is based upon the information currently available in the Workforce database and on information provided during today’s visit, the staff members are eligible for the following point level. EDUCATION STANDARDS Administrator - 7 Lead Teacher – 7 Teacher – 7 Therefore, you are eligible for 7 points in education. PROGRAM STANDARDS The facility completed the request for the Environmental Rating Scales. The ECERS and ITERS were administered on 7/25/23. The assessment report was reviewed during an annual compliance visit on April 9, 2024. The scores are as follows. ECERS 5.31 and ITERS 4.73. The overall average score (across 2 assessments) is 5.14 points. Therefore, you are eligible for 6 points in this component. QUALITY POINTS The Quality Point option was discussed, and you chose the Programmatic Option meeting the staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. Based on the education points earned (7) and program standards (6) and quality point (1) a total of 14 points = 5 Star License. Your three-year reassessment will be due by June 4, 2027. A new license will be mailed directly to you. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES Visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov often for the What’s New section for the new rules and other updates. CONTACT INFORMATION At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919) 606-2388 or email me at corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. All mail correspondence should be sent to 1781 Indian Camp Road, Clayton NC 27520. 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: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: CORRINE FULP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/9/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 4/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit and to complete a rated license assessment. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the director. I toured through three classrooms serving children ranging in age from 0 months to 5 years. A total of 28 children were present during this visit. The children were observed freely playing with the available materials, participating in circle time, being held, washing their hands, routine personal care, eating am snack, and outdoor play. CURRENT LICENSE STATUS: The facility currently operates with a Provisional License that was issued on September 14, 2023, for lead remediation. INSPECTIONS: The last Fire Inspection was conducted 3/6/23. The last Sanitation Inspection was conducted on 5/18/23. The last Fire Drill was conducted last on 4/3/24. The last Shelter-In-Place (Lockdown Drill) was conducted on 3/14/24. The last playground Inspection was conducted on 4/8/24. The last EPR plan update was completed on 4/9/24. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/23. MONITORING CONDUCTED TODAY During today’s visit, a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. A checklist was used to monitor the requirements. This program does not transport children; therefore, these requirements were not monitored. Prior to the visit I reviewed the NC Secretary of State's website and observed that the owner of this facility, BRANCHES EDUCATION LLC. was current/active. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Space #2 and #3 did not have an activity plan posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A wooden pallet used as a balancing structure was not secure and didn't have sufficient surfacing materials. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. A staff purse was stored in a space less than 5 feet from the floor. .0604(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the natural playground measured 3 feet 7 inches in several areas. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A tube of Aquaphor was administered after the expiration date of 6/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. A sleep policy was not posted in the infant classroom. .0606(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff First Aid expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff CPR expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(d) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. A staff working in the infant class did not renew SIDS training once expired. .1102(f) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. A teacher in the preschool classroom was supervising eleven children; age ranging from 3 to 5 year old. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1855 Center was using a trampoline other than a mini fitness trampoline for single person use. A trampoline in poor repair on the preschool playground was used for more than single use. .0605(r) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two (2) staff did not renew their training within five years. .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Staff who completed training in 2017 did not renew their training within five years. .1103(b) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Sanitation rule 15N NAC 18A .2807 (C) Food contact surfaces and utensils that are exposed to bacterial, viral, fungal, or hazard contaminant during used shall be made clean, free from hazard and sanitized before use. Eating utensils was stored in a teacher supply draw which could be exposed to potential hazard contaminant. Please submit a corrective action letter for the above violations. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when they are documented, it is expected that you correct all violations immediately. Your corrective action letter must include the following: Name of your program, Id number of your program, Date of Letter, Violation(s) number(s), and How and Date each violation was corrected. Your letter is due no later than 4/23/24 and should be emailed to: corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history score was 87%. 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 today may impact your compliance history score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE There were two staff members who needed to send their transcript for evaluation, and you wanted to know the contact information for Early Education Certification. You can contact the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals website at http://ncicdp.org/certification-licensure/certification or by contacting the EEC office at 919-942- 7442 or ncicdp.org/eecforms. The Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b) requires that Health and Safety training be completed as part of on-going training every five years. You stated that no parents have opt out for their child’s meal. The center provides the am/pm snack, and the parents provide the lunch. Programs should serve nutritious and sufficient foods that meet the requirements for meals of the child care component according to the USDA guidelines. It is mandatory that children receive a nutritious and healthy lunch and that you are aware of what food component has not been meet. As a child care provider you are responsible to ensuring that their meal are healthy and provide a substitute. Our lead consultant Angela Alger-Walker can offer suggestions to help assist you with a solution; she can be reached at 919-819-9350. Some therapeutic equipment like trampolines will need to have proper supervision for safety. That means that a member of staff would have to always supervise the child while he/she is on the equipment. This may require extra staff to meet the needs of the other children. When the equipment is not being used it should be securely stored and inaccessible to children. Thank you for removing the trampoline during today’s visit. In our discussion we talk about the fall zone around the wooden structure; according to today’s measurement you did not have sufficient surfacing. You stated that mulch would be delivered on April 20. We also discussed the fence on the natural playground measuring less than 4 feet from the ground along the back area of the playground. You stated that you would remove some of the soil so that the fence will measure 4 feet. The sloping of the landscape in that area will continue to decrease the height due to the washing of the mulch after each rain. One suggestion would be to reach out to a landscape to get suggestion for the erosion. ERS REVIEW Today we discussed items that scores 2pts – 4pts from the ITERS-R conducted on 7/20/23 and ECERS-R conducted on 7/25/23. ECERS-R: (Score 5.54, observation date 7/25/2023) SPACE AND FURNISHINGS Item #1 To meet this indicator, the space must be handicapped-accessible for all children regardless of whether anyone with a disability used the entrance or not. SPACE FOR PRIVACY Item #5 It was reported that the listening area had space for only two children. This space should be protected from intrusion by others. To receive credit for 5.1 and 5.2; there should be no more than 2 children in this space. . CHILD-RELATED DISPLAY Item #6 There were pictures of the children posted and displays of recent themes which consisted of drawing, painting, and collages. To receive credit for this item you can also use stories dictated by children, and charts with children input from questions asked by the teacher. SPACE FOR GROSS MOTOR PLAY Item #7 The green swing didn’t measure enough clearance (needed 10 ft – 2 inches) to be safe. A stump was located within a 10 feet safe zone. On an additional playground a wooden swing measurement did not have a safe fall zone measurement as well. There was a tree that measured 7 feet 5 inches for the front of the swing. The swing was also too close to the fence, it measured 4 feet rather than 6 feet. The green swing was not on an approved surface to give children cushioning when transitioning. During today’ visit I did not observe a green swing on the natural playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #10 Although the teacher used the proper sanitary measure the porous material of the table caused this indicator to score low. FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS 15A NCAC 18A .2809 Food-contact surfaces shall be smooth, nonabsorbent, free of sharp corners, and kept clean and in good repair. NAP/REST Item #11 To receive credit for this item cots/mats must be at least 18 inches apart, unless separated by a solid barrier that is the full length of the cot/mat. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #14 Because of the outdoor safety concern (item #7) credit could not be given to this indicator. USING LANGUAGE TO DEVELOP REASONING SKILLS Item #17 This indicator requires that staff encourage children to explain their reasoning when they have solved a logical problem using materials that stimulate reasoning. If a child were given small cars, trucks, and airplanes to play with in a small group activity the teacher may ask the child why he/she separated each item in its name groups. MUSIC/MOVEMENT Item #21 To receive credit there should be music materials such as a CD player; various types of music such as classical, jazz, rock, reggae, lullabies, folk songs, country etc. While other children are playing in quiet centers headphones may be required so that they are not disturbed. BLOCKS Item #22 The traditional unit block set includes different sizes or shapes; at least 80 are needed for one structure. For larger unit blocks, at least 40 are required. Remember the indicator requires enough blocks for three sizable structures, whether the blocks are of the same type or different types of blocks. Remember when children bring items from other centers, they can occupy floor space and structure cannot be built. Because there was not enough block in indicator 5.3; credit was not given in 5.4. To receive additional points consider adding block outdoors. INTERACTION Item #29 To receive credit for this item; when child has selected an unsafe situation where he/she can get hurt, the teacher must redirect their actions. ITERS-R ASSESSMENT (Score 4.73, observation date 7/20/2023) PROVISION FOR RELAXATION AND COMFORT Item #3 According to the accessor the teachers stated that the children spend 5 hours outside, so they were not able to receive credit for this indicator. To receive credit for this item you can adjust the outdoor schedule, use lawn furniture pillow for relaxation, or fold mat to provides the substantial amount of softness for the outdoor area. Because most of the day was spent outdoors the children were not able to play with the soft toys. There were plenty of soft toy in the classroom but only 3 soft toys were accessible on the playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #7 To receive credit and avoid a potential violation children should not drink from bottles as they lay on the cots. Infants must be held for bottle feeding; they should not have bottles when walking around, running, playing, and laying down. NAP Item #8 During nap transition there should be enough staff present in the room to protect the children’s safety in case of an emergency and to handle children who may not be asleep. Additional staff may be required when the needs of several children require more of the attention of the staff present. DIAPERING/TOILETING Item #9 When one sink is used by children/adults for both diapering/toileting and food-related routines or for other purposes, it must be sanitized after diaper/toileting by spraying the sink and faucet handles with a soap/water solution, and bleach/water solution that is left on the surface according to the disinfectant you are using. To minimize contamination of the diapering area, prep before bringing the child to diapering area. The diapering surface must be sanitized after each diaper changes with a bleach-water or approved disinfectant solution. Please refer to the diapering procedure poster from the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center. HEALTH PRACTICES Item #10 Mouth toys were not removed from play 75% of the time; this will help to cut down on the spread of germs. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #11 The children were being lifted in an unsafe manner; best practice would be to lift a child under his/her arm pit to avoid the risk of causing joint injury. To avoid health risk and to receive credit for this item a sanitize and disinfectant solution should not be sprayed when children are nearby. The solution can potentially irritate their eyes and cause breathing problems. A slide was positioned on the playground where there was less than 3 feet in the fall zone. During today’s visit I observed and cited a violation for not enough surfacing. ACTIVITIES Item #15 Much of the day was spent outdoors therefore credit was not given to this indicator. There were fane motor materials outside but not enough to meet 12 additional items. Adjusting the outdoor time would help meet this indicator. ACTIVE PHYSICAL PLAY Item #16 Because there were steps leading to the outdoor area it was not easily accessible for infants/toddlers. To receive credit for this item the area should have few to no barriers or undue effort or complications getting outdoors. Safety concern described in item #11 applies to this indicator, not enough space for fall zone. MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Item #18 There were music materials in the classroom, but a substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors. Therefore, this indicator was not met. (5 hours and 15 minutes was spent outdoors) BLOCKS Item #19 Blocks and accessories are accessible most of the day; to receive credit you can add blocks to the outdoor area. Even though there were plenty of blocks because the substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors credit was not given. DRAMATIC PLAY Item #20 Plenty of required materials in classroom. Outdoor space did not have enough material to count for a substantial portion of the day. NATURE/SCIENCE Item #22 The children were not able to have a daily experience with living things indoors because the plants were not accessible. SUPERVISION OF PLAY AND LEARNING Item #25 Staff must be positioned to see all the areas where children are playing, move around as needed to always see all the children. To receive credit all diapers must be checked or changed every 2 hours. To receive credit for this item, make sure bottles/food items are prepped and ready to serve to avoid long wait times. RATED LICENSE INFORMATION: You completed the Rated License assessment to increase your stars. During today’s visit, we discussed the results of your Rated License process. A new license will be processed upon the removal of the provisional license. An updated staff education review will be needed for new staff and assignment changes. Upon completion of the lead remediation a new license will be completed. The center's anticipated assessment results are as follows: PROGRAM STANDARDS – PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 6 Points ITERS-R 4.73 ECERS-R 5.54 OVERALL AVERAGE SCORE WITH 2 ASSESSMENTS = 5.14 STAFF EDUCATION – Pending review of new staff and assignment changes BONUS QUALITY POINT - PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 1 Point If you plan to use previous selection [has an Infrastructure for Parental Involvement and a Staff Benefits Package] ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING REVIEW: In-service hours for today’s visit were counted from May 19, 2023 – May 19, 2024. Any training received after the posted date will be counted for 2024/2025 annual compliance visit. Six staff did not meet their annual training requirements; check the staff training worksheet for assistance. All training must be completed by May 19, 2024. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES Visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov often for the What’s New section for the new rules and other updates. ABCMS PORTAL [provider can check qualifying letters] To receive access, complete the training on DCDEE’s Moodle site. Complete the short video and test. A certificate will be issued when the session has been completed. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and facility ID number to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919) 606-2388 or email me at corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. All mail correspondence should be sent to 1781 Indian Camp Road, Clayton NC 27520. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: CORRINE FULP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/9/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 4/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit and to complete a rated license assessment. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the director. I toured through three classrooms serving children ranging in age from 0 months to 5 years. A total of 28 children were present during this visit. The children were observed freely playing with the available materials, participating in circle time, being held, washing their hands, routine personal care, eating am snack, and outdoor play. CURRENT LICENSE STATUS: The facility currently operates with a Provisional License that was issued on September 14, 2023, for lead remediation. INSPECTIONS: The last Fire Inspection was conducted 3/6/23. The last Sanitation Inspection was conducted on 5/18/23. The last Fire Drill was conducted last on 4/3/24. The last Shelter-In-Place (Lockdown Drill) was conducted on 3/14/24. The last playground Inspection was conducted on 4/8/24. The last EPR plan update was completed on 4/9/24. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/23. MONITORING CONDUCTED TODAY During today’s visit, a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. A checklist was used to monitor the requirements. This program does not transport children; therefore, these requirements were not monitored. Prior to the visit I reviewed the NC Secretary of State's website and observed that the owner of this facility, BRANCHES EDUCATION LLC. was current/active. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Space #2 and #3 did not have an activity plan posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A wooden pallet used as a balancing structure was not secure and didn't have sufficient surfacing materials. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. A staff purse was stored in a space less than 5 feet from the floor. .0604(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the natural playground measured 3 feet 7 inches in several areas. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A tube of Aquaphor was administered after the expiration date of 6/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. A sleep policy was not posted in the infant classroom. .0606(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff First Aid expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff CPR expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(d) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. A staff working in the infant class did not renew SIDS training once expired. .1102(f) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. A teacher in the preschool classroom was supervising eleven children; age ranging from 3 to 5 year old. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1855 Center was using a trampoline other than a mini fitness trampoline for single person use. A trampoline in poor repair on the preschool playground was used for more than single use. .0605(r) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two (2) staff did not renew their training within five years. .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Staff who completed training in 2017 did not renew their training within five years. .1103(b) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Sanitation rule 15N NAC 18A .2807 (C) Food contact surfaces and utensils that are exposed to bacterial, viral, fungal, or hazard contaminant during used shall be made clean, free from hazard and sanitized before use. Eating utensils was stored in a teacher supply draw which could be exposed to potential hazard contaminant. Please submit a corrective action letter for the above violations. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when they are documented, it is expected that you correct all violations immediately. Your corrective action letter must include the following: Name of your program, Id number of your program, Date of Letter, Violation(s) number(s), and How and Date each violation was corrected. Your letter is due no later than 4/23/24 and should be emailed to: corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history score was 87%. 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 today may impact your compliance history score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE There were two staff members who needed to send their transcript for evaluation, and you wanted to know the contact information for Early Education Certification. You can contact the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals website at http://ncicdp.org/certification-licensure/certification or by contacting the EEC office at 919-942- 7442 or ncicdp.org/eecforms. The Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b) requires that Health and Safety training be completed as part of on-going training every five years. You stated that no parents have opt out for their child’s meal. The center provides the am/pm snack, and the parents provide the lunch. Programs should serve nutritious and sufficient foods that meet the requirements for meals of the child care component according to the USDA guidelines. It is mandatory that children receive a nutritious and healthy lunch and that you are aware of what food component has not been meet. As a child care provider you are responsible to ensuring that their meal are healthy and provide a substitute. Our lead consultant Angela Alger-Walker can offer suggestions to help assist you with a solution; she can be reached at 919-819-9350. Some therapeutic equipment like trampolines will need to have proper supervision for safety. That means that a member of staff would have to always supervise the child while he/she is on the equipment. This may require extra staff to meet the needs of the other children. When the equipment is not being used it should be securely stored and inaccessible to children. Thank you for removing the trampoline during today’s visit. In our discussion we talk about the fall zone around the wooden structure; according to today’s measurement you did not have sufficient surfacing. You stated that mulch would be delivered on April 20. We also discussed the fence on the natural playground measuring less than 4 feet from the ground along the back area of the playground. You stated that you would remove some of the soil so that the fence will measure 4 feet. The sloping of the landscape in that area will continue to decrease the height due to the washing of the mulch after each rain. One suggestion would be to reach out to a landscape to get suggestion for the erosion. ERS REVIEW Today we discussed items that scores 2pts – 4pts from the ITERS-R conducted on 7/20/23 and ECERS-R conducted on 7/25/23. ECERS-R: (Score 5.54, observation date 7/25/2023) SPACE AND FURNISHINGS Item #1 To meet this indicator, the space must be handicapped-accessible for all children regardless of whether anyone with a disability used the entrance or not. SPACE FOR PRIVACY Item #5 It was reported that the listening area had space for only two children. This space should be protected from intrusion by others. To receive credit for 5.1 and 5.2; there should be no more than 2 children in this space. . CHILD-RELATED DISPLAY Item #6 There were pictures of the children posted and displays of recent themes which consisted of drawing, painting, and collages. To receive credit for this item you can also use stories dictated by children, and charts with children input from questions asked by the teacher. SPACE FOR GROSS MOTOR PLAY Item #7 The green swing didn’t measure enough clearance (needed 10 ft – 2 inches) to be safe. A stump was located within a 10 feet safe zone. On an additional playground a wooden swing measurement did not have a safe fall zone measurement as well. There was a tree that measured 7 feet 5 inches for the front of the swing. The swing was also too close to the fence, it measured 4 feet rather than 6 feet. The green swing was not on an approved surface to give children cushioning when transitioning. During today’ visit I did not observe a green swing on the natural playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #10 Although the teacher used the proper sanitary measure the porous material of the table caused this indicator to score low. FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS 15A NCAC 18A .2809 Food-contact surfaces shall be smooth, nonabsorbent, free of sharp corners, and kept clean and in good repair. NAP/REST Item #11 To receive credit for this item cots/mats must be at least 18 inches apart, unless separated by a solid barrier that is the full length of the cot/mat. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #14 Because of the outdoor safety concern (item #7) credit could not be given to this indicator. USING LANGUAGE TO DEVELOP REASONING SKILLS Item #17 This indicator requires that staff encourage children to explain their reasoning when they have solved a logical problem using materials that stimulate reasoning. If a child were given small cars, trucks, and airplanes to play with in a small group activity the teacher may ask the child why he/she separated each item in its name groups. MUSIC/MOVEMENT Item #21 To receive credit there should be music materials such as a CD player; various types of music such as classical, jazz, rock, reggae, lullabies, folk songs, country etc. While other children are playing in quiet centers headphones may be required so that they are not disturbed. BLOCKS Item #22 The traditional unit block set includes different sizes or shapes; at least 80 are needed for one structure. For larger unit blocks, at least 40 are required. Remember the indicator requires enough blocks for three sizable structures, whether the blocks are of the same type or different types of blocks. Remember when children bring items from other centers, they can occupy floor space and structure cannot be built. Because there was not enough block in indicator 5.3; credit was not given in 5.4. To receive additional points consider adding block outdoors. INTERACTION Item #29 To receive credit for this item; when child has selected an unsafe situation where he/she can get hurt, the teacher must redirect their actions. ITERS-R ASSESSMENT (Score 4.73, observation date 7/20/2023) PROVISION FOR RELAXATION AND COMFORT Item #3 According to the accessor the teachers stated that the children spend 5 hours outside, so they were not able to receive credit for this indicator. To receive credit for this item you can adjust the outdoor schedule, use lawn furniture pillow for relaxation, or fold mat to provides the substantial amount of softness for the outdoor area. Because most of the day was spent outdoors the children were not able to play with the soft toys. There were plenty of soft toy in the classroom but only 3 soft toys were accessible on the playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #7 To receive credit and avoid a potential violation children should not drink from bottles as they lay on the cots. Infants must be held for bottle feeding; they should not have bottles when walking around, running, playing, and laying down. NAP Item #8 During nap transition there should be enough staff present in the room to protect the children’s safety in case of an emergency and to handle children who may not be asleep. Additional staff may be required when the needs of several children require more of the attention of the staff present. DIAPERING/TOILETING Item #9 When one sink is used by children/adults for both diapering/toileting and food-related routines or for other purposes, it must be sanitized after diaper/toileting by spraying the sink and faucet handles with a soap/water solution, and bleach/water solution that is left on the surface according to the disinfectant you are using. To minimize contamination of the diapering area, prep before bringing the child to diapering area. The diapering surface must be sanitized after each diaper changes with a bleach-water or approved disinfectant solution. Please refer to the diapering procedure poster from the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center. HEALTH PRACTICES Item #10 Mouth toys were not removed from play 75% of the time; this will help to cut down on the spread of germs. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #11 The children were being lifted in an unsafe manner; best practice would be to lift a child under his/her arm pit to avoid the risk of causing joint injury. To avoid health risk and to receive credit for this item a sanitize and disinfectant solution should not be sprayed when children are nearby. The solution can potentially irritate their eyes and cause breathing problems. A slide was positioned on the playground where there was less than 3 feet in the fall zone. During today’s visit I observed and cited a violation for not enough surfacing. ACTIVITIES Item #15 Much of the day was spent outdoors therefore credit was not given to this indicator. There were fane motor materials outside but not enough to meet 12 additional items. Adjusting the outdoor time would help meet this indicator. ACTIVE PHYSICAL PLAY Item #16 Because there were steps leading to the outdoor area it was not easily accessible for infants/toddlers. To receive credit for this item the area should have few to no barriers or undue effort or complications getting outdoors. Safety concern described in item #11 applies to this indicator, not enough space for fall zone. MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Item #18 There were music materials in the classroom, but a substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors. Therefore, this indicator was not met. (5 hours and 15 minutes was spent outdoors) BLOCKS Item #19 Blocks and accessories are accessible most of the day; to receive credit you can add blocks to the outdoor area. Even though there were plenty of blocks because the substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors credit was not given. DRAMATIC PLAY Item #20 Plenty of required materials in classroom. Outdoor space did not have enough material to count for a substantial portion of the day. NATURE/SCIENCE Item #22 The children were not able to have a daily experience with living things indoors because the plants were not accessible. SUPERVISION OF PLAY AND LEARNING Item #25 Staff must be positioned to see all the areas where children are playing, move around as needed to always see all the children. To receive credit all diapers must be checked or changed every 2 hours. To receive credit for this item, make sure bottles/food items are prepped and ready to serve to avoid long wait times. RATED LICENSE INFORMATION: You completed the Rated License assessment to increase your stars. During today’s visit, we discussed the results of your Rated License process. A new license will be processed upon the removal of the provisional license. An updated staff education review will be needed for new staff and assignment changes. Upon completion of the lead remediation a new license will be completed. The center's anticipated assessment results are as follows: PROGRAM STANDARDS – PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 6 Points ITERS-R 4.73 ECERS-R 5.54 OVERALL AVERAGE SCORE WITH 2 ASSESSMENTS = 5.14 STAFF EDUCATION – Pending review of new staff and assignment changes BONUS QUALITY POINT - PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 1 Point If you plan to use previous selection [has an Infrastructure for Parental Involvement and a Staff Benefits Package] ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING REVIEW: In-service hours for today’s visit were counted from May 19, 2023 – May 19, 2024. Any training received after the posted date will be counted for 2024/2025 annual compliance visit. Six staff did not meet their annual training requirements; check the staff training worksheet for assistance. All training must be completed by May 19, 2024. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES Visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov often for the What’s New section for the new rules and other updates. ABCMS PORTAL [provider can check qualifying letters] To receive access, complete the training on DCDEE’s Moodle site. Complete the short video and test. A certificate will be issued when the session has been completed. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and facility ID number to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919) 606-2388 or email me at corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. All mail correspondence should be sent to 1781 Indian Camp Road, Clayton NC 27520. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1103 · Violation

Name of Operation: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: CORRINE FULP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/9/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 4/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit and to complete a rated license assessment. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the director. I toured through three classrooms serving children ranging in age from 0 months to 5 years. A total of 28 children were present during this visit. The children were observed freely playing with the available materials, participating in circle time, being held, washing their hands, routine personal care, eating am snack, and outdoor play. CURRENT LICENSE STATUS: The facility currently operates with a Provisional License that was issued on September 14, 2023, for lead remediation. INSPECTIONS: The last Fire Inspection was conducted 3/6/23. The last Sanitation Inspection was conducted on 5/18/23. The last Fire Drill was conducted last on 4/3/24. The last Shelter-In-Place (Lockdown Drill) was conducted on 3/14/24. The last playground Inspection was conducted on 4/8/24. The last EPR plan update was completed on 4/9/24. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/23. MONITORING CONDUCTED TODAY During today’s visit, a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. A checklist was used to monitor the requirements. This program does not transport children; therefore, these requirements were not monitored. Prior to the visit I reviewed the NC Secretary of State's website and observed that the owner of this facility, BRANCHES EDUCATION LLC. was current/active. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Space #2 and #3 did not have an activity plan posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A wooden pallet used as a balancing structure was not secure and didn't have sufficient surfacing materials. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. A staff purse was stored in a space less than 5 feet from the floor. .0604(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the natural playground measured 3 feet 7 inches in several areas. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A tube of Aquaphor was administered after the expiration date of 6/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. A sleep policy was not posted in the infant classroom. .0606(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff First Aid expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff CPR expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(d) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. A staff working in the infant class did not renew SIDS training once expired. .1102(f) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. A teacher in the preschool classroom was supervising eleven children; age ranging from 3 to 5 year old. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1855 Center was using a trampoline other than a mini fitness trampoline for single person use. A trampoline in poor repair on the preschool playground was used for more than single use. .0605(r) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two (2) staff did not renew their training within five years. .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Staff who completed training in 2017 did not renew their training within five years. .1103(b) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Sanitation rule 15N NAC 18A .2807 (C) Food contact surfaces and utensils that are exposed to bacterial, viral, fungal, or hazard contaminant during used shall be made clean, free from hazard and sanitized before use. Eating utensils was stored in a teacher supply draw which could be exposed to potential hazard contaminant. Please submit a corrective action letter for the above violations. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when they are documented, it is expected that you correct all violations immediately. Your corrective action letter must include the following: Name of your program, Id number of your program, Date of Letter, Violation(s) number(s), and How and Date each violation was corrected. Your letter is due no later than 4/23/24 and should be emailed to: corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history score was 87%. 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 today may impact your compliance history score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE There were two staff members who needed to send their transcript for evaluation, and you wanted to know the contact information for Early Education Certification. You can contact the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals website at http://ncicdp.org/certification-licensure/certification or by contacting the EEC office at 919-942- 7442 or ncicdp.org/eecforms. The Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b) requires that Health and Safety training be completed as part of on-going training every five years. You stated that no parents have opt out for their child’s meal. The center provides the am/pm snack, and the parents provide the lunch. Programs should serve nutritious and sufficient foods that meet the requirements for meals of the child care component according to the USDA guidelines. It is mandatory that children receive a nutritious and healthy lunch and that you are aware of what food component has not been meet. As a child care provider you are responsible to ensuring that their meal are healthy and provide a substitute. Our lead consultant Angela Alger-Walker can offer suggestions to help assist you with a solution; she can be reached at 919-819-9350. Some therapeutic equipment like trampolines will need to have proper supervision for safety. That means that a member of staff would have to always supervise the child while he/she is on the equipment. This may require extra staff to meet the needs of the other children. When the equipment is not being used it should be securely stored and inaccessible to children. Thank you for removing the trampoline during today’s visit. In our discussion we talk about the fall zone around the wooden structure; according to today’s measurement you did not have sufficient surfacing. You stated that mulch would be delivered on April 20. We also discussed the fence on the natural playground measuring less than 4 feet from the ground along the back area of the playground. You stated that you would remove some of the soil so that the fence will measure 4 feet. The sloping of the landscape in that area will continue to decrease the height due to the washing of the mulch after each rain. One suggestion would be to reach out to a landscape to get suggestion for the erosion. ERS REVIEW Today we discussed items that scores 2pts – 4pts from the ITERS-R conducted on 7/20/23 and ECERS-R conducted on 7/25/23. ECERS-R: (Score 5.54, observation date 7/25/2023) SPACE AND FURNISHINGS Item #1 To meet this indicator, the space must be handicapped-accessible for all children regardless of whether anyone with a disability used the entrance or not. SPACE FOR PRIVACY Item #5 It was reported that the listening area had space for only two children. This space should be protected from intrusion by others. To receive credit for 5.1 and 5.2; there should be no more than 2 children in this space. . CHILD-RELATED DISPLAY Item #6 There were pictures of the children posted and displays of recent themes which consisted of drawing, painting, and collages. To receive credit for this item you can also use stories dictated by children, and charts with children input from questions asked by the teacher. SPACE FOR GROSS MOTOR PLAY Item #7 The green swing didn’t measure enough clearance (needed 10 ft – 2 inches) to be safe. A stump was located within a 10 feet safe zone. On an additional playground a wooden swing measurement did not have a safe fall zone measurement as well. There was a tree that measured 7 feet 5 inches for the front of the swing. The swing was also too close to the fence, it measured 4 feet rather than 6 feet. The green swing was not on an approved surface to give children cushioning when transitioning. During today’ visit I did not observe a green swing on the natural playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #10 Although the teacher used the proper sanitary measure the porous material of the table caused this indicator to score low. FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS 15A NCAC 18A .2809 Food-contact surfaces shall be smooth, nonabsorbent, free of sharp corners, and kept clean and in good repair. NAP/REST Item #11 To receive credit for this item cots/mats must be at least 18 inches apart, unless separated by a solid barrier that is the full length of the cot/mat. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #14 Because of the outdoor safety concern (item #7) credit could not be given to this indicator. USING LANGUAGE TO DEVELOP REASONING SKILLS Item #17 This indicator requires that staff encourage children to explain their reasoning when they have solved a logical problem using materials that stimulate reasoning. If a child were given small cars, trucks, and airplanes to play with in a small group activity the teacher may ask the child why he/she separated each item in its name groups. MUSIC/MOVEMENT Item #21 To receive credit there should be music materials such as a CD player; various types of music such as classical, jazz, rock, reggae, lullabies, folk songs, country etc. While other children are playing in quiet centers headphones may be required so that they are not disturbed. BLOCKS Item #22 The traditional unit block set includes different sizes or shapes; at least 80 are needed for one structure. For larger unit blocks, at least 40 are required. Remember the indicator requires enough blocks for three sizable structures, whether the blocks are of the same type or different types of blocks. Remember when children bring items from other centers, they can occupy floor space and structure cannot be built. Because there was not enough block in indicator 5.3; credit was not given in 5.4. To receive additional points consider adding block outdoors. INTERACTION Item #29 To receive credit for this item; when child has selected an unsafe situation where he/she can get hurt, the teacher must redirect their actions. ITERS-R ASSESSMENT (Score 4.73, observation date 7/20/2023) PROVISION FOR RELAXATION AND COMFORT Item #3 According to the accessor the teachers stated that the children spend 5 hours outside, so they were not able to receive credit for this indicator. To receive credit for this item you can adjust the outdoor schedule, use lawn furniture pillow for relaxation, or fold mat to provides the substantial amount of softness for the outdoor area. Because most of the day was spent outdoors the children were not able to play with the soft toys. There were plenty of soft toy in the classroom but only 3 soft toys were accessible on the playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #7 To receive credit and avoid a potential violation children should not drink from bottles as they lay on the cots. Infants must be held for bottle feeding; they should not have bottles when walking around, running, playing, and laying down. NAP Item #8 During nap transition there should be enough staff present in the room to protect the children’s safety in case of an emergency and to handle children who may not be asleep. Additional staff may be required when the needs of several children require more of the attention of the staff present. DIAPERING/TOILETING Item #9 When one sink is used by children/adults for both diapering/toileting and food-related routines or for other purposes, it must be sanitized after diaper/toileting by spraying the sink and faucet handles with a soap/water solution, and bleach/water solution that is left on the surface according to the disinfectant you are using. To minimize contamination of the diapering area, prep before bringing the child to diapering area. The diapering surface must be sanitized after each diaper changes with a bleach-water or approved disinfectant solution. Please refer to the diapering procedure poster from the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center. HEALTH PRACTICES Item #10 Mouth toys were not removed from play 75% of the time; this will help to cut down on the spread of germs. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #11 The children were being lifted in an unsafe manner; best practice would be to lift a child under his/her arm pit to avoid the risk of causing joint injury. To avoid health risk and to receive credit for this item a sanitize and disinfectant solution should not be sprayed when children are nearby. The solution can potentially irritate their eyes and cause breathing problems. A slide was positioned on the playground where there was less than 3 feet in the fall zone. During today’s visit I observed and cited a violation for not enough surfacing. ACTIVITIES Item #15 Much of the day was spent outdoors therefore credit was not given to this indicator. There were fane motor materials outside but not enough to meet 12 additional items. Adjusting the outdoor time would help meet this indicator. ACTIVE PHYSICAL PLAY Item #16 Because there were steps leading to the outdoor area it was not easily accessible for infants/toddlers. To receive credit for this item the area should have few to no barriers or undue effort or complications getting outdoors. Safety concern described in item #11 applies to this indicator, not enough space for fall zone. MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Item #18 There were music materials in the classroom, but a substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors. Therefore, this indicator was not met. (5 hours and 15 minutes was spent outdoors) BLOCKS Item #19 Blocks and accessories are accessible most of the day; to receive credit you can add blocks to the outdoor area. Even though there were plenty of blocks because the substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors credit was not given. DRAMATIC PLAY Item #20 Plenty of required materials in classroom. Outdoor space did not have enough material to count for a substantial portion of the day. NATURE/SCIENCE Item #22 The children were not able to have a daily experience with living things indoors because the plants were not accessible. SUPERVISION OF PLAY AND LEARNING Item #25 Staff must be positioned to see all the areas where children are playing, move around as needed to always see all the children. To receive credit all diapers must be checked or changed every 2 hours. To receive credit for this item, make sure bottles/food items are prepped and ready to serve to avoid long wait times. RATED LICENSE INFORMATION: You completed the Rated License assessment to increase your stars. During today’s visit, we discussed the results of your Rated License process. A new license will be processed upon the removal of the provisional license. An updated staff education review will be needed for new staff and assignment changes. Upon completion of the lead remediation a new license will be completed. The center's anticipated assessment results are as follows: PROGRAM STANDARDS – PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 6 Points ITERS-R 4.73 ECERS-R 5.54 OVERALL AVERAGE SCORE WITH 2 ASSESSMENTS = 5.14 STAFF EDUCATION – Pending review of new staff and assignment changes BONUS QUALITY POINT - PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 1 Point If you plan to use previous selection [has an Infrastructure for Parental Involvement and a Staff Benefits Package] ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING REVIEW: In-service hours for today’s visit were counted from May 19, 2023 – May 19, 2024. Any training received after the posted date will be counted for 2024/2025 annual compliance visit. Six staff did not meet their annual training requirements; check the staff training worksheet for assistance. All training must be completed by May 19, 2024. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES Visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov often for the What’s New section for the new rules and other updates. ABCMS PORTAL [provider can check qualifying letters] To receive access, complete the training on DCDEE’s Moodle site. Complete the short video and test. A certificate will be issued when the session has been completed. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and facility ID number to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919) 606-2388 or email me at corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. All mail correspondence should be sent to 1781 Indian Camp Road, Clayton NC 27520. 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: CORRINE FULP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/9/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 4/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit and to complete a rated license assessment. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the director. I toured through three classrooms serving children ranging in age from 0 months to 5 years. A total of 28 children were present during this visit. The children were observed freely playing with the available materials, participating in circle time, being held, washing their hands, routine personal care, eating am snack, and outdoor play. CURRENT LICENSE STATUS: The facility currently operates with a Provisional License that was issued on September 14, 2023, for lead remediation. INSPECTIONS: The last Fire Inspection was conducted 3/6/23. The last Sanitation Inspection was conducted on 5/18/23. The last Fire Drill was conducted last on 4/3/24. The last Shelter-In-Place (Lockdown Drill) was conducted on 3/14/24. The last playground Inspection was conducted on 4/8/24. The last EPR plan update was completed on 4/9/24. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/23. MONITORING CONDUCTED TODAY During today’s visit, a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. A checklist was used to monitor the requirements. This program does not transport children; therefore, these requirements were not monitored. Prior to the visit I reviewed the NC Secretary of State's website and observed that the owner of this facility, BRANCHES EDUCATION LLC. was current/active. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Space #2 and #3 did not have an activity plan posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A wooden pallet used as a balancing structure was not secure and didn't have sufficient surfacing materials. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. A staff purse was stored in a space less than 5 feet from the floor. .0604(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the natural playground measured 3 feet 7 inches in several areas. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A tube of Aquaphor was administered after the expiration date of 6/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. A sleep policy was not posted in the infant classroom. .0606(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff First Aid expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff CPR expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(d) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. A staff working in the infant class did not renew SIDS training once expired. .1102(f) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. A teacher in the preschool classroom was supervising eleven children; age ranging from 3 to 5 year old. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1855 Center was using a trampoline other than a mini fitness trampoline for single person use. A trampoline in poor repair on the preschool playground was used for more than single use. .0605(r) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two (2) staff did not renew their training within five years. .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Staff who completed training in 2017 did not renew their training within five years. .1103(b) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Sanitation rule 15N NAC 18A .2807 (C) Food contact surfaces and utensils that are exposed to bacterial, viral, fungal, or hazard contaminant during used shall be made clean, free from hazard and sanitized before use. Eating utensils was stored in a teacher supply draw which could be exposed to potential hazard contaminant. Please submit a corrective action letter for the above violations. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when they are documented, it is expected that you correct all violations immediately. Your corrective action letter must include the following: Name of your program, Id number of your program, Date of Letter, Violation(s) number(s), and How and Date each violation was corrected. Your letter is due no later than 4/23/24 and should be emailed to: corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history score was 87%. 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 today may impact your compliance history score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE There were two staff members who needed to send their transcript for evaluation, and you wanted to know the contact information for Early Education Certification. You can contact the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals website at http://ncicdp.org/certification-licensure/certification or by contacting the EEC office at 919-942- 7442 or ncicdp.org/eecforms. The Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b) requires that Health and Safety training be completed as part of on-going training every five years. You stated that no parents have opt out for their child’s meal. The center provides the am/pm snack, and the parents provide the lunch. Programs should serve nutritious and sufficient foods that meet the requirements for meals of the child care component according to the USDA guidelines. It is mandatory that children receive a nutritious and healthy lunch and that you are aware of what food component has not been meet. As a child care provider you are responsible to ensuring that their meal are healthy and provide a substitute. Our lead consultant Angela Alger-Walker can offer suggestions to help assist you with a solution; she can be reached at 919-819-9350. Some therapeutic equipment like trampolines will need to have proper supervision for safety. That means that a member of staff would have to always supervise the child while he/she is on the equipment. This may require extra staff to meet the needs of the other children. When the equipment is not being used it should be securely stored and inaccessible to children. Thank you for removing the trampoline during today’s visit. In our discussion we talk about the fall zone around the wooden structure; according to today’s measurement you did not have sufficient surfacing. You stated that mulch would be delivered on April 20. We also discussed the fence on the natural playground measuring less than 4 feet from the ground along the back area of the playground. You stated that you would remove some of the soil so that the fence will measure 4 feet. The sloping of the landscape in that area will continue to decrease the height due to the washing of the mulch after each rain. One suggestion would be to reach out to a landscape to get suggestion for the erosion. ERS REVIEW Today we discussed items that scores 2pts – 4pts from the ITERS-R conducted on 7/20/23 and ECERS-R conducted on 7/25/23. ECERS-R: (Score 5.54, observation date 7/25/2023) SPACE AND FURNISHINGS Item #1 To meet this indicator, the space must be handicapped-accessible for all children regardless of whether anyone with a disability used the entrance or not. SPACE FOR PRIVACY Item #5 It was reported that the listening area had space for only two children. This space should be protected from intrusion by others. To receive credit for 5.1 and 5.2; there should be no more than 2 children in this space. . CHILD-RELATED DISPLAY Item #6 There were pictures of the children posted and displays of recent themes which consisted of drawing, painting, and collages. To receive credit for this item you can also use stories dictated by children, and charts with children input from questions asked by the teacher. SPACE FOR GROSS MOTOR PLAY Item #7 The green swing didn’t measure enough clearance (needed 10 ft – 2 inches) to be safe. A stump was located within a 10 feet safe zone. On an additional playground a wooden swing measurement did not have a safe fall zone measurement as well. There was a tree that measured 7 feet 5 inches for the front of the swing. The swing was also too close to the fence, it measured 4 feet rather than 6 feet. The green swing was not on an approved surface to give children cushioning when transitioning. During today’ visit I did not observe a green swing on the natural playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #10 Although the teacher used the proper sanitary measure the porous material of the table caused this indicator to score low. FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS 15A NCAC 18A .2809 Food-contact surfaces shall be smooth, nonabsorbent, free of sharp corners, and kept clean and in good repair. NAP/REST Item #11 To receive credit for this item cots/mats must be at least 18 inches apart, unless separated by a solid barrier that is the full length of the cot/mat. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #14 Because of the outdoor safety concern (item #7) credit could not be given to this indicator. USING LANGUAGE TO DEVELOP REASONING SKILLS Item #17 This indicator requires that staff encourage children to explain their reasoning when they have solved a logical problem using materials that stimulate reasoning. If a child were given small cars, trucks, and airplanes to play with in a small group activity the teacher may ask the child why he/she separated each item in its name groups. MUSIC/MOVEMENT Item #21 To receive credit there should be music materials such as a CD player; various types of music such as classical, jazz, rock, reggae, lullabies, folk songs, country etc. While other children are playing in quiet centers headphones may be required so that they are not disturbed. BLOCKS Item #22 The traditional unit block set includes different sizes or shapes; at least 80 are needed for one structure. For larger unit blocks, at least 40 are required. Remember the indicator requires enough blocks for three sizable structures, whether the blocks are of the same type or different types of blocks. Remember when children bring items from other centers, they can occupy floor space and structure cannot be built. Because there was not enough block in indicator 5.3; credit was not given in 5.4. To receive additional points consider adding block outdoors. INTERACTION Item #29 To receive credit for this item; when child has selected an unsafe situation where he/she can get hurt, the teacher must redirect their actions. ITERS-R ASSESSMENT (Score 4.73, observation date 7/20/2023) PROVISION FOR RELAXATION AND COMFORT Item #3 According to the accessor the teachers stated that the children spend 5 hours outside, so they were not able to receive credit for this indicator. To receive credit for this item you can adjust the outdoor schedule, use lawn furniture pillow for relaxation, or fold mat to provides the substantial amount of softness for the outdoor area. Because most of the day was spent outdoors the children were not able to play with the soft toys. There were plenty of soft toy in the classroom but only 3 soft toys were accessible on the playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #7 To receive credit and avoid a potential violation children should not drink from bottles as they lay on the cots. Infants must be held for bottle feeding; they should not have bottles when walking around, running, playing, and laying down. NAP Item #8 During nap transition there should be enough staff present in the room to protect the children’s safety in case of an emergency and to handle children who may not be asleep. Additional staff may be required when the needs of several children require more of the attention of the staff present. DIAPERING/TOILETING Item #9 When one sink is used by children/adults for both diapering/toileting and food-related routines or for other purposes, it must be sanitized after diaper/toileting by spraying the sink and faucet handles with a soap/water solution, and bleach/water solution that is left on the surface according to the disinfectant you are using. To minimize contamination of the diapering area, prep before bringing the child to diapering area. The diapering surface must be sanitized after each diaper changes with a bleach-water or approved disinfectant solution. Please refer to the diapering procedure poster from the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center. HEALTH PRACTICES Item #10 Mouth toys were not removed from play 75% of the time; this will help to cut down on the spread of germs. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #11 The children were being lifted in an unsafe manner; best practice would be to lift a child under his/her arm pit to avoid the risk of causing joint injury. To avoid health risk and to receive credit for this item a sanitize and disinfectant solution should not be sprayed when children are nearby. The solution can potentially irritate their eyes and cause breathing problems. A slide was positioned on the playground where there was less than 3 feet in the fall zone. During today’s visit I observed and cited a violation for not enough surfacing. ACTIVITIES Item #15 Much of the day was spent outdoors therefore credit was not given to this indicator. There were fane motor materials outside but not enough to meet 12 additional items. Adjusting the outdoor time would help meet this indicator. ACTIVE PHYSICAL PLAY Item #16 Because there were steps leading to the outdoor area it was not easily accessible for infants/toddlers. To receive credit for this item the area should have few to no barriers or undue effort or complications getting outdoors. Safety concern described in item #11 applies to this indicator, not enough space for fall zone. MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Item #18 There were music materials in the classroom, but a substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors. Therefore, this indicator was not met. (5 hours and 15 minutes was spent outdoors) BLOCKS Item #19 Blocks and accessories are accessible most of the day; to receive credit you can add blocks to the outdoor area. Even though there were plenty of blocks because the substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors credit was not given. DRAMATIC PLAY Item #20 Plenty of required materials in classroom. Outdoor space did not have enough material to count for a substantial portion of the day. NATURE/SCIENCE Item #22 The children were not able to have a daily experience with living things indoors because the plants were not accessible. SUPERVISION OF PLAY AND LEARNING Item #25 Staff must be positioned to see all the areas where children are playing, move around as needed to always see all the children. To receive credit all diapers must be checked or changed every 2 hours. To receive credit for this item, make sure bottles/food items are prepped and ready to serve to avoid long wait times. RATED LICENSE INFORMATION: You completed the Rated License assessment to increase your stars. During today’s visit, we discussed the results of your Rated License process. A new license will be processed upon the removal of the provisional license. An updated staff education review will be needed for new staff and assignment changes. Upon completion of the lead remediation a new license will be completed. The center's anticipated assessment results are as follows: PROGRAM STANDARDS – PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 6 Points ITERS-R 4.73 ECERS-R 5.54 OVERALL AVERAGE SCORE WITH 2 ASSESSMENTS = 5.14 STAFF EDUCATION – Pending review of new staff and assignment changes BONUS QUALITY POINT - PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 1 Point If you plan to use previous selection [has an Infrastructure for Parental Involvement and a Staff Benefits Package] ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING REVIEW: In-service hours for today’s visit were counted from May 19, 2023 – May 19, 2024. Any training received after the posted date will be counted for 2024/2025 annual compliance visit. Six staff did not meet their annual training requirements; check the staff training worksheet for assistance. All training must be completed by May 19, 2024. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES Visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov often for the What’s New section for the new rules and other updates. ABCMS PORTAL [provider can check qualifying letters] To receive access, complete the training on DCDEE’s Moodle site. Complete the short video and test. A certificate will be issued when the session has been completed. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and facility ID number to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919) 606-2388 or email me at corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. All mail correspondence should be sent to 1781 Indian Camp Road, Clayton NC 27520. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: CORRINE FULP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/9/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 4/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit and to complete a rated license assessment. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the director. I toured through three classrooms serving children ranging in age from 0 months to 5 years. A total of 28 children were present during this visit. The children were observed freely playing with the available materials, participating in circle time, being held, washing their hands, routine personal care, eating am snack, and outdoor play. CURRENT LICENSE STATUS: The facility currently operates with a Provisional License that was issued on September 14, 2023, for lead remediation. INSPECTIONS: The last Fire Inspection was conducted 3/6/23. The last Sanitation Inspection was conducted on 5/18/23. The last Fire Drill was conducted last on 4/3/24. The last Shelter-In-Place (Lockdown Drill) was conducted on 3/14/24. The last playground Inspection was conducted on 4/8/24. The last EPR plan update was completed on 4/9/24. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/23. MONITORING CONDUCTED TODAY During today’s visit, a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. A checklist was used to monitor the requirements. This program does not transport children; therefore, these requirements were not monitored. Prior to the visit I reviewed the NC Secretary of State's website and observed that the owner of this facility, BRANCHES EDUCATION LLC. was current/active. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Space #2 and #3 did not have an activity plan posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A wooden pallet used as a balancing structure was not secure and didn't have sufficient surfacing materials. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. A staff purse was stored in a space less than 5 feet from the floor. .0604(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the natural playground measured 3 feet 7 inches in several areas. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A tube of Aquaphor was administered after the expiration date of 6/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. A sleep policy was not posted in the infant classroom. .0606(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff First Aid expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff CPR expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(d) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. A staff working in the infant class did not renew SIDS training once expired. .1102(f) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. A teacher in the preschool classroom was supervising eleven children; age ranging from 3 to 5 year old. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1855 Center was using a trampoline other than a mini fitness trampoline for single person use. A trampoline in poor repair on the preschool playground was used for more than single use. .0605(r) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two (2) staff did not renew their training within five years. .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Staff who completed training in 2017 did not renew their training within five years. .1103(b) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Sanitation rule 15N NAC 18A .2807 (C) Food contact surfaces and utensils that are exposed to bacterial, viral, fungal, or hazard contaminant during used shall be made clean, free from hazard and sanitized before use. Eating utensils was stored in a teacher supply draw which could be exposed to potential hazard contaminant. Please submit a corrective action letter for the above violations. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when they are documented, it is expected that you correct all violations immediately. Your corrective action letter must include the following: Name of your program, Id number of your program, Date of Letter, Violation(s) number(s), and How and Date each violation was corrected. Your letter is due no later than 4/23/24 and should be emailed to: corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history score was 87%. 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 today may impact your compliance history score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE There were two staff members who needed to send their transcript for evaluation, and you wanted to know the contact information for Early Education Certification. You can contact the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals website at http://ncicdp.org/certification-licensure/certification or by contacting the EEC office at 919-942- 7442 or ncicdp.org/eecforms. The Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b) requires that Health and Safety training be completed as part of on-going training every five years. You stated that no parents have opt out for their child’s meal. The center provides the am/pm snack, and the parents provide the lunch. Programs should serve nutritious and sufficient foods that meet the requirements for meals of the child care component according to the USDA guidelines. It is mandatory that children receive a nutritious and healthy lunch and that you are aware of what food component has not been meet. As a child care provider you are responsible to ensuring that their meal are healthy and provide a substitute. Our lead consultant Angela Alger-Walker can offer suggestions to help assist you with a solution; she can be reached at 919-819-9350. Some therapeutic equipment like trampolines will need to have proper supervision for safety. That means that a member of staff would have to always supervise the child while he/she is on the equipment. This may require extra staff to meet the needs of the other children. When the equipment is not being used it should be securely stored and inaccessible to children. Thank you for removing the trampoline during today’s visit. In our discussion we talk about the fall zone around the wooden structure; according to today’s measurement you did not have sufficient surfacing. You stated that mulch would be delivered on April 20. We also discussed the fence on the natural playground measuring less than 4 feet from the ground along the back area of the playground. You stated that you would remove some of the soil so that the fence will measure 4 feet. The sloping of the landscape in that area will continue to decrease the height due to the washing of the mulch after each rain. One suggestion would be to reach out to a landscape to get suggestion for the erosion. ERS REVIEW Today we discussed items that scores 2pts – 4pts from the ITERS-R conducted on 7/20/23 and ECERS-R conducted on 7/25/23. ECERS-R: (Score 5.54, observation date 7/25/2023) SPACE AND FURNISHINGS Item #1 To meet this indicator, the space must be handicapped-accessible for all children regardless of whether anyone with a disability used the entrance or not. SPACE FOR PRIVACY Item #5 It was reported that the listening area had space for only two children. This space should be protected from intrusion by others. To receive credit for 5.1 and 5.2; there should be no more than 2 children in this space. . CHILD-RELATED DISPLAY Item #6 There were pictures of the children posted and displays of recent themes which consisted of drawing, painting, and collages. To receive credit for this item you can also use stories dictated by children, and charts with children input from questions asked by the teacher. SPACE FOR GROSS MOTOR PLAY Item #7 The green swing didn’t measure enough clearance (needed 10 ft – 2 inches) to be safe. A stump was located within a 10 feet safe zone. On an additional playground a wooden swing measurement did not have a safe fall zone measurement as well. There was a tree that measured 7 feet 5 inches for the front of the swing. The swing was also too close to the fence, it measured 4 feet rather than 6 feet. The green swing was not on an approved surface to give children cushioning when transitioning. During today’ visit I did not observe a green swing on the natural playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #10 Although the teacher used the proper sanitary measure the porous material of the table caused this indicator to score low. FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS 15A NCAC 18A .2809 Food-contact surfaces shall be smooth, nonabsorbent, free of sharp corners, and kept clean and in good repair. NAP/REST Item #11 To receive credit for this item cots/mats must be at least 18 inches apart, unless separated by a solid barrier that is the full length of the cot/mat. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #14 Because of the outdoor safety concern (item #7) credit could not be given to this indicator. USING LANGUAGE TO DEVELOP REASONING SKILLS Item #17 This indicator requires that staff encourage children to explain their reasoning when they have solved a logical problem using materials that stimulate reasoning. If a child were given small cars, trucks, and airplanes to play with in a small group activity the teacher may ask the child why he/she separated each item in its name groups. MUSIC/MOVEMENT Item #21 To receive credit there should be music materials such as a CD player; various types of music such as classical, jazz, rock, reggae, lullabies, folk songs, country etc. While other children are playing in quiet centers headphones may be required so that they are not disturbed. BLOCKS Item #22 The traditional unit block set includes different sizes or shapes; at least 80 are needed for one structure. For larger unit blocks, at least 40 are required. Remember the indicator requires enough blocks for three sizable structures, whether the blocks are of the same type or different types of blocks. Remember when children bring items from other centers, they can occupy floor space and structure cannot be built. Because there was not enough block in indicator 5.3; credit was not given in 5.4. To receive additional points consider adding block outdoors. INTERACTION Item #29 To receive credit for this item; when child has selected an unsafe situation where he/she can get hurt, the teacher must redirect their actions. ITERS-R ASSESSMENT (Score 4.73, observation date 7/20/2023) PROVISION FOR RELAXATION AND COMFORT Item #3 According to the accessor the teachers stated that the children spend 5 hours outside, so they were not able to receive credit for this indicator. To receive credit for this item you can adjust the outdoor schedule, use lawn furniture pillow for relaxation, or fold mat to provides the substantial amount of softness for the outdoor area. Because most of the day was spent outdoors the children were not able to play with the soft toys. There were plenty of soft toy in the classroom but only 3 soft toys were accessible on the playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #7 To receive credit and avoid a potential violation children should not drink from bottles as they lay on the cots. Infants must be held for bottle feeding; they should not have bottles when walking around, running, playing, and laying down. NAP Item #8 During nap transition there should be enough staff present in the room to protect the children’s safety in case of an emergency and to handle children who may not be asleep. Additional staff may be required when the needs of several children require more of the attention of the staff present. DIAPERING/TOILETING Item #9 When one sink is used by children/adults for both diapering/toileting and food-related routines or for other purposes, it must be sanitized after diaper/toileting by spraying the sink and faucet handles with a soap/water solution, and bleach/water solution that is left on the surface according to the disinfectant you are using. To minimize contamination of the diapering area, prep before bringing the child to diapering area. The diapering surface must be sanitized after each diaper changes with a bleach-water or approved disinfectant solution. Please refer to the diapering procedure poster from the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center. HEALTH PRACTICES Item #10 Mouth toys were not removed from play 75% of the time; this will help to cut down on the spread of germs. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #11 The children were being lifted in an unsafe manner; best practice would be to lift a child under his/her arm pit to avoid the risk of causing joint injury. To avoid health risk and to receive credit for this item a sanitize and disinfectant solution should not be sprayed when children are nearby. The solution can potentially irritate their eyes and cause breathing problems. A slide was positioned on the playground where there was less than 3 feet in the fall zone. During today’s visit I observed and cited a violation for not enough surfacing. ACTIVITIES Item #15 Much of the day was spent outdoors therefore credit was not given to this indicator. There were fane motor materials outside but not enough to meet 12 additional items. Adjusting the outdoor time would help meet this indicator. ACTIVE PHYSICAL PLAY Item #16 Because there were steps leading to the outdoor area it was not easily accessible for infants/toddlers. To receive credit for this item the area should have few to no barriers or undue effort or complications getting outdoors. Safety concern described in item #11 applies to this indicator, not enough space for fall zone. MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Item #18 There were music materials in the classroom, but a substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors. Therefore, this indicator was not met. (5 hours and 15 minutes was spent outdoors) BLOCKS Item #19 Blocks and accessories are accessible most of the day; to receive credit you can add blocks to the outdoor area. Even though there were plenty of blocks because the substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors credit was not given. DRAMATIC PLAY Item #20 Plenty of required materials in classroom. Outdoor space did not have enough material to count for a substantial portion of the day. NATURE/SCIENCE Item #22 The children were not able to have a daily experience with living things indoors because the plants were not accessible. SUPERVISION OF PLAY AND LEARNING Item #25 Staff must be positioned to see all the areas where children are playing, move around as needed to always see all the children. To receive credit all diapers must be checked or changed every 2 hours. To receive credit for this item, make sure bottles/food items are prepped and ready to serve to avoid long wait times. RATED LICENSE INFORMATION: You completed the Rated License assessment to increase your stars. During today’s visit, we discussed the results of your Rated License process. A new license will be processed upon the removal of the provisional license. An updated staff education review will be needed for new staff and assignment changes. Upon completion of the lead remediation a new license will be completed. The center's anticipated assessment results are as follows: PROGRAM STANDARDS – PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 6 Points ITERS-R 4.73 ECERS-R 5.54 OVERALL AVERAGE SCORE WITH 2 ASSESSMENTS = 5.14 STAFF EDUCATION – Pending review of new staff and assignment changes BONUS QUALITY POINT - PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 1 Point If you plan to use previous selection [has an Infrastructure for Parental Involvement and a Staff Benefits Package] ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING REVIEW: In-service hours for today’s visit were counted from May 19, 2023 – May 19, 2024. Any training received after the posted date will be counted for 2024/2025 annual compliance visit. Six staff did not meet their annual training requirements; check the staff training worksheet for assistance. All training must be completed by May 19, 2024. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES Visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov often for the What’s New section for the new rules and other updates. ABCMS PORTAL [provider can check qualifying letters] To receive access, complete the training on DCDEE’s Moodle site. Complete the short video and test. A certificate will be issued when the session has been completed. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and facility ID number to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919) 606-2388 or email me at corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. All mail correspondence should be sent to 1781 Indian Camp Road, Clayton NC 27520. 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: BRANCHES COMMUNITY SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002215 Consultant: CORRINE FULP Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/9/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 4/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit and to complete a rated license assessment. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the director. I toured through three classrooms serving children ranging in age from 0 months to 5 years. A total of 28 children were present during this visit. The children were observed freely playing with the available materials, participating in circle time, being held, washing their hands, routine personal care, eating am snack, and outdoor play. CURRENT LICENSE STATUS: The facility currently operates with a Provisional License that was issued on September 14, 2023, for lead remediation. INSPECTIONS: The last Fire Inspection was conducted 3/6/23. The last Sanitation Inspection was conducted on 5/18/23. The last Fire Drill was conducted last on 4/3/24. The last Shelter-In-Place (Lockdown Drill) was conducted on 3/14/24. The last playground Inspection was conducted on 4/8/24. The last EPR plan update was completed on 4/9/24. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/23. MONITORING CONDUCTED TODAY During today’s visit, a full assessment of Child Care Requirements was conducted. A checklist was used to monitor the requirements. This program does not transport children; therefore, these requirements were not monitored. Prior to the visit I reviewed the NC Secretary of State's website and observed that the owner of this facility, BRANCHES EDUCATION LLC. was current/active. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Space #2 and #3 did not have an activity plan posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A wooden pallet used as a balancing structure was not secure and didn't have sufficient surfacing materials. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. A staff purse was stored in a space less than 5 feet from the floor. .0604(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence on the natural playground measured 3 feet 7 inches in several areas. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. A tube of Aquaphor was administered after the expiration date of 6/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 892 The center's safe sleep policy was not posted in a prominent place in the infant room where parents and caregivers were able to view daily. A sleep policy was not posted in the infant classroom. .0606(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff First Aid expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three (3) staff CPR expired on 6/2023 was not renewed. .1102(d) 1065 Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. A staff working in the infant class did not renew SIDS training once expired. .1102(f) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. A teacher in the preschool classroom was supervising eleven children; age ranging from 3 to 5 year old. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1855 Center was using a trampoline other than a mini fitness trampoline for single person use. A trampoline in poor repair on the preschool playground was used for more than single use. .0605(r) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Two (2) staff did not renew their training within five years. .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. Staff who completed training in 2017 did not renew their training within five years. .1103(b) 9999 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Sanitation rule 15N NAC 18A .2807 (C) Food contact surfaces and utensils that are exposed to bacterial, viral, fungal, or hazard contaminant during used shall be made clean, free from hazard and sanitized before use. Eating utensils was stored in a teacher supply draw which could be exposed to potential hazard contaminant. Please submit a corrective action letter for the above violations. While the Division allows you time to explain how you have corrected violations when they are documented, it is expected that you correct all violations immediately. Your corrective action letter must include the following: Name of your program, Id number of your program, Date of Letter, Violation(s) number(s), and How and Date each violation was corrected. Your letter is due no later than 4/23/24 and should be emailed to: corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history score was 87%. 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 today may impact your compliance history score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE There were two staff members who needed to send their transcript for evaluation, and you wanted to know the contact information for Early Education Certification. You can contact the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals website at http://ncicdp.org/certification-licensure/certification or by contacting the EEC office at 919-942- 7442 or ncicdp.org/eecforms. The Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1103(b) requires that Health and Safety training be completed as part of on-going training every five years. You stated that no parents have opt out for their child’s meal. The center provides the am/pm snack, and the parents provide the lunch. Programs should serve nutritious and sufficient foods that meet the requirements for meals of the child care component according to the USDA guidelines. It is mandatory that children receive a nutritious and healthy lunch and that you are aware of what food component has not been meet. As a child care provider you are responsible to ensuring that their meal are healthy and provide a substitute. Our lead consultant Angela Alger-Walker can offer suggestions to help assist you with a solution; she can be reached at 919-819-9350. Some therapeutic equipment like trampolines will need to have proper supervision for safety. That means that a member of staff would have to always supervise the child while he/she is on the equipment. This may require extra staff to meet the needs of the other children. When the equipment is not being used it should be securely stored and inaccessible to children. Thank you for removing the trampoline during today’s visit. In our discussion we talk about the fall zone around the wooden structure; according to today’s measurement you did not have sufficient surfacing. You stated that mulch would be delivered on April 20. We also discussed the fence on the natural playground measuring less than 4 feet from the ground along the back area of the playground. You stated that you would remove some of the soil so that the fence will measure 4 feet. The sloping of the landscape in that area will continue to decrease the height due to the washing of the mulch after each rain. One suggestion would be to reach out to a landscape to get suggestion for the erosion. ERS REVIEW Today we discussed items that scores 2pts – 4pts from the ITERS-R conducted on 7/20/23 and ECERS-R conducted on 7/25/23. ECERS-R: (Score 5.54, observation date 7/25/2023) SPACE AND FURNISHINGS Item #1 To meet this indicator, the space must be handicapped-accessible for all children regardless of whether anyone with a disability used the entrance or not. SPACE FOR PRIVACY Item #5 It was reported that the listening area had space for only two children. This space should be protected from intrusion by others. To receive credit for 5.1 and 5.2; there should be no more than 2 children in this space. . CHILD-RELATED DISPLAY Item #6 There were pictures of the children posted and displays of recent themes which consisted of drawing, painting, and collages. To receive credit for this item you can also use stories dictated by children, and charts with children input from questions asked by the teacher. SPACE FOR GROSS MOTOR PLAY Item #7 The green swing didn’t measure enough clearance (needed 10 ft – 2 inches) to be safe. A stump was located within a 10 feet safe zone. On an additional playground a wooden swing measurement did not have a safe fall zone measurement as well. There was a tree that measured 7 feet 5 inches for the front of the swing. The swing was also too close to the fence, it measured 4 feet rather than 6 feet. The green swing was not on an approved surface to give children cushioning when transitioning. During today’ visit I did not observe a green swing on the natural playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #10 Although the teacher used the proper sanitary measure the porous material of the table caused this indicator to score low. FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT AND UTENSILS 15A NCAC 18A .2809 Food-contact surfaces shall be smooth, nonabsorbent, free of sharp corners, and kept clean and in good repair. NAP/REST Item #11 To receive credit for this item cots/mats must be at least 18 inches apart, unless separated by a solid barrier that is the full length of the cot/mat. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #14 Because of the outdoor safety concern (item #7) credit could not be given to this indicator. USING LANGUAGE TO DEVELOP REASONING SKILLS Item #17 This indicator requires that staff encourage children to explain their reasoning when they have solved a logical problem using materials that stimulate reasoning. If a child were given small cars, trucks, and airplanes to play with in a small group activity the teacher may ask the child why he/she separated each item in its name groups. MUSIC/MOVEMENT Item #21 To receive credit there should be music materials such as a CD player; various types of music such as classical, jazz, rock, reggae, lullabies, folk songs, country etc. While other children are playing in quiet centers headphones may be required so that they are not disturbed. BLOCKS Item #22 The traditional unit block set includes different sizes or shapes; at least 80 are needed for one structure. For larger unit blocks, at least 40 are required. Remember the indicator requires enough blocks for three sizable structures, whether the blocks are of the same type or different types of blocks. Remember when children bring items from other centers, they can occupy floor space and structure cannot be built. Because there was not enough block in indicator 5.3; credit was not given in 5.4. To receive additional points consider adding block outdoors. INTERACTION Item #29 To receive credit for this item; when child has selected an unsafe situation where he/she can get hurt, the teacher must redirect their actions. ITERS-R ASSESSMENT (Score 4.73, observation date 7/20/2023) PROVISION FOR RELAXATION AND COMFORT Item #3 According to the accessor the teachers stated that the children spend 5 hours outside, so they were not able to receive credit for this indicator. To receive credit for this item you can adjust the outdoor schedule, use lawn furniture pillow for relaxation, or fold mat to provides the substantial amount of softness for the outdoor area. Because most of the day was spent outdoors the children were not able to play with the soft toys. There were plenty of soft toy in the classroom but only 3 soft toys were accessible on the playground. MEALS/SNACKS Item #7 To receive credit and avoid a potential violation children should not drink from bottles as they lay on the cots. Infants must be held for bottle feeding; they should not have bottles when walking around, running, playing, and laying down. NAP Item #8 During nap transition there should be enough staff present in the room to protect the children’s safety in case of an emergency and to handle children who may not be asleep. Additional staff may be required when the needs of several children require more of the attention of the staff present. DIAPERING/TOILETING Item #9 When one sink is used by children/adults for both diapering/toileting and food-related routines or for other purposes, it must be sanitized after diaper/toileting by spraying the sink and faucet handles with a soap/water solution, and bleach/water solution that is left on the surface according to the disinfectant you are using. To minimize contamination of the diapering area, prep before bringing the child to diapering area. The diapering surface must be sanitized after each diaper changes with a bleach-water or approved disinfectant solution. Please refer to the diapering procedure poster from the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center. HEALTH PRACTICES Item #10 Mouth toys were not removed from play 75% of the time; this will help to cut down on the spread of germs. SAFETY PRACTICES Item #11 The children were being lifted in an unsafe manner; best practice would be to lift a child under his/her arm pit to avoid the risk of causing joint injury. To avoid health risk and to receive credit for this item a sanitize and disinfectant solution should not be sprayed when children are nearby. The solution can potentially irritate their eyes and cause breathing problems. A slide was positioned on the playground where there was less than 3 feet in the fall zone. During today’s visit I observed and cited a violation for not enough surfacing. ACTIVITIES Item #15 Much of the day was spent outdoors therefore credit was not given to this indicator. There were fane motor materials outside but not enough to meet 12 additional items. Adjusting the outdoor time would help meet this indicator. ACTIVE PHYSICAL PLAY Item #16 Because there were steps leading to the outdoor area it was not easily accessible for infants/toddlers. To receive credit for this item the area should have few to no barriers or undue effort or complications getting outdoors. Safety concern described in item #11 applies to this indicator, not enough space for fall zone. MUSIC AND MOVEMENT Item #18 There were music materials in the classroom, but a substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors. Therefore, this indicator was not met. (5 hours and 15 minutes was spent outdoors) BLOCKS Item #19 Blocks and accessories are accessible most of the day; to receive credit you can add blocks to the outdoor area. Even though there were plenty of blocks because the substantial portion of the day was spent outdoors credit was not given. DRAMATIC PLAY Item #20 Plenty of required materials in classroom. Outdoor space did not have enough material to count for a substantial portion of the day. NATURE/SCIENCE Item #22 The children were not able to have a daily experience with living things indoors because the plants were not accessible. SUPERVISION OF PLAY AND LEARNING Item #25 Staff must be positioned to see all the areas where children are playing, move around as needed to always see all the children. To receive credit all diapers must be checked or changed every 2 hours. To receive credit for this item, make sure bottles/food items are prepped and ready to serve to avoid long wait times. RATED LICENSE INFORMATION: You completed the Rated License assessment to increase your stars. During today’s visit, we discussed the results of your Rated License process. A new license will be processed upon the removal of the provisional license. An updated staff education review will be needed for new staff and assignment changes. Upon completion of the lead remediation a new license will be completed. The center's anticipated assessment results are as follows: PROGRAM STANDARDS – PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 6 Points ITERS-R 4.73 ECERS-R 5.54 OVERALL AVERAGE SCORE WITH 2 ASSESSMENTS = 5.14 STAFF EDUCATION – Pending review of new staff and assignment changes BONUS QUALITY POINT - PROPOSED POINT LEVEL= 1 Point If you plan to use previous selection [has an Infrastructure for Parental Involvement and a Staff Benefits Package] ANNUAL IN-SERVICE TRAINING REVIEW: In-service hours for today’s visit were counted from May 19, 2023 – May 19, 2024. Any training received after the posted date will be counted for 2024/2025 annual compliance visit. Six staff did not meet their annual training requirements; check the staff training worksheet for assistance. All training must be completed by May 19, 2024. AGENCY NEWS AND UPDATES Visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov often for the What’s New section for the new rules and other updates. ABCMS PORTAL [provider can check qualifying letters] To receive access, complete the training on DCDEE’s Moodle site. Complete the short video and test. A certificate will be issued when the session has been completed. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and facility ID number to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov. CONTACT INFORMATION At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919) 606-2388 or email me at corrine.fulp@dhhs.nc.gov. All mail correspondence should be sent to 1781 Indian Camp Road, Clayton NC 27520. 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