Brown'S Early Learning School

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: BROWN'S EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002080 Consultant: MANDY ANNUNZIATA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/26/2026 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 3/26/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the cook/floater, Karina Navarrete. The director, Cheryl Brown, arrived shortly afterward and assisted me during today’s visit. LICENSE STATUS The center currently operates with a Five Star License issued on December 4, 2019. The program received six points in Staff Education, seven points in Program Standards, and one Quality Point. The center is licensed to serve 25 children on first shift. Prior to today’s visit, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and noted that the owner of this facility, Pattie G. Brown Enterprises, is listed as current/active. INSPECTIONS/DRILLS STATUS -The last sanitation inspection was completed on 12/18/25, and the center scored a superior rating with three demerits. -The last fire inspection was completed on 2/23/26. -The last documented outdoor play area inspection was completed on 3/6/26. -The last documented fire drill was conducted on 3/6/26. -The last documented lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 1/17/26. -The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/22/25. MONITORING I completed a walk-through of the center, visiting one classroom as well as the outdoor play area, restroom, and kitchen. The classroom serves children in the NC Pre-K program. Preschoolers were observed cleaning up, participating in circle time, playing freely in centers, and playing outside. The children also made homemade pizza for lunch today. The outdoor space is fenced and contains a variety of hands-on activities, including sand and water play, a home living center, blocks, and musical instruments. In addition, there are a climbing structure, swings, tricycles, and a large vegetable garden. A full assessment of child care requirements was conducted. I used a checklist to monitor all applicable requirements, including but not limited to supervision, staff-child ratios, health and safety requirements, equipment and furnishings, and program records. Four staff and four children’s files were reviewed. This program does not provide transportation; therefore, this requirement was not monitored. No children require medications; therefore, this requirement was not monitored. The center does not serve children under one year of age, thus, safe sleep requirements were not monitored. VIOLATIONS The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child's file was missing a medical exam. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child's file was missing an immunization record. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. A new staff member was missing this signed document. .0608(d)(1-4) In order to comply with the NC Laws and Rules, any violations documented today must be corrected immediately. I need to receive your compliance letter by April 9, 2026. The letter must address each violation and explain specifically when and how it was corrected, as well as how you will prevent the same violations from happening in the future. Please send this to mandy.annunziata@dhhs.nc.gov and include the following information: -Facility name -Facility ID number -Each item number COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the center’s compliance history score was 97%. According to NC General Statute 110-90(4)(d), all facilities must maintain a compliance history of at least 75% for the past 18 months. Failure to maintain compliance may result in an administrative action. The center was not in compliance with all applicable minimum licensing requirements during today’s visit and violations were documented that could impact the center’s overall compliance history score. An updated compliance history score will be generated after today’s visit, and you will be informed of the results during the next visit to your center. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE -It is important to keep children’s medical records on file to ensure children are healthy and able to participate in activities. Today, one child (S.F.) was missing a health assessment and another (T.J.) was missing an immunization record. Both are required to be on file within 30 days of enrollment. You said that you had reminded the parents multiple times but they had not turned in the required documents. I recommend using the children’s file checklist under “Provider Documents” on the DCDEE website and checking files regularly to help you keep track of required records. You can also let parents know that attendance may be suspended if they don’t turn in required forms. -It is important that caregivers are aware that young children’s heads and necks are especially vulnerable to injury from rough handling or harsh discipline. Today, one new staff member (J.L.) was missing a signed Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy in their file. You can use the “File Checklist—Staff” under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist you in gathering all required information. CONSULTATION -We reviewed your progress preparing for your upcoming rated license assessment. You are pursuing Pathway #1 (Program Assessment). Your ERS assessment has been requested. Please send me your rated license application with accompanying forms by 4/15/26. If you or any of your staff have completed additional coursework since your last submission to WORKS, please submit your education transcripts to DCDEE WORKS as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for processing. The rated license application can be found on the DCDEE website under “Provider Documents and Forms,” and links to all required forms are on that document. A list of approved curricula and formative assessments can be found here: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Curriculum. -The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program provides free facility-wide testing for lead in water and inspections for asbestos and lead-based paint hazards without any out-of-pocket costs. Visit www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/carolina for more information. Your water was last tested for lead on 5/31/24. You are required to re-test ever three years. -You can access and update your EPR plan by using your NCID to log into the North Carolina Risk Management Portal at https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx. Please review and update your EPR plan yearly. -Criminal Backgrounds Checks for all staff members should be completed every five years. You may contact the CBC Unit via telephone (919) 814-6401 or by email DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions or need assistance. One staff member (M.C.) is due to renew her background check before 6/30/26. TRAINING REMINDERS -Training from 4/22/25 to 3/25/26 was reviewed today and results can be found on the attached Staff/Training Worksheet. All required staff ongoing training hours for the current year should be completed by 4/22/26. Please send me documentation of completed training. -CPR and First Aid must be renewed every two years. -Health and Safety Training must be renewed every five years. You can find this training in Moodle on the DCDEE website. New staff members must complete training within one year of hire. -“Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment” (part of the Health and Safety Training) should be completed within 90 days of hire and renewed every five years. This training can be found on the Positive Child Alliance NC website: https://preventchildabusenc.org/online-trainings/ RATED LICENSE STATUS New QRIS rules are in effect, and the Division is transitioning programs to their new rated license in 2026. Resources, forms, and training will be provided to support you in preparing for new pathway options to earn your Two- through Five-Star Rated License. All the newest information will be posted at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization and will also be provided through emails and Raise NC newsletters. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website frequently for any new policies or rules. Go to https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, and click on the “What’s New” tab for all agency updates, including QRIS Modernization. CONTACT INFORMATION If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at (919) 971-6255 or mandy.annunziata@dhhs.nc.gov. My supervisor, Holli Hemby, can be reached 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

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: BROWN'S EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002080 Consultant: MANDY ANNUNZIATA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/26/2026 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 3/26/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the cook/floater, Karina Navarrete. The director, Cheryl Brown, arrived shortly afterward and assisted me during today’s visit. LICENSE STATUS The center currently operates with a Five Star License issued on December 4, 2019. The program received six points in Staff Education, seven points in Program Standards, and one Quality Point. The center is licensed to serve 25 children on first shift. Prior to today’s visit, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and noted that the owner of this facility, Pattie G. Brown Enterprises, is listed as current/active. INSPECTIONS/DRILLS STATUS -The last sanitation inspection was completed on 12/18/25, and the center scored a superior rating with three demerits. -The last fire inspection was completed on 2/23/26. -The last documented outdoor play area inspection was completed on 3/6/26. -The last documented fire drill was conducted on 3/6/26. -The last documented lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 1/17/26. -The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/22/25. MONITORING I completed a walk-through of the center, visiting one classroom as well as the outdoor play area, restroom, and kitchen. The classroom serves children in the NC Pre-K program. Preschoolers were observed cleaning up, participating in circle time, playing freely in centers, and playing outside. The children also made homemade pizza for lunch today. The outdoor space is fenced and contains a variety of hands-on activities, including sand and water play, a home living center, blocks, and musical instruments. In addition, there are a climbing structure, swings, tricycles, and a large vegetable garden. A full assessment of child care requirements was conducted. I used a checklist to monitor all applicable requirements, including but not limited to supervision, staff-child ratios, health and safety requirements, equipment and furnishings, and program records. Four staff and four children’s files were reviewed. This program does not provide transportation; therefore, this requirement was not monitored. No children require medications; therefore, this requirement was not monitored. The center does not serve children under one year of age, thus, safe sleep requirements were not monitored. VIOLATIONS The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child's file was missing a medical exam. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child's file was missing an immunization record. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. A new staff member was missing this signed document. .0608(d)(1-4) In order to comply with the NC Laws and Rules, any violations documented today must be corrected immediately. I need to receive your compliance letter by April 9, 2026. The letter must address each violation and explain specifically when and how it was corrected, as well as how you will prevent the same violations from happening in the future. Please send this to mandy.annunziata@dhhs.nc.gov and include the following information: -Facility name -Facility ID number -Each item number COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the center’s compliance history score was 97%. According to NC General Statute 110-90(4)(d), all facilities must maintain a compliance history of at least 75% for the past 18 months. Failure to maintain compliance may result in an administrative action. The center was not in compliance with all applicable minimum licensing requirements during today’s visit and violations were documented that could impact the center’s overall compliance history score. An updated compliance history score will be generated after today’s visit, and you will be informed of the results during the next visit to your center. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE -It is important to keep children’s medical records on file to ensure children are healthy and able to participate in activities. Today, one child (S.F.) was missing a health assessment and another (T.J.) was missing an immunization record. Both are required to be on file within 30 days of enrollment. You said that you had reminded the parents multiple times but they had not turned in the required documents. I recommend using the children’s file checklist under “Provider Documents” on the DCDEE website and checking files regularly to help you keep track of required records. You can also let parents know that attendance may be suspended if they don’t turn in required forms. -It is important that caregivers are aware that young children’s heads and necks are especially vulnerable to injury from rough handling or harsh discipline. Today, one new staff member (J.L.) was missing a signed Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy in their file. You can use the “File Checklist—Staff” under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist you in gathering all required information. CONSULTATION -We reviewed your progress preparing for your upcoming rated license assessment. You are pursuing Pathway #1 (Program Assessment). Your ERS assessment has been requested. Please send me your rated license application with accompanying forms by 4/15/26. If you or any of your staff have completed additional coursework since your last submission to WORKS, please submit your education transcripts to DCDEE WORKS as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for processing. The rated license application can be found on the DCDEE website under “Provider Documents and Forms,” and links to all required forms are on that document. A list of approved curricula and formative assessments can be found here: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Curriculum. -The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program provides free facility-wide testing for lead in water and inspections for asbestos and lead-based paint hazards without any out-of-pocket costs. Visit www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/carolina for more information. Your water was last tested for lead on 5/31/24. You are required to re-test ever three years. -You can access and update your EPR plan by using your NCID to log into the North Carolina Risk Management Portal at https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx. Please review and update your EPR plan yearly. -Criminal Backgrounds Checks for all staff members should be completed every five years. You may contact the CBC Unit via telephone (919) 814-6401 or by email DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions or need assistance. One staff member (M.C.) is due to renew her background check before 6/30/26. TRAINING REMINDERS -Training from 4/22/25 to 3/25/26 was reviewed today and results can be found on the attached Staff/Training Worksheet. All required staff ongoing training hours for the current year should be completed by 4/22/26. Please send me documentation of completed training. -CPR and First Aid must be renewed every two years. -Health and Safety Training must be renewed every five years. You can find this training in Moodle on the DCDEE website. New staff members must complete training within one year of hire. -“Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment” (part of the Health and Safety Training) should be completed within 90 days of hire and renewed every five years. This training can be found on the Positive Child Alliance NC website: https://preventchildabusenc.org/online-trainings/ RATED LICENSE STATUS New QRIS rules are in effect, and the Division is transitioning programs to their new rated license in 2026. Resources, forms, and training will be provided to support you in preparing for new pathway options to earn your Two- through Five-Star Rated License. All the newest information will be posted at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization and will also be provided through emails and Raise NC newsletters. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website frequently for any new policies or rules. Go to https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, and click on the “What’s New” tab for all agency updates, including QRIS Modernization. CONTACT INFORMATION If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at (919) 971-6255 or mandy.annunziata@dhhs.nc.gov. My supervisor, Holli Hemby, can be reached 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: BROWN'S EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL Facility ID: 32002080 Consultant: SHANNEL HALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/18/2024 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 1/18/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 55 Time In: 12:20 PM Time Out: 01:15 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 assess applicable child-care requirements during your routine unannounced visit. The lead teacher, Juliana, assisted me with today’s visit. Upon my arrival, I was greeted and welcomed into your program. One classroom was opened today. I completed a general walk-through of the indoor and outdoor learning environment. The children were napping. RATED LICENSE STATUS The facility currently operates with a five-star license issued on December 4, 2019.The program is in the "held harmless" status, and points from the previous assessment are carried forward. The program received 7 points in Program Standards, 6 points in Staff Education, and 1 Quality point through the programmatic option of having a staff benefit package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. INSPECTIONS The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/12/23. The last fire inspection was conducted on 1/6/23. The last fire drill was conducted on 1/3/24. The last emergency drill was conducted on 1/4/24. The last playground inspection was conducted on 1/2/24. During this visit, a partial assessment of the child care requirements was conducted. The following items were monitored and found in compliance during this visit: nurturing interactions, daily attendance, license posted & permit restrictions followed, safe indoor environment, fire drills & inspections, CBC qualifications, CPR/First Aid certification, and storage of medications & hazardous materials. The following violation was observed and recorded during today's visit. 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. A current fire inspection was not available for review during today's visit. The last fire inspection was completed on 1/6/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) In order to comply with the NC Laws & Rules, any violations cited today must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter should be sent to me by February 1, 2024. The letter should address each violation, and explain how and when it has been corrected. Please send the letter to shannel.hall@dhhs.nc.gov and include the following: -Facility name -Facility ID number -Each item number COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 96%. It will be updated after today's visit, and you will be informed of the new score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The following items were discussed to help you prevent a reoccurrence of the violations observed during today's visit. I would suggest putting a reminder on your calendar to schedule your inspection two to three months before it is due to make sure you stay in compliance. CONSULTATION Criminal background checks must be renewed every five (5) years. Criminal background checks can be completed up to six months prior to the expiration date. We are encouraging all staff to begin their renewal process early to avoid lapses in their qualification. HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAININGS Health and Safety trainings are now available through Moodle on the DCDEE website. These trainings are provided free of charge. You should use your NCID username and password to access the Moodle portal. As per Child Care Rule .1103(b) the Health and Safety trainings must be renewed at least every 5 years. Some of your staff completed the trainings in 2017, they should begin to retake the training. AGENCY UPDATES Please remember to check the Division of Child Development and Early Education website: nchildcare.ncdhhs.gov frequently to stay updated on rule requirements. CONTACT INFORMATION If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact me at shannel.hall@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at (919) 703- 5003. 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