Creative Care Early Learning Academy

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/8/2026 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 1/8/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the staff greeted me. The owner/director arrived at the center after the visit began. The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements for a Routine Unannounced visit. This center operates with a four-star license, which was issued on 10/27/23for the time frame of 10/27/23 to 6/30/25, after completing the Change of Location process. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 86%. During today’s visit all indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored. OBSERVATIONS: Today I observed the children enjoying the outdoor environment, listening to a story while in circle time, and engaged in indoor free play activities. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Children’s records were reviewed today. STAFF RECORDS: During today’s visit I reviewed the file for the teacher, who began employment on 11/10/25. I verified that the staff have current Criminal Record Check clearance, current CPR/First Aid training, and IT’S SIDS training. I reminded the owner/director that her IT’S SIDS training would expire on 1/23/26. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 8/23/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/18/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 11/8/25. The last documented shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 10/24/25. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 11/17/25. The last documented water testing for Clean Water for NC Kids was completed on 11/8/23. The director will reach out to verify the center's clearance date Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. 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 fire inspection for this center was conducted on 8/23/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. A child in classroom space #3 was lactose intolerant. The information needed to be posted in the kitchen as a food allergy and posted in the classroom (eating area). .0901(g) 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. The bottles for two infants in classroom space #1 were not dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The orange steps for one of the small outdoor climbers were split open. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 11/18/25. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The black netting on the playground was exposed in layers in places, creating a tripping hazard for young children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last documented playground inspection was conducted on 11/17/25. .0605(q) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 1/22/26, stating how each violation has been corrected. The owner/director stated that due to the loss of a family member, she had just returned to be present at the center throughout each day. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: ANNUAL FIRE INSPECTION: The owner/director will make the calls immediately to schedule an updated fire inspection for this center. OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT: Regarding the black netting that covers the outdoor fenced-in space beneath the surfacing. For added safety for children, cut the netting that is exposed in layers above the ground to eliminate it as a tripping hazard. The director stated that the center had begun the Shaking Healthy Lives program for enhancements to the outdoor environment. CLASSROOM MATERIALS: I stated that the cardboard brick blocks in classroom space #2 were damaged/crushed and needed to be replaced for the children's building projects. RATED LICENSE: The owner/director had attended the training on 9/18/25 on the new QRIS, star-rated license process. As requested by the owner/director a Technical Assistance visit on the new QRIS process was scheduled for ____, instead of including the Technical Assistance during today’s visit. 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

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/8/2026 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 1/8/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the staff greeted me. The owner/director arrived at the center after the visit began. The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements for a Routine Unannounced visit. This center operates with a four-star license, which was issued on 10/27/23for the time frame of 10/27/23 to 6/30/25, after completing the Change of Location process. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 86%. During today’s visit all indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored. OBSERVATIONS: Today I observed the children enjoying the outdoor environment, listening to a story while in circle time, and engaged in indoor free play activities. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Children’s records were reviewed today. STAFF RECORDS: During today’s visit I reviewed the file for the teacher, who began employment on 11/10/25. I verified that the staff have current Criminal Record Check clearance, current CPR/First Aid training, and IT’S SIDS training. I reminded the owner/director that her IT’S SIDS training would expire on 1/23/26. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 8/23/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/18/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 11/8/25. The last documented shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 10/24/25. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 11/17/25. The last documented water testing for Clean Water for NC Kids was completed on 11/8/23. The director will reach out to verify the center's clearance date Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. 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 fire inspection for this center was conducted on 8/23/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. A child in classroom space #3 was lactose intolerant. The information needed to be posted in the kitchen as a food allergy and posted in the classroom (eating area). .0901(g) 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. The bottles for two infants in classroom space #1 were not dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The orange steps for one of the small outdoor climbers were split open. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 11/18/25. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The black netting on the playground was exposed in layers in places, creating a tripping hazard for young children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last documented playground inspection was conducted on 11/17/25. .0605(q) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 1/22/26, stating how each violation has been corrected. The owner/director stated that due to the loss of a family member, she had just returned to be present at the center throughout each day. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: ANNUAL FIRE INSPECTION: The owner/director will make the calls immediately to schedule an updated fire inspection for this center. OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT: Regarding the black netting that covers the outdoor fenced-in space beneath the surfacing. For added safety for children, cut the netting that is exposed in layers above the ground to eliminate it as a tripping hazard. The director stated that the center had begun the Shaking Healthy Lives program for enhancements to the outdoor environment. CLASSROOM MATERIALS: I stated that the cardboard brick blocks in classroom space #2 were damaged/crushed and needed to be replaced for the children's building projects. RATED LICENSE: The owner/director had attended the training on 9/18/25 on the new QRIS, star-rated license process. As requested by the owner/director a Technical Assistance visit on the new QRIS process was scheduled for ____, instead of including the Technical Assistance during today’s visit. 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/8/2026 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 1/8/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 12:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the staff greeted me. The owner/director arrived at the center after the visit began. The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements for a Routine Unannounced visit. This center operates with a four-star license, which was issued on 10/27/23for the time frame of 10/27/23 to 6/30/25, after completing the Change of Location process. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 86%. During today’s visit all indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored. OBSERVATIONS: Today I observed the children enjoying the outdoor environment, listening to a story while in circle time, and engaged in indoor free play activities. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Children’s records were reviewed today. STAFF RECORDS: During today’s visit I reviewed the file for the teacher, who began employment on 11/10/25. I verified that the staff have current Criminal Record Check clearance, current CPR/First Aid training, and IT’S SIDS training. I reminded the owner/director that her IT’S SIDS training would expire on 1/23/26. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 8/23/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/18/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 11/8/25. The last documented shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 10/24/25. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 11/17/25. The last documented water testing for Clean Water for NC Kids was completed on 11/8/23. The director will reach out to verify the center's clearance date Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. 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 fire inspection for this center was conducted on 8/23/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. A child in classroom space #3 was lactose intolerant. The information needed to be posted in the kitchen as a food allergy and posted in the classroom (eating area). .0901(g) 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. The bottles for two infants in classroom space #1 were not dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The orange steps for one of the small outdoor climbers were split open. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 11/18/25. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The black netting on the playground was exposed in layers in places, creating a tripping hazard for young children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last documented playground inspection was conducted on 11/17/25. .0605(q) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 1/22/26, stating how each violation has been corrected. The owner/director stated that due to the loss of a family member, she had just returned to be present at the center throughout each day. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: ANNUAL FIRE INSPECTION: The owner/director will make the calls immediately to schedule an updated fire inspection for this center. OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT: Regarding the black netting that covers the outdoor fenced-in space beneath the surfacing. For added safety for children, cut the netting that is exposed in layers above the ground to eliminate it as a tripping hazard. The director stated that the center had begun the Shaking Healthy Lives program for enhancements to the outdoor environment. CLASSROOM MATERIALS: I stated that the cardboard brick blocks in classroom space #2 were damaged/crushed and needed to be replaced for the children's building projects. RATED LICENSE: The owner/director had attended the training on 9/18/25 on the new QRIS, star-rated license process. As requested by the owner/director a Technical Assistance visit on the new QRIS process was scheduled for ____, instead of including the Technical Assistance during today’s visit. 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: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/24/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 7/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the director greeted me. The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements for the center’s Annual Compliance visit. This center operates with a four-star license, which was issued on 10/27/23, after completing a Change of Location process. The last Annual Compliance visit was conducted on 7/29/24. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 82%. During today’s visit all indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored. OBSERVATIONS: I observed the infants and toddlers enjoying the outdoor environment. I observed the children age 2 – 5 engaged in a variety of classroom activities. The center was maintaining adequate staff/child ratios during the visit. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Ten children’s records were reviewed today. STAFF RECORDS: The staff/training worksheets were given to me upon arrival today. All the staff files were reviewed today, and yearly in-service training was tallied for training completed after the 2024 Annual Compliance visit on 7/29/24. CURRICULUM: This center implements the Creative Curriculum. TRANSPORTATION: This program does not offer transportation services. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 8/23/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/18/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on. The last documented lockdown drill was conducted on The last documented playground inspection was completed on The last documented water testing for Clean Water for NC Kids was completed on 11/8/23. The center completed the lead/asbestos testing through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids on ___ The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. First Aid training expired for one staff on 2/2/25. .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. CPR training expired for one staff on 2/2/25. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Four staff needed additional hours to meet their yearly in-service training hour requirement. .1103(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. A child was promoted from classroom space #3 to #2 on Monday, 7/21/25. The child had not been added to the attendance roster in classroom space #2. GS 110-91(9) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Of the ten children's records reviewed during the visit, one child did not have a medical assessment on file. GS110-91(1) 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. The teacher, who began employment on 4/7/25 had not completed the training. .1102(g) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 8/7/25, stating how each violation has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: INDOOR SAFE ENVIRONMENT: I talked with the director about securing attaching appliance cords safety to the wall to eliminate injuries that could occur when children pull on the cords. HEALTHY START INITIATIVE: During today’s visit I suggested that the center apply for the Healthy Start Initiative for assistance with the center’s playground. EMC/EPR REVIEW: We discussed the correct wording to include on staff meeting agendas as verification that the center’s Emergency Medica Care Plan and the Emergency Preparedness and Response were reviewed during the staff meeting. YEARLY IN-SERVICE TRAINING: The owner/director stated that she had forgotten that CPR/First Aid training was no longer counted toward meeting the yearly in-service training requirement. 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. EMERGENCY 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

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/24/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 7/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the director greeted me. The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements for the center’s Annual Compliance visit. This center operates with a four-star license, which was issued on 10/27/23, after completing a Change of Location process. The last Annual Compliance visit was conducted on 7/29/24. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 82%. During today’s visit all indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored. OBSERVATIONS: I observed the infants and toddlers enjoying the outdoor environment. I observed the children age 2 – 5 engaged in a variety of classroom activities. The center was maintaining adequate staff/child ratios during the visit. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Ten children’s records were reviewed today. STAFF RECORDS: The staff/training worksheets were given to me upon arrival today. All the staff files were reviewed today, and yearly in-service training was tallied for training completed after the 2024 Annual Compliance visit on 7/29/24. CURRICULUM: This center implements the Creative Curriculum. TRANSPORTATION: This program does not offer transportation services. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 8/23/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/18/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on. The last documented lockdown drill was conducted on The last documented playground inspection was completed on The last documented water testing for Clean Water for NC Kids was completed on 11/8/23. The center completed the lead/asbestos testing through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids on ___ The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. First Aid training expired for one staff on 2/2/25. .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. CPR training expired for one staff on 2/2/25. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Four staff needed additional hours to meet their yearly in-service training hour requirement. .1103(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. A child was promoted from classroom space #3 to #2 on Monday, 7/21/25. The child had not been added to the attendance roster in classroom space #2. GS 110-91(9) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Of the ten children's records reviewed during the visit, one child did not have a medical assessment on file. GS110-91(1) 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. The teacher, who began employment on 4/7/25 had not completed the training. .1102(g) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 8/7/25, stating how each violation has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: INDOOR SAFE ENVIRONMENT: I talked with the director about securing attaching appliance cords safety to the wall to eliminate injuries that could occur when children pull on the cords. HEALTHY START INITIATIVE: During today’s visit I suggested that the center apply for the Healthy Start Initiative for assistance with the center’s playground. EMC/EPR REVIEW: We discussed the correct wording to include on staff meeting agendas as verification that the center’s Emergency Medica Care Plan and the Emergency Preparedness and Response were reviewed during the staff meeting. YEARLY IN-SERVICE TRAINING: The owner/director stated that she had forgotten that CPR/First Aid training was no longer counted toward meeting the yearly in-service training requirement. 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. EMERGENCY 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

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0525-308L Visit Date: 5/29/2025 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 5/29/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the owner/director was running errands for the center. The staff contacted the owner/director about my presence at the center. The owner/director arrived approximately 30 minutes after the visit began. I explained that the purpose of today’s visit was to assess applicable child-care requirements related to a report received by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. I stated that the report was regarding an alleged incident that occurred on 5/16/25. On 5/19/25 I received an email from the owner/director, informing me a parent was upset about an alleged incident, involving her child’s hair being cut or pulled out. A picture of the child was submitted with the report. The photo reflected a section of hair missing where the hairline begins at the top of the child’s forehead in the middle. This center operates with a four-star license, which was issued on October 27, 2023, after completing the Change of Location process. OBSERVATIONS: After discussing the purpose of the visit, I visited each classroom and the outdoor environment. I observed the children preparing to go outside, engaged in indoor free play activities, and enjoying the outdoor environment. Adequate staff/child ratios were being maintained during today’s visit, and the children were being visually supervised. During today’s visit I interviewed the staff who interacted with the child in the report on 5/16/25: I interviewed the lead teacher in classroom space #3, who was present in the classroom until 3:00 pm on 5/16/25. I interviewed the assistant teacher in classroom space #3, who was present from 8:55 am to 5:00 pm on 5/16/25. I interviewed the teacher in classroom space #1, who interacted with the child at the end of the operating day in classroom space #1, until the child was picked up by his father and older brother at 5:48 pm on 5/16/25. The lead teacher in classroom room space #3 stated that the child arrived for the day on 5/16/25 with no hair missing, and he had no missing hair when she left at 3:30 pm. She stated that she changed the child’s diaper and checked him, just before she left at 3:30 pm. The assistant teacher in classroom space #3 stated that she was the caregiver for the four remaining children in classroom space #3 from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. She stated that the child had all his hair, when she carried the group to the playground at 5:00 pm. For the last hour of the operating day, the children would be in the are with the teachers in classroom space #1. I interviewed one of the teachers, who was working in classroom space #1, at the end of the day on 5/16/25. She stated that the children left the playground and entered classroom space #1 for the final 30 minutes of the day. The teacher stated that the child in the report was picked up by his father and older brother from classroom space #1 at 5:48 pm. At that time the child was not missing any hair. During today’s visit I watched the classroom video for 5/16/25. I made the following observations: • I saw the child arrive. The video camera showed that upon arrival the child was not missing any hair at the top of his forehead. • I watched the video for the end of the operating day. I saw the child playing in classroom space #1 with his friends. The video camera showed that he was not missing any hair at the top of his forehead. • Both images mentioned above were enlarged to confirm that no hair was missing. The child’s hair looked the same upon arrival and departure. • I observed the child’s dad hugging the child, giving the child a kiss, and wiping the child’s nose. On the camera the dad appeared fine with the departure. OTHER OBSERVATIONS, RELATING TO THE SITUATION: • There were no scissors accessible to children in classroom space #3. • No children were playing with scissors at the end of the day in classroom space #1. • I did not observe the child in the report crying or upset at any time. • I did not observe the child in conflict with another child at any time. • The posted activity plans for the classroom space #3 did not reflect any cutting activities for 5/16/25. During today’s visit I determined that the concern regarding the alleged incident was UNSUBSTANTIATED. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 8/23/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was completed on 2/18/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 5/21/25. The last documented lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted 3/20/25. During today’s visit I reviewed the files for three new staff. During today’s visit no violations were cited, based on the unsubstantiated concerns in the report. The following five violations of child care requirements were cited today, based on observations made by the consultant. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During today's visit I viewed the classroom video for classroom space #3 for 5/16/25. I observed that one caregiver was present from 8:15 AM to 8:55 AM on 5/16/25 with six children (ages 0 and 1). GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There were multiple sections of exposed black netting on the playground, which created a tripping hazard for young children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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 of the two teachers in classroom space #1 expired on 1/31/25. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. The staff person, who began employment on 5/6/25, had no new staff orientation on file. .1101(a)(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The staff person, who began employment on 5/6/25, did not have a medical assessment on file. .0701(d) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 6/12/25, explaining how each violation has been corrected. Compliance History: The compliance history for this facility for the previous eighteen-month time frame was 85%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS TODAY: WORKING WITH PARENTS: During today’s visit, we discussed the option of letting the parent view the classroom video with the owner/director to address the parent’s concern for an amicable resolution. STAFF/CHILD RATIOS: While watching the video of the classroom activities on the day of the alleged incident, I observed that classroom space #3 was out of staff/child ratios for 40 minutes. Adequate staff/child ratios were being maintained today. I stated that I would use the staff/child ratios observed during today’s visit, as a correction for the staff/child ratio violation that occurred on 5/16/25. CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK: I stated that the staff person, who had an expired Criminal Record Check, could continue to work at the center, but she must complete the Criminal Record Check requalification process immediately. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: The owner/director stated that she had watched the video and submitted her answers, but she has not received any response to her information. The owner/director will reach out to them by tomorrow, 5/31/25, to make sure that Creative Care is in their database. www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you with Creative Care Early Learning Academy. I can be reached at (919) 819-9366 or toni.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. 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: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0525-308L Visit Date: 5/29/2025 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 5/29/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the owner/director was running errands for the center. The staff contacted the owner/director about my presence at the center. The owner/director arrived approximately 30 minutes after the visit began. I explained that the purpose of today’s visit was to assess applicable child-care requirements related to a report received by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. I stated that the report was regarding an alleged incident that occurred on 5/16/25. On 5/19/25 I received an email from the owner/director, informing me a parent was upset about an alleged incident, involving her child’s hair being cut or pulled out. A picture of the child was submitted with the report. The photo reflected a section of hair missing where the hairline begins at the top of the child’s forehead in the middle. This center operates with a four-star license, which was issued on October 27, 2023, after completing the Change of Location process. OBSERVATIONS: After discussing the purpose of the visit, I visited each classroom and the outdoor environment. I observed the children preparing to go outside, engaged in indoor free play activities, and enjoying the outdoor environment. Adequate staff/child ratios were being maintained during today’s visit, and the children were being visually supervised. During today’s visit I interviewed the staff who interacted with the child in the report on 5/16/25: I interviewed the lead teacher in classroom space #3, who was present in the classroom until 3:00 pm on 5/16/25. I interviewed the assistant teacher in classroom space #3, who was present from 8:55 am to 5:00 pm on 5/16/25. I interviewed the teacher in classroom space #1, who interacted with the child at the end of the operating day in classroom space #1, until the child was picked up by his father and older brother at 5:48 pm on 5/16/25. The lead teacher in classroom room space #3 stated that the child arrived for the day on 5/16/25 with no hair missing, and he had no missing hair when she left at 3:30 pm. She stated that she changed the child’s diaper and checked him, just before she left at 3:30 pm. The assistant teacher in classroom space #3 stated that she was the caregiver for the four remaining children in classroom space #3 from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. She stated that the child had all his hair, when she carried the group to the playground at 5:00 pm. For the last hour of the operating day, the children would be in the are with the teachers in classroom space #1. I interviewed one of the teachers, who was working in classroom space #1, at the end of the day on 5/16/25. She stated that the children left the playground and entered classroom space #1 for the final 30 minutes of the day. The teacher stated that the child in the report was picked up by his father and older brother from classroom space #1 at 5:48 pm. At that time the child was not missing any hair. During today’s visit I watched the classroom video for 5/16/25. I made the following observations: • I saw the child arrive. The video camera showed that upon arrival the child was not missing any hair at the top of his forehead. • I watched the video for the end of the operating day. I saw the child playing in classroom space #1 with his friends. The video camera showed that he was not missing any hair at the top of his forehead. • Both images mentioned above were enlarged to confirm that no hair was missing. The child’s hair looked the same upon arrival and departure. • I observed the child’s dad hugging the child, giving the child a kiss, and wiping the child’s nose. On the camera the dad appeared fine with the departure. OTHER OBSERVATIONS, RELATING TO THE SITUATION: • There were no scissors accessible to children in classroom space #3. • No children were playing with scissors at the end of the day in classroom space #1. • I did not observe the child in the report crying or upset at any time. • I did not observe the child in conflict with another child at any time. • The posted activity plans for the classroom space #3 did not reflect any cutting activities for 5/16/25. During today’s visit I determined that the concern regarding the alleged incident was UNSUBSTANTIATED. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 8/23/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was completed on 2/18/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 5/21/25. The last documented lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted 3/20/25. During today’s visit I reviewed the files for three new staff. During today’s visit no violations were cited, based on the unsubstantiated concerns in the report. The following five violations of child care requirements were cited today, based on observations made by the consultant. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During today's visit I viewed the classroom video for classroom space #3 for 5/16/25. I observed that one caregiver was present from 8:15 AM to 8:55 AM on 5/16/25 with six children (ages 0 and 1). GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There were multiple sections of exposed black netting on the playground, which created a tripping hazard for young children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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 of the two teachers in classroom space #1 expired on 1/31/25. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. The staff person, who began employment on 5/6/25, had no new staff orientation on file. .1101(a)(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The staff person, who began employment on 5/6/25, did not have a medical assessment on file. .0701(d) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 6/12/25, explaining how each violation has been corrected. Compliance History: The compliance history for this facility for the previous eighteen-month time frame was 85%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS TODAY: WORKING WITH PARENTS: During today’s visit, we discussed the option of letting the parent view the classroom video with the owner/director to address the parent’s concern for an amicable resolution. STAFF/CHILD RATIOS: While watching the video of the classroom activities on the day of the alleged incident, I observed that classroom space #3 was out of staff/child ratios for 40 minutes. Adequate staff/child ratios were being maintained today. I stated that I would use the staff/child ratios observed during today’s visit, as a correction for the staff/child ratio violation that occurred on 5/16/25. CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK: I stated that the staff person, who had an expired Criminal Record Check, could continue to work at the center, but she must complete the Criminal Record Check requalification process immediately. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: The owner/director stated that she had watched the video and submitted her answers, but she has not received any response to her information. The owner/director will reach out to them by tomorrow, 5/31/25, to make sure that Creative Care is in their database. www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you with Creative Care Early Learning Academy. I can be reached at (919) 819-9366 or toni.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. 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: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0525-308L Visit Date: 5/29/2025 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 5/29/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the owner/director was running errands for the center. The staff contacted the owner/director about my presence at the center. The owner/director arrived approximately 30 minutes after the visit began. I explained that the purpose of today’s visit was to assess applicable child-care requirements related to a report received by the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education. I stated that the report was regarding an alleged incident that occurred on 5/16/25. On 5/19/25 I received an email from the owner/director, informing me a parent was upset about an alleged incident, involving her child’s hair being cut or pulled out. A picture of the child was submitted with the report. The photo reflected a section of hair missing where the hairline begins at the top of the child’s forehead in the middle. This center operates with a four-star license, which was issued on October 27, 2023, after completing the Change of Location process. OBSERVATIONS: After discussing the purpose of the visit, I visited each classroom and the outdoor environment. I observed the children preparing to go outside, engaged in indoor free play activities, and enjoying the outdoor environment. Adequate staff/child ratios were being maintained during today’s visit, and the children were being visually supervised. During today’s visit I interviewed the staff who interacted with the child in the report on 5/16/25: I interviewed the lead teacher in classroom space #3, who was present in the classroom until 3:00 pm on 5/16/25. I interviewed the assistant teacher in classroom space #3, who was present from 8:55 am to 5:00 pm on 5/16/25. I interviewed the teacher in classroom space #1, who interacted with the child at the end of the operating day in classroom space #1, until the child was picked up by his father and older brother at 5:48 pm on 5/16/25. The lead teacher in classroom room space #3 stated that the child arrived for the day on 5/16/25 with no hair missing, and he had no missing hair when she left at 3:30 pm. She stated that she changed the child’s diaper and checked him, just before she left at 3:30 pm. The assistant teacher in classroom space #3 stated that she was the caregiver for the four remaining children in classroom space #3 from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. She stated that the child had all his hair, when she carried the group to the playground at 5:00 pm. For the last hour of the operating day, the children would be in the are with the teachers in classroom space #1. I interviewed one of the teachers, who was working in classroom space #1, at the end of the day on 5/16/25. She stated that the children left the playground and entered classroom space #1 for the final 30 minutes of the day. The teacher stated that the child in the report was picked up by his father and older brother from classroom space #1 at 5:48 pm. At that time the child was not missing any hair. During today’s visit I watched the classroom video for 5/16/25. I made the following observations: • I saw the child arrive. The video camera showed that upon arrival the child was not missing any hair at the top of his forehead. • I watched the video for the end of the operating day. I saw the child playing in classroom space #1 with his friends. The video camera showed that he was not missing any hair at the top of his forehead. • Both images mentioned above were enlarged to confirm that no hair was missing. The child’s hair looked the same upon arrival and departure. • I observed the child’s dad hugging the child, giving the child a kiss, and wiping the child’s nose. On the camera the dad appeared fine with the departure. OTHER OBSERVATIONS, RELATING TO THE SITUATION: • There were no scissors accessible to children in classroom space #3. • No children were playing with scissors at the end of the day in classroom space #1. • I did not observe the child in the report crying or upset at any time. • I did not observe the child in conflict with another child at any time. • The posted activity plans for the classroom space #3 did not reflect any cutting activities for 5/16/25. During today’s visit I determined that the concern regarding the alleged incident was UNSUBSTANTIATED. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 8/23/24. The last documented sanitation inspection was completed on 2/18/25. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 5/21/25. The last documented lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted 3/20/25. During today’s visit I reviewed the files for three new staff. During today’s visit no violations were cited, based on the unsubstantiated concerns in the report. The following five violations of child care requirements were cited today, based on observations made by the consultant. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During today's visit I viewed the classroom video for classroom space #3 for 5/16/25. I observed that one caregiver was present from 8:15 AM to 8:55 AM on 5/16/25 with six children (ages 0 and 1). GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There were multiple sections of exposed black netting on the playground, which created a tripping hazard for young children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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 of the two teachers in classroom space #1 expired on 1/31/25. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. The staff person, who began employment on 5/6/25, had no new staff orientation on file. .1101(a)(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The staff person, who began employment on 5/6/25, did not have a medical assessment on file. .0701(d) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 6/12/25, explaining how each violation has been corrected. Compliance History: The compliance history for this facility for the previous eighteen-month time frame was 85%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS TODAY: WORKING WITH PARENTS: During today’s visit, we discussed the option of letting the parent view the classroom video with the owner/director to address the parent’s concern for an amicable resolution. STAFF/CHILD RATIOS: While watching the video of the classroom activities on the day of the alleged incident, I observed that classroom space #3 was out of staff/child ratios for 40 minutes. Adequate staff/child ratios were being maintained today. I stated that I would use the staff/child ratios observed during today’s visit, as a correction for the staff/child ratio violation that occurred on 5/16/25. CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK: I stated that the staff person, who had an expired Criminal Record Check, could continue to work at the center, but she must complete the Criminal Record Check requalification process immediately. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: The owner/director stated that she had watched the video and submitted her answers, but she has not received any response to her information. The owner/director will reach out to them by tomorrow, 5/31/25, to make sure that Creative Care is in their database. www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you with Creative Care Early Learning Academy. I can be reached at (919) 819-9366 or toni.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/29/2024 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 7/29/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:10 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 your Annual Compliance visit. This center operates with a four-star license, which was issued on 10/27/23, after completing the Change of Location process. The last Annual Compliance visit was conducted on 8/1/23. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 76%. I talked with the owner/director about the importance of maintaining a compliance history of at least 75%. All indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored today. OBSERVATIONS: I observed the preparing to go outside, having free play time, and enjoying the outdoor environment. CHILDREN’S FILES: Eleven children’s records were reviewed today. STAFF FILES: Staff files were reviewed during the visit. In accordance with current protocol, the staff/training worksheets completed by the director were signed to submit to DCDEE with the visit summary. I used a copy of the staff/training worksheets to highlight items that needed to be corrected. IN-SERVICE TRAINING: Yearly in-service training requirements were tallied today for training completed since the 8/1/23 visit. TRANSPORTATION: This center does not offer transportation services. CURRICULUM: This center implements the Creative Curriculum. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was completed on 8/7/23. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 7/25/24. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 7/19/24.__ The last documented lockdown drill was conducted on 6/29/24. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 7/18/24. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1031 Documentation of staff's education, training, and experience was not on file. Three staff needed documentation of their education on file to determinee their yearly in-service training requirement. .0302(d)(1)(B) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One staff needed an updated health questionnaire on file. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually.Two staff needed current emergency information on file. .0701(a) 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 needed one additional hour of training to meet her yearly requirement. (2) One staff did not have documentation of the completion of any in-service training since the 8/1/23 Annual Compliance visit. .1103(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. One staff did not have a completed and signed annual evaluation on file. One staff had a signed evaluation on file without any marking/information. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child needed a signed discipline policy on file. .1804(c) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The permimssion to administer Abuterol to a child in classroom space #2 expired on 4/1/24. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. (1) One staff person did not have a medical assessment on file. (2) The medical assessment for the staff person, who began employment on 7/8/24, was dated 6/23/22. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. There was no documentation on file that the staff person, who began employment on 11/11/23, had completed the required Health and Safety trainings. .1102(a) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 8/12/24, stating how each violation has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today in the following areas: HEATH AND SAFETY TRAININGS: A violation was cited today, because one staff had not completed the required training within her first year of employment. I explained that a second employee, who had only completed two of the Health and Safety workshops, needed to complete all the training by 8/12/24. EDUCATION: I explained education information was needed in staff files to determine their requirements for yearly in-service training hours. ANNUAL EMC AND EPR REVIEWS: The review of the EMC and EPR policies should be cleared documented on the review agenda. RATED LICENSE: Hold harmless 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. AGENCY UPDATES: The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program was reviewed with the owner/director again today. www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina. 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

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0624-148L Visit Date: 6/18/2024 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 6/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced On June 14, 2024, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) received a report alleging non-compliance with NC Child Care Licensing Requirements at this center. Since the reporter provided contact information, I contacted the reporter prior to today’s visit. The allegations in the report are: ALLEGATION #1 There were concerns regarding the nurturing care of children. ALLEGATION #2 Concerns about classroom schedules and outdoor time. Observations Upon arrival at the facility today, I was greeted by the staff. The owner/director arrived after the visit began. I informed the owner/director that the Division had received a report of possible non-compliance with the licensing requirements, and I was making today’s unannounced visit to gather information pertaining to the matter. The owner/director was given the opportunity to ask any questions related to the investigation process. The owner/director stated that she had been anticipating the visit, because the parent had informed the owner/director that she planned to contact DCDEE. The director stated that her current hours were from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. I visited each classroom and the outdoor environment. I observed the children having circle time, participating in music time, and enjoying the outdoor environment. After visiting each classroom, I observed the children in classroom space #2 for 25 minutes while they played on the playground. The child in the report was enrolled in classroom space #2. I discussed the report with the owner/director, the teachers in classroom space #2, and the floater. Comments section: Allegation #1: Nurturing care of children. On 6/13/24 the parent was asked to sign an incident report, which stated that her child had bitten another child. The parent refused to sign the report and withdrew her children from the center. During today’s visit the following information was gathered: • The owner/director stated that the parent (reporter) had not been satisfied with Creative Care, regarding certain policies. The owner/director stated that the parent had been given a handbook. • The parent and lead teacher in the classroom for the 2-year-old child had previously worked together in child care. • The lead teacher stated that the child in the report had bitten children in the past and pulled their hair. • When the lead teacher talked with the parent about her child’s behavior (biting and hair pulling), the lead teacher had used the term “aggressive” behavior. The parent took offense to this term. • The parent shared with the director that she was removing the children from the center because the teacher had labeled her 2-year-old child as aggressive and a biter. • The director stated that she had talked with the lead teacher about appropriate wording to use in conversations with parents. • The floater stated that a two-year-old child in the classroom told her that she had been bitten on the finger by the child in the report. • The floater looked at the child’s finger and observed no bite marks. She observed that the finger was a little wet. • The child was not crying, but about to cry. • The lead teacher completed an incident report on the child in the report, instead of the child who may have been bitten. The incident report stated that the incident report occurred at 11:05 am on 6/13/24. I watched a video on a tablet of the activities on the playground during the 11:00 timeframe on 6/13/24. There were no children present on the playground during that time. I watched a video of the children in classroom space #2 playing on the playground earlier in the day (approximately 10:00 am). The video was limited to one section of the playground. I observed the floater supervising the children. I did not observe any video of the biting incident or the reporting of the biting incident. There was a question as to whether the child was bitten or about to be bitten. SUPERVISION: The two teachers and the floater did not observe the incident. The two teachers and the floater did not observe any conflict between the two children during the outdoor playtime. The teachers and floater stated that they were supervising the children. The staff stated that while on the playground they only supervise the children and complete tasks on Bright Wheel. During today’s visit I verified that the cell phone policy in the personnel handbook stated that the use of personal cell phones was prohibited while working. The director had purchased a small tablet for each teacher to use throughout the day to take pictures and record information through the Bright wheel program. Since the teachers had complained that the small tablet was larger than their cell phone and not as handy, the owner/director had allowed the staff to use their personal cell phone to complete the Bright wheel tasks while inside and while on the playground. I explained that a parent would have no way of knowing if a teacher was taking pictures through Bright Wheel or using the cell phone for personal use (texting, emailing). I recommended that the staff use the tablets issued to them for Bright Wheel duties. I also recommended that one staff complete the Bright Wheel duties, while the second staff visually supervised the children. . ALLEGATION #2: Classroom schedules and outdoor time The posted schedules reflected the following information on their posted daily schedules: Classroom space #1: Outside play from 10:30 am to 11:00 am Classroom space #2: Outside play from 10:00 am 10:30 am Classroom space #3: Outside play from 9:30 am to 10:00 am During today’s visit each classroom followed their outdoor schedule. Each classroom had their daily schedule posted, along with current activity plans. The theme in classroom space #1 was “watch the jungle”. The children were wearing animal masks for circle time. The theme for the children in classroom space #2 was dinosaurs. I observed that the children had displayed work in conjunction with their current activity plans. The schedule reflected that the children return to the playground in the late afternoon. The playground will accommodate all three groups of children. ALLEGATION RESOLUTION Allegation #1: Since it could not be determined that a biting incident had occurred or was about to occur, the allegation of inadequate nurturing care was UNSUBSTANTIATED. Allegation #2: It was determined that allegation, regarding schedules was UNSUBSTANTIATED. During today’s visit I reviewed the files of the two staff, who began employment in April 2024. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. A child in classroom space #2 had a food allergy. The information was not posted in the classroom (eating area). .0901(g) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Black netting was exposed in multiples areas of the playground, posing a tripping hazard for young children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1911 An incident report was not completed and mailed to a Division representative within seven days after the incident when medical treatment was required. An incident report was completed for the child who may have caused the injury, instead of for the child who sustained the injury. .0802(f) All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 7/2/24 stating how each violation has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR ALLEGATION #1: • I stated that in accordance with NC Child Care Rule 10NCAC 09. 0802 ©, it was required that an incident report for the biting incident be completed and entered into the incident log. The incident report should be completed for the child, who received the injury, and signed by the parent of the child, who was injured. A copy of the incident report should be sent to the consultant if the injury required medical care. • Review how to fill out an incident report with the staff. • Meet with staff about the appropriate use of Bright Wheel so the supervision of children is not compromised. • I recommended that the teachers in classroom space #2 take the “Bite Marks” training offered through Southwest Child Development. I stated that the training could be used toward meeting their yearly in-service training requirements. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR ALLEGATION #2: I stated that a longer period of time outside was permitted, as long as the schedule reflects the correct time frame, and planned activities were completed as planned. The activities can be conducted inside or outside. OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT: As Technical Assistance I talked with the owner/director about the Healthy Start program that assists facilities with their outdoor environment. I stated that she could contact CCSA in Durham for an application. Your Annual Compliance visit will be conducted in July. During today’s visit I gave the director staff/training worksheets to complete and send to me by the end of June. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions or need further assistance, I can be reached at (919)819-9366 or toni.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2024 Number Present: 24 Completed Date: 3/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the cook greeted me. The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. The director arrived approximately 35 minutes after the visit began. This center completed the Change of Location process and opened at this location on September 12, 2023 The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 83%. OBSERVATIONS: All indoor licensed space and the outdoor environment was monitored today. I observed the children enjoying the outdoor environment. I enjoyed the infant/toddler group playing in the classroom. The kitchen was monitored today. The cook was preparing lunch, which consisted of turkey/cheese sandwich, raw carrots, bananas, and milk. The cook stated that the center participated in the Cape Fear food program. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Children’s records were not reviewed today. STAFF FILES: I reviewed the files for the two staff, who began employment since the center opened at this location. TRANSPORTATION: This center does not offer transportation services. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was conducted on 8/7/23. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 2/21/24. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 2/8/24. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 1/19/24. The last documented lockdown drill was conducted on 12/19/23. Please remember to conduct another lockdown drill by the end of this month. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The posted activity plans for the children in classroom space #2 were for last week. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. There were two uncovered outlets in classroom space #1, and one uncovered outlet in classroom space #2. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Upon arrival the last documented playground inspection was completed on 1/19/24. .0605(q) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. All staff records and children's files were locked in the director's office until the director arrived at 10:50 am. No staff had a key to the office. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. It could not be determined that two new staff had received orientation in the required categories. .1101(a) 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. First Aid training for the staff at this center expired on 3/3/24. .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. CPR training for the staff at this center expired on 3/3/24. .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. The teacher in the infant room, who began employment on 1/3/24, had not completed the IT'S SIDS training. .1102(f) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The new staff person, who began employment on 12/2/23, did not have a medical assessment and negative TB test on file. .0701(d) Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 3/25/24, stating how the violation cited today has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED TODAY ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT: I talked with the owner/director about covering the exposed black mesh on the playground. NEW STAFF ORIENTATION: I explained that the new staff orientation form was not adequate with just signature and date with no supporting information on the form, regarding the date, time, and person who provided the training over a six-week period of time. IT’S SIDS REMINDER: I reminded the IT’S SIDS training for the lead teacher in the infant classroom would expire on 5/6/24. AGENCY UPDATES: Child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinar, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina. Additional information can be found in the Raise NC newsletter emailed to you on December 7, 2023. RATED LICENSE: This center is in Cohort I for reassessment. The reassessment process was discussed and documented during the 10/12/23 visit. A Rated License Technical Assistance visit was conducted on 11/6/23. The owner/director did not attend the Rated Licensee workshop held at the Durham Public library on 2/6/24. During today’s visit the owner/director stated that she did not want to have an Environment Rating Scales prep year assessment. During today’s visit Technical Assistance was provided on the education component of the Rated License Assessment process. Three staff were not registered in the WORKS education database. All teaching staff had not completed Education 119. The owner/director stated that she was going to talk with staff about their education. 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2024 Number Present: 24 Completed Date: 3/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the cook greeted me. The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. The director arrived approximately 35 minutes after the visit began. This center completed the Change of Location process and opened at this location on September 12, 2023 The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 83%. OBSERVATIONS: All indoor licensed space and the outdoor environment was monitored today. I observed the children enjoying the outdoor environment. I enjoyed the infant/toddler group playing in the classroom. The kitchen was monitored today. The cook was preparing lunch, which consisted of turkey/cheese sandwich, raw carrots, bananas, and milk. The cook stated that the center participated in the Cape Fear food program. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Children’s records were not reviewed today. STAFF FILES: I reviewed the files for the two staff, who began employment since the center opened at this location. TRANSPORTATION: This center does not offer transportation services. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was conducted on 8/7/23. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 2/21/24. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 2/8/24. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 1/19/24. The last documented lockdown drill was conducted on 12/19/23. Please remember to conduct another lockdown drill by the end of this month. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The posted activity plans for the children in classroom space #2 were for last week. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. There were two uncovered outlets in classroom space #1, and one uncovered outlet in classroom space #2. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Upon arrival the last documented playground inspection was completed on 1/19/24. .0605(q) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. All staff records and children's files were locked in the director's office until the director arrived at 10:50 am. No staff had a key to the office. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. It could not be determined that two new staff had received orientation in the required categories. .1101(a) 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. First Aid training for the staff at this center expired on 3/3/24. .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. CPR training for the staff at this center expired on 3/3/24. .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. The teacher in the infant room, who began employment on 1/3/24, had not completed the IT'S SIDS training. .1102(f) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The new staff person, who began employment on 12/2/23, did not have a medical assessment and negative TB test on file. .0701(d) Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 3/25/24, stating how the violation cited today has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED TODAY ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT: I talked with the owner/director about covering the exposed black mesh on the playground. NEW STAFF ORIENTATION: I explained that the new staff orientation form was not adequate with just signature and date with no supporting information on the form, regarding the date, time, and person who provided the training over a six-week period of time. IT’S SIDS REMINDER: I reminded the IT’S SIDS training for the lead teacher in the infant classroom would expire on 5/6/24. AGENCY UPDATES: Child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinar, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina. Additional information can be found in the Raise NC newsletter emailed to you on December 7, 2023. RATED LICENSE: This center is in Cohort I for reassessment. The reassessment process was discussed and documented during the 10/12/23 visit. A Rated License Technical Assistance visit was conducted on 11/6/23. The owner/director did not attend the Rated Licensee workshop held at the Durham Public library on 2/6/24. During today’s visit the owner/director stated that she did not want to have an Environment Rating Scales prep year assessment. During today’s visit Technical Assistance was provided on the education component of the Rated License Assessment process. Three staff were not registered in the WORKS education database. All teaching staff had not completed Education 119. The owner/director stated that she was going to talk with staff about their education. 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: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2024 Number Present: 24 Completed Date: 3/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 10:20 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the cook greeted me. The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. The director arrived approximately 35 minutes after the visit began. This center completed the Change of Location process and opened at this location on September 12, 2023 The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 83%. OBSERVATIONS: All indoor licensed space and the outdoor environment was monitored today. I observed the children enjoying the outdoor environment. I enjoyed the infant/toddler group playing in the classroom. The kitchen was monitored today. The cook was preparing lunch, which consisted of turkey/cheese sandwich, raw carrots, bananas, and milk. The cook stated that the center participated in the Cape Fear food program. CHILDREN’S RECORDS: Children’s records were not reviewed today. STAFF FILES: I reviewed the files for the two staff, who began employment since the center opened at this location. TRANSPORTATION: This center does not offer transportation services. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was conducted on 8/7/23. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 2/21/24. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 2/8/24. The last documented playground inspection was completed on 1/19/24. The last documented lockdown drill was conducted on 12/19/23. Please remember to conduct another lockdown drill by the end of this month. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The posted activity plans for the children in classroom space #2 were for last week. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. There were two uncovered outlets in classroom space #1, and one uncovered outlet in classroom space #2. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Upon arrival the last documented playground inspection was completed on 1/19/24. .0605(q) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. All staff records and children's files were locked in the director's office until the director arrived at 10:50 am. No staff had a key to the office. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. It could not be determined that two new staff had received orientation in the required categories. .1101(a) 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. First Aid training for the staff at this center expired on 3/3/24. .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. CPR training for the staff at this center expired on 3/3/24. .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. The teacher in the infant room, who began employment on 1/3/24, had not completed the IT'S SIDS training. .1102(f) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The new staff person, who began employment on 12/2/23, did not have a medical assessment and negative TB test on file. .0701(d) Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 3/25/24, stating how the violation cited today has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED TODAY ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT: I talked with the owner/director about covering the exposed black mesh on the playground. NEW STAFF ORIENTATION: I explained that the new staff orientation form was not adequate with just signature and date with no supporting information on the form, regarding the date, time, and person who provided the training over a six-week period of time. IT’S SIDS REMINDER: I reminded the IT’S SIDS training for the lead teacher in the infant classroom would expire on 5/6/24. AGENCY UPDATES: Child care facilities are now required to test for lead and asbestos hazards in their buildings. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinar, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina. Additional information can be found in the Raise NC newsletter emailed to you on December 7, 2023. RATED LICENSE: This center is in Cohort I for reassessment. The reassessment process was discussed and documented during the 10/12/23 visit. A Rated License Technical Assistance visit was conducted on 11/6/23. The owner/director did not attend the Rated Licensee workshop held at the Durham Public library on 2/6/24. During today’s visit the owner/director stated that she did not want to have an Environment Rating Scales prep year assessment. During today’s visit Technical Assistance was provided on the education component of the Rated License Assessment process. Three staff were not registered in the WORKS education database. All teaching staff had not completed Education 119. The owner/director stated that she was going to talk with staff about their education. 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: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/6/2023 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 11/6/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Other Announced/Unannounced: Announced Upon arrival the owner/director greeted me. The purpose of today’s announced visit was to provide Technical Assistance on preparing for the Rated License reassessment in Cohort I. This center completed the Change of Location process on 9/12/23, relocating the center from Maynard Avenue in Durham to Guess Road in Durham. The center was issued a Temporary License on 9/12/23 to begin operation at the Guess Road location. On 10/27/23 the center was re-issued their four-star license with an effective date of 10/27/23 to 6/30/25. I visited the classrooms to complete the staff/child ratio worksheet and talk with the owner/director about how the assessment tool would be determined for classroom space #2, based on the ages of the children enrolled at the time of the assessment. One violation was cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. During today's visit there were seven children (ages 1 and 2) present in classroom space #2 with one teacher. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Since the violation cited today was corrected during the visit, a Corrective Action letter was not requested. I explained that I would return soon to monitor staff/child ratio requirements. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE was provided today on staff/child ratio requirements. I explained how staff/child ratios could be maintained with the current number of staff employed. RATED LICENSE: The owner/director was aware that Creative Care was in Cohort I for reassessment. The Rated License process was discussed during the 10/12/23 visit. The intent of today’s visit was to review options for completing the Rated Licensee assessment process with success. EDUCATION: Prior to today’s visit I reviewed the information in the WORKS database for the current staff. It was determined that the center was currently at 2 points for the administrator and 1 point in the Lead Teacher and Teacher category. I talked with the owner/director about education goals for the staff during the preparation year. The owner/director stated that a new staff person with Education 119 would be joining the staff on 12/1/23. PROGRAMMING: It was verified that the center needed to complete the Environment Rating Scales (ITERS-R and ECERS-R) to acquire the points needed for a Star-Rated License with higher stars. I strongly recommended that the center have the Environment Rating Scales conducted during their preparation year (by 6/30/24). I explained that if the center was pleased with their scores, the scores could be held until the reassessment year (7/1/24). If the center was not pleased with their scores, the assessments could be conducted again after 7/1/24 at no charge to the center. A flyer on resources for the Environment Rating Scales was given to the owner/director. QUALITY POINT: I stated that the center could select the same quality point that was used in the past or select a new quality point. During previous assessments, the center had used (1) a staff benefit package and (2) infrastructure of Parent Involvement. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The compliance history for this facility for the previous 18-month timeframe was 82%. 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Creative Care Early Learning Academy Facility ID: 32002337 Consultant: TONI FULLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced Upon arrival the cook greeted me. The owner/director arrived approximately 30 minutes after the visit began. This center completed the Change of Location process and was issued a Temporary License on 9/12/23 to begin operation on Guess Road in Durham, NC. The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements at the new location. The compliance history for this center for the previous eighteen-month timeframe was 83%. During today’s visit all indoor and outdoor licensed space was monitored. All the required information was posted on the Parent Information board at the entrance. Each classroom had current activity plans posted. I observed the children singing with the teacher, having circle time, and the infants were enjoying tummy time. CHILDREN’S FILES: Children’s files were not reviewed today. STAFF FILES: The file for the newest staff person was reviewed today. TRANSPORTATION: This center does not currently offer transportation services. INSPECTIONS: The last documented annual fire inspection was conducted on 8/7/23. The last documented sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/12/23. The last documented fire drill was conducted on 9/28/23. The last documented lockdown drill was conducted on 9/28/23. The last playground inspection was conducted on 9/26/23. The following violations were cited today: Violation Number Comment Rule 205 Storage space was not available for each child's personal belongings. There were 11 spaces in classroomm space #1 for children's belongings. There were 12 children currently enrolled in classroom space #1. G.S. 110-91(6) 1031 Documentation of staff's education, training, and experience was not on file. There was no verification on file that the staff person, who began employment on 8/12/23, had a high school diploma or GED. .0302(d)(1)(B) 9998 NC Sanitation Rule 15A NCAC 18A ,2820 (f) stated that pocketbooks should be stored out of the reach of children. Staff pocketbooks were stored in the classroom closet, where the cots were stored. The pocketbooks were stored at a level that was accessible to the children. 9999 The fire extinguisher needed to be mounted, in accordance with item #22 on the NC Fire Inspection form. All violations must be corrected immediately. Please send me a signed Corrective Action letter by 10/26/23, stating how the violation cited today has been corrected. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED TODAY ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS: OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT: The playground consisted of mobile equipment. As Technical Assistance, I stated that mobile equipment could be moved to a new location to utilize surfacing for the added safety of children. STAFF REQUIREMENTS: During today’s visit I talked with the newest staff. She stated that she had not filled out her application correctly, and she had never provided the operator verification of a high school diploma. The staff person stated that she did have a high school diploma from Arizona. As Technical Assistance, I explained the importance of obtaining verification during the hiring process. RATED LICENSE: The owner/director was aware that the center would be re-issued their four-star license after the Temporary License. The owner/director was also aware that this center was in Cohort I for the Rated License reassessment process. During today’s visit we talked about the option of having the Environment Rating Scales conducted during the preparation year. The owner/director stated that she was considering having the Environment Rating Scales completed during the prep year. 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