10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE WONDERS CHILD CARE SERVICES Facility ID: 32002214 Consultant: MANDY ANNUNZIATA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/5/2026 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 3/5/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the director, Sharon Walker, who walked me through the center. LICENSE STATUS The center currently operates with a Four Star License issued on March 30, 2021. The program received six points for Program Standards, five points for Staff Education, and one Quality Point. Prior to today’s visit, I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and noted that the owner of this facility, Little Wonders Child Care Services, LLC, is listed as current/active. INSPECTIONS/DRILLS STATUS -The last sanitation inspection was completed on 2/16/26, and the center scored a superior rating with three demerits. -The last documented outdoor play area inspection was completed on 3/2/26. -The last documented fire drill was conducted on 2/10/26. -The last documented lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 1/9/26. -The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 9/4/25. MONITORING I completed a walk-through of the center, visiting two classrooms as well as the outdoor play area, restroom, and kitchen. Infants and toddlers were observed singing songs with the provider and napping. Preschoolers were observed participating in circle time, reading a book with the provider, and playing in the outdoor learning environment. The outdoor learning environment is fenced and divided into two separate play areas. The infant/toddler zone contains a small climber, push toys, riding toys, a playhouse, toddler basketball hoop, and a sensory table. The preschool side has variety of gross motor activities, including a bike path for tricycles, a large climber with slides, a sand table, hula hoops, and large building blocks. A partial assessment of child care requirements was conducted. I monitored all applicable requirements, including but not limited to supervision, staff-child ratios, health and safety requirements, equipment and furnishings, and program records. Staff records for two newly hired staff members also were reviewed. This program does not provide transportation; therefore, this requirement was not monitored. Children 12 months and younger are enrolled; therefore, safe sleep requirements were monitored and found in compliance. Several children require diaper creams; therefore, I reviewed the storage of the creams and appropriate medication permission forms and found them to be in compliance. VIOLATIONS The following violation was observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection was on 2/11/25. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) In order to comply with the NC Laws and Rules, any violations documented today must be corrected immediately. I need to receive your compliance letter by March 19, 2026. The letter must address each violation and explain how it has been corrected. Please send this to mandy.annunziata@dhhs.nc.gov and include the following information: -Facility name -Facility ID number -Each item number COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the center’s compliance history score was 100%. According to NC General Statute 110-90(4)(d), all facilities must maintain a compliance history of at least 75% for the past 18 months. Failure to maintain compliance may result in an administrative action. The center was not in compliance with all applicable minimum licensing requirements during today’s visit and violations were documented that could impact the center’s overall compliance history score. An updated compliance history score will be generated after today’s visit, and you will be informed of the results during the next visit to your center. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE -Regularly inspecting the building for potential fire hazards should be a priority when caring for young children. It has been more than a year since your last fire inspection on 2/11/25. You stated that you were waiting to contact the fire marshal because you needed to have a required lock box installed for building access in case of fire. You are waiting for the owner of the building to install the lockbox. Please contact the fire marshal as soon as possible. I suggest adding a reminder note on your calendar a month before the next inspection is due so you don’t miss this deadline. CONSULTATION -We discussed the new licensure pathway options and I showed you how to access the QRIS information on the DCDEE website. You stated that you are considering Pathway #2 at this point. We will transition you to your new rated license by September 2026. -Criminal Backgrounds Checks for all providers should be completed every five years. One staff member’s (E.W.) qualifying letter will expire on 8/24/26. To access the background check portal, go to https://ncabcms.nc.gov/DCDEE/Applicant. You may also contact the CBC Unit via telephone (919) 814-6401 or by email DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions or need assistance. Providers may request new background checks up to six months in advance of their qualifying letter’s expiration date. -You can access and update your EPR plan by using your NCID to log into the North Carolina Risk Management Portal at https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx. Please review and update your EPR plan yearly. TRAINING REMINDERS -Health and safety training must be renewed every five years and can be accessed through Moodle. This includes “Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment,” which can be found on the Positive Childhood Alliance NC website: https://preventchildabusenc.org/online-trainings/ New teachers must complete this training within one year of hire. RATED LICENSE STATUS New QRIS rules are in effect, and the Division is transitioning programs to their new rated license in 2026. Resources, forms, and training will be provided to support you in preparing for new pathway options to earn your Two- through Five-Star Rated License. All the newest information will be posted at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization and will also be provided through emails and Raise NC newsletters. A transition plan will be created for your facility with a target month of September 2026 for your rated license assessment. AGENCY UPDATES Please check the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website frequently for any new policies or rules. Go to https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/, and click on the “What’s New” tab for all agency updates, including QRIS Modernization. CONTACT INFORMATION If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at (919) 971-6255 or mandy.annunziata@dhhs.nc.gov. My supervisor, Holli Hemby, can be reached at holli.hemby@dhhs.nc.gov or (919) 819-9363. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times