10A NCAC 09.1803 · Violation

Name of Operation: Murray Massenburg Elementary School PreK Facility ID: 32002359 Consultant: SHANNEL HALL Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1225-222L Visit Date: 1/21/2026 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 1/21/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 01:00 PM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to investigate an allegation of non-compliance with the NC Child Care Licensing Requirements received by The Division of Child Development and Early Education on 12/29/25. Upon arrival, I checked in to the main office to meet Principal Middleton-Brown. Principal Middleton-Brown and I spoke briefly about the incident that was reported on December 29, 2026. Then I walked down to the NC PreK classroom. Classroom #2 was inside and getting up from nap. I observed the children getting up from napping and eating snack. I completed a general walk-through of the spaces used by the children. MONITORING A partial assessment of the child care requirements was conducted during today’s visit. I completed a general walk-through of the three (3) classrooms which total forty-two (42) children. The children were getting up from nap and preparing for dismissal. The reporter had concerns related to a child’s blanket being snatched from under him which caused him to roll to the floor. I observed space #2 an hour. The children were talking to their classmates and teachers. They were getting up from napping, putting their cots up, and eating their snack. The children were preparing for dismissal. When interviewing the teacher and the instructional assistant the consultant asked if anyone was aware of or noticed a child being handled inappropriately? They both discuss incidents that occurred with that child. One of the teachers stated that she was not present in the classroom with the incident regarding the child’s blanket being snatched. The instructional assistant admitted that she pulled the blanket from under the child and not realizing the child was wrapped in it. She stated that the child did roll to the floor, however the mats are low to the floor, and the child did not have any injuries. I asked if they have witnessed any other inappropriate behavior with the children. One of the teachers stated that she has witness behavior with a teacher that she does not agree with. She stated that she has witness a teacher flipping the mat when trying to wake a child up from nap. The teacher stated that it is important to allow a child time to get up which consists of touching them gently and not with force. The following violation was recorded and documented during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. A child in space #2 rolled to the floor after having his blanket snatched from under him by a teacher when getting up from napping. .1803(a)(1) In order to comply with the NC Laws & Rules, any violations cited today must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter should be sent to me by February 4, 2026. The letter should address each violation, and explain how and when it has been corrected. Please send the letter to shannel.hall@dhhs.nc.gov and include the following: -Facility name -Facility ID number -Each item number ALLEGATION RESOLUTIONS Based on the interview with the Teaching Staff, and My Observations, I was able to determine that there had been inappropriate force used by pulling on a child’s blanket; therefore, the allegation related to inappropriate discipline is SUBSTANTIATED. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to today’s visit, your compliance history was 99%. It will be updated after today's visit, and you will be informed of the new score. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Review child care rule “PROHIBITED DISCIPLINE IN CHILD CARE CENTER 10A NCAC 09.1803 (a)(1).” One of the biggest challenges that early childhood educators and administrators face is what one would call “children allowed to be children” and we as educators being able to communicate with them according to their age range. Inappropriate behaviors in early care and education programs can threaten the safety and security of children and may be considered child maltreatment. Research has shown that physical discipline negatively affects children’s behavior, mental health, and social and emotional well-being. Providing technical assistance, coaching, and additional training for staff can give them the tools to communicate effectively and express nurturing and caring in a more positive way according to the children and their age/developmental stage. If you would like assistance with dealing with nurturing and caring, expressing positive behaviors for children in your care, and providing developmental growth activities and projects according to where individual children are, you can contact a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist at Early Years (formally Child Care Services Association); they can be reached at (919) 403-6950. CONSULTATION Developmental preschool activities are structured yet playful learning experiences designed to support a child’s growth across key areas — cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. They’re not about rote memorization; they’re about creating rich, engaging experiences that allow children to explore, imagine, and problem-solve. The educator supports, guides and scaffolds children based on their level and needs. Young children grow and learn at different speeds, and a two-year-old’s needs differ greatly from those of a five-year-old. For example, toddlers benefit from simple sensory activities like water play or stacking blocks, while older preschoolers are ready for more complex challenges such as storytelling, early math games, or cooperative projects. When activities are carefully matched to a child’s age and developmental stage, they build confidence and encourage a love of learning. AGENCY UPDATES Please remember to check the Division of Child Development and Early Education website: ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov frequently to stay updated on rule requirements. CONTACT INFORMATION My contact information is Shannel.hall@dhhs.nc.gov or by phone at (919) 703-5003. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times