G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE JUNGLE OF LEARNING Facility ID: 32001962 Consultant: MANDY ANNUNZIATA Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 8/21/2025 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 8/21/2025 Age: From 1 To 12 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 09:55 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the provider, Linda Smith-White, who assisted me during today’s visit. LICENSE STATUS The family child care home currently operates with a Three Star license issued on 10/7/25. The program received four points for Staff Education, two points for Program Standards, and one Quality Point. INSPECTIONS/DRILLS STATUS -The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 8/29/24. -The last documented monthly outdoor play area inspection was completed on 7/31/25. -The last documented monthly fire drill was conducted on 7/31/25. -The last documented quarterly lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 5/8/25. MONITORING I completed a walk-through of the home, including the children’s space, kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor play area. At the time of the visit, there were five children present ranging in age from one year to twelve years old. There are nine children enrolled. The children were observed eating breakfast, engaging in pretend play, playing with vehicles, getting diapers changed, and interacting with the provider. A full assessment of child care requirements was conducted. I used a checklist to monitor all applicable requirements, including but not limited to supervision, capacity, health and safety requirements, equipment and furnishings, and program records. The provider does transport children; therefore, this requirement was monitored and found in compliance. No enrolled children have medications or medical care plans, so these requirements were not monitored. Children 12 months or younger are not enrolled; therefore, safe sleep requirements were not monitored. The provider verified that all the information on the FCCH Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers form was correct. INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT Inside the home, children are cared for in a converted garage adjoining the kitchen. A variety of items for learning through play are available, including manipulatives, blocks, books, art materials, and home living props. The bathroom and changing table are located within sight of the children’s play area. The outdoor play area is a fenced backyard with a variety of gross motor toys, including riding toys and a basketball goal. VIOLATIONS The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 919 Accurate records were not maintained for all staff and children. Two children who are enrolled for drop-in care had incomplete files. G.S. 110-91(9) 921 Operator did not maintain accurate daily attendance records including documentation of arrival and departure for all children in care, including the operator's own preschool children. No attendance records were available for review. .1721(e)(6) 1306 Operator has not completed ITS-SIDS training every three years from the completion date of the previous ITS-SIDS training. The provider's ITS-SIDS training expired on 8/9/25. .1703(a)(4) In order to comply with the NC Laws and Rules, any violations documented today must be corrected immediately. I need to receive your compliance letter by September 4, 2025. The letter must address each violation and explain specifically when and how it was corrected, as well as how you will prevent the same violations from happening in the future. Please send this to mandy.annunziata@dhhs.nc.gov and include the following information: -Facility name -Facility ID number -Each item number COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit, the facility’s compliance history score was 97%. According to NC General Statute 110-90(4)(d), all facilities must maintain a compliance history of at least 75% for the past 18 months. Failure to maintain compliance may result in an administrative action. The facility 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 program. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE -Providers who are licensed to care for infants must renew their ITS-SIDS training every three years. You stated that you didn’t realize your certification had recently expired. Your training expired on 8/9/25 and needs to be renewed immediately. You can check the Early Years (formerly CCSA) website at https://www.earlyyearsnc.org to sign up for a renewal class. -Providers are required to keep daily attendance records for all children in their care, including drop-off and pick-up times. Accurate attendance records show that you remain in compliance with child care ratios as well as provide a list of children present in the event of an emergency. I recommend placing the attendance log next to the front door for parents (or you) to sign children in and out each day. Please note the exact times of arrival and departure. -It is important to have complete files on record in the event of an emergency. Two children who only have drop-in care had their applications for enrollment on file, but no other required paperwork. You stated that you thought only children who were enrolled full-time needed to have all required paperwork. To ensure each child’s file is complete, you should use the children’s file checklist available on the DCDEE website in “Provider Documents and Forms” under the “Provider” tab. 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. -The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program provides free facility-wide testing for lead in water and inspections for asbestos and lead-based paint hazards without any out-of-pocket costs. All FCCHs are required to have their drinking water tested for lead. It appears you have enrolled in the program but have not yet submitted samples for testing. Visit www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/carolina for instructions on getting your drinking water tested. -You can access and update your EPR plan by using your NCID to log into the North Carolina Risk Management Portal at https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx. Please review and update your EPR plan yearly. -Criminal Backgrounds Checks for the provider and all household members 16 years of age and older should be completed every five years. TRAINING REMINDERS -Training from 8/29/24 to 8/20/25 was reviewed today and documented on the Verification of Required Information for Operator and Additional Caregivers form. You have completed nine hours of training for the current year. One remaining hour should be completed by 8/29/25. There are many classes available on the Moodle and the Early Years websites. In addition, the NC Rated License Assessment Project website (https://ncrlap.org/) offers a variety of free webinars related to the new FCCERS-3 rating scale. -CPR and First Aid must be renewed every two years. Your CPR and First Aid certification expires 8/26/26. -Health and safety training must be renewed every five years. Your training expires on 9/2027. RATED LICENSE STATUS The NC State Legislature has extended “hold harmless” status until new rated licensing guidelines are in place, and you may opt to keep your current license and delay your rated license assessment until the new guidelines are adopted. Please use this time to update your WORKS account with your education information. You can visit the North Carolina Rated License Project website (https://www.ncrlap.org) for resources regarding the rated license assessment process and the FCCH self-study. 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. I recommend exploring the new pathway options to obtain a rated license. New QRIS rules are in effect, and the Division is preparing for a gradual transition to the new requirements. Resources, forms, and training will be provided to support you in preparing for new 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. CONTACT INFORMATION If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at (919) 971-6255 or mandy.annunziata@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