EDU Care Learning Center, Inc.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/5/2026 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 2/5/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit and provide technical assistance on the QRIS rules in Section .3200. Jennifer Bradshaw-Garrett, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. V. Riddick, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19, earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space,) and 1 quality point for center has a combined turnover rate of 20% or less for the administrator, program coordinator, lead teachers, teachers, and group leaders over the last 12 months. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum (Creative Curriculum) as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 2/26/25. The sanitation inspection was completed 11/13/25 with a “Superior” classification following a “Provisional” sanitation inspection on 11/6/25. The last fire inspection was conducted 1/14/26 with a Satisfactory rating and approval for daytime and overnight care. Three-year water testing is due 6/30/27. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety percent as of 2/2/2026. This facility is owned by Edu Care Learning Center, Inc. was listed as current- active. License and contact information were current. Contact me to request any changes to your license or contact information. The center is permitted for first and second shift. The owner stated that she does not currently have any children enrolled on second shift but does have them at different times of the year and wants to remain approved for second shift. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care and outdoor play areas for applicable child care center requirements using the Child Care Center Requirements, effective 7/1/2025 and Item Numbers Listing, effective 4/2025. I monitored seven staff records, five children’s records and all program records. I observed indoor and outdoor spaces used for child care or accessible to children. Staff/child ratios and supervision were in compliance. Children were engaged in indoor free play with developmentally appropriate materials from interest centers. Infants and toddlers were cared for on an individual basis. Documentation of safe sleep charts was complete; feeding plans were posted and updated. Staff interacted warmly with children, providing positive feedback and encouraging language and social skills. Lunch was observed and consisted of corn dogs, lima beans, cherries, and milk. I observed and documented the following violations during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In Space 1, the green window trim was chipping and peeling. On the deck, ramp, and railing leading to the playground from Building 1, numerous nails were protruding, creating tripping and protrusion hazards. The back right corner of the fence on playground 2 was missing the top rail and fence ties, compromising the integrity of the fence .0601(c) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 4, a 6-month medication permission form for Albuterol was dated 3/21/25 – 9/21/26 and was expired. The inhaler was not returned to the parent, and the medication permission form was not reauthorized. Staff stated that they had not administered the medication. .0803(12) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Documentation of an outdoor inspection for December 2025 was not available. .0605(q) 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). A staff member whose qualify letter expired on September 9, 2025 did not complete a five-year criminal background check until January 7, 2026. A staff member whose qualifying letter expired on November 23, 2025 did not complete a five-year criminal background check until January 31, 2026. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) * Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 2/19/26, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant PO Box 116 Aydlett, NC 27916 Email – marjorie.white@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE which serves as your signature, vabrothers@hotmail.com, and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance With Documented Violations: Safe Environment - Providing an environment free of hazards keeps children and staff safe and healthy. In Space 1, the green window trim was chipping and peeling. On the deck, ramp, and railing leading to the playground from Building 1, numerous nails were protruding, creating tripping and protrusion hazards. The back right corner of the fence on playground 2 was missing the top rail and fence ties, compromising the integrity of the fence. The administrator stated that they had been on her maintenance person’s list and would have him take care of it immediately. For your compliance letter, state the date(s) when these maintenance items are corrected. Expired Medication/Medication Permission Forms – Not having current authorization to administer medication, could create medical or liability issues if there are changes to the child’s medication, dosage, or instructions for administration. In Space 4, a 6-month medication permission form for Albuterol was dated 3/21/25 – 9/21/26 and was expired. The inhaler was not returned to the parent, and the medication permission form was not reauthorized. You stated that you missed the expiration date and will have the parent reauthorize for another six months at pick-up time. For your compliance letter, state the date when updated medication administration form is on file. Outdoor Inspections - Regular outdoor inspections are critical to prevent deterioration of equipment and accumulation of hazardous materials within the play site, and to ensure that appropriate repairs are made as soon as possible. Documentation of an outdoor inspection for December 2025 was not available. The administrator said that it was just overlooked. Monthly inspections of the outdoor play area are required to be completed by a designated staff member with Playground Safety Training. V. Riddick and K. Whidbee are the only center staff with Playground Safety Training, so they need to complete monthly outdoor inspections. Consider having other staff trained so that you can delegate this responsibility. This has been corrected since an outdoor inspection was completed for January and February 2026. Criminal Background Check (CBC) – Criminal Background Checks ensure that staff have not committed any crimes which could potentially make them unsafe to be around children and other staff. Because Abuse and Neglect registries are also checked, it helps to ensure that children are protected from physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Performing diligent background screenings also protects the child care facility against future legal challenges. Staff members G. Skinner and J. Dunbar were due to complete their five-year CBC on 9/9/25 and 11/23/25 respectively; however, G. Skinner did not complete her five-year CBC until 1/7/26, and J. Dunbar did not complete her five-year CBC until 1/31/26. Their Qualifying Letters were available for review. You stated that they had just slipped past you but will use the white board and phone to track expiration dates. This violation has been corrected, but I encourage you to track expiration dates for staff CBCs and have staff complete them prior to expiration with a little extra time in case there are any issues that could delay the process. Repeated violations related to criminal background check may result in an administrative action. Resources: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The following resources are available to you: 1. DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov – current laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina, “What’s New” tab, Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. 2. Raise NC Newsletter – weekly newsletter emailed to facility email including relevant information from the Division, training opportunities, grants, and more. You can sign up to receive Raise NC on the What’s New tab. 3. NC Health & Safety Resource Center publishes a quarterly newsletter which provides topical information on a variety of health and safety topics. If you are not receiving these emails and newsletters, then please go to https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/resources/nc-child-care-health-and-safety-e-news/ and click on ‘Newsletter Signup’ to join their mailing list. The Winter 2026 edition, “Ready, Set, Action!” includes articles on the emergency medical care plan and responding to infant/toddler emergencies. 4. Your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies and Child Care Health Consultants. *Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF) and Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral: Phone – (252) 333-1233; website - www.aacfnc.org . *Child Care Health Consultant – C. Smith - (252) 340-0212 or cindy@aacfnc.org *Healthy Behaviors Specialist: P. White – Phone (252) 333-1233; pam@aacfnc.org *The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP), www.ncrlap.org , has resources to help you and your staff prepare for the third editions of the Environment Rating Scales (ECERS-3 and ITERS-3). Visit the website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, self-assessments and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. At this time the SACERS-U will continue to be the program assessment tool for school-age programs and classrooms. *Southwestern Child Development Commission, www.swcdcinc.org, Child Care Resources Inc., https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/ and Early Years, https://www.earlyyearsnc.org/ offer DCDEE approved, on-line, self-paced and virtual real-time training and CEUs. SWCDC also offers affordable annual packages allowing you to take as many courses as you need or want for one price. *NC Health and Safety Resource Center, https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/ - has trainers approved to offer Medication Administration, ITS/SIDS, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and required Health & Safety Trainings (in-person) and more. They also publish a quarterly E-Newsletter with an array of topics to help you provide a healthy and safe early learning and out of school environment. The Natural Learning Initiative (https://naturalearning.org/) offers a variety of resources such as training, YouTube videos, handouts, etc. to help you add natural elements to your outdoor play spaces to promote time outdoors. Check out the NLI Resource Hub including Design Sites, Infosheets, The Green Desk, Interactive Apps and more! Your children and your teachers will want to go outdoors again! Reminders: ABCMS Portal - The following staff need to be connected to the center license number and hired to the roster: K. Mercer; M. Gallop Staff Worksheets – We reviewed your staff worksheet. I highlighted items that were delinquent and items that are coming due in the next year. *Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – Review Row 17 on Staff Worksheet for initial and five-year H&S Training renewal dates. New staff need to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid within three months of hire and the rest of the training modules within twelve months. * On-going Training Hours – Review Row 18 (# hours to carry over) on the Staff Worksheets to determine how many on-going training hours returning staff will need by 2/5/27 anniversary of today’s Annual Compliance visit). If they have not completed the required number of on-going training hours, they have until 1/28/26 to complete them and I will check at the next monitoring visit. Staff Education and Works – J. Griffin, A. Ferebee, and M. Gallop need to register for Works or complete their Works registration. Emergency Preparedness – Your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan along with your Ready-to-Go File, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and consistent practice of Fire and Emergency Drills are your center’s foundation for emergency preparedness. *Review your EPR Plan at least annually in the NC Risk Management Portal and update, if needed. Print updated plan or updated cover sheet and page 28. (Per your request I will email instructions on how to update your EPR Plan. *At the same time, review and update your Emergency Medical Care Plan, if needed. *Ensure your Ready-to-Go File is current and includes the following: a copy of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, child's Application for Child Care (includes health & emergency information, contacts, authorization to seek emergency medical care), medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and staff, staff contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers. Safe Sleep Documentation - Child Care Requirements and your Safe Sleep Policy state that you always lay a baby to sleep on his back unless there is an approved waiver on file. Once the baby can roll over, the baby can stay in that position. When completing safe sleep checks, the initial documentation needs to occur when you first lay the baby down. Because you always lay the baby to sleep on his back, always circle "B" for the first entry even if the baby immediately rolls over or stands up. Then every fifteen minutes, you observe and document the baby's sleeping position. Menu – When documenting substitutions on menus, document on the menu posted in the kitchen and on the menus posted for parents to review. Additional Comments: Keep Your NCID Active - Did you know that if you do not login on to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. *Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you, your staff and your household members (CLIAR only) every 6 months to log in and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. *For assistance with NCID, contact ncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000. Sex Offender Registry and Notification Email - North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. QRIS (Quality Rating Improvement System) Technical Assistance: V. Riddick, Owner/Administrator, and I discussed the facility’s plan for completing a rated license assessment using the new QRIS rules found in Section .3200 of the NC Child Care Rules. All information on the QRIS rated license assessments and documents 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. During the visit we completed the QRIS Conversation Template with a focus on the selected pathway. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are electing to complete Pathway 1. *We reviewed current staff education (50% of Lead Teaches and 50% of Other Educators) to determine the facility’s expected star level based on education currently available in Works is 4 Stars. Any staff person who will be evaluated as part of the Lead Teachers or Other Educators needs to register for a Works account and submit original, official transcripts or update their current Works account and submit new education. *We reviewed the Family and Community Engagement Plan, including the Foundational Practices and Optional Practices. This will be completed annually. The operator will create a QRIS notebook to collect documentation of the practices including pictures, flyers, newsletters, emails, etc. *We walked through the Individual and Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) forms (individual and center). Each staff member will complete an Individual CQI annually. (This will also count as their Professional Development Plan!) The administrator will also complete the Facility CQI Plan to create an overall goal for the center. Maintain these in your staff files and include a copy in the QRIS notebook. *Because ERS program assessments (ECERS-3 and ITERS-3), each classroom will complete a 3-month ERS Self-Study using the appropriate ECERS-3 or ITERS-3 manual, available at Teachers College Press, https://www.tcpress.com/ for $28.99 or from other vendors. Complete the 3-month Self-Study using either the Thinking More About Language or Thinking More About Activities worksheets or the self-guided assessment using the results of a previous Outreach Assessment. We discussed information available on the NC Rated License Assessment website, www.ncrlap.org,including training and forms for the three-month self-study and other resources (videos, documents, live and recorded training) and opportunities for an Outreach Assessment. To request Outreach Assessment - Email ncrlap@uncg.edu or call 1-866-362-7527. When the 3-month self-studies are completed, the administrator will complete and submit the Self-Study Verification Form. Copies of the individual self-studies will need to be available for review. We completed the QRIS Conversation Template reviewing documents and resources available to you and you listed the areas where you feel you need support. Submit any education needed to be assessed to DCDEE Works by 4/30/2026. Your rated license assessment is currently due by 12/31/2026 but your expected timeline is to complete this by the end of the summer 2026. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me, Marjorie White, by phone at (252) 373-9385 or by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov, or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/5/2026 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 2/5/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced * The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit and provide technical assistance on the QRIS rules in Section .3200. Jennifer Bradshaw-Garrett, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on today’s visit. V. Riddick, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19, earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space,) and 1 quality point for center has a combined turnover rate of 20% or less for the administrator, program coordinator, lead teachers, teachers, and group leaders over the last 12 months. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum (Creative Curriculum) as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 2/26/25. The sanitation inspection was completed 11/13/25 with a “Superior” classification following a “Provisional” sanitation inspection on 11/6/25. The last fire inspection was conducted 1/14/26 with a Satisfactory rating and approval for daytime and overnight care. Three-year water testing is due 6/30/27. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety percent as of 2/2/2026. This facility is owned by Edu Care Learning Center, Inc. was listed as current- active. License and contact information were current. Contact me to request any changes to your license or contact information. The center is permitted for first and second shift. The owner stated that she does not currently have any children enrolled on second shift but does have them at different times of the year and wants to remain approved for second shift. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care and outdoor play areas for applicable child care center requirements using the Child Care Center Requirements, effective 7/1/2025 and Item Numbers Listing, effective 4/2025. I monitored seven staff records, five children’s records and all program records. I observed indoor and outdoor spaces used for child care or accessible to children. Staff/child ratios and supervision were in compliance. Children were engaged in indoor free play with developmentally appropriate materials from interest centers. Infants and toddlers were cared for on an individual basis. Documentation of safe sleep charts was complete; feeding plans were posted and updated. Staff interacted warmly with children, providing positive feedback and encouraging language and social skills. Lunch was observed and consisted of corn dogs, lima beans, cherries, and milk. I observed and documented the following violations during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In Space 1, the green window trim was chipping and peeling. On the deck, ramp, and railing leading to the playground from Building 1, numerous nails were protruding, creating tripping and protrusion hazards. The back right corner of the fence on playground 2 was missing the top rail and fence ties, compromising the integrity of the fence .0601(c) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space 4, a 6-month medication permission form for Albuterol was dated 3/21/25 – 9/21/26 and was expired. The inhaler was not returned to the parent, and the medication permission form was not reauthorized. Staff stated that they had not administered the medication. .0803(12) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Documentation of an outdoor inspection for December 2025 was not available. .0605(q) 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). A staff member whose qualify letter expired on September 9, 2025 did not complete a five-year criminal background check until January 7, 2026. A staff member whose qualifying letter expired on November 23, 2025 did not complete a five-year criminal background check until January 31, 2026. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) * Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 2/19/26, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Marjorie White, Child Care Consultant PO Box 116 Aydlett, NC 27916 Email – marjorie.white@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE which serves as your signature, vabrothers@hotmail.com, and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance With Documented Violations: Safe Environment - Providing an environment free of hazards keeps children and staff safe and healthy. In Space 1, the green window trim was chipping and peeling. On the deck, ramp, and railing leading to the playground from Building 1, numerous nails were protruding, creating tripping and protrusion hazards. The back right corner of the fence on playground 2 was missing the top rail and fence ties, compromising the integrity of the fence. The administrator stated that they had been on her maintenance person’s list and would have him take care of it immediately. For your compliance letter, state the date(s) when these maintenance items are corrected. Expired Medication/Medication Permission Forms – Not having current authorization to administer medication, could create medical or liability issues if there are changes to the child’s medication, dosage, or instructions for administration. In Space 4, a 6-month medication permission form for Albuterol was dated 3/21/25 – 9/21/26 and was expired. The inhaler was not returned to the parent, and the medication permission form was not reauthorized. You stated that you missed the expiration date and will have the parent reauthorize for another six months at pick-up time. For your compliance letter, state the date when updated medication administration form is on file. Outdoor Inspections - Regular outdoor inspections are critical to prevent deterioration of equipment and accumulation of hazardous materials within the play site, and to ensure that appropriate repairs are made as soon as possible. Documentation of an outdoor inspection for December 2025 was not available. The administrator said that it was just overlooked. Monthly inspections of the outdoor play area are required to be completed by a designated staff member with Playground Safety Training. V. Riddick and K. Whidbee are the only center staff with Playground Safety Training, so they need to complete monthly outdoor inspections. Consider having other staff trained so that you can delegate this responsibility. This has been corrected since an outdoor inspection was completed for January and February 2026. Criminal Background Check (CBC) – Criminal Background Checks ensure that staff have not committed any crimes which could potentially make them unsafe to be around children and other staff. Because Abuse and Neglect registries are also checked, it helps to ensure that children are protected from physical, mental, and sexual abuse. Performing diligent background screenings also protects the child care facility against future legal challenges. Staff members G. Skinner and J. Dunbar were due to complete their five-year CBC on 9/9/25 and 11/23/25 respectively; however, G. Skinner did not complete her five-year CBC until 1/7/26, and J. Dunbar did not complete her five-year CBC until 1/31/26. Their Qualifying Letters were available for review. You stated that they had just slipped past you but will use the white board and phone to track expiration dates. This violation has been corrected, but I encourage you to track expiration dates for staff CBCs and have staff complete them prior to expiration with a little extra time in case there are any issues that could delay the process. Repeated violations related to criminal background check may result in an administrative action. Resources: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The following resources are available to you: 1. DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov – current laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina, “What’s New” tab, Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. 2. Raise NC Newsletter – weekly newsletter emailed to facility email including relevant information from the Division, training opportunities, grants, and more. You can sign up to receive Raise NC on the What’s New tab. 3. NC Health & Safety Resource Center publishes a quarterly newsletter which provides topical information on a variety of health and safety topics. If you are not receiving these emails and newsletters, then please go to https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/resources/nc-child-care-health-and-safety-e-news/ and click on ‘Newsletter Signup’ to join their mailing list. The Winter 2026 edition, “Ready, Set, Action!” includes articles on the emergency medical care plan and responding to infant/toddler emergencies. 4. Your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies and Child Care Health Consultants. *Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF) and Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral: Phone – (252) 333-1233; website - www.aacfnc.org . *Child Care Health Consultant – C. Smith - (252) 340-0212 or cindy@aacfnc.org *Healthy Behaviors Specialist: P. White – Phone (252) 333-1233; pam@aacfnc.org *The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP), www.ncrlap.org , has resources to help you and your staff prepare for the third editions of the Environment Rating Scales (ECERS-3 and ITERS-3). Visit the website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, self-assessments and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. At this time the SACERS-U will continue to be the program assessment tool for school-age programs and classrooms. *Southwestern Child Development Commission, www.swcdcinc.org, Child Care Resources Inc., https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/ and Early Years, https://www.earlyyearsnc.org/ offer DCDEE approved, on-line, self-paced and virtual real-time training and CEUs. SWCDC also offers affordable annual packages allowing you to take as many courses as you need or want for one price. *NC Health and Safety Resource Center, https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/ - has trainers approved to offer Medication Administration, ITS/SIDS, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and required Health & Safety Trainings (in-person) and more. They also publish a quarterly E-Newsletter with an array of topics to help you provide a healthy and safe early learning and out of school environment. The Natural Learning Initiative (https://naturalearning.org/) offers a variety of resources such as training, YouTube videos, handouts, etc. to help you add natural elements to your outdoor play spaces to promote time outdoors. Check out the NLI Resource Hub including Design Sites, Infosheets, The Green Desk, Interactive Apps and more! Your children and your teachers will want to go outdoors again! Reminders: ABCMS Portal - The following staff need to be connected to the center license number and hired to the roster: K. Mercer; M. Gallop Staff Worksheets – We reviewed your staff worksheet. I highlighted items that were delinquent and items that are coming due in the next year. *Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – Review Row 17 on Staff Worksheet for initial and five-year H&S Training renewal dates. New staff need to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment and CPR/First Aid within three months of hire and the rest of the training modules within twelve months. * On-going Training Hours – Review Row 18 (# hours to carry over) on the Staff Worksheets to determine how many on-going training hours returning staff will need by 2/5/27 anniversary of today’s Annual Compliance visit). If they have not completed the required number of on-going training hours, they have until 1/28/26 to complete them and I will check at the next monitoring visit. Staff Education and Works – J. Griffin, A. Ferebee, and M. Gallop need to register for Works or complete their Works registration. Emergency Preparedness – Your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan along with your Ready-to-Go File, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and consistent practice of Fire and Emergency Drills are your center’s foundation for emergency preparedness. *Review your EPR Plan at least annually in the NC Risk Management Portal and update, if needed. Print updated plan or updated cover sheet and page 28. (Per your request I will email instructions on how to update your EPR Plan. *At the same time, review and update your Emergency Medical Care Plan, if needed. *Ensure your Ready-to-Go File is current and includes the following: a copy of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, child's Application for Child Care (includes health & emergency information, contacts, authorization to seek emergency medical care), medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and staff, staff contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers. Safe Sleep Documentation - Child Care Requirements and your Safe Sleep Policy state that you always lay a baby to sleep on his back unless there is an approved waiver on file. Once the baby can roll over, the baby can stay in that position. When completing safe sleep checks, the initial documentation needs to occur when you first lay the baby down. Because you always lay the baby to sleep on his back, always circle "B" for the first entry even if the baby immediately rolls over or stands up. Then every fifteen minutes, you observe and document the baby's sleeping position. Menu – When documenting substitutions on menus, document on the menu posted in the kitchen and on the menus posted for parents to review. Additional Comments: Keep Your NCID Active - Did you know that if you do not login on to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. *Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you, your staff and your household members (CLIAR only) every 6 months to log in and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. *For assistance with NCID, contact ncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000. Sex Offender Registry and Notification Email - North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. QRIS (Quality Rating Improvement System) Technical Assistance: V. Riddick, Owner/Administrator, and I discussed the facility’s plan for completing a rated license assessment using the new QRIS rules found in Section .3200 of the NC Child Care Rules. All information on the QRIS rated license assessments and documents 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. During the visit we completed the QRIS Conversation Template with a focus on the selected pathway. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are electing to complete Pathway 1. *We reviewed current staff education (50% of Lead Teaches and 50% of Other Educators) to determine the facility’s expected star level based on education currently available in Works is 4 Stars. Any staff person who will be evaluated as part of the Lead Teachers or Other Educators needs to register for a Works account and submit original, official transcripts or update their current Works account and submit new education. *We reviewed the Family and Community Engagement Plan, including the Foundational Practices and Optional Practices. This will be completed annually. The operator will create a QRIS notebook to collect documentation of the practices including pictures, flyers, newsletters, emails, etc. *We walked through the Individual and Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) forms (individual and center). Each staff member will complete an Individual CQI annually. (This will also count as their Professional Development Plan!) The administrator will also complete the Facility CQI Plan to create an overall goal for the center. Maintain these in your staff files and include a copy in the QRIS notebook. *Because ERS program assessments (ECERS-3 and ITERS-3), each classroom will complete a 3-month ERS Self-Study using the appropriate ECERS-3 or ITERS-3 manual, available at Teachers College Press, https://www.tcpress.com/ for $28.99 or from other vendors. Complete the 3-month Self-Study using either the Thinking More About Language or Thinking More About Activities worksheets or the self-guided assessment using the results of a previous Outreach Assessment. We discussed information available on the NC Rated License Assessment website, www.ncrlap.org,including training and forms for the three-month self-study and other resources (videos, documents, live and recorded training) and opportunities for an Outreach Assessment. To request Outreach Assessment - Email ncrlap@uncg.edu or call 1-866-362-7527. When the 3-month self-studies are completed, the administrator will complete and submit the Self-Study Verification Form. Copies of the individual self-studies will need to be available for review. We completed the QRIS Conversation Template reviewing documents and resources available to you and you listed the areas where you feel you need support. Submit any education needed to be assessed to DCDEE Works by 4/30/2026. Your rated license assessment is currently due by 12/31/2026 but your expected timeline is to complete this by the end of the summer 2026. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me, Marjorie White, by phone at (252) 373-9385 or by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov, or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/30/2025 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 7/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Last Annual Compliance visit – 2/26/25 18-month compliance history 93% Last Sanitation Inspection – 3/4/25 - Superior Last Fire Inspection – 12/16/24 – Satisfactory; Daytime and Night Care *Sanitation and fire inspections are required at least annually by the end of the month of the previous inspection. Send fire inspections to me within seven (7) days of the inspection. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflects the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing and one-time lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – completed Lead Paint Testing – completed Asbestos Testing – completed Maintain any paperwork received by mail or email in your Program Records file. V. Riddick, Owner/administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: All lead teachers and teachers have at least 5 years of EC work experience in no more than 2 different centers. The new QRIS has now been approved and placed into rule. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. Look for news and updates in the weekly Raise NC email blasts. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project - NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 7/28/25 and EduCare Learning Center, Inc. was listed as current- active. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time, napping, and diapering routines. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Files for new staff were reviewed. Lunch was observed and consisted of a bologna and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, apples, succotash, and milk. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence near the road, on the playground used by the preschool children, measured 40 inches and not the required 4 feet. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report, completed on 4/17/25, was missing the age of the child, the facility ID number, the name of the person who completed the form, and the date and time the parent was contacted. A report, completed on 4/5/25, was missing the facility ID number, the name of the person who witnessed the incident, and the date and time the parent was contacted. .0802 (e) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. In space 4, the paint on the window sill was peeling and in need of repair. The paint around the infant/toddler room door frame was also peeling and is accessible to the children as they transition to the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. A medical action plan for albuterol/EPI pen was not located in the Ready to Go file for one child enrolled on 3/24/25. .0607(d)(10) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 8/13/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Incident Reports and Log – Incident reports document how your staff responded to an incident in your facility and helps you be transparent with the child’s parent. The report must include all required information and be signed by the parent. All information should be completed on the form. This ensures the information is accurate and clear. An incident report, completed on 4/17/25, was missing the age of the child, the facility ID number, the name of the person who completed the form, and the date and time the parent was contacted. A report, completed on 4/5/25, was missing the facility ID number, the name of the person who witnessed the incident, and the date and time the parent was contacted. You must create a plan for reviewing incident reports that are submitted to you to ensure they are complete and accurate. This plan must be submitted with your compliance verification letter. Safe Indoor and Outdoor Environment - Children need a safe and healthy environment to grow and play in. All spaces must be monitored on a daily basis and hazards addressed as quickly as possible. The fence near the road on the playground used by the preschool children measured 40 inches and not the required 4 feet. In space 4, the paint on the window sill was peeling and in need of repair. The paint around the infant/toddler room door frame was also peeling and is accessible to the children as they transition to the playground. The climbing structure on the school age playground had sand surfacing that was only 7 inches deep. When sand is used, the depth must be 12 inches deep. There was also grass growing in the sand which affected the sand’s ability to absorb a child’s fall. These items must be addressed immediately. Consultation: Caring for Infants – As providers, you spend many hours with each of your children and know their moods and can read their needs. Children’s needs must be responded to at the earliest opportunity to ensure their physical and emotional needs are met. This can include feeding, cuddling, diapering, and other caregiving tasks. Infant Feeding Plans can provide a guide for feeding patterns that match what the parent is doing at home. Per “Caring for Our Children”, staff should discuss the infant’s usual feeding pattern with the parent and the benefits of feeding the infant based on the infant’s hunger and satiety cues rather than on a schedule. Responsive feeding is most successful when caregivers/teachers learn how infants externally communicate hunger and fullness. Crying alone is not a cue for hunger unless accompanied by other cues, such as opening the mouth, making sucking sounds, rooting, fast breathing, clenched fingers/fists, and flexed arms/legs. Caregivers/teachers should not feed infants beyond satiety; just as hunger cues are important in initiating feedings, observing satiety cues can limit overfeeding. An infant will communicate fullness by shaking the head or turning away from food. Infants and toddlers are growing and changing at a rapid rate. Their needs will change as they go through these growth spirts. There may also be times went teething or illness may affect their eating patterns. Providers must learn the child’s cues to best meet their needs. Screen Time – Children love to watch TV and videos, but not all content on these are educational or appropriate. Screen time must be offered to stimulate a developmental domain in accordance with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Anything shown to the children must be vetted first to ensure it is meeting the educational requirements. Videos games such as Brainrot and Roblox use pretend silly words and names in a game. They also use phrases like “guess the name or die” which would not be appropriate for children. There are many age-appropriate language games that can help children learn other languages or increase their vocabulary. All content must be vetted before they are shown to the children. Successful Orientation - During orientation you are giving a brief overview of each topic area and how they apply to your center. As you look at these topics, you may be thinking that some of these are Health & Safety Training topics. Why don’t I have my new staff do their health & safety training during orientation? Remember, orientation is about providing an introduction to the rules and your center’s policies. Health and Safety Training will build on that in their first year. Your first priority is to ensure new staff understand your expectations and how you handle each of these topics in your facility. As you review each topic area, be sure to list the date completed, the amount of time it took to review, and the name of the person who reviewed it. Fire Alarm System – During the visit the fire alarm system box gave an alarm that stopped when the door of the box was opened. You stated that you have contacted the fire system contractor, and they believe it is just an “S” bell alarm but have not given you a dated when they will be out to service the box. You also called the fire inspector, and she stated that she would come out and inspect the system to ensure it is safe for the children to be in care. Additional Information: Raise NC Newsletter – If you are not receiving and reading the Raise NC Newsletter, you are missing out on current relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, information about proposed rules, available trainings and other information that may be of interest to you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. As an early learning professional, you need to stay in the know about issues in North Carolina that affect you and your business. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! NCID Password Rule to Change - If you have a MYNCID or NCID account, when you change your current password after Feb. 23, you will be required to create a new one that must: • Be a minimum of 14 characters. • It consists of at least one numeric character, at least one uppercase letter, at least one lowercase letter, and at least one special character such as #, & * etc. Keep Your NCID Active - Did you know that if you do not login on to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. *Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you, your staff and your household members (CLIAR only) every 6 months to log in and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. *For assistance with NCID, contact ncid.nc.gov or 919-754-6000. Strong, unique passwords, along with practicing mindful cybersecurity practices, are key components to the Division protecting your devices and personal information ABCMS Portal - The process of notifying the Division when you have new staff (or household members for family child care homes and centers licensed in a residence) has changed and is now captured in ABCMS, the new Criminal Background Check portal. You have completed the ABCMS Provider Portal Training and are now authorized to log in the ABCMS Provider Portal https://ncabcms.nc.gov/DCDEE/ using your Business NCID. You have created your roster. Continue to update it as staff change so that it reflects staff working at your center. One person can be the portal manager for multiple sites. A staff member can be on a roster at multiple sites. *The following staff need to be added to the roster: Information was also shared on the following topics: 1. New Training in Module – Child Development 2. Public Notice: Proposed Rules Amendment to Orientation, H&S Training, Religious-Sponsored 3. Pathway to the Stars – Where Quality and Choice Meet (QRIS Rules Adopted), Survey available At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/30/2025 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 7/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Last Annual Compliance visit – 2/26/25 18-month compliance history 93% Last Sanitation Inspection – 3/4/25 - Superior Last Fire Inspection – 12/16/24 – Satisfactory; Daytime and Night Care *Sanitation and fire inspections are required at least annually by the end of the month of the previous inspection. Send fire inspections to me within seven (7) days of the inspection. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflects the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing and one-time lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – completed Lead Paint Testing – completed Asbestos Testing – completed Maintain any paperwork received by mail or email in your Program Records file. V. Riddick, Owner/administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: All lead teachers and teachers have at least 5 years of EC work experience in no more than 2 different centers. The new QRIS has now been approved and placed into rule. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. Look for news and updates in the weekly Raise NC email blasts. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project - NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 7/28/25 and EduCare Learning Center, Inc. was listed as current- active. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time, napping, and diapering routines. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Files for new staff were reviewed. Lunch was observed and consisted of a bologna and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, apples, succotash, and milk. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence near the road, on the playground used by the preschool children, measured 40 inches and not the required 4 feet. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report, completed on 4/17/25, was missing the age of the child, the facility ID number, the name of the person who completed the form, and the date and time the parent was contacted. A report, completed on 4/5/25, was missing the facility ID number, the name of the person who witnessed the incident, and the date and time the parent was contacted. .0802 (e) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. In space 4, the paint on the window sill was peeling and in need of repair. The paint around the infant/toddler room door frame was also peeling and is accessible to the children as they transition to the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. A medical action plan for albuterol/EPI pen was not located in the Ready to Go file for one child enrolled on 3/24/25. .0607(d)(10) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 8/13/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Incident Reports and Log – Incident reports document how your staff responded to an incident in your facility and helps you be transparent with the child’s parent. The report must include all required information and be signed by the parent. All information should be completed on the form. This ensures the information is accurate and clear. An incident report, completed on 4/17/25, was missing the age of the child, the facility ID number, the name of the person who completed the form, and the date and time the parent was contacted. A report, completed on 4/5/25, was missing the facility ID number, the name of the person who witnessed the incident, and the date and time the parent was contacted. You must create a plan for reviewing incident reports that are submitted to you to ensure they are complete and accurate. This plan must be submitted with your compliance verification letter. Safe Indoor and Outdoor Environment - Children need a safe and healthy environment to grow and play in. All spaces must be monitored on a daily basis and hazards addressed as quickly as possible. The fence near the road on the playground used by the preschool children measured 40 inches and not the required 4 feet. In space 4, the paint on the window sill was peeling and in need of repair. The paint around the infant/toddler room door frame was also peeling and is accessible to the children as they transition to the playground. The climbing structure on the school age playground had sand surfacing that was only 7 inches deep. When sand is used, the depth must be 12 inches deep. There was also grass growing in the sand which affected the sand’s ability to absorb a child’s fall. These items must be addressed immediately. Consultation: Caring for Infants – As providers, you spend many hours with each of your children and know their moods and can read their needs. Children’s needs must be responded to at the earliest opportunity to ensure their physical and emotional needs are met. This can include feeding, cuddling, diapering, and other caregiving tasks. Infant Feeding Plans can provide a guide for feeding patterns that match what the parent is doing at home. Per “Caring for Our Children”, staff should discuss the infant’s usual feeding pattern with the parent and the benefits of feeding the infant based on the infant’s hunger and satiety cues rather than on a schedule. Responsive feeding is most successful when caregivers/teachers learn how infants externally communicate hunger and fullness. Crying alone is not a cue for hunger unless accompanied by other cues, such as opening the mouth, making sucking sounds, rooting, fast breathing, clenched fingers/fists, and flexed arms/legs. Caregivers/teachers should not feed infants beyond satiety; just as hunger cues are important in initiating feedings, observing satiety cues can limit overfeeding. An infant will communicate fullness by shaking the head or turning away from food. Infants and toddlers are growing and changing at a rapid rate. Their needs will change as they go through these growth spirts. There may also be times went teething or illness may affect their eating patterns. Providers must learn the child’s cues to best meet their needs. Screen Time – Children love to watch TV and videos, but not all content on these are educational or appropriate. Screen time must be offered to stimulate a developmental domain in accordance with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Anything shown to the children must be vetted first to ensure it is meeting the educational requirements. Videos games such as Brainrot and Roblox use pretend silly words and names in a game. They also use phrases like “guess the name or die” which would not be appropriate for children. There are many age-appropriate language games that can help children learn other languages or increase their vocabulary. All content must be vetted before they are shown to the children. Successful Orientation - During orientation you are giving a brief overview of each topic area and how they apply to your center. As you look at these topics, you may be thinking that some of these are Health & Safety Training topics. Why don’t I have my new staff do their health & safety training during orientation? Remember, orientation is about providing an introduction to the rules and your center’s policies. Health and Safety Training will build on that in their first year. Your first priority is to ensure new staff understand your expectations and how you handle each of these topics in your facility. As you review each topic area, be sure to list the date completed, the amount of time it took to review, and the name of the person who reviewed it. Fire Alarm System – During the visit the fire alarm system box gave an alarm that stopped when the door of the box was opened. You stated that you have contacted the fire system contractor, and they believe it is just an “S” bell alarm but have not given you a dated when they will be out to service the box. You also called the fire inspector, and she stated that she would come out and inspect the system to ensure it is safe for the children to be in care. Additional Information: Raise NC Newsletter – If you are not receiving and reading the Raise NC Newsletter, you are missing out on current relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, information about proposed rules, available trainings and other information that may be of interest to you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. As an early learning professional, you need to stay in the know about issues in North Carolina that affect you and your business. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! NCID Password Rule to Change - If you have a MYNCID or NCID account, when you change your current password after Feb. 23, you will be required to create a new one that must: • Be a minimum of 14 characters. • It consists of at least one numeric character, at least one uppercase letter, at least one lowercase letter, and at least one special character such as #, & * etc. Keep Your NCID Active - Did you know that if you do not login on to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. *Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you, your staff and your household members (CLIAR only) every 6 months to log in and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. *For assistance with NCID, contact ncid.nc.gov or 919-754-6000. Strong, unique passwords, along with practicing mindful cybersecurity practices, are key components to the Division protecting your devices and personal information ABCMS Portal - The process of notifying the Division when you have new staff (or household members for family child care homes and centers licensed in a residence) has changed and is now captured in ABCMS, the new Criminal Background Check portal. You have completed the ABCMS Provider Portal Training and are now authorized to log in the ABCMS Provider Portal https://ncabcms.nc.gov/DCDEE/ using your Business NCID. You have created your roster. Continue to update it as staff change so that it reflects staff working at your center. One person can be the portal manager for multiple sites. A staff member can be on a roster at multiple sites. *The following staff need to be added to the roster: Information was also shared on the following topics: 1. New Training in Module – Child Development 2. Public Notice: Proposed Rules Amendment to Orientation, H&S Training, Religious-Sponsored 3. Pathway to the Stars – Where Quality and Choice Meet (QRIS Rules Adopted), Survey available At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/30/2025 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 7/30/2025 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Last Annual Compliance visit – 2/26/25 18-month compliance history 93% Last Sanitation Inspection – 3/4/25 - Superior Last Fire Inspection – 12/16/24 – Satisfactory; Daytime and Night Care *Sanitation and fire inspections are required at least annually by the end of the month of the previous inspection. Send fire inspections to me within seven (7) days of the inspection. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflects the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing and one-time lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – completed Lead Paint Testing – completed Asbestos Testing – completed Maintain any paperwork received by mail or email in your Program Records file. V. Riddick, Owner/administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: All lead teachers and teachers have at least 5 years of EC work experience in no more than 2 different centers. The new QRIS has now been approved and placed into rule. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. Look for news and updates in the weekly Raise NC email blasts. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project - NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 7/28/25 and EduCare Learning Center, Inc. was listed as current- active. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time, napping, and diapering routines. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Files for new staff were reviewed. Lunch was observed and consisted of a bologna and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, apples, succotash, and milk. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. The fence near the road, on the playground used by the preschool children, measured 40 inches and not the required 4 feet. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. An incident report, completed on 4/17/25, was missing the age of the child, the facility ID number, the name of the person who completed the form, and the date and time the parent was contacted. A report, completed on 4/5/25, was missing the facility ID number, the name of the person who witnessed the incident, and the date and time the parent was contacted. .0802 (e) 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. In space 4, the paint on the window sill was peeling and in need of repair. The paint around the infant/toddler room door frame was also peeling and is accessible to the children as they transition to the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. A medical action plan for albuterol/EPI pen was not located in the Ready to Go file for one child enrolled on 3/24/25. .0607(d)(10) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 8/13/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Incident Reports and Log – Incident reports document how your staff responded to an incident in your facility and helps you be transparent with the child’s parent. The report must include all required information and be signed by the parent. All information should be completed on the form. This ensures the information is accurate and clear. An incident report, completed on 4/17/25, was missing the age of the child, the facility ID number, the name of the person who completed the form, and the date and time the parent was contacted. A report, completed on 4/5/25, was missing the facility ID number, the name of the person who witnessed the incident, and the date and time the parent was contacted. You must create a plan for reviewing incident reports that are submitted to you to ensure they are complete and accurate. This plan must be submitted with your compliance verification letter. Safe Indoor and Outdoor Environment - Children need a safe and healthy environment to grow and play in. All spaces must be monitored on a daily basis and hazards addressed as quickly as possible. The fence near the road on the playground used by the preschool children measured 40 inches and not the required 4 feet. In space 4, the paint on the window sill was peeling and in need of repair. The paint around the infant/toddler room door frame was also peeling and is accessible to the children as they transition to the playground. The climbing structure on the school age playground had sand surfacing that was only 7 inches deep. When sand is used, the depth must be 12 inches deep. There was also grass growing in the sand which affected the sand’s ability to absorb a child’s fall. These items must be addressed immediately. Consultation: Caring for Infants – As providers, you spend many hours with each of your children and know their moods and can read their needs. Children’s needs must be responded to at the earliest opportunity to ensure their physical and emotional needs are met. This can include feeding, cuddling, diapering, and other caregiving tasks. Infant Feeding Plans can provide a guide for feeding patterns that match what the parent is doing at home. Per “Caring for Our Children”, staff should discuss the infant’s usual feeding pattern with the parent and the benefits of feeding the infant based on the infant’s hunger and satiety cues rather than on a schedule. Responsive feeding is most successful when caregivers/teachers learn how infants externally communicate hunger and fullness. Crying alone is not a cue for hunger unless accompanied by other cues, such as opening the mouth, making sucking sounds, rooting, fast breathing, clenched fingers/fists, and flexed arms/legs. Caregivers/teachers should not feed infants beyond satiety; just as hunger cues are important in initiating feedings, observing satiety cues can limit overfeeding. An infant will communicate fullness by shaking the head or turning away from food. Infants and toddlers are growing and changing at a rapid rate. Their needs will change as they go through these growth spirts. There may also be times went teething or illness may affect their eating patterns. Providers must learn the child’s cues to best meet their needs. Screen Time – Children love to watch TV and videos, but not all content on these are educational or appropriate. Screen time must be offered to stimulate a developmental domain in accordance with NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Anything shown to the children must be vetted first to ensure it is meeting the educational requirements. Videos games such as Brainrot and Roblox use pretend silly words and names in a game. They also use phrases like “guess the name or die” which would not be appropriate for children. There are many age-appropriate language games that can help children learn other languages or increase their vocabulary. All content must be vetted before they are shown to the children. Successful Orientation - During orientation you are giving a brief overview of each topic area and how they apply to your center. As you look at these topics, you may be thinking that some of these are Health & Safety Training topics. Why don’t I have my new staff do their health & safety training during orientation? Remember, orientation is about providing an introduction to the rules and your center’s policies. Health and Safety Training will build on that in their first year. Your first priority is to ensure new staff understand your expectations and how you handle each of these topics in your facility. As you review each topic area, be sure to list the date completed, the amount of time it took to review, and the name of the person who reviewed it. Fire Alarm System – During the visit the fire alarm system box gave an alarm that stopped when the door of the box was opened. You stated that you have contacted the fire system contractor, and they believe it is just an “S” bell alarm but have not given you a dated when they will be out to service the box. You also called the fire inspector, and she stated that she would come out and inspect the system to ensure it is safe for the children to be in care. Additional Information: Raise NC Newsletter – If you are not receiving and reading the Raise NC Newsletter, you are missing out on current relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, information about proposed rules, available trainings and other information that may be of interest to you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. As an early learning professional, you need to stay in the know about issues in North Carolina that affect you and your business. Share with your staff so they can be in the know too! NCID Password Rule to Change - If you have a MYNCID or NCID account, when you change your current password after Feb. 23, you will be required to create a new one that must: • Be a minimum of 14 characters. • It consists of at least one numeric character, at least one uppercase letter, at least one lowercase letter, and at least one special character such as #, & * etc. Keep Your NCID Active - Did you know that if you do not login on to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. *Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you, your staff and your household members (CLIAR only) every 6 months to log in and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. *For assistance with NCID, contact ncid.nc.gov or 919-754-6000. Strong, unique passwords, along with practicing mindful cybersecurity practices, are key components to the Division protecting your devices and personal information ABCMS Portal - The process of notifying the Division when you have new staff (or household members for family child care homes and centers licensed in a residence) has changed and is now captured in ABCMS, the new Criminal Background Check portal. You have completed the ABCMS Provider Portal Training and are now authorized to log in the ABCMS Provider Portal https://ncabcms.nc.gov/DCDEE/ using your Business NCID. You have created your roster. Continue to update it as staff change so that it reflects staff working at your center. One person can be the portal manager for multiple sites. A staff member can be on a roster at multiple sites. *The following staff need to be added to the roster: Information was also shared on the following topics: 1. New Training in Module – Child Development 2. Public Notice: Proposed Rules Amendment to Orientation, H&S Training, Religious-Sponsored 3. Pathway to the Stars – Where Quality and Choice Meet (QRIS Rules Adopted), Survey available At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/26/2025 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 2/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. V. Riddick, Owner/administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: All lead teachers and teachers have at least 5 years EC work experience in no more than 2 different centers. Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that you do not need to schedule a rated license assessment unless you voluntarily request one. The new QRIS has been approved by the Child Care Commission. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project - NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/12/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 7/17/24. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 12/16/24. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 95% as of 2/21/25. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Infants were were playing on the floor or being held. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. There continues to be fenced playground spaces for each age group with age appropriate materials. Lunch was observed and consisted of beef sloppy joe sandwiches, asparagus, oranges, and milk. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by EDU Care Learning Center, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. There were 2 push cars on the playground used by the children 2 years of age to 5 years of age that had holes in the bottom where the plastic had cracked. The edges of the holes were sharp and could injure a child. There was also peeling paint on the edges of the utility closet beside the outside door used by the school age children to access the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In spaces 2 and 3, plastic bags containing art materials were located in the art bins and stored below 5 feet. .0604(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Documentation of an annual review of the plan was not on file and available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1325 Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. One child's file, out of 5 files reviewed, did not include the date of enrollment. .1804(b) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File was missing Emergency Information forms for two (2) of the children currently enrolled. .0607(d)(10) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. The signature page documentation of the review did not include a date the review was completed and did not include one (1) volunteer listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet. .0607(f) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 3/12/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPR) – The EPR plan must be reviewed with staff annually to ensure they know what to do in the event of an emergency. Documentation of the review must be on file. The signature page documentation of the review did not include a date the review was completed and did not include one (1) volunteer listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet. Per our discussion, the information must be reviewed with all staff including substitutes and volunteers. If someone is not able to attend the review, add their signature to the bottom of the page and document the date the review was completed with them. Emergency Medical Care Plan – The Emergency Medical Care plan helps staff to know how to respond to an emergency. Knowing the chain of command and who they need to contact helps to ensure that children’s needs are responded to quickly and efficiently. Documentation of an annual review of the plan was not on file and available for review. Per our discussion, complete this review with your EPR review and use the same signature page for both. This meets the documentation requirement without having to do extra paperwork. Update your EPR signature page to include that the Emergency Medical Care Plan was also reviewed. Create a space to document the date of the review. All staff must be present. This includes substitutes and volunteers. Submit a copy of the updated signature page with your compliance letter. Ready to Go File – A Ready to Go file ensures that you have all the information you need to provide a safe environment for children in the event of an emergency. The Ready to Go File monitored today was missing Emergency Information forms for two (2) of the children currently enrolled. Per our discussion, the information in the file must be updated on a regular basis to ensure it is current and accurate. As children are enrolled and children leave, the file must be updated to ensure you have parent contact information, the names of people the child can be released to, and permission to administer emergency medical care. You must review the file to ensure all children, currently enrolled, are included. Additional Information: Natural Learning Initiative has created resources, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience and growth of all children. You can explore and use these resources on their website https://naturalearning.org/resources/. ABCMS New Process - As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by May 2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. Per the information in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Water Testing: Completed 6/30/24 Lead Paint: No hazards identified Asbestos: No hazards identified At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/26/2025 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 2/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. V. Riddick, Owner/administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: All lead teachers and teachers have at least 5 years EC work experience in no more than 2 different centers. Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that you do not need to schedule a rated license assessment unless you voluntarily request one. The new QRIS has been approved by the Child Care Commission. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project - NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/12/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 7/17/24. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 12/16/24. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 95% as of 2/21/25. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Infants were were playing on the floor or being held. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. There continues to be fenced playground spaces for each age group with age appropriate materials. Lunch was observed and consisted of beef sloppy joe sandwiches, asparagus, oranges, and milk. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by EDU Care Learning Center, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. There were 2 push cars on the playground used by the children 2 years of age to 5 years of age that had holes in the bottom where the plastic had cracked. The edges of the holes were sharp and could injure a child. There was also peeling paint on the edges of the utility closet beside the outside door used by the school age children to access the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In spaces 2 and 3, plastic bags containing art materials were located in the art bins and stored below 5 feet. .0604(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Documentation of an annual review of the plan was not on file and available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1325 Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. One child's file, out of 5 files reviewed, did not include the date of enrollment. .1804(b) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File was missing Emergency Information forms for two (2) of the children currently enrolled. .0607(d)(10) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. The signature page documentation of the review did not include a date the review was completed and did not include one (1) volunteer listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet. .0607(f) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 3/12/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPR) – The EPR plan must be reviewed with staff annually to ensure they know what to do in the event of an emergency. Documentation of the review must be on file. The signature page documentation of the review did not include a date the review was completed and did not include one (1) volunteer listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet. Per our discussion, the information must be reviewed with all staff including substitutes and volunteers. If someone is not able to attend the review, add their signature to the bottom of the page and document the date the review was completed with them. Emergency Medical Care Plan – The Emergency Medical Care plan helps staff to know how to respond to an emergency. Knowing the chain of command and who they need to contact helps to ensure that children’s needs are responded to quickly and efficiently. Documentation of an annual review of the plan was not on file and available for review. Per our discussion, complete this review with your EPR review and use the same signature page for both. This meets the documentation requirement without having to do extra paperwork. Update your EPR signature page to include that the Emergency Medical Care Plan was also reviewed. Create a space to document the date of the review. All staff must be present. This includes substitutes and volunteers. Submit a copy of the updated signature page with your compliance letter. Ready to Go File – A Ready to Go file ensures that you have all the information you need to provide a safe environment for children in the event of an emergency. The Ready to Go File monitored today was missing Emergency Information forms for two (2) of the children currently enrolled. Per our discussion, the information in the file must be updated on a regular basis to ensure it is current and accurate. As children are enrolled and children leave, the file must be updated to ensure you have parent contact information, the names of people the child can be released to, and permission to administer emergency medical care. You must review the file to ensure all children, currently enrolled, are included. Additional Information: Natural Learning Initiative has created resources, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience and growth of all children. You can explore and use these resources on their website https://naturalearning.org/resources/. ABCMS New Process - As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by May 2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. Per the information in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Water Testing: Completed 6/30/24 Lead Paint: No hazards identified Asbestos: No hazards identified At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/26/2025 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 2/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. V. Riddick, Owner/administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: All lead teachers and teachers have at least 5 years EC work experience in no more than 2 different centers. Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that you do not need to schedule a rated license assessment unless you voluntarily request one. The new QRIS has been approved by the Child Care Commission. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project - NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/12/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 7/17/24. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 12/16/24. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 95% as of 2/21/25. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Infants were were playing on the floor or being held. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. There continues to be fenced playground spaces for each age group with age appropriate materials. Lunch was observed and consisted of beef sloppy joe sandwiches, asparagus, oranges, and milk. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by EDU Care Learning Center, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. There were 2 push cars on the playground used by the children 2 years of age to 5 years of age that had holes in the bottom where the plastic had cracked. The edges of the holes were sharp and could injure a child. There was also peeling paint on the edges of the utility closet beside the outside door used by the school age children to access the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In spaces 2 and 3, plastic bags containing art materials were located in the art bins and stored below 5 feet. .0604(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Documentation of an annual review of the plan was not on file and available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1325 Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. One child's file, out of 5 files reviewed, did not include the date of enrollment. .1804(b) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File was missing Emergency Information forms for two (2) of the children currently enrolled. .0607(d)(10) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. The signature page documentation of the review did not include a date the review was completed and did not include one (1) volunteer listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet. .0607(f) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 3/12/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPR) – The EPR plan must be reviewed with staff annually to ensure they know what to do in the event of an emergency. Documentation of the review must be on file. The signature page documentation of the review did not include a date the review was completed and did not include one (1) volunteer listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet. Per our discussion, the information must be reviewed with all staff including substitutes and volunteers. If someone is not able to attend the review, add their signature to the bottom of the page and document the date the review was completed with them. Emergency Medical Care Plan – The Emergency Medical Care plan helps staff to know how to respond to an emergency. Knowing the chain of command and who they need to contact helps to ensure that children’s needs are responded to quickly and efficiently. Documentation of an annual review of the plan was not on file and available for review. Per our discussion, complete this review with your EPR review and use the same signature page for both. This meets the documentation requirement without having to do extra paperwork. Update your EPR signature page to include that the Emergency Medical Care Plan was also reviewed. Create a space to document the date of the review. All staff must be present. This includes substitutes and volunteers. Submit a copy of the updated signature page with your compliance letter. Ready to Go File – A Ready to Go file ensures that you have all the information you need to provide a safe environment for children in the event of an emergency. The Ready to Go File monitored today was missing Emergency Information forms for two (2) of the children currently enrolled. Per our discussion, the information in the file must be updated on a regular basis to ensure it is current and accurate. As children are enrolled and children leave, the file must be updated to ensure you have parent contact information, the names of people the child can be released to, and permission to administer emergency medical care. You must review the file to ensure all children, currently enrolled, are included. Additional Information: Natural Learning Initiative has created resources, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience and growth of all children. You can explore and use these resources on their website https://naturalearning.org/resources/. ABCMS New Process - As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by May 2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. Per the information in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Water Testing: Completed 6/30/24 Lead Paint: No hazards identified Asbestos: No hazards identified At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/26/2025 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 2/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. V. Riddick, Owner/administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: All lead teachers and teachers have at least 5 years EC work experience in no more than 2 different centers. Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that you do not need to schedule a rated license assessment unless you voluntarily request one. The new QRIS has been approved by the Child Care Commission. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project - NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/12/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 7/17/24. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 12/16/24. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 95% as of 2/21/25. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Infants were were playing on the floor or being held. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. There continues to be fenced playground spaces for each age group with age appropriate materials. Lunch was observed and consisted of beef sloppy joe sandwiches, asparagus, oranges, and milk. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by EDU Care Learning Center, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 856 The indoor and/or outdoor premises was not checked once a day, prior to initial use, ensuring debris, and broken equipment was removed and disposed of. There were 2 push cars on the playground used by the children 2 years of age to 5 years of age that had holes in the bottom where the plastic had cracked. The edges of the holes were sharp and could injure a child. There was also peeling paint on the edges of the utility closet beside the outside door used by the school age children to access the playground. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(p) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In spaces 2 and 3, plastic bags containing art materials were located in the art bins and stored below 5 feet. .0604(q) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. Documentation of an annual review of the plan was not on file and available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1325 Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. One child's file, out of 5 files reviewed, did not include the date of enrollment. .1804(b) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File was missing Emergency Information forms for two (2) of the children currently enrolled. .0607(d)(10) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. The signature page documentation of the review did not include a date the review was completed and did not include one (1) volunteer listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet. .0607(f) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 3/12/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPR) – The EPR plan must be reviewed with staff annually to ensure they know what to do in the event of an emergency. Documentation of the review must be on file. The signature page documentation of the review did not include a date the review was completed and did not include one (1) volunteer listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet. Per our discussion, the information must be reviewed with all staff including substitutes and volunteers. If someone is not able to attend the review, add their signature to the bottom of the page and document the date the review was completed with them. Emergency Medical Care Plan – The Emergency Medical Care plan helps staff to know how to respond to an emergency. Knowing the chain of command and who they need to contact helps to ensure that children’s needs are responded to quickly and efficiently. Documentation of an annual review of the plan was not on file and available for review. Per our discussion, complete this review with your EPR review and use the same signature page for both. This meets the documentation requirement without having to do extra paperwork. Update your EPR signature page to include that the Emergency Medical Care Plan was also reviewed. Create a space to document the date of the review. All staff must be present. This includes substitutes and volunteers. Submit a copy of the updated signature page with your compliance letter. Ready to Go File – A Ready to Go file ensures that you have all the information you need to provide a safe environment for children in the event of an emergency. The Ready to Go File monitored today was missing Emergency Information forms for two (2) of the children currently enrolled. Per our discussion, the information in the file must be updated on a regular basis to ensure it is current and accurate. As children are enrolled and children leave, the file must be updated to ensure you have parent contact information, the names of people the child can be released to, and permission to administer emergency medical care. You must review the file to ensure all children, currently enrolled, are included. Additional Information: Natural Learning Initiative has created resources, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience and growth of all children. You can explore and use these resources on their website https://naturalearning.org/resources/. ABCMS New Process - As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by May 2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. Per the information in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Water Testing: Completed 6/30/24 Lead Paint: No hazards identified Asbestos: No hazards identified At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/23/2024 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 8/23/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. The owner/administrator assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: All lead teachers and teachers have at least 5 years of EC work experience in no more than 2 different centers. Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that you do not need to schedule a rated license assessment unless you voluntarily request one. The new QRIS has been approved by the Child Care Commission. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. You stated that you do not plan to request an assessment at this time. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 94 % as of 8/21/24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 8/22/24 and Edu Care Learning Center, Inc. was listed as current- active. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Infants were on the floor playing with age-appropriate materials. One provider sat on the floor with the children while the other held a child on her lap. Safe sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The children in space 2 were on the playground used by the preschool children. New sand had been delivered to spread on the playground. Dump trucks and sand buckets with shovels were used to play in the sand. The providers closely supervised the children as they played. The caregivers in each classroom were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Lunch was observed and consisted of a turkey and cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread, cucumbers, apples, and milk. No new staff have been hired since the previous visit therefore staff files were not reviewed. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. A rototiller was stored in the unlocked shed on the school age playground. .0604(a) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. The violation cited today was corrected during the visit, therefore you are not required to submit a compliance verification letter. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. Technical Assistance: Safe Indoor and Outdoor Space – Daily monitoring of all spaces helps to ensure the children are cared for in a safe and healthy environment. A rototiller was stored in the unlocked shed on the school age playground. The shed is used to store extra materials for the infant/toddler playground and the school age playground. Per your statements, maintenance was going to use the equipment to work on the playground later today. Because the tiller has sharp blades and a gas tank, it must be kept in locked storage. Reminders: Star Rated License Requirements – Each classroom should have enough materials to meet the requirements for the rated license assessment based on the number of children enrolled in the classroom. Materials should be in good repair. Books should be carefully reviewed to ensure there are no scary pictures or weapons in them. Soft cloth books can be used in the classrooms for infants and children one year of age. Activity Plans – Activity plans help teachers to plan for and implement daily activities for children. They provide information to families on activities taking place during their children’s day. Planning for a week of activities helps teachers to obtain and prepare the materials and equipment needed to successfully carry out the activities on the plan. Current activity plans must be posted in the classroom and must address four of the five domains as listed in the NC Foundations for Early Learning. This allows parents to see what the children are learning and extend the topic at home. Plans can be completed weekly or monthly but must be current and rotate activities to include all five domains. A written schedule must show blocks of time assigned to types of activities and include periods of time for both active play and quiet play or rest. It must show times and activities that are developmentally appropriate for the ages of children in care. It must also reflect daily opportunities for both free choice and guided activities. It must include a minimum of one hour of outdoor play throughout the day, if weather conditions permit and include a daily gross motor activity that may occur indoors or outdoors. For children under two years old, interspersed among the daily events shall be individualized caregiving routines such as eating, napping, and toileting. A written activity plan must include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains; emotional and social development; health and physical development; approaches to play and learning; language development and communication; and cognitive development. It must identify activities that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, part of the group, or independent of the group. It must also reflect that children have at least four different activities daily, at least one of which is outdoors, if weather conditions permit in art and other creative play; children's books; blocks and block building; manipulatives; and family living and dramatic play. You must also provide materials and opportunities at least weekly, indoors or outdoors, for music and rhythm; science and nature; and sand and water play. Incident Reports - You must now document every injury incurred while a child is in your care, including cuts, scrapes, bumps, and bitemarks. These incidents must be recorded on the incident report form supplied by the Division. Recording this information ensures you are being transparent with parents and also provides written documentation that your staff followed the required procedures to ensure the safety of the child. To make it faster and easier for them to complete the form, consider typing your facility name, ID number, mark center, and consultant name onto the form before you print new copies. Additional Information: Provider Access to ABCMS - Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: •See the real-time background check status of staff members. •Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. •See new background check applicants and add them to the staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. All staff must connect their CBC with your license number and the date this was completed listed on your Staff and Training Worksheet. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 1/1/2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. You stated that you completed the survey and RTI reported no concerns. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. The administrator assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: Has reduced staff/child ratios by one in each group from the seven point level as required in .2818(c). On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 2 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/24-6/30/25 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (https://ncrlap.org/) also has helpful information for your prep year and your assessment year. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/18/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 9/6/23. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 12/9/23. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 89% as of 3/11/24. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. The administrator did not accompany me during monitoring. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time or napping in their cribs. Sleep checks were completed as required. Children’s hands were observed to be washed as required. There continues to be 3 playground spaces to accommodate the different age groups. Each space had age-appropriate materials for the children to use. This included push toys, dramatic play kitchens, a caterpillar tunnel, sand buckets and shovels, and balls. Morning snack was observed and consisted of mixed fruit cup, crackers and water. Later, children rested on linen covered cots. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by EDU Care Learning Center, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbant, easily cleanable material. In space 6, there were visible mouse droppings under the vinyl pillow in the quiet area. There was a sawdust type material and spider webs in the lower storage cabinet on the left side of the toilet in the bathroom used by the school age children. The middle drawer of the sink cabinet in the bathroom was broken and did not close. It also had peeling paint on the edge. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. One child, TP, enrolled on 8/15/23, did not have documentation on file stating that the policy had been shared with the parent. A signature page was available in the child’s file and was signed by the parent, however, the Safe Sleep Policy was not marked as having been reviewed. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member, hired on 8/28/23 had a TB test on file dated 9/14/23. .0701(a) 1314 Emergency information did not name childs health care professional. One child, AB, enrolled on 10/3/23, did not list their health care professional or choice of hospital. .0802(c)(2) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, DH, enrolled on 8/30/23, had a health assessment on file dated 12/19/23. GS110-91(1) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 3/26/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Clean Environment – A clean environment must be provided for the children in care. This includes floors, materials, and cabinets. In space 6, there were visible mouse droppings under the vinyl pillow in the quiet area. There was a sawdust type material and spider webs in the lower storage cabinet on the left side of the toilet in the bathroom used by the school age children. The middle drawer of the sink cabinet in the bathroom was broken and did not close. It also had peeling paint on the edge. These items must be corrected immediately to ensure a safe environment for the children. Consider creating a cleaning checklist to ensure that all spaces are cleaned on a regular basis. This should include moving the shelving, pillows, and other materials. It should also include cleaning inside all cabinets. TB Test -To ensure the safety and health of children in care, a teacher must provide proof that they are free of tuberculosis before day one of employment. The TB test must have been completed within the past 12 months to be current. One staff member, hired on 8/28/23 had a TB test on file dated 9/14/23. Per our discussion, providers can complete either the test or the screening. If the test is completed, you would document the date the test was read by the health care provider and not by the date the test was administered. Children’s Health Assessment – To ensure that a child is healthy enough to be in care with other children, they must complete a health assessment before being admitted or within 30 days following admission to a child care facility. One child, DH, enrolled on 8/30/23, had a health assessment on file dated 12/19/23. Per our discussion, consider requiring parents to provide the health assessment prior to beginning care. This helps to ensure that you have all the required information on file before the child attends. This report could also alert you to any special needs the child may have and help you to provide the best possible care. Emergency Information – The information on a child’s application gives you all the information you need to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency. Each child must have a completed application on file on the first day of attendance. The application must include emergency medical information to include the child’s health care professional and choice of hospital. One child, AB, enrolled on 10/3/23, did not list their health care professional or choice of hospital. Before accepting an application from a parent, review the form to ensure that all required information has been recorded. Having this information helps you to contact the physician or hospital that best knows the child’s needs and can assist you in providing the specific care they need. Safe Sleep Practices - Facilities must develop a written policy that describes the practices to be used to promote safe sleep when infants are napping or sleeping. The policy should explain that these practices aim to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation death, and other infant deaths that could occur when an infant is in a crib or asleep. This policy must be shared with parents at the time of enrollment. One child, TP, enrolled on 8/15/23, did not have documentation on file stating that the policy had been shared with the parent. A signature page was available in the child’s file and was signed by the parent, however, the Safe Sleep Policy was not marked as having been reviewed. When reviewing your files, make sure that parents have initialed receipt of all applicable policies and information. Additional Technical Assistance was given in the following areas: Transitions with children 2 years of age. Rated license education standards. Additional Information: The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. The team is made up of specialists with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. To speak to a Behavior Support Advisor, contact 1-888-600-1685 option 1. Provider Access to ABCMS - Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: •See the real-time background check status of staff members. •Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. •See new background check applicants and add them to your staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Watch for more information in the next Raise NC newsletter. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 1/1/2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. The administrator assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: Has reduced staff/child ratios by one in each group from the seven point level as required in .2818(c). On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 2 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/24-6/30/25 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (https://ncrlap.org/) also has helpful information for your prep year and your assessment year. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/18/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 9/6/23. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 12/9/23. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 89% as of 3/11/24. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. The administrator did not accompany me during monitoring. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time or napping in their cribs. Sleep checks were completed as required. Children’s hands were observed to be washed as required. There continues to be 3 playground spaces to accommodate the different age groups. Each space had age-appropriate materials for the children to use. This included push toys, dramatic play kitchens, a caterpillar tunnel, sand buckets and shovels, and balls. Morning snack was observed and consisted of mixed fruit cup, crackers and water. Later, children rested on linen covered cots. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by EDU Care Learning Center, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbant, easily cleanable material. In space 6, there were visible mouse droppings under the vinyl pillow in the quiet area. There was a sawdust type material and spider webs in the lower storage cabinet on the left side of the toilet in the bathroom used by the school age children. The middle drawer of the sink cabinet in the bathroom was broken and did not close. It also had peeling paint on the edge. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. One child, TP, enrolled on 8/15/23, did not have documentation on file stating that the policy had been shared with the parent. A signature page was available in the child’s file and was signed by the parent, however, the Safe Sleep Policy was not marked as having been reviewed. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member, hired on 8/28/23 had a TB test on file dated 9/14/23. .0701(a) 1314 Emergency information did not name childs health care professional. One child, AB, enrolled on 10/3/23, did not list their health care professional or choice of hospital. .0802(c)(2) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, DH, enrolled on 8/30/23, had a health assessment on file dated 12/19/23. GS110-91(1) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 3/26/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Clean Environment – A clean environment must be provided for the children in care. This includes floors, materials, and cabinets. In space 6, there were visible mouse droppings under the vinyl pillow in the quiet area. There was a sawdust type material and spider webs in the lower storage cabinet on the left side of the toilet in the bathroom used by the school age children. The middle drawer of the sink cabinet in the bathroom was broken and did not close. It also had peeling paint on the edge. These items must be corrected immediately to ensure a safe environment for the children. Consider creating a cleaning checklist to ensure that all spaces are cleaned on a regular basis. This should include moving the shelving, pillows, and other materials. It should also include cleaning inside all cabinets. TB Test -To ensure the safety and health of children in care, a teacher must provide proof that they are free of tuberculosis before day one of employment. The TB test must have been completed within the past 12 months to be current. One staff member, hired on 8/28/23 had a TB test on file dated 9/14/23. Per our discussion, providers can complete either the test or the screening. If the test is completed, you would document the date the test was read by the health care provider and not by the date the test was administered. Children’s Health Assessment – To ensure that a child is healthy enough to be in care with other children, they must complete a health assessment before being admitted or within 30 days following admission to a child care facility. One child, DH, enrolled on 8/30/23, had a health assessment on file dated 12/19/23. Per our discussion, consider requiring parents to provide the health assessment prior to beginning care. This helps to ensure that you have all the required information on file before the child attends. This report could also alert you to any special needs the child may have and help you to provide the best possible care. Emergency Information – The information on a child’s application gives you all the information you need to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency. Each child must have a completed application on file on the first day of attendance. The application must include emergency medical information to include the child’s health care professional and choice of hospital. One child, AB, enrolled on 10/3/23, did not list their health care professional or choice of hospital. Before accepting an application from a parent, review the form to ensure that all required information has been recorded. Having this information helps you to contact the physician or hospital that best knows the child’s needs and can assist you in providing the specific care they need. Safe Sleep Practices - Facilities must develop a written policy that describes the practices to be used to promote safe sleep when infants are napping or sleeping. The policy should explain that these practices aim to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation death, and other infant deaths that could occur when an infant is in a crib or asleep. This policy must be shared with parents at the time of enrollment. One child, TP, enrolled on 8/15/23, did not have documentation on file stating that the policy had been shared with the parent. A signature page was available in the child’s file and was signed by the parent, however, the Safe Sleep Policy was not marked as having been reviewed. When reviewing your files, make sure that parents have initialed receipt of all applicable policies and information. Additional Technical Assistance was given in the following areas: Transitions with children 2 years of age. Rated license education standards. Additional Information: The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. The team is made up of specialists with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. To speak to a Behavior Support Advisor, contact 1-888-600-1685 option 1. Provider Access to ABCMS - Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: •See the real-time background check status of staff members. •Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. •See new background check applicants and add them to your staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Watch for more information in the next Raise NC newsletter. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 1/1/2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. The administrator assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: Has reduced staff/child ratios by one in each group from the seven point level as required in .2818(c). On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 2 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/24-6/30/25 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (https://ncrlap.org/) also has helpful information for your prep year and your assessment year. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/18/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 9/6/23. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 12/9/23. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 89% as of 3/11/24. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. The administrator did not accompany me during monitoring. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time or napping in their cribs. Sleep checks were completed as required. Children’s hands were observed to be washed as required. There continues to be 3 playground spaces to accommodate the different age groups. Each space had age-appropriate materials for the children to use. This included push toys, dramatic play kitchens, a caterpillar tunnel, sand buckets and shovels, and balls. Morning snack was observed and consisted of mixed fruit cup, crackers and water. Later, children rested on linen covered cots. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by EDU Care Learning Center, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbant, easily cleanable material. In space 6, there were visible mouse droppings under the vinyl pillow in the quiet area. There was a sawdust type material and spider webs in the lower storage cabinet on the left side of the toilet in the bathroom used by the school age children. The middle drawer of the sink cabinet in the bathroom was broken and did not close. It also had peeling paint on the edge. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. One child, TP, enrolled on 8/15/23, did not have documentation on file stating that the policy had been shared with the parent. A signature page was available in the child’s file and was signed by the parent, however, the Safe Sleep Policy was not marked as having been reviewed. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. One staff member, hired on 8/28/23 had a TB test on file dated 9/14/23. .0701(a) 1314 Emergency information did not name childs health care professional. One child, AB, enrolled on 10/3/23, did not list their health care professional or choice of hospital. .0802(c)(2) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child, DH, enrolled on 8/30/23, had a health assessment on file dated 12/19/23. GS110-91(1) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 3/26/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Clean Environment – A clean environment must be provided for the children in care. This includes floors, materials, and cabinets. In space 6, there were visible mouse droppings under the vinyl pillow in the quiet area. There was a sawdust type material and spider webs in the lower storage cabinet on the left side of the toilet in the bathroom used by the school age children. The middle drawer of the sink cabinet in the bathroom was broken and did not close. It also had peeling paint on the edge. These items must be corrected immediately to ensure a safe environment for the children. Consider creating a cleaning checklist to ensure that all spaces are cleaned on a regular basis. This should include moving the shelving, pillows, and other materials. It should also include cleaning inside all cabinets. TB Test -To ensure the safety and health of children in care, a teacher must provide proof that they are free of tuberculosis before day one of employment. The TB test must have been completed within the past 12 months to be current. One staff member, hired on 8/28/23 had a TB test on file dated 9/14/23. Per our discussion, providers can complete either the test or the screening. If the test is completed, you would document the date the test was read by the health care provider and not by the date the test was administered. Children’s Health Assessment – To ensure that a child is healthy enough to be in care with other children, they must complete a health assessment before being admitted or within 30 days following admission to a child care facility. One child, DH, enrolled on 8/30/23, had a health assessment on file dated 12/19/23. Per our discussion, consider requiring parents to provide the health assessment prior to beginning care. This helps to ensure that you have all the required information on file before the child attends. This report could also alert you to any special needs the child may have and help you to provide the best possible care. Emergency Information – The information on a child’s application gives you all the information you need to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency. Each child must have a completed application on file on the first day of attendance. The application must include emergency medical information to include the child’s health care professional and choice of hospital. One child, AB, enrolled on 10/3/23, did not list their health care professional or choice of hospital. Before accepting an application from a parent, review the form to ensure that all required information has been recorded. Having this information helps you to contact the physician or hospital that best knows the child’s needs and can assist you in providing the specific care they need. Safe Sleep Practices - Facilities must develop a written policy that describes the practices to be used to promote safe sleep when infants are napping or sleeping. The policy should explain that these practices aim to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation death, and other infant deaths that could occur when an infant is in a crib or asleep. This policy must be shared with parents at the time of enrollment. One child, TP, enrolled on 8/15/23, did not have documentation on file stating that the policy had been shared with the parent. A signature page was available in the child’s file and was signed by the parent, however, the Safe Sleep Policy was not marked as having been reviewed. When reviewing your files, make sure that parents have initialed receipt of all applicable policies and information. Additional Technical Assistance was given in the following areas: Transitions with children 2 years of age. Rated license education standards. Additional Information: The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. The team is made up of specialists with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. To speak to a Behavior Support Advisor, contact 1-888-600-1685 option 1. Provider Access to ABCMS - Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: •See the real-time background check status of staff members. •Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. •See new background check applicants and add them to your staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Watch for more information in the next Raise NC newsletter. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 1/1/2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/8/2023 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 9/8/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. V. Riddick, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point for: Has reduced staff/child ratios by one in each classroom from the seven point level. On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 2 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/24-6/30/25 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/18/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 8/21/23 with a “Provisional” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 12/14/22 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 87% as of 9/5/23. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. The children in space 2 were on the preschool playground. Providers helped the children with riding in push cars. One child pushed a dump truck around the space. On the playground for the school ag children, there were portable dramatic play vehicles and climbing structures, a volley ball net, and a concrete basket ball court with a child size goal. On the playground used by the infants and toddlers, there was a shade structure with riding toys. In space 4, the children washed hands and prepared for a morning snack. The children were seated in age-appropriate chairs at child size tables. In space 5, the children were having tummy time and crawling on the floor. Rattles and soft blocks were accessible on low open shelving and on the floor near non-mobile children. One provider sat on the floor with the children while the other rocked an infant to sleep. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On the playground used by the preschool children, there was a red sand/water table that was cracked and had sharp edges. In space 3, there was a plastic grocery bag located less than 5 feet above the floor on a shelf near the back door. Even through this space was not in use today, there was nothing blocking access from space 2 where children 2 years of age were in care. In space 4, there were open packs of construction paper located on a shelf, less than 5 feet above the floor, that were still in their plastic coverings. In space 2, there was a floor vent covering that was rusted. In space 5, the outdoor side of the metal back door frame was torn approximately 12 inches above the base and sharp edges were within reach of the children using the door for access to the playground. The torn section also made opening the door very difficult which could create a hazard in the event of an emergency. In space 6, the light switch cover on in the bathroom was broken and exposed the wires behind the cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) As a licensed child care operator, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to maintain compliance with them. The NC General Statutes (Updated September 2020), Child Care Rules (Updated February 2021), and the “What’s New” section of The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website, ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, are excellent resources to help you stay current with the child care requirements. The most current forms and documents needed for your licensed facility are available under the Provider tab. Many of them are now interactive so that you can type right into the form. Many of the forms needed for families are now offered in Spanish too. And of course, I am also available to assist you, should you have questions about the child care requirements. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 9/22/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Safe Indoor and Outdoor Space – Daily monitoring of all spaces helps to ensure the children are cared for in a safe and healthy environment. On the playground used by the preschool children, there was a red sand/water table that was cracked and had sharp edges. In space 3, there was a plastic grocery bag located less than 5 feet above the floor on a shelf near the back door. Even through this space was not in use today, there was nothing blocking access from space 2 where children 2 years of age were in care. In space 4, there were open packs of construction paper located on a shelf, less than 5 feet above the floor, that were still in their plastic coverings. In space 2, there was a floor vent covering that was rusted. In space 6, the light switch cover on in the bathroom was broken and exposed the wires behind the cover. In space 5, the metal back door frame was torn approximately 12 inches above the base and sharp edges were within reach of the children using the door for access to the playground. The torn section also made opening the door very difficult which could create a hazard in the event of an emergency. You stated that you have already asked your repairman to come out later today to fix the section. Additional Technical Assistance: Infant Feeding Plan – To ensure continuity of care between the provider and home, the parents or healthcare provider must complete an individual written feeding plan for each child under the age of 15 months. The parent’s name, signature, and date of signature must be completed on the form. Per our discussion, take a few moments, as the parent drops off the form (or any forms), to review each line for all required information. Completing this review, while the parent is present, allows you to have the parent add any additional information needed. Also, train your staff to verify each form as it is brought to them. The provides you with a second set of eyes to catch any missing information. The information in the plan helps the provider follow the same schedule with the same types of foods as the parent is providing at home. Children feel more secure when their day follows a steady pattern. The written plan must be posted in the classroom for the provider to follow and must be updated as changes are made. Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – New staff members shall complete health and safety training within one year of employment, unless the staff member has completed the training within the year prior to beginning employment. (CPR/First Aid and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment are required within 3 months of hire. CPR/First Aid certification must be renewed every two years.). Staff who originally completed their initial Health & Safety Training in 2018 must complete their five-year renewal cycle this year. To help meet this requirement, free H&S Trainings, developed specifically for providers in North Carolina, are available in Moodle on the DCDEE website. Southwestern Child Development Commission, www.swcdcinc.org, also offers an approved on-line option for H&S Training for a reasonable fee. Continue to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment at www.preventchildabusenc.org. Once staff have completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment on the Prevent Child Abuse NC website, any approved training related to Child Maltreatment can be used to meet this topic area for the five-year cycle. There is a second Child Maltreatment training available called “What is Prevention” available on the Prevent Child Abuse NC website that can be used for the 5-year renewal. Use the Health & Safety Training Log, available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents, to document and track all H&S Training. Attach a certificate for each training topic area to log. These trainings can also be used to meet annual on-going training requirements. Additional Information: New Pathways to the Early Childhood Education Profession – Early educators now have multiple options to achieve higher education. • staff can earn a no-cost nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) certificate through a free Professional Development Teacher Membership from Teaching Strategies. Courses are offered in English and Spanish. In addition, a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is available to cover the CDA book and assessment fees. • They could also choose take the free online NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam on DCDEE Moodle to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to the EDU 119 college course for star rated license evaluation. • A third options for staff is to turn their training and experience into a degree in Early Childhood Education. Providers can submit a Credit for Prior Learning portfolio to receive up to nine community college ECE credits for your early childhood knowledge and skills from participating NC Community Colleges. Credits can be applied toward the newly created Early Childhood Workforce Certificate, Early Childhood Education Diploma, Certificate and/or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education. See the Raise North Carolina email blast from 9/1/23 for links to more information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDU CARE LEARNING CENTER, INC. Facility ID: 70000308 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/8/2023 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 9/8/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. V. Riddick, Owner/Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/29/19 earning 5 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point for: Has reduced staff/child ratios by one in each classroom from the seven point level. On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 2 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/24-6/30/25 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/18/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 8/21/23 with a “Provisional” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 12/14/22 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 87% as of 9/5/23. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. The children in space 2 were on the preschool playground. Providers helped the children with riding in push cars. One child pushed a dump truck around the space. On the playground for the school ag children, there were portable dramatic play vehicles and climbing structures, a volley ball net, and a concrete basket ball court with a child size goal. On the playground used by the infants and toddlers, there was a shade structure with riding toys. In space 4, the children washed hands and prepared for a morning snack. The children were seated in age-appropriate chairs at child size tables. In space 5, the children were having tummy time and crawling on the floor. Rattles and soft blocks were accessible on low open shelving and on the floor near non-mobile children. One provider sat on the floor with the children while the other rocked an infant to sleep. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On the playground used by the preschool children, there was a red sand/water table that was cracked and had sharp edges. In space 3, there was a plastic grocery bag located less than 5 feet above the floor on a shelf near the back door. Even through this space was not in use today, there was nothing blocking access from space 2 where children 2 years of age were in care. In space 4, there were open packs of construction paper located on a shelf, less than 5 feet above the floor, that were still in their plastic coverings. In space 2, there was a floor vent covering that was rusted. In space 5, the outdoor side of the metal back door frame was torn approximately 12 inches above the base and sharp edges were within reach of the children using the door for access to the playground. The torn section also made opening the door very difficult which could create a hazard in the event of an emergency. In space 6, the light switch cover on in the bathroom was broken and exposed the wires behind the cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) As a licensed child care operator, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to maintain compliance with them. The NC General Statutes (Updated September 2020), Child Care Rules (Updated February 2021), and the “What’s New” section of The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website, ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, are excellent resources to help you stay current with the child care requirements. The most current forms and documents needed for your licensed facility are available under the Provider tab. Many of them are now interactive so that you can type right into the form. Many of the forms needed for families are now offered in Spanish too. And of course, I am also available to assist you, should you have questions about the child care requirements. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 9/22/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Safe Indoor and Outdoor Space – Daily monitoring of all spaces helps to ensure the children are cared for in a safe and healthy environment. On the playground used by the preschool children, there was a red sand/water table that was cracked and had sharp edges. In space 3, there was a plastic grocery bag located less than 5 feet above the floor on a shelf near the back door. Even through this space was not in use today, there was nothing blocking access from space 2 where children 2 years of age were in care. In space 4, there were open packs of construction paper located on a shelf, less than 5 feet above the floor, that were still in their plastic coverings. In space 2, there was a floor vent covering that was rusted. In space 6, the light switch cover on in the bathroom was broken and exposed the wires behind the cover. In space 5, the metal back door frame was torn approximately 12 inches above the base and sharp edges were within reach of the children using the door for access to the playground. The torn section also made opening the door very difficult which could create a hazard in the event of an emergency. You stated that you have already asked your repairman to come out later today to fix the section. Additional Technical Assistance: Infant Feeding Plan – To ensure continuity of care between the provider and home, the parents or healthcare provider must complete an individual written feeding plan for each child under the age of 15 months. The parent’s name, signature, and date of signature must be completed on the form. Per our discussion, take a few moments, as the parent drops off the form (or any forms), to review each line for all required information. Completing this review, while the parent is present, allows you to have the parent add any additional information needed. Also, train your staff to verify each form as it is brought to them. The provides you with a second set of eyes to catch any missing information. The information in the plan helps the provider follow the same schedule with the same types of foods as the parent is providing at home. Children feel more secure when their day follows a steady pattern. The written plan must be posted in the classroom for the provider to follow and must be updated as changes are made. Health and Safety Training and Five (5) Year Cycle Tracking Requirements – New staff members shall complete health and safety training within one year of employment, unless the staff member has completed the training within the year prior to beginning employment. (CPR/First Aid and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment are required within 3 months of hire. CPR/First Aid certification must be renewed every two years.). Staff who originally completed their initial Health & Safety Training in 2018 must complete their five-year renewal cycle this year. To help meet this requirement, free H&S Trainings, developed specifically for providers in North Carolina, are available in Moodle on the DCDEE website. Southwestern Child Development Commission, www.swcdcinc.org, also offers an approved on-line option for H&S Training for a reasonable fee. Continue to complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment at www.preventchildabusenc.org. Once staff have completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment on the Prevent Child Abuse NC website, any approved training related to Child Maltreatment can be used to meet this topic area for the five-year cycle. There is a second Child Maltreatment training available called “What is Prevention” available on the Prevent Child Abuse NC website that can be used for the 5-year renewal. Use the Health & Safety Training Log, available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents, to document and track all H&S Training. Attach a certificate for each training topic area to log. These trainings can also be used to meet annual on-going training requirements. Additional Information: New Pathways to the Early Childhood Education Profession – Early educators now have multiple options to achieve higher education. • staff can earn a no-cost nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) certificate through a free Professional Development Teacher Membership from Teaching Strategies. Courses are offered in English and Spanish. In addition, a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is available to cover the CDA book and assessment fees. • They could also choose take the free online NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam on DCDEE Moodle to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to the EDU 119 college course for star rated license evaluation. • A third options for staff is to turn their training and experience into a degree in Early Childhood Education. Providers can submit a Credit for Prior Learning portfolio to receive up to nine community college ECE credits for your early childhood knowledge and skills from participating NC Community Colleges. Credits can be applied toward the newly created Early Childhood Workforce Certificate, Early Childhood Education Diploma, Certificate and/or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education. See the Raise North Carolina email blast from 9/1/23 for links to more information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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