Elizabeth City State University-Lab School

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY-LAB SCHOOL Facility ID: 7055044 Consultant: KESHIA HAYWARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/18/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 9/18/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. L. Honablew, Co-Administrator and T. McCoy, Lead teacher, assisted with the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor areas used by children were monitored. Twenty (20) children ranging from ages three (3) to five (5) years old were observed in care today. Upon arrival, I observed children in space #1 were observed engaged in free choice play within various activity areas with developmentally appropriate toys /materials, while children in space #3 were participating in outdoor play. Additional observations included children engaged in story time, completing hand washing and toileting routines, interacting with teachers, and eating lunch. Lunch consisted of BBQ pork chops, rice, brussels sprouts, applesauce, and milk. Currently this program operates with a five-star license earning seven points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting reduced staff/child ratios by one in each group from the seven-point level as required in .2818(c). The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 16, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed on April 25, 2025. The fire inspection was completed on June 9, 2025 and the facility was approved for day time care only. The following violations were documented today. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Departure times were not documented for ten children between the dates of August 18, 2025, and September 16, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 1775 NC Pre-K program staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. NC Pre-K staff child ratios were not met when two teachers were providing care for twenty children ages three (3) to five (5) in Space #1 from 11:55am to 12:10pm. .3009 The violations documented must be corrected immediately. Please send a compliance verification letter to me describing how the violations were corrected. You can submit the compliance verification letter by postal mail to Keshia Hayward, PO Box 1504 Greenville NC 27834, or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance verification letter must be received on or before October 2, 2025. The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance verification letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during the visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined the information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's Star Rated License, could be issued. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: The program's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 96% percent as of September 17, 2025. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your program are correct. If changes in your facility information occurs, please contact me at 252-214-2709 or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is updated in the system. CORPORATION STATUS: Elizabeth City State University is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, Elizabeth City State University remains current and active. Prior to making any changes in the ownership status contact me to discuss the change of ownership procedures. Failure to comply could impact the program license status. ENHANCED STAFF/CHILD RATIOS: Upon returning to the classroom to inquire about completion of the ABCMS training, I observed both groups of children (20 children) combined in space #1 with two teachers. The third teacher was inside the cafeteria preparing plates for lunch. Your program is currently meeting reduced staff-child ratios minus one at the seven-point level, in accordance with child care rule section .2818. Therefore, three teachers were required to provide for the twenty children. Additionally, when the group exceeds eighteen children compliance with ratio group sizes are also not met. Children were transitioned to the cafeteria with all three teachers at 12:10pm. I reviewed the staff/child ratio requirements with you using the staff-child ratio chart posted. I informed you that staff-child ratio requirements must always be met even when additional tasks need to be completed outside of the classroom. It was suggested that you consider recruiting additional support to assist with those tasks to ensure compliance is maintained. An unannounced follow-up visit will be conducted in the future to monitor staff/child ratio requirements. HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAININGS: Child care administrators and 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. Health and safety training on file for one teacher hire don October 7, 2025, were dated October 2, 2022; therefore, they were taken more than twelve months prior to employment. The teacher will need to complete the health and safety trainings on or before October 7, 2025, to ensure compliance is met. The Recognizing and Responding to Suspicion of Child Maltreatment training does not have to be retaken as it was dated for December 30, 2024. PATHWAYS TO THE STARS: The Pathways to the Stars transition and implementation will begin soon. Rule roll-out modules have been added to the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform. In September, child care consultants will host in-person facility operator/administrator meetings within the counties they serve to provide additional guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. ABCMS: We verified the ABCMS training had been taken for your program; however, staff have not been connected to your program yet. I advised you to provide staff with the code to enter their information into the criminal background check portal so they can be linked to your program. Once staff have included their information, you will need to return to the portal to complete the last step to ensure staff are linked in the portal to your facility and information can be verified in the system. SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY: 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. NCID CREDENTIALS: Please remember to use your NCID credential periodically to prevent your user ID and password from becoming inactive. If your NCID credentials are not used within a twelve (12) to fifteen (15) month period, access to your account may be restricted. due to inactivity. To avoid disruption, it is strongly recommended that you schedule regular logins to ensure your credentials remain active and valid. RAISE NC NEWSLETTER: The Raise NC Newsletter, sent directly to providers via email, contains valuable and up-to-date information about important updates and changes within the child care sector in North Carolina. I encourage you to set aside time to read each issue upon receipt to ensure you remain informed and updated on the latest developments, resources and guidance impacting child care programs. Staying connected helps support quality child care and compliance across the state. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND RESOURCES: Your local Partnership for Children Smart Start (Chowan-Perquimans) can provide you with resources, training, technical assistance, and information on child care issues and trends. Their phone number is (252) 482-3035. You can also check their website at http://cp-smartstart.org/. At the conclusion of today’s visit, the visit summary report was completed, reviewed, and left with you. DCDEE RESOURCES: I recommended you periodically visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the "What's New" tab to stay abreast of updated information provided. Be reminded you are responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable child care requirements whether they have been discussed or reviewed with you in the past. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have questions regarding today’s visit, contact me using the information listed above. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer Lindhart at 252-373-4199 or email jennifer.linhard@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY-LAB SCHOOL Facility ID: 7055044 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/1/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 4/1/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. B. Honablew, Administrator, and T. McCoy, Lead Teacher, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 6/21/22 earning 7 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: 75% of teachers have an AAS or higher in ECE/CD. 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 center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 94 % as of 03/31/25. 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 eating breakfast. Breakfast consisted of rice Krispies cereal, mandarin oranges, and milk. Staff sat with children or moved among them to offer seconds and assist as needed. The children were observed in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. No new staff have been hired since the previous visit. 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 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A door handle on the lower cabinet near the sink in the cafeteria area was broken and had a sharp piece of metal exposed. The children use this space for all meals. .0601(c) 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 4/15/25, 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: Furnishings – Furnishings in all spaces used by the children should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good repair. A door handle on the lower cabinet near the sink in the cafeteria area was broken and had a sharp piece of metal exposed. The children use this space for all meals. Per our discussion, the handle must be replaced to ensure a child does not fall against it and become injured. You stated that they break, and you replace them with more sturdy medal ones. Consider requesting that all the older handles be replaced to prevent injuries in the future. Reminders: Playground Safety – As the weather warms up, staff need to monitor more closely for wasp nests, fire ant hills, and other signs of pests that could be harmful to children. All equipment should be checked daily for wasp nests as they can be built overnight. Check the eaves of the play house, the storage shed, and under the climbing equipment. Check the ground for holes that might signal ground bees or mounds of sand that could be fire ant hills. If signs of pests are found, they must be addressed immediately. No pests were observed today. Additional Information: NCID Password Change – In the Raise NC email blast sent out on 2/21/25, announced changes to the password rules. As part of ongoing efforts to protect state systems and data, the N.C. Department of Information Technology will be changing the minimum length of NCID passwords from 8 to 14 characters. The change will apply to all providers. NCID passwords must be updated on a regular basis to keep them active. The next time you update your current password; you will be required to create a new one that must: • Be a minimum of 14 characters. • Consist 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. • Passwords shall not contain number or character substitutes to create dictionary words (e.g., d33psl33p for deepsleep). Strong, unique passwords, along with practicing mindful cybersecurity practices, are key components to the Division protecting your devices and personal information 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. The administrator has completed the required training. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must monitor and update your facility roster to ensure it is always current and accurate. 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 for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 5/31/25. 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 centers. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. Based on the information in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Water: Completed 5/22/24 Lead Based Paint: Enrollment Started Asbestos: Enrollment Started 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: ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY-LAB SCHOOL Facility ID: 7055044 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/1/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 4/1/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. B. Honablew, Administrator, and T. McCoy, Lead Teacher, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 6/21/22 earning 7 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: 75% of teachers have an AAS or higher in ECE/CD. 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 center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 94 % as of 03/31/25. 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 eating breakfast. Breakfast consisted of rice Krispies cereal, mandarin oranges, and milk. Staff sat with children or moved among them to offer seconds and assist as needed. The children were observed in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. No new staff have been hired since the previous visit. 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 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A door handle on the lower cabinet near the sink in the cafeteria area was broken and had a sharp piece of metal exposed. The children use this space for all meals. .0601(c) 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 4/15/25, 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: Furnishings – Furnishings in all spaces used by the children should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good repair. A door handle on the lower cabinet near the sink in the cafeteria area was broken and had a sharp piece of metal exposed. The children use this space for all meals. Per our discussion, the handle must be replaced to ensure a child does not fall against it and become injured. You stated that they break, and you replace them with more sturdy medal ones. Consider requesting that all the older handles be replaced to prevent injuries in the future. Reminders: Playground Safety – As the weather warms up, staff need to monitor more closely for wasp nests, fire ant hills, and other signs of pests that could be harmful to children. All equipment should be checked daily for wasp nests as they can be built overnight. Check the eaves of the play house, the storage shed, and under the climbing equipment. Check the ground for holes that might signal ground bees or mounds of sand that could be fire ant hills. If signs of pests are found, they must be addressed immediately. No pests were observed today. Additional Information: NCID Password Change – In the Raise NC email blast sent out on 2/21/25, announced changes to the password rules. As part of ongoing efforts to protect state systems and data, the N.C. Department of Information Technology will be changing the minimum length of NCID passwords from 8 to 14 characters. The change will apply to all providers. NCID passwords must be updated on a regular basis to keep them active. The next time you update your current password; you will be required to create a new one that must: • Be a minimum of 14 characters. • Consist 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. • Passwords shall not contain number or character substitutes to create dictionary words (e.g., d33psl33p for deepsleep). Strong, unique passwords, along with practicing mindful cybersecurity practices, are key components to the Division protecting your devices and personal information 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. The administrator has completed the required training. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must monitor and update your facility roster to ensure it is always current and accurate. 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 for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 5/31/25. 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 centers. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. Based on the information in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Water: Completed 5/22/24 Lead Based Paint: Enrollment Started Asbestos: Enrollment Started 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY-LAB SCHOOL Facility ID: 7055044 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-265L Visit Date: 10/31/2024 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 10/31/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: 1. There is a concern that staff did not interact with children in a nurturing and caring manner. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, and license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. The following staff/child ratios were observed: Space 1 4/5 2:12 (T. McCoy; K. Greene) INVESTIGATION The allegation was shared with both administrators and two (2) center staff members. S. Williams, Administrator was interviewed via phone. Each was given an opportunity to respond. 1. There is a concern that staff did not interact with children in a nurturing and caring manner. Based on information provided, staff are encouraged to use positive language with the children. Strategies such as redirection and modeling positive behaviors were also reported to be used. It was reported that on one (1) occasion, after a child slapped a plate of food in the provider's hand, the plate was thrown down on the table in front of the child. My Observations: Children were observed coloring at child size tables in the classroom. Transitions from coloring to center times were handled in a positive and encouraging manner. All interactions observed were conducted in a nurturing and caring manner. Based on information received from interviewed staff and my observations, the finding regarding the allegation was confirmed. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. After a child slapped the plate of food in the provider's hand, the plate was thrown down on the table in front of the child. G.S. 110-91(10) 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, Child Care Rules 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 11/14/24, 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: Care and Nurturing Responses to Children - It is nearly impossible to prevent children from ever misbehaving; however, there are positive steps caregivers can take to limit misbehavior and guide children towards more acceptable behaviors or positive choices. Positive relationships are essential for the development of children’s social competence. For a caregiver to respond appropriately to a child’s behavior the caregiver must know what behaviors are appropriate for the child’s development. Secure relationships with caregivers provide the foundation for healthy social and emotional development. As children learn to respond appropriately to a variety of situations and people, their need to use challenging behaviors decreases. Providing positive guidance through nurturing and responsive relationships and supportive environments to promote children’s self-control, teach responsibility, and help children make thoughtful choices. The more effective caregivers are at encouraging appropriate behavior, the less time and effort caregivers must spend correcting children’s behavior. Effective guidance and behavior management techniques focus on the child’s development. The purpose of behavior management requirements is to ensure children are attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, in keeping with their developmental needs. 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: ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY-LAB SCHOOL Facility ID: 7055044 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-265L Visit Date: 10/31/2024 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 10/31/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: 1. There is a concern that staff did not interact with children in a nurturing and caring manner. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, and license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. The following staff/child ratios were observed: Space 1 4/5 2:12 (T. McCoy; K. Greene) INVESTIGATION The allegation was shared with both administrators and two (2) center staff members. S. Williams, Administrator was interviewed via phone. Each was given an opportunity to respond. 1. There is a concern that staff did not interact with children in a nurturing and caring manner. Based on information provided, staff are encouraged to use positive language with the children. Strategies such as redirection and modeling positive behaviors were also reported to be used. It was reported that on one (1) occasion, after a child slapped a plate of food in the provider's hand, the plate was thrown down on the table in front of the child. My Observations: Children were observed coloring at child size tables in the classroom. Transitions from coloring to center times were handled in a positive and encouraging manner. All interactions observed were conducted in a nurturing and caring manner. Based on information received from interviewed staff and my observations, the finding regarding the allegation was confirmed. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. After a child slapped the plate of food in the provider's hand, the plate was thrown down on the table in front of the child. G.S. 110-91(10) 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, Child Care Rules 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 11/14/24, 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: Care and Nurturing Responses to Children - It is nearly impossible to prevent children from ever misbehaving; however, there are positive steps caregivers can take to limit misbehavior and guide children towards more acceptable behaviors or positive choices. Positive relationships are essential for the development of children’s social competence. For a caregiver to respond appropriately to a child’s behavior the caregiver must know what behaviors are appropriate for the child’s development. Secure relationships with caregivers provide the foundation for healthy social and emotional development. As children learn to respond appropriately to a variety of situations and people, their need to use challenging behaviors decreases. Providing positive guidance through nurturing and responsive relationships and supportive environments to promote children’s self-control, teach responsibility, and help children make thoughtful choices. The more effective caregivers are at encouraging appropriate behavior, the less time and effort caregivers must spend correcting children’s behavior. Effective guidance and behavior management techniques focus on the child’s development. The purpose of behavior management requirements is to ensure children are attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, in keeping with their developmental needs. 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: ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY-LAB SCHOOL Facility ID: 7055044 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/16/2024 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 10/16/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 325 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 02:40 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, including requirements for NC Pre-Kindergarten. S. Williams, Interim Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/10/23 earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced minus one ratios and enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: All lead teachers have a BA/BS or higher in early childhood education or child development. 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. 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 11/28/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 9/11/24. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 6/10/24. 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 96% as of 9/9/24. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the previous chancellor has left, and an interim chancellor is now in the position. Per our discussion, the chancellor acts as the representative of the owner of the license. This information will need to be updated in the regulatory system. 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 in both classrooms were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. There continues to be a fenced playground, located directly outside the classrooms. There are two (2) stationary climbing structures. When the children transitioned outside, additional materials, such as blocks and balls, were set out for the children to use. Hands were washed as required. Lunch was observed and consisted of baked chicken, collards, macaroni and cheese, orange slices, corn bread, 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 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. The TB test on file for one (1) provider, hired on 10/7/24, was dated 4/19/23. .0701(a) 1819 The EPR Plan did not include emergency telephone numbers. The plan reviewed today was missing the following information: emergency phone numbers, agency phone numbers, utility company name and phone numbers .0607(d)(6) 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 10/30/24, 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: Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements – The information contained in the EPR plan helps to ensure that staff and children can react quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. The plan reviewed today was missing the following information: Emergency phone numbers Agency phone numbers Utility Company name and phone numbers Per your statements, the information was in previous versions but there must have been a computer error when the current version was printed. You must review the plan and add any missing information. Staff Medical Records – Having current medical reports for new staff is critical in ensuring that your staff are healthy enough to provide a safe environment for the children in their care. All reports must be current within 12 months of the provider’s hire date. The TB test on file for one (1) provider, hired on 10/7/24, was dated 4/19/23. Per our discussion, the provider can complete the TB Screening form to meet this requirement. The provider printed a copy during the visit and stated that she would have her medical professional complete the form as soon as possible. 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/. 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. 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. Based on the information listed on the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, your facility has not begun completing the required testing for water, lead based paint, or asbestos. This must be completed immediately to ensure the reports are received by the deadline. 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: ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY-LAB SCHOOL Facility ID: 7055044 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/28/2023 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 11/28/2023 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 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, including requirements for NC Pre-Kindergarten. E. Spellman, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 6/21/22 earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for: 75% of teachers have an AAS or higher in ECE/CD. 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 3 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/26-6/30/27. 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. 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 1/5/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 9/26/23. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 7/5/23. 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 92% as of 11/22/23. 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 were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. In space 3, during the circle time, the child appointed to be the meteorologist for the day, put on special glasses to evaluate the weather and report back to the class. Another child then sorted through the different weather cards and posted the one for a sunny day. The children then sang songs. In space 2, the substitute and the assistant teacher were helped by 2 internship students. The adults spread out in the classroom to have interactions with the children in each center. Later, the children went outside to the fenced playground located just outside the classrooms. A new climbing dome has been installed over rubber mulch. The children took balls and dropped them through the holes in the dome and their friends tossed them back out. There was also a stationary climbing structure, tricycles with a side walk to ride them on, buckets, and trucks available to the children. Lunch today was meet ball subs with red sauce, salad, honey dew melon, and 1% milk. Children, with Nutrition Opt-out forms, brought lunch from home. A list of children with allergies was posted in the space where the children ate. Staff sat with the children to closely supervise them as they ate. After lunch, the children washed their hands and listened to a story in the circle time area. They then transitioned to their cots for nap time. 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 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. A door handle on the lower cabinet next to the sink in the cafeteria area was broken and had a sharp nail exposed. The children use this space for all meals. .0601(c) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In one first aid kit in space 1, there was a packet of Triple Antibiotic ointment and packets of alcohol wipes. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The dome climbing structure, with a critical height of approximately 5 feet, only had 4 inches of rubber mulch surfacing in the fall zone. The stationary slide had 12 inches of sand in some places but only 8 inches in other locations. .0605(k)(1-4) 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 July 2023), 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 12/12/23, 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: Storage of Medications – First aid kits must be available to provide basic care for cuts and scrapes that happen when children are in care. When putting together or buying a new kit, remember that only basic items such as band aids, gauze, and gloves can be included. In one first aid kit in space 1, there was a packet of Triple Antibiotic ointment and packets of alcohol wipes. All medications such as Triple Antibiotic ointment, Tylenol, or even alcohol wipes must be removed. These items cannot be used on a child without a Permission to Administer Medication form being completed and signed by the parent. Per our discussion, consider creating a schedule to monitor each kit to ensure it is well stocked and does not contain hazardous items. You removed the items during the visit. Playground Equipment – Checking playground safety daily and documenting your findings on the Outdoor Inspection Checklist at least monthly is important to ensure is ready each day for use by the children. The dome climbing structure, with a critical height of approximately 5 feet, only had 4 inches of rubber mulch surfacing in the fall zone. The stationary slide had 12 inches of sand in some places but only 8 inches in other locations. Per our discussion, approved surfacing must be added to ensure the dome structure has a minimum of 6 inches and the climbing structure has 12 inches in all areas under the structure. Per our discussion, remember that, when using sand, the required depth is 12 inches and not 6 inches. Also, consider creating a measuring device that you can use when you do your monthly playground inspections. Sand and mulch compact as the children play on the material. Marking the inches on your measuring tool will help you replenish the surfacing as need and ensure the playground is safe for use. You and I went to the playground and measured the surfacing together. You stated that there was enough surfacing when the mulch was installed, however it must have settled and needs replenished. Furnishings – Furnishings in all spaces used by the children should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good repair. A door handle on the lower cabinet next to the sink in the cafeteria area was broken and had a sharp nail exposed. The children use this space for all meals. Per our discussion, the handle must be replace to ensure a child does not fall against it and become injured. You stated that they break and you replace them with more sturdy medal ones. Helpful Information: Medication Administration – Technical assistance was given to the providers in the classroom to ensure they check all medications brought to their room to ensure the paperwork is current, accurate, and complete. We also discussed the need to cross check that the medication, the pharmacy box, and all paperwork match to ensure that the right medication is being administered to the right child. File Organization – Consider alphabetizing your children’s files to ensure the information can be accessed quickly and easily in the event of an emergency. Also, consider keeping the NC PreK information in the same location. This helps to provide easy access to all the child’s emergency information, screenings, testing, and other helpful information in one place. Additional Information: License fee collection moved to December - There are a few changes to the Annual License Fee process this year: • All invoices will be emailed, and no paper copies will be sent through the U.S. Postal Service. • All invoices will be emailed by December 1, 2023, and will include the invoice number and total amount due. • All payments are due no later than December 31, 2023 Payments must be submitted online only through the Division’s website using a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card, or by e-check. Providers will need their Facility ID number and their 2023 Invoice number to complete the payment process. 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