NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Bladen Early Learning Center Facility ID: 09000161 Consultant: LEISA A. BENSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/23/2025 Number Present: 54 Completed Date: 9/23/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 355 Time In: 08:20 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to the second Temporary Time Period Visit. This program currently operates with a temporary license effective June 2, 2025 to December 2, 2025. Applicable childcare requirements were discussed with you, Carmen Rabon, Administrator. During today’s visit, you accompanied me as I walked through the center to monitor for compliance with application requirements. The outdoor play area was also observed during the visit. During today’s visit, children were observed engaged in a variety of activities throughout the day. Children participated in free play, eating, and whole group activity. In addition, children were observed playing outside. Teachers were actively engaged with the children during each activity. Appropriate interactions were observed between staff and children, and adequate supervision was maintained during the visit. The following were also observed during today’s visit: staff/child ratios; storage of hazardous products; adequate/approved space; posted license and permit restrictions. Parents are responsible for providing all meals, snacks, and beverages. I monitored infant feeds schedules to ensure they were being followed. All existing staff files were reviewed on June 17, 2025. Six (6) new staff files were observed during the visit along with eight (8) children’s files. Program records were also reviewed during the visit. It is your responsibility to review all files to ensure they are complete and accurate. Overall attendance and enrollment were collected today. The attached space, capacity and enrollment worksheet reflects the enrollment and attendance information along with the staff that were present and caring for children today. At the completion of the visit, I reviewed the Visit Summary with you, and a computerized copy was also given to you for your records. Violation Number Comment Rule 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. Styrofoam was accessible to children under the age of 3 in space #6. This was corrected when the styrofoam was removed from the classroom so, it's not accessible to children. .0604(q) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. The discipline policy was not signed by the parent for one child enrolled. .1804(c) 1325 Parent’s statement includes the child’s name and date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the statement. The date of enrollment was not on the statement for three children enrolled. .1804(b) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. This was not reviewed with one new staff prior to providing care for children. .0608(d)(1-4) The four (4) violations cited during the visit must be corrected immediately. Violation #861 was corrected during the visit. I must receive a signed and dated letter of compliance from you no later than October 7, 2025, stating that all violations have been corrected. You can email your compliance letter to: leisa.benson@dhhs.nc.gov. If you cannot meet the requirements by the above date, you must contact me with a purposed timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. If I don’t receive your compliance letter or you haven’t contacted me by October 7, 2025, a Follow-up Visit could be conducted and violations cited. If you state in the compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, this will be considered falsification of information. You are required to always maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations. NC GS 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history score of at least 75% for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action. Violations cited during this visit may negatively affect your compliance score. As of today, your compliance history is 89%. Your compliance history was reviewed with you, and you were also given a copy to keep for your records. Rated License Assessment: During the visit, you stated that you may not want to use the previous rated license application so, I discussed with you the three (3) different pathways available for obtaining a star rated license. You stated that you would like to pursue Pathway 2. I reviewed the requirements for Pathway 2 in detail to ensure you have a clear understanding of the process and requirements. An application, along with all required forms, were given to you during the visit. You can also access the application and forms by visiting : www.ncchildcare.nc.gov. I also discussed with you that all staff information should be evaluated by DCDEE WORKS Unit no later than November 2, 2025. I will process all education information using the education information at that time. Keep in mind that In order to maintain subsidy payments at the end of the temporary time period, the facility must transition to a three to five star rated license. Technical Assistance: Technical assistance was provided on maintaining required child care files. Guidance was given on the importance of keeping files organized, complete, and up to date for children, staff and program records. All staff that work with school agers should complete BSAC within three (3) months of hire. You can contact Bladen County Smartstart to find a BSAC training at: bladensmartstart.org. All staff that care for infants should complete SIDS trainings within two (2) months of caring for infants. There should be a staff member that has completed SIDS training in the classroom for infants at all times. Staff that have not completed SIDS training should never be left alone with infants. REMINDERS: You can visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov for updated information, resources, and provider forms. Please contact me at 919-819-9348 or, email leisa.benson@dhhs.nc.gov if you have any 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: Bladen Early Learning Center Facility ID: 09000161 Consultant: LEISA A. BENSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/8/2025 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 7/8/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to the first Temporary Time Period Visit. This program is currently operating under a Temporary License effective June 2, 2025 through December 2, 2025. Applicable childcare requirements were discussed with you, Carmen Rabon, Administrator. During today’s visit, you assisted me in conducting a walkthrough to monitor compliance in all indoor and outdoor areas approved for child care. During the visit children were observed actively engaging with their assigned staff and participating in various free-choice centers, including fine motor activities, books, blocks, and dramatic play. Lunch and nap time routines were also observed. Staff and children followed required handwashing procedures. Positive and developmentally appropriate interactions between staff and children were noted throughout the visit. Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance with regulatory requirements. The temporary license was posted and in compliance with all restrictions noted on the license. For lunch, children were served peanut butter and jelly sandwich, apple slices, broccoli, and milk. Six (6) staff files were reviewed for compliance including the administrator’s file. In addition, three (3) children’s files and all required program records were reviewed for compliance. It is your responsibility to regularly review all files to ensure they are complete, accurate, and compliant with applicable requirements. Overall enrollment and attendance information were collected. The attached Space Capacity and Enrollment Worksheet reflects this information, along with the names of staff present and actively caring for children during the visit. At the conclusion of the visit, the Visit Summary was reviewed with you, and a computerized copy of the Visit Summary was provided for your records. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Food substitution was not noted on today's menu. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. One baby bottle was observed without a label indicating the child's name or the date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence). An individual written feeding plan was not provided for four infants. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. It was observed that two emergency medications were not in their original labeled container. .0803(2)(a) 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 the 1-year old and 2-year old classrooms plastic bags and other plastic items were observed to be accessible to children. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In the classroom for infants, one sleeping infant was not visually checked at least every 15 minutes. .0606(g) The six (6) violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be submitted to me no later than July 22, 2025, clearly detailing how each violation has been corrected. You may email your compliance letter to me at leisa.benson@dhhs.nc.gov. If you are unable to meet the July 22, 2025, deadline, you must contact me immediately with a proposed timeline for completing the corrections. In some cases, this timeframe may be extended. Failure to submit your compliance letter by the stated deadline or failure to contact me regarding a revised timeline may result in a follow-up visit, and violations may be cited. Important Notice: If your compliance letter states that corrections have been made and it is later determined they were not, this will be considered falsification of information, and an administrative action may be taken against your license. You are required to always maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations. NC GS 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history score of at least 75% for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action. Violations cited during today’s visit, may negatively affect your compliance score. As of today’s, visit your compliance history is 89%. Your compliance history was reviewed with you, and you were also given a copy. Rated License Assessment: In order to maintain subsidy payments at the end of the temporary time period, the facility must transition to a three to five star rated license. Education Standards: The education qualifications of the administrator, lead teacher, teachers, and group leaders will be assessed for points toward the facility’s star rated license. To ensure timely processing, official transcripts must be submitted to the DCDEE Workforce Unit. All staff education information should be submitted no later than the fifth month of the temporary license period. As a rated license must be processed prior to the expiration date of your temporary license on December 2, 2025, it is critical that all education information is submitted on time. Failure to submit required education documentation may impact the facility’s education standards for the star rated license. Technical Assistance: Plastic bags and other plastic items should not be accessible to children under the age of three (3). In two (2) classrooms, plastic Ziploc bags containing extra clothing were observed to be accessible to children. It was recommended that a large tote with a secure lid be used to store the Ziploc bags, so they are not accessible and to ensure safety. It is a regulatory requirement to visually check and document sleeping infants at least every 15 minutes to ensure their safety. These frequent checks are necessary to monitor for signs of distress, abnormal breathing or changes in skin color. They also help to ensure that infants remain in safe sleep positions and that no hazardous items were present in the sleep environment. Regular monitoring allows for immediate response to any emergencies and supports the prevention of SIDS. Compliance with this rule is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for infants in care. I also discussed that in the infant classroom, at least one (1) staff member who has completed SIDS training must be present at all times. Also, any staff member responsible for caring for infants must complete SIDS training within two (2) months of assuming infant care responsibilities. I provided technical assistance in the process of completing the Staff and Training Worksheet and explained how it can be used as a resource to help maintain timelines for staff qualifications. REMINDERS: You can visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov for updated information, resources, and provider forms. Please contact me at 919-819-9348 or, email leisa.benson@dhhs.nc.gov if you have any 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0902 · Violation

Name of Operation: Bladen Early Learning Center Facility ID: 09000161 Consultant: LEISA A. BENSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/8/2025 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 7/8/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to the first Temporary Time Period Visit. This program is currently operating under a Temporary License effective June 2, 2025 through December 2, 2025. Applicable childcare requirements were discussed with you, Carmen Rabon, Administrator. During today’s visit, you assisted me in conducting a walkthrough to monitor compliance in all indoor and outdoor areas approved for child care. During the visit children were observed actively engaging with their assigned staff and participating in various free-choice centers, including fine motor activities, books, blocks, and dramatic play. Lunch and nap time routines were also observed. Staff and children followed required handwashing procedures. Positive and developmentally appropriate interactions between staff and children were noted throughout the visit. Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance with regulatory requirements. The temporary license was posted and in compliance with all restrictions noted on the license. For lunch, children were served peanut butter and jelly sandwich, apple slices, broccoli, and milk. Six (6) staff files were reviewed for compliance including the administrator’s file. In addition, three (3) children’s files and all required program records were reviewed for compliance. It is your responsibility to regularly review all files to ensure they are complete, accurate, and compliant with applicable requirements. Overall enrollment and attendance information were collected. The attached Space Capacity and Enrollment Worksheet reflects this information, along with the names of staff present and actively caring for children during the visit. At the conclusion of the visit, the Visit Summary was reviewed with you, and a computerized copy of the Visit Summary was provided for your records. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Food substitution was not noted on today's menu. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. One baby bottle was observed without a label indicating the child's name or the date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence). An individual written feeding plan was not provided for four infants. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. It was observed that two emergency medications were not in their original labeled container. .0803(2)(a) 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 the 1-year old and 2-year old classrooms plastic bags and other plastic items were observed to be accessible to children. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In the classroom for infants, one sleeping infant was not visually checked at least every 15 minutes. .0606(g) The six (6) violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be submitted to me no later than July 22, 2025, clearly detailing how each violation has been corrected. You may email your compliance letter to me at leisa.benson@dhhs.nc.gov. If you are unable to meet the July 22, 2025, deadline, you must contact me immediately with a proposed timeline for completing the corrections. In some cases, this timeframe may be extended. Failure to submit your compliance letter by the stated deadline or failure to contact me regarding a revised timeline may result in a follow-up visit, and violations may be cited. Important Notice: If your compliance letter states that corrections have been made and it is later determined they were not, this will be considered falsification of information, and an administrative action may be taken against your license. You are required to always maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations. NC GS 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history score of at least 75% for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action. Violations cited during today’s visit, may negatively affect your compliance score. As of today’s, visit your compliance history is 89%. Your compliance history was reviewed with you, and you were also given a copy. Rated License Assessment: In order to maintain subsidy payments at the end of the temporary time period, the facility must transition to a three to five star rated license. Education Standards: The education qualifications of the administrator, lead teacher, teachers, and group leaders will be assessed for points toward the facility’s star rated license. To ensure timely processing, official transcripts must be submitted to the DCDEE Workforce Unit. All staff education information should be submitted no later than the fifth month of the temporary license period. As a rated license must be processed prior to the expiration date of your temporary license on December 2, 2025, it is critical that all education information is submitted on time. Failure to submit required education documentation may impact the facility’s education standards for the star rated license. Technical Assistance: Plastic bags and other plastic items should not be accessible to children under the age of three (3). In two (2) classrooms, plastic Ziploc bags containing extra clothing were observed to be accessible to children. It was recommended that a large tote with a secure lid be used to store the Ziploc bags, so they are not accessible and to ensure safety. It is a regulatory requirement to visually check and document sleeping infants at least every 15 minutes to ensure their safety. These frequent checks are necessary to monitor for signs of distress, abnormal breathing or changes in skin color. They also help to ensure that infants remain in safe sleep positions and that no hazardous items were present in the sleep environment. Regular monitoring allows for immediate response to any emergencies and supports the prevention of SIDS. Compliance with this rule is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for infants in care. I also discussed that in the infant classroom, at least one (1) staff member who has completed SIDS training must be present at all times. Also, any staff member responsible for caring for infants must complete SIDS training within two (2) months of assuming infant care responsibilities. I provided technical assistance in the process of completing the Staff and Training Worksheet and explained how it can be used as a resource to help maintain timelines for staff qualifications. REMINDERS: You can visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov for updated information, resources, and provider forms. Please contact me at 919-819-9348 or, email leisa.benson@dhhs.nc.gov if you have any 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: Bladen Early Learning Center Facility ID: 09000161 Consultant: LEISA A. BENSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/8/2025 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 7/8/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to the first Temporary Time Period Visit. This program is currently operating under a Temporary License effective June 2, 2025 through December 2, 2025. Applicable childcare requirements were discussed with you, Carmen Rabon, Administrator. During today’s visit, you assisted me in conducting a walkthrough to monitor compliance in all indoor and outdoor areas approved for child care. During the visit children were observed actively engaging with their assigned staff and participating in various free-choice centers, including fine motor activities, books, blocks, and dramatic play. Lunch and nap time routines were also observed. Staff and children followed required handwashing procedures. Positive and developmentally appropriate interactions between staff and children were noted throughout the visit. Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance with regulatory requirements. The temporary license was posted and in compliance with all restrictions noted on the license. For lunch, children were served peanut butter and jelly sandwich, apple slices, broccoli, and milk. Six (6) staff files were reviewed for compliance including the administrator’s file. In addition, three (3) children’s files and all required program records were reviewed for compliance. It is your responsibility to regularly review all files to ensure they are complete, accurate, and compliant with applicable requirements. Overall enrollment and attendance information were collected. The attached Space Capacity and Enrollment Worksheet reflects this information, along with the names of staff present and actively caring for children during the visit. At the conclusion of the visit, the Visit Summary was reviewed with you, and a computerized copy of the Visit Summary was provided for your records. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Food substitution was not noted on today's menu. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. One baby bottle was observed without a label indicating the child's name or the date. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence). An individual written feeding plan was not provided for four infants. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. It was observed that two emergency medications were not in their original labeled container. .0803(2)(a) 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 the 1-year old and 2-year old classrooms plastic bags and other plastic items were observed to be accessible to children. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In the classroom for infants, one sleeping infant was not visually checked at least every 15 minutes. .0606(g) The six (6) violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be submitted to me no later than July 22, 2025, clearly detailing how each violation has been corrected. You may email your compliance letter to me at leisa.benson@dhhs.nc.gov. If you are unable to meet the July 22, 2025, deadline, you must contact me immediately with a proposed timeline for completing the corrections. In some cases, this timeframe may be extended. Failure to submit your compliance letter by the stated deadline or failure to contact me regarding a revised timeline may result in a follow-up visit, and violations may be cited. Important Notice: If your compliance letter states that corrections have been made and it is later determined they were not, this will be considered falsification of information, and an administrative action may be taken against your license. You are required to always maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations. NC GS 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history score of at least 75% for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action. Violations cited during today’s visit, may negatively affect your compliance score. As of today’s, visit your compliance history is 89%. Your compliance history was reviewed with you, and you were also given a copy. Rated License Assessment: In order to maintain subsidy payments at the end of the temporary time period, the facility must transition to a three to five star rated license. Education Standards: The education qualifications of the administrator, lead teacher, teachers, and group leaders will be assessed for points toward the facility’s star rated license. To ensure timely processing, official transcripts must be submitted to the DCDEE Workforce Unit. All staff education information should be submitted no later than the fifth month of the temporary license period. As a rated license must be processed prior to the expiration date of your temporary license on December 2, 2025, it is critical that all education information is submitted on time. Failure to submit required education documentation may impact the facility’s education standards for the star rated license. Technical Assistance: Plastic bags and other plastic items should not be accessible to children under the age of three (3). In two (2) classrooms, plastic Ziploc bags containing extra clothing were observed to be accessible to children. It was recommended that a large tote with a secure lid be used to store the Ziploc bags, so they are not accessible and to ensure safety. It is a regulatory requirement to visually check and document sleeping infants at least every 15 minutes to ensure their safety. These frequent checks are necessary to monitor for signs of distress, abnormal breathing or changes in skin color. They also help to ensure that infants remain in safe sleep positions and that no hazardous items were present in the sleep environment. Regular monitoring allows for immediate response to any emergencies and supports the prevention of SIDS. Compliance with this rule is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for infants in care. I also discussed that in the infant classroom, at least one (1) staff member who has completed SIDS training must be present at all times. Also, any staff member responsible for caring for infants must complete SIDS training within two (2) months of assuming infant care responsibilities. I provided technical assistance in the process of completing the Staff and Training Worksheet and explained how it can be used as a resource to help maintain timelines for staff qualifications. REMINDERS: You can visit the DCDEE website at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov for updated information, resources, and provider forms. Please contact me at 919-819-9348 or, email leisa.benson@dhhs.nc.gov if you have any 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