10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: COOPERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Facility ID: 64000315 Consultant: APRIL FLEMING Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/4/2023 Number Present: 50 Completed Date: 10/4/2023 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:45 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 today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. Currently, this facility operates with a Five-Star license issued on September 17, 2020. The last annual compliance visit was completed on November 8, 2022. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored during the visit. The last sanitation inspection was completed on September 18, 2023, earning a superior classification and zero (0) demerits. The last satisfactory fire inspection was completed on May 5, 2023. S. Johnson, Lead Teacher, was present and available to assist. Fifty (50) children, ages four (4) to five (5) years of age were present. The children were observed in teacher directed activities, free choice activities, toileting, handwashing and eating lunch. Staff interacted with children in a positive manner. This facility participates in the NC PreK program and is owned and operated by the North Carolina Public School System. Off-site forms were monitored. Transportation off-site form was on file, however preschool children do not ride the bus. The following violation of child care requirements were documented during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. Electrical outlets not in use in space #2, was not covered with safety plugs. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) The above violation was corrected during the visit. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always if they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Compliance History: Prior to today's visit, this facility has maintained an 18-month compliance score of 99%. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. Children records reviewed, were in compliance. Other children’s files not reviewed should be monitored to ensure compliance for the same information. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored. Staff records reviewed were in compliance. Other staff files not reviewed should be monitored to ensure compliance with the same information. ELECTRICAL OUTLETS: Electrical outlets not in use should be covered with a safety plug. Three electrical outlets not in use were not covered with safety plugs in space #2. This was corrected during the visit when staff members covered the outlets. SANITATION TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT: Children’s Environmental Health has newly readopted child care sanitation rules effective July 1, 2023. You should review new sanitation rules on our website to ensure compliance. STAR RATED LICENSE (SRL): The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on Monday June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024, and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts. Your facility is in cohort one and this is your preparation year. The reassessment year will start July 1, 2024. To view the webinar and detailed information on SRL, you should visit our website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, click on what’s new and look for “resuming star rated license reassessments” and click on the link to view. Also visit NCRLAP website for cohort models. EARLY CHILDHOOD EQUIVALENCY EXAM: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. To take the exam, go to DCDEE Moodle and select Early Childhood Professional Development/Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)/North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam. CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR ASSISTANCE: Did you know assistance can be requested for help with handling challenging behaviors. The Healthy Social Behaviors in Child Care Centers Project (HSB) provides ideas to create a learning environment that can assist in preventing challenging behaviors. They provide free technical assistance, professional development, and they offer a variety of additional resources. For additional information on the Healthy Social Behaviors Project or to view a current listing of scheduled trainings, browse the NC Child Care Resource & Referral Council website. For information about Pyramid Model CEU-level trainings, contact the HSB Education Specialist, Liz Tuttle at etuttle@childcareresourcesinc.org. To obtain a Request for TA Services, contact your local Behavior Specialist or email the Statewide Project Manager, Smokie Brawley, at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org. You can also contact the challenging behavior helpline at 1-888- 600-1685 option 2. You can speak to a Behavior Support Advisor or submit questions about specific behaviors in your program. You will also be able to post questions in the “Talk to the Expert” group in the online network. PROVIDER DOCUMENTS/FORMS: You should visit the website often to ensure you’re using all updated forms. All requirements must be included if you choose to use your own forms electronically or hard copy. Child care rules updated effective July 1, 2023. If you have questions related to this visit or if I can be of additional assistance, I can be reached at 252-450-9796 or april.fleming@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at 252-373-9809 or susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. RESOURCES: • The most current provider documents/ forms, checklists, resources related to child care, MOODLE trainings, and new child care requirements can be found on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ • The Down East Partnership for Children: https://depc.or/ or 252.985.4300 • NCRLAP: https://NCRLAP.org for cohort models • NC Child Care Health & Safety Resource Center www.healthychildcare.unc.edu. 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