NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Loving Home Child Care Facility ID: 26002613 Consultant: RHONDA BLACKMON Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/23/2025 Number Present: 2 Completed Date: 6/23/2025 Age: From 1 To 7 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 12:40 PM Time Out: 03:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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 a second temporary time period visit. The previous temporary time period visit was completed April 24, 2025, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was 87%, as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). This program currently operates with a temporary license effective, March 17, 2025 to September 17, 2025, The information on record with the DCDEE was verified as current/accurate by Tretta Newton. Current Inspection is as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior with two (2) demerits completed February 25, 2025. T. Newton, Operator/Teacher, was present. Additionally, T. Newton’s adult daughter, Tisha Dean, was present also. I completed a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor areas. Two (2) children, aged one and seven-years-old, participated in rest time, free play activities indoors and outdoors, personal care routines, and afternoon snack. Children built with Lego blocks, manipulated stacking rings, colored with crayons, and drew on the chalkboard with chalk. A diapering routine was observed during the visit. Plastic bags and three (3) packs of baby wipes were stored on the top shelf of the diapering table and inside the drawer, accessible to children in care. When prompted, the packs of baby wipes and plastic bags were removed from the diapering table and placed inside a locked closet in the hallway. In the outdoor environment, children explored, threw balls, and rode inside the Little Tykes pink car. Upon their return indoors, they washed their hands and transitioned to the playroom for afternoon snack. P.M. snack consisted of Greek yogurt, wheat crackers, cheese, and apple juice. During interactions, T. Newton engaged the children in conversation and asked open-ended questions to facilitate language and cognition. The children’s, operator, and program records were monitored today. The most current fire drill was conducted on June 2, 2025, at 8:52 a.m. The most current outdoor inspection checklist for Family Child Care Homes was completed on June 3, 2025. At the completion of the visit, the Visit Summary was reviewed with T. Newton. The following violations were observed and corrected during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1889 Products that are labeled "keep out of reach of children" without any other warnings, were not stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is five feet above the finished floor. Three (3) packs of baby wipes labeled, "keep out of reach of children" without any other warnings, were stored on the top shelf and inside the drawer of the diapering table, less than five feet from the finished floor. This was corrected when the operator removed the packs of baby wipes from the diapering table and placed them inside the locked closet in the hallway of the FCCH. .1719(a)(7) 1922 Plastic bags, toys, and toy parts small enough to be swallowed, including but not limited to materials that can be easily torn apart such as foam rubber and styrofoam, were accessible to children under the age of three. Green plastic bags stored in the top drawer of the diapering table were accessible to children under the age of three. This was corrected when the operator removed the plastic bags from the diapering table and placed them inside the locked closet in the hallway of the FCCH. .1719(a)(18) As a reminder, Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. The violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. Technical Assistance/Consultation/Reminders Specific to Today’s Visit: General Safety: Consumer product labels contain valuable instructions and precautions that can help you keep the children in your care safe. By reading the label first you can prevent accidents from occurring. Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard for young children and should be made inaccessible to children less than three years of age. During today’s visit, plastic bags were stored in the drawer of the diapering table. T. Newton stated the plastic bags are used to dispose of soiled diapers. We discussed removing the plastic bags from the diapering table and storing them out of reach of the children, which is five feet or higher from the finished floor. Additionally, three (3) packs of baby wipes with the warning, “keep out of reach of children” were stored on the top shelf of the diapering table and inside the top drawer, accessible to children in care. When prompted, T. Newton removed the packs of baby wipes and plastic bags from the diapering table and placed them inside a locked closet in the hallway. Restriction Change: I received a written request via email from T. Newton, Operator, requesting the age restriction “1 to 12” be changed to “0 to 12” on her temporary family child care home license. T. Newton requested to serve infants in her program. Attached to the email was a copy of her ITS-SIDS certification dated April 24, 2025. Additionally, I received an email from Shineka Small, EHS, on June 5, 2025, stating per the Cumberland County Environmental Health Department the facility located at 1059 Tyler Drive Fayetteville, NC 28314, is set up to allow infants. At the conclusion of the visit, I discussed with T. Newton applicable child care requirements for infant care and I verified items required to meet compliance. The age restriction was changed in the Regulatory system, and a new temporary family child care home license, effective June 23, 2025 to September 17, 2025, was keyed and a copy let with the operator. As a reminder and reference to our discussion, you may refer to child care rules .1724, .1718, and .1721. Rated License Assessment: As discussed on April 24, 2025, the FCCH must transition to a 3-5 Star Rated License to continue to be eligible to receive subsidized child care assistance after six (6) months. During today’s visit, T. Newton stated that both children enrolled in the facility are private pay and that she does not want to apply for a voluntary star rated license. T. Newton did not submit an application for a voluntary star-rated license. The facility meets minimum licensing requirements and will potentially earn a one-star child care license at the end of the temporary time period. As a reminder, the facility will not be eligible to enroll families that receive subsidized child care assistance at the end of the Temporary License. At this time, there are no families enrolled that receive subsidized child care assistance. T. Newton stated that she understands and will not enroll any children in the facility that receive subsidized child care assistance. Training: T. Newton completed the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training on May 29, 2025. You have four (4) months from the date of completion (September 29, 2025) to go online at https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx and complete the EPR Plan. As a reminder, you shall review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changes to ensure all information is current. Additional caregivers and substitutes shall review the EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with T. Newton. Documentation of the review shall be maintained on file. You already know the Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, the DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle Support. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Please feel free to contact me at 910-709-4168 if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. 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 .1719 · Violation

Name of Operation: Loving Home Child Care Facility ID: 26002613 Consultant: RHONDA BLACKMON Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 4/24/2025 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 4/24/2025 Age: From 1 To 1 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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 a first temporary time period visit. The previous visit was completed March 10, 2025, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was 100%, as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). This program currently operates with a temporary license effective, March 17, 2025 to September 17, 2025. The information on record with DCDEE was verified as correct by Tretta Newton. Current Inspection is as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior with two (2) demerits completed February 25, 2025. T. Newton, Operator/Teacher, was present and assisted me during the visit. Two children, aged one and seven-years-old, are enrolled. I conducted a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor areas. I observed a tube of Eucerin Calming Cream with a warning, “Keep out of Reach of Children,” sitting on the countertop in the bathroom accessible to children. Additionally, a prescription bottle of Ibuprofen was sitting on the counter next to the sink in the kitchen. When prompted, T. Newton placed the tube of Eucerin Cream and Ibuprofen inside the locked closet in the hallway. A child, one-year-old, played with musical toys and dolls, colored with crayons on white paper, and manipulated large Lego blocks and stacking cups. Additionally, T. Newton and the child transitioned outdoors for free play activities. The child played with push and pull toys, teetered on the teeter totter, and walked around and explored in the natural environment. Upon their return indoors, they washed their hands and participated in personal care routines. A diapering routine was observed. T. Newton engaged the child in conversation and named the body parts while participating in the routine. Afterwards, T. Newton warmed the food and served lunch, while the child talked on the pretend telephone, danced to music, and pushed a train on the rug. Lunch served was grilled chicken breast, mashed potatoes, sliced strawberries, and milk. T. Newton’s personnel file, children’s files, and required program records were monitored. The most current fire drill was conducted on April 8, 2025, at 11:02 a.m. The most current Outdoor Inspection was completed on April 8, 2025, at 11:20 a.m. At the completion of the visit, this Visit Summary was reviewed with T. Newton. The following violations were observed and corrected during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 All medicines, including refrigerated and unrefrigerated, were not kept in locked storage. A prescription bottle of Ibuprofen was not kept in locked storage. While monitoring the indoor space, I observed a prescription bottle with Ibuprofen sitting on the counter in the kitchen next to the sink. This was corrected when the operator placed the medication inside a locked closet in the hallway. .1719(a)(5) 2048 Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care. A tube of Eucerin Calming Cream labeled, "Keep out of Reach of Children" with no additional warning was sitting on the countertop in the bathroom accessible to children in care. This was corrected when the operator removed the Eucerin cream from the bathroom and placed it inside the locked closet in the hallway. 10A NCAC 09 .1719(a)(7) No compliance letter is due at this time. As a reminder, child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. The violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. Technical Assistance Specific to Today’s Visit: Storage of Hazardous Items: Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. Items that require locked storage and storage five feet above the finished floor were improperly stored and corrected during today’s visit. All areas used for children must be checked daily prior to use to ensure the space is safe for the children. Locked storage rooms and cabinets include those which are unlocked with a combination, electronic or magnetic device, key, or equivalent locking device. These unlocking devices must be kept out of the reach of a child and must not be stored in the lock. As a reminder, aerosol spray cans may be potentially hazardous if not stored properly. Some of the main dangers surrounding aerosols are linked to the fact that they are in a pressurized container. While the pressure serves its purpose well and substances can be released easily when required, if adverse circumstances occur, aerosol cans can potentially burst, burn, or explode. Therefore, aerosol spray cans must be stored in locked storage at all times. Per Sanitation Requirement 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d), “Medications including prescription and non-prescription items shall be stored in a separate locked cabinet or other locked container and shall not be stored above food. Designated emergency medications shall be stored out of reach of children but are not required to be in locked storage. Non-prescription diaper creams and sunscreens shall be kept out of reach of children when not in use but are not required to be in locked storage. At the conclusion of the visit, I shared the resource from the DCDEE website, “Hazardous Items Storage for Child Care.” Rated License Assessment: The FCCH must transition to a 3-5 Star Rated License to continue to be eligible to receive subsidized care after six (6) months. During today’s visit, I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and the program standards were reviewed. T. Newton stated that she plans to ask Kathleen Hoffler, Region 5 Family Child Care Consultant, to provide technical assistance and consultation for achieving compliance with the three-month self-study/assessment. T. Newton explained that she was awarded a $500 grant from the FCC Project to purchase materials and equipment for the program. The NCRLAP website (www.ncrlap.org) has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can find information that will assist you with quality environments, self-study process and the FCCERS-3. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. The Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License was reviewed and emailed to T. Newton. We discussed completing a three (3) month self-study/assessment using the FCCERS-R or FCCERS-3. For additional guidance, refer to the following documents emailed to you: 1. Understanding Self-Study 2. 5 Key Points for NC FCCH Self Study Process 3. Getting Started with Self Study 4. Planning Form 5. Progress Tracking Form If interested in applying for a voluntary 2-5 Star Rated License, email the rated license application packet to the email address listed below by June 1, 2025. A packet of forms, brochures, and technical assistance handouts were reviewed and provided to T. Newton. The forms identified staff education requirements, program requirements, and options to achieve a Quality Point. Refer to child care requirement 09.2829 to determine which option the facility is meeting for the one quality point. Training: T. Newton shall complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training by March 17, 2025. T. Newton will have four (4) months from the date of completion to go online at https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx and complete the EPR Plan. Fire drills shall be completed monthly and lockdown or shelter in place drills shall be completed at least every three months. CBC Provider Portal: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. 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. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative - Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit AWARD$ Plus Program: The Infant Toddler Educator AWARD$ program has recently gone through some exciting programmatic updates. The original AWARD$ program was only available to teachers working full-time in Birth to Three classrooms that had an AA in ECE or higher degree and were employed by 4- and 5-star programs. The education requirement has been reduced as an incentive to support teachers seeking to increase their education in any star rated licensed program. Visit www.childcareservices.org/award for additional information. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules at all times. Periodically review the child care law and rules. Visit the DCDEE website and click on the “What’s New” tab to stay abreast of all updates. Please feel free to contact me at 910-709-4168 or Rhonda.blackmon@dhhs.nc.gov if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. 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.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Loving Home Child Care Facility ID: 26002613 Consultant: RHONDA BLACKMON Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 4/24/2025 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 4/24/2025 Age: From 1 To 1 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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 a first temporary time period visit. The previous visit was completed March 10, 2025, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was 100%, as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). This program currently operates with a temporary license effective, March 17, 2025 to September 17, 2025. The information on record with DCDEE was verified as correct by Tretta Newton. Current Inspection is as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior with two (2) demerits completed February 25, 2025. T. Newton, Operator/Teacher, was present and assisted me during the visit. Two children, aged one and seven-years-old, are enrolled. I conducted a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor areas. I observed a tube of Eucerin Calming Cream with a warning, “Keep out of Reach of Children,” sitting on the countertop in the bathroom accessible to children. Additionally, a prescription bottle of Ibuprofen was sitting on the counter next to the sink in the kitchen. When prompted, T. Newton placed the tube of Eucerin Cream and Ibuprofen inside the locked closet in the hallway. A child, one-year-old, played with musical toys and dolls, colored with crayons on white paper, and manipulated large Lego blocks and stacking cups. Additionally, T. Newton and the child transitioned outdoors for free play activities. The child played with push and pull toys, teetered on the teeter totter, and walked around and explored in the natural environment. Upon their return indoors, they washed their hands and participated in personal care routines. A diapering routine was observed. T. Newton engaged the child in conversation and named the body parts while participating in the routine. Afterwards, T. Newton warmed the food and served lunch, while the child talked on the pretend telephone, danced to music, and pushed a train on the rug. Lunch served was grilled chicken breast, mashed potatoes, sliced strawberries, and milk. T. Newton’s personnel file, children’s files, and required program records were monitored. The most current fire drill was conducted on April 8, 2025, at 11:02 a.m. The most current Outdoor Inspection was completed on April 8, 2025, at 11:20 a.m. At the completion of the visit, this Visit Summary was reviewed with T. Newton. The following violations were observed and corrected during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 All medicines, including refrigerated and unrefrigerated, were not kept in locked storage. A prescription bottle of Ibuprofen was not kept in locked storage. While monitoring the indoor space, I observed a prescription bottle with Ibuprofen sitting on the counter in the kitchen next to the sink. This was corrected when the operator placed the medication inside a locked closet in the hallway. .1719(a)(5) 2048 Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care. A tube of Eucerin Calming Cream labeled, "Keep out of Reach of Children" with no additional warning was sitting on the countertop in the bathroom accessible to children in care. This was corrected when the operator removed the Eucerin cream from the bathroom and placed it inside the locked closet in the hallway. 10A NCAC 09 .1719(a)(7) No compliance letter is due at this time. As a reminder, child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. The violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. Technical Assistance Specific to Today’s Visit: Storage of Hazardous Items: Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. Items that require locked storage and storage five feet above the finished floor were improperly stored and corrected during today’s visit. All areas used for children must be checked daily prior to use to ensure the space is safe for the children. Locked storage rooms and cabinets include those which are unlocked with a combination, electronic or magnetic device, key, or equivalent locking device. These unlocking devices must be kept out of the reach of a child and must not be stored in the lock. As a reminder, aerosol spray cans may be potentially hazardous if not stored properly. Some of the main dangers surrounding aerosols are linked to the fact that they are in a pressurized container. While the pressure serves its purpose well and substances can be released easily when required, if adverse circumstances occur, aerosol cans can potentially burst, burn, or explode. Therefore, aerosol spray cans must be stored in locked storage at all times. Per Sanitation Requirement 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d), “Medications including prescription and non-prescription items shall be stored in a separate locked cabinet or other locked container and shall not be stored above food. Designated emergency medications shall be stored out of reach of children but are not required to be in locked storage. Non-prescription diaper creams and sunscreens shall be kept out of reach of children when not in use but are not required to be in locked storage. At the conclusion of the visit, I shared the resource from the DCDEE website, “Hazardous Items Storage for Child Care.” Rated License Assessment: The FCCH must transition to a 3-5 Star Rated License to continue to be eligible to receive subsidized care after six (6) months. During today’s visit, I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and the program standards were reviewed. T. Newton stated that she plans to ask Kathleen Hoffler, Region 5 Family Child Care Consultant, to provide technical assistance and consultation for achieving compliance with the three-month self-study/assessment. T. Newton explained that she was awarded a $500 grant from the FCC Project to purchase materials and equipment for the program. The NCRLAP website (www.ncrlap.org) has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can find information that will assist you with quality environments, self-study process and the FCCERS-3. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. The Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License was reviewed and emailed to T. Newton. We discussed completing a three (3) month self-study/assessment using the FCCERS-R or FCCERS-3. For additional guidance, refer to the following documents emailed to you: 1. Understanding Self-Study 2. 5 Key Points for NC FCCH Self Study Process 3. Getting Started with Self Study 4. Planning Form 5. Progress Tracking Form If interested in applying for a voluntary 2-5 Star Rated License, email the rated license application packet to the email address listed below by June 1, 2025. A packet of forms, brochures, and technical assistance handouts were reviewed and provided to T. Newton. The forms identified staff education requirements, program requirements, and options to achieve a Quality Point. Refer to child care requirement 09.2829 to determine which option the facility is meeting for the one quality point. Training: T. Newton shall complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training by March 17, 2025. T. Newton will have four (4) months from the date of completion to go online at https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx and complete the EPR Plan. Fire drills shall be completed monthly and lockdown or shelter in place drills shall be completed at least every three months. CBC Provider Portal: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. 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. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative - Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit AWARD$ Plus Program: The Infant Toddler Educator AWARD$ program has recently gone through some exciting programmatic updates. The original AWARD$ program was only available to teachers working full-time in Birth to Three classrooms that had an AA in ECE or higher degree and were employed by 4- and 5-star programs. The education requirement has been reduced as an incentive to support teachers seeking to increase their education in any star rated licensed program. Visit www.childcareservices.org/award for additional information. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules at all times. Periodically review the child care law and rules. Visit the DCDEE website and click on the “What’s New” tab to stay abreast of all updates. Please feel free to contact me at 910-709-4168 or Rhonda.blackmon@dhhs.nc.gov if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. 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: Loving Home Child Care Facility ID: 26002613 Consultant: RHONDA BLACKMON Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 4/24/2025 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 4/24/2025 Age: From 1 To 1 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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 a first temporary time period visit. The previous visit was completed March 10, 2025, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was 100%, as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). This program currently operates with a temporary license effective, March 17, 2025 to September 17, 2025. The information on record with DCDEE was verified as correct by Tretta Newton. Current Inspection is as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior with two (2) demerits completed February 25, 2025. T. Newton, Operator/Teacher, was present and assisted me during the visit. Two children, aged one and seven-years-old, are enrolled. I conducted a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor areas. I observed a tube of Eucerin Calming Cream with a warning, “Keep out of Reach of Children,” sitting on the countertop in the bathroom accessible to children. Additionally, a prescription bottle of Ibuprofen was sitting on the counter next to the sink in the kitchen. When prompted, T. Newton placed the tube of Eucerin Cream and Ibuprofen inside the locked closet in the hallway. A child, one-year-old, played with musical toys and dolls, colored with crayons on white paper, and manipulated large Lego blocks and stacking cups. Additionally, T. Newton and the child transitioned outdoors for free play activities. The child played with push and pull toys, teetered on the teeter totter, and walked around and explored in the natural environment. Upon their return indoors, they washed their hands and participated in personal care routines. A diapering routine was observed. T. Newton engaged the child in conversation and named the body parts while participating in the routine. Afterwards, T. Newton warmed the food and served lunch, while the child talked on the pretend telephone, danced to music, and pushed a train on the rug. Lunch served was grilled chicken breast, mashed potatoes, sliced strawberries, and milk. T. Newton’s personnel file, children’s files, and required program records were monitored. The most current fire drill was conducted on April 8, 2025, at 11:02 a.m. The most current Outdoor Inspection was completed on April 8, 2025, at 11:20 a.m. At the completion of the visit, this Visit Summary was reviewed with T. Newton. The following violations were observed and corrected during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 All medicines, including refrigerated and unrefrigerated, were not kept in locked storage. A prescription bottle of Ibuprofen was not kept in locked storage. While monitoring the indoor space, I observed a prescription bottle with Ibuprofen sitting on the counter in the kitchen next to the sink. This was corrected when the operator placed the medication inside a locked closet in the hallway. .1719(a)(5) 2048 Products that are labeled “keep out of reach of children” with an additional warning(s) on the label, were not kept in locked storage while children were in care. A tube of Eucerin Calming Cream labeled, "Keep out of Reach of Children" with no additional warning was sitting on the countertop in the bathroom accessible to children in care. This was corrected when the operator removed the Eucerin cream from the bathroom and placed it inside the locked closet in the hallway. 10A NCAC 09 .1719(a)(7) No compliance letter is due at this time. As a reminder, child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. The violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. Technical Assistance Specific to Today’s Visit: Storage of Hazardous Items: Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. Items that require locked storage and storage five feet above the finished floor were improperly stored and corrected during today’s visit. All areas used for children must be checked daily prior to use to ensure the space is safe for the children. Locked storage rooms and cabinets include those which are unlocked with a combination, electronic or magnetic device, key, or equivalent locking device. These unlocking devices must be kept out of the reach of a child and must not be stored in the lock. As a reminder, aerosol spray cans may be potentially hazardous if not stored properly. Some of the main dangers surrounding aerosols are linked to the fact that they are in a pressurized container. While the pressure serves its purpose well and substances can be released easily when required, if adverse circumstances occur, aerosol cans can potentially burst, burn, or explode. Therefore, aerosol spray cans must be stored in locked storage at all times. Per Sanitation Requirement 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d), “Medications including prescription and non-prescription items shall be stored in a separate locked cabinet or other locked container and shall not be stored above food. Designated emergency medications shall be stored out of reach of children but are not required to be in locked storage. Non-prescription diaper creams and sunscreens shall be kept out of reach of children when not in use but are not required to be in locked storage. At the conclusion of the visit, I shared the resource from the DCDEE website, “Hazardous Items Storage for Child Care.” Rated License Assessment: The FCCH must transition to a 3-5 Star Rated License to continue to be eligible to receive subsidized care after six (6) months. During today’s visit, I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and the program standards were reviewed. T. Newton stated that she plans to ask Kathleen Hoffler, Region 5 Family Child Care Consultant, to provide technical assistance and consultation for achieving compliance with the three-month self-study/assessment. T. Newton explained that she was awarded a $500 grant from the FCC Project to purchase materials and equipment for the program. The NCRLAP website (www.ncrlap.org) has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can find information that will assist you with quality environments, self-study process and the FCCERS-3. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. The Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License was reviewed and emailed to T. Newton. We discussed completing a three (3) month self-study/assessment using the FCCERS-R or FCCERS-3. For additional guidance, refer to the following documents emailed to you: 1. Understanding Self-Study 2. 5 Key Points for NC FCCH Self Study Process 3. Getting Started with Self Study 4. Planning Form 5. Progress Tracking Form If interested in applying for a voluntary 2-5 Star Rated License, email the rated license application packet to the email address listed below by June 1, 2025. A packet of forms, brochures, and technical assistance handouts were reviewed and provided to T. Newton. The forms identified staff education requirements, program requirements, and options to achieve a Quality Point. Refer to child care requirement 09.2829 to determine which option the facility is meeting for the one quality point. Training: T. Newton shall complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training by March 17, 2025. T. Newton will have four (4) months from the date of completion to go online at https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/portal.aspx and complete the EPR Plan. Fire drills shall be completed monthly and lockdown or shelter in place drills shall be completed at least every three months. CBC Provider Portal: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. 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. The DCDEE has a new initiative – Natural Outdoor Learning Initiative - Through this initiative, we hope to increase knowledge and confidence for everyone in developing and implementing best practices to support the creation, programming, and safe use of naturalized outdoor spaces in child care facilities. You can learn more by visiting the NLI website, where you will also find many resources, including an updated Toolkit designed to help you enhance your outdoor learning environment. The downloadable NLI Toolkit is available at: https://naturalearning.org/preschool-outdoor-toolkit AWARD$ Plus Program: The Infant Toddler Educator AWARD$ program has recently gone through some exciting programmatic updates. The original AWARD$ program was only available to teachers working full-time in Birth to Three classrooms that had an AA in ECE or higher degree and were employed by 4- and 5-star programs. The education requirement has been reduced as an incentive to support teachers seeking to increase their education in any star rated licensed program. Visit www.childcareservices.org/award for additional information. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules at all times. Periodically review the child care law and rules. Visit the DCDEE website and click on the “What’s New” tab to stay abreast of all updates. Please feel free to contact me at 910-709-4168 or Rhonda.blackmon@dhhs.nc.gov if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. 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