G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Scates In-Home DayCare Center Facility ID: 26002626 Consultant: RHONDA BLACKMON Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 9/8/2025 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 9/8/2025 Age: From 1 To 1 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 12:50 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 first temporary time period visit. The previous visit was completed July 24, 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, August 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026. The information on record with DCDEE was verified as correct by Arlene Scates. Current Inspection is as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior with zero (0) demerits completed July 25, 2025. Arlene Scates, Operator/Teacher, was present and assisted me during the visit. One child, aged seventeen months old, was present. I conducted a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor areas. The child played with toy dinosaurs and cars, sorted shapes, and looked at books in the primary care space. A diapering routine was observed. Lunch served was spam, wheat bread, peas and corn, pineapple tidbits, and milk. Personal care routines were observed before and after lunch. During today’s visit, A. Scates provided opportunities for the child to expand his language communication skills. A. Scates engaged the child in frequent verbal exchanges by interacting and listening to the child and responding and naming objects and feelings. A. Scates’s personnel file, child’s file, and required program records were monitored. There was no fire drills documented on the emergency drill log. Additionally, A. Scates stated she has not completed an outdoor inspection since the facility was licensed on August 1, 2025. During today’s visit, A. Scates and I conducted a walk-through of the outdoor area. When prompted, A. Scates completed the Outdoor Inspection and documented it on the form supplied by the DCDEE. At the completion of the visit, this Visit Summary was reviewed with A. Scates. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 714 Monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed using a form supplied by the Division. A monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed since the facility was licensed on August 1, 2025. This was corrected when the operator completed a check for hazards on the outdoor play area at 11:25 a.m. and documented the check on the form supplied by the DCDEE. 10A NCAC .1721(e)(5)(A-F) 910 Copy of each child's health assessment, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file within 30 days of enrollment. A child, identified on the FCCH enrollment worksheet, did not have a health assessment on file within 30 days of enrollment. The child's date of enrollment was August 1, 2025. GS 110-91(1); 10A NCAC 09.1721(a)(1) 911 Copy of each child's immunization record, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file. A child, identified on the FCCH enrollment worksheet, did not have an immunization record on file. The child's date of enrollment was August 1, 2025. GS 110-91(1); .1721(a)(2) 1853 The operator did not conduct a monthly fire drill. A monthly fire drill was not conducted by the operator. The facility was licensed on August 1, 2025. .1719(a)(15) & .1721( e)(2) 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. The violations observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00 p.m. on September 22, 2025, you must submit a written, dated, and signed statement to me. The statement must describe accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If the letter states that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Rhonda Blackmon Lead Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 279 Linden, NC 28356 Rhonda.blackmon@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, you must include a signature block, which contains your name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your facility. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a star rated license. Failure to maintain an acceptable compliance history may result in the issuance of administrative action up to and including denial of a full license at the end of the temporary time period. Technical Assistance Specific to Today’s Visit: Children’s Files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children's files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed the importance of reviewing all children’s files to ensure accuracy with completion of all required areas of the child's application. The operator should not sign off on the document until all areas of the form have been addressed. Additionally, children are required to be compliant with regulations regarding health assessments and immunizations within 30 calendar days of the first day of attendance. A health assessment can be accepted if completed within the last 12 months prior to enrollment. During today’s visit, there was no health assessment or immunization record on file for the child, identified on the enrollment record. Review all submitted documentation prior to enrolling a child to ensure that forms are on file within the required timeframe. Having accurate medical records on file to include a health assessment, immunizations, medical action plan, any prescribed medicines, and proper authorization to administer the medicines is crucial in ensuring a child’s safety and well-being while in care. Fire Drills: Fire drills are required to be conducted at least monthly to ensure that all staff and children are aware of what actions to take in the event of a life-threatening emergency. It is important that you use the smoke detector/alarm system that is installed in your facility as the source of notification. It is most beneficial for staff and children to become familiar with the sound of the alarm that will go off should a real fire occur. During today’s visit, A. Scates stated a fire drill has not been conducted since the facility was licensed. A. Scates and I discussed how to conduct a fire drill to include required emergency information, designated safe area to gather for the drill, and documenting the drill on the emergency drill log provided by the DCDEE. As a reminder, ensure that the alarm is offline when conducting the drill, so the fire department is not dispatched by the alarm monitoring company. Outdoor Area: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. This includes monitoring and removing broken limbs, debris, and vegetation that could be potentially hazardous to children. During today’s visit, A. Scates stated a monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed since the facility was licensed. This was corrected when A. Scates accompanied me during the walk-through of the outdoor area and documented the check for hazards on the form supplied by the DCDEE. Rated License Assessment – Starting your Pathways to the Stars: I look forward to working with you to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. During today’s visit, I reviewed the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses. Additionally, I reviewed the pathway options, identified facility needs, and answered questions to assist A. Scates with establishing a plan to achieve compliance for a rated license by month five of the Temporary Time period. As a reminder, the FCCH must transition to a 3-5 Star Rated License to continue to be eligible to receive subsidized care after six (6) months. Rather than a star level being determined by points earned, star level is now determined by meeting the requirements at each star level within the pathway chosen. A. Scates stated she plans to achieve compliance with Pathway 2 and that Kathleen Hoffler, Region 5 Family Child Care Consultant, is working with her to complete the three-month self-study and provide assistance with the Family and Community Engagement Standards, CQI, and Professional Development Plan. During the temporary time-period, as part of the process, I will need to verify evaluation of your education. To prepare, be sure your education has been evaluated and is available for review. A child care facility is eligible for a rated license of two through five-stars upon application and assessment of compliance with the requirements. 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. We discussed completing a three (3) month self-study/assessment using the FCCERS-3. For additional guidance, refer to the following documents emailed to you: • Understanding the Self-Study Process • Key Steps for the Self-Study Process • Getting Started with a Self-Study • Goal Setting Form • Planning and Reflection Forms 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 November 1, 2025. Training: A. Scates shall complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training by August 1, 2026. A. Scates 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 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.

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Scates In-Home DayCare Center Facility ID: 26002626 Consultant: RHONDA BLACKMON Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 9/8/2025 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 9/8/2025 Age: From 1 To 1 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 12:50 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 first temporary time period visit. The previous visit was completed July 24, 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, August 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026. The information on record with DCDEE was verified as correct by Arlene Scates. Current Inspection is as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior with zero (0) demerits completed July 25, 2025. Arlene Scates, Operator/Teacher, was present and assisted me during the visit. One child, aged seventeen months old, was present. I conducted a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor areas. The child played with toy dinosaurs and cars, sorted shapes, and looked at books in the primary care space. A diapering routine was observed. Lunch served was spam, wheat bread, peas and corn, pineapple tidbits, and milk. Personal care routines were observed before and after lunch. During today’s visit, A. Scates provided opportunities for the child to expand his language communication skills. A. Scates engaged the child in frequent verbal exchanges by interacting and listening to the child and responding and naming objects and feelings. A. Scates’s personnel file, child’s file, and required program records were monitored. There was no fire drills documented on the emergency drill log. Additionally, A. Scates stated she has not completed an outdoor inspection since the facility was licensed on August 1, 2025. During today’s visit, A. Scates and I conducted a walk-through of the outdoor area. When prompted, A. Scates completed the Outdoor Inspection and documented it on the form supplied by the DCDEE. At the completion of the visit, this Visit Summary was reviewed with A. Scates. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 714 Monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed using a form supplied by the Division. A monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed since the facility was licensed on August 1, 2025. This was corrected when the operator completed a check for hazards on the outdoor play area at 11:25 a.m. and documented the check on the form supplied by the DCDEE. 10A NCAC .1721(e)(5)(A-F) 910 Copy of each child's health assessment, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file within 30 days of enrollment. A child, identified on the FCCH enrollment worksheet, did not have a health assessment on file within 30 days of enrollment. The child's date of enrollment was August 1, 2025. GS 110-91(1); 10A NCAC 09.1721(a)(1) 911 Copy of each child's immunization record, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file. A child, identified on the FCCH enrollment worksheet, did not have an immunization record on file. The child's date of enrollment was August 1, 2025. GS 110-91(1); .1721(a)(2) 1853 The operator did not conduct a monthly fire drill. A monthly fire drill was not conducted by the operator. The facility was licensed on August 1, 2025. .1719(a)(15) & .1721( e)(2) 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. The violations observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00 p.m. on September 22, 2025, you must submit a written, dated, and signed statement to me. The statement must describe accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If the letter states that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Rhonda Blackmon Lead Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 279 Linden, NC 28356 Rhonda.blackmon@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, you must include a signature block, which contains your name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your facility. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a star rated license. Failure to maintain an acceptable compliance history may result in the issuance of administrative action up to and including denial of a full license at the end of the temporary time period. Technical Assistance Specific to Today’s Visit: Children’s Files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children's files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed the importance of reviewing all children’s files to ensure accuracy with completion of all required areas of the child's application. The operator should not sign off on the document until all areas of the form have been addressed. Additionally, children are required to be compliant with regulations regarding health assessments and immunizations within 30 calendar days of the first day of attendance. A health assessment can be accepted if completed within the last 12 months prior to enrollment. During today’s visit, there was no health assessment or immunization record on file for the child, identified on the enrollment record. Review all submitted documentation prior to enrolling a child to ensure that forms are on file within the required timeframe. Having accurate medical records on file to include a health assessment, immunizations, medical action plan, any prescribed medicines, and proper authorization to administer the medicines is crucial in ensuring a child’s safety and well-being while in care. Fire Drills: Fire drills are required to be conducted at least monthly to ensure that all staff and children are aware of what actions to take in the event of a life-threatening emergency. It is important that you use the smoke detector/alarm system that is installed in your facility as the source of notification. It is most beneficial for staff and children to become familiar with the sound of the alarm that will go off should a real fire occur. During today’s visit, A. Scates stated a fire drill has not been conducted since the facility was licensed. A. Scates and I discussed how to conduct a fire drill to include required emergency information, designated safe area to gather for the drill, and documenting the drill on the emergency drill log provided by the DCDEE. As a reminder, ensure that the alarm is offline when conducting the drill, so the fire department is not dispatched by the alarm monitoring company. Outdoor Area: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. This includes monitoring and removing broken limbs, debris, and vegetation that could be potentially hazardous to children. During today’s visit, A. Scates stated a monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed since the facility was licensed. This was corrected when A. Scates accompanied me during the walk-through of the outdoor area and documented the check for hazards on the form supplied by the DCDEE. Rated License Assessment – Starting your Pathways to the Stars: I look forward to working with you to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. During today’s visit, I reviewed the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses. Additionally, I reviewed the pathway options, identified facility needs, and answered questions to assist A. Scates with establishing a plan to achieve compliance for a rated license by month five of the Temporary Time period. As a reminder, the FCCH must transition to a 3-5 Star Rated License to continue to be eligible to receive subsidized care after six (6) months. Rather than a star level being determined by points earned, star level is now determined by meeting the requirements at each star level within the pathway chosen. A. Scates stated she plans to achieve compliance with Pathway 2 and that Kathleen Hoffler, Region 5 Family Child Care Consultant, is working with her to complete the three-month self-study and provide assistance with the Family and Community Engagement Standards, CQI, and Professional Development Plan. During the temporary time-period, as part of the process, I will need to verify evaluation of your education. To prepare, be sure your education has been evaluated and is available for review. A child care facility is eligible for a rated license of two through five-stars upon application and assessment of compliance with the requirements. 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. We discussed completing a three (3) month self-study/assessment using the FCCERS-3. For additional guidance, refer to the following documents emailed to you: • Understanding the Self-Study Process • Key Steps for the Self-Study Process • Getting Started with a Self-Study • Goal Setting Form • Planning and Reflection Forms 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 November 1, 2025. Training: A. Scates shall complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training by August 1, 2026. A. Scates 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 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.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Scates In-Home DayCare Center Facility ID: 26002626 Consultant: RHONDA BLACKMON Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 9/8/2025 Number Present: 1 Completed Date: 9/8/2025 Age: From 1 To 1 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 12:50 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 first temporary time period visit. The previous visit was completed July 24, 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, August 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026. The information on record with DCDEE was verified as correct by Arlene Scates. Current Inspection is as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior with zero (0) demerits completed July 25, 2025. Arlene Scates, Operator/Teacher, was present and assisted me during the visit. One child, aged seventeen months old, was present. I conducted a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor areas. The child played with toy dinosaurs and cars, sorted shapes, and looked at books in the primary care space. A diapering routine was observed. Lunch served was spam, wheat bread, peas and corn, pineapple tidbits, and milk. Personal care routines were observed before and after lunch. During today’s visit, A. Scates provided opportunities for the child to expand his language communication skills. A. Scates engaged the child in frequent verbal exchanges by interacting and listening to the child and responding and naming objects and feelings. A. Scates’s personnel file, child’s file, and required program records were monitored. There was no fire drills documented on the emergency drill log. Additionally, A. Scates stated she has not completed an outdoor inspection since the facility was licensed on August 1, 2025. During today’s visit, A. Scates and I conducted a walk-through of the outdoor area. When prompted, A. Scates completed the Outdoor Inspection and documented it on the form supplied by the DCDEE. At the completion of the visit, this Visit Summary was reviewed with A. Scates. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 714 Monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed using a form supplied by the Division. A monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed since the facility was licensed on August 1, 2025. This was corrected when the operator completed a check for hazards on the outdoor play area at 11:25 a.m. and documented the check on the form supplied by the DCDEE. 10A NCAC .1721(e)(5)(A-F) 910 Copy of each child's health assessment, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file within 30 days of enrollment. A child, identified on the FCCH enrollment worksheet, did not have a health assessment on file within 30 days of enrollment. The child's date of enrollment was August 1, 2025. GS 110-91(1); 10A NCAC 09.1721(a)(1) 911 Copy of each child's immunization record, including the operator's own preschool child(ren), was not on file. A child, identified on the FCCH enrollment worksheet, did not have an immunization record on file. The child's date of enrollment was August 1, 2025. GS 110-91(1); .1721(a)(2) 1853 The operator did not conduct a monthly fire drill. A monthly fire drill was not conducted by the operator. The facility was licensed on August 1, 2025. .1719(a)(15) & .1721( e)(2) 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. The violations observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00 p.m. on September 22, 2025, you must submit a written, dated, and signed statement to me. The statement must describe accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If the letter states that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Rhonda Blackmon Lead Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 279 Linden, NC 28356 Rhonda.blackmon@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, you must include a signature block, which contains your name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The compliance history is based on violations that are cited during visits to your facility. If you have an acceptable compliance history at the end of your temporary license you will be eligible to apply for a star rated license. Failure to maintain an acceptable compliance history may result in the issuance of administrative action up to and including denial of a full license at the end of the temporary time period. Technical Assistance Specific to Today’s Visit: Children’s Files: Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with administering a child care program. It is an important part of licensure. Review children's files often to ensure the program maintains accurate licensing records. Organization and completeness of records is important to ensure easy access to information in emergency situations. We discussed the importance of reviewing all children’s files to ensure accuracy with completion of all required areas of the child's application. The operator should not sign off on the document until all areas of the form have been addressed. Additionally, children are required to be compliant with regulations regarding health assessments and immunizations within 30 calendar days of the first day of attendance. A health assessment can be accepted if completed within the last 12 months prior to enrollment. During today’s visit, there was no health assessment or immunization record on file for the child, identified on the enrollment record. Review all submitted documentation prior to enrolling a child to ensure that forms are on file within the required timeframe. Having accurate medical records on file to include a health assessment, immunizations, medical action plan, any prescribed medicines, and proper authorization to administer the medicines is crucial in ensuring a child’s safety and well-being while in care. Fire Drills: Fire drills are required to be conducted at least monthly to ensure that all staff and children are aware of what actions to take in the event of a life-threatening emergency. It is important that you use the smoke detector/alarm system that is installed in your facility as the source of notification. It is most beneficial for staff and children to become familiar with the sound of the alarm that will go off should a real fire occur. During today’s visit, A. Scates stated a fire drill has not been conducted since the facility was licensed. A. Scates and I discussed how to conduct a fire drill to include required emergency information, designated safe area to gather for the drill, and documenting the drill on the emergency drill log provided by the DCDEE. As a reminder, ensure that the alarm is offline when conducting the drill, so the fire department is not dispatched by the alarm monitoring company. Outdoor Area: The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Since children are exploring and taking risks it is very important to provide a safe environment. Proper maintenance is a key factor when trying to ensure a safe play environment for children. This includes monitoring and removing broken limbs, debris, and vegetation that could be potentially hazardous to children. During today’s visit, A. Scates stated a monthly check for hazards on the outdoor play area was not completed since the facility was licensed. This was corrected when A. Scates accompanied me during the walk-through of the outdoor area and documented the check for hazards on the form supplied by the DCDEE. Rated License Assessment – Starting your Pathways to the Stars: I look forward to working with you to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. During today’s visit, I reviewed the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses. Additionally, I reviewed the pathway options, identified facility needs, and answered questions to assist A. Scates with establishing a plan to achieve compliance for a rated license by month five of the Temporary Time period. As a reminder, the FCCH must transition to a 3-5 Star Rated License to continue to be eligible to receive subsidized care after six (6) months. Rather than a star level being determined by points earned, star level is now determined by meeting the requirements at each star level within the pathway chosen. A. Scates stated she plans to achieve compliance with Pathway 2 and that Kathleen Hoffler, Region 5 Family Child Care Consultant, is working with her to complete the three-month self-study and provide assistance with the Family and Community Engagement Standards, CQI, and Professional Development Plan. During the temporary time-period, as part of the process, I will need to verify evaluation of your education. To prepare, be sure your education has been evaluated and is available for review. A child care facility is eligible for a rated license of two through five-stars upon application and assessment of compliance with the requirements. 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. We discussed completing a three (3) month self-study/assessment using the FCCERS-3. For additional guidance, refer to the following documents emailed to you: • Understanding the Self-Study Process • Key Steps for the Self-Study Process • Getting Started with a Self-Study • Goal Setting Form • Planning and Reflection Forms 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 November 1, 2025. Training: A. Scates shall complete the Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training by August 1, 2026. A. Scates 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 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

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