10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPPING STONES LEARNING ACADEMY #3, LLC Facility ID: 26002538 Consultant: SANDRA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/15/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 5/15/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 400 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: 12:45 PM Time Out: 04:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit, including Health and Safety Training. The last annual compliance visit was completed May 22, 2023, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was at 92% which is above the 75%, that is required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). This program currently operates with a three - Star License issued December 2, 2022, the License was based on the program earning four points in education standards, two points in program standards, and one quality point by choosing to meet a programmatic option: Meeting Staff Benefits Package and Infrastructure of Parent Involvement. The information on record with DCDEE was verified as correct by Brittany Mack, Administrator, and the owner’s corporation status was verified on the Secretary of State’s website as current-active. Marybeth Datka, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me during today’s visit. Current Inspections are as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior with two demerits completed November 27, 2023. Fire Classification of Approved for daytime and night care completed October 16, 2023. Ms. Mack was present and assisted us while observing the indoor and outdoor area. During the monitoring of the facility there were 26 children present. While monitoring each space #2, #4, and #5, the children were observed participating in free choice play. Children were seen playing with blocks, dress-up clothes, cooking items, puzzles, animals and stacking toys. Lunch served today was ham and cheese, green beans, bananas, sliced bread, and milk. At the completion of the visit, the Visit Summary was reviewed with Ms. Mack. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 430 The activity plan did not identify activities which allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, part of group, or independent of the group. In space #4, the activity plan did not identify activities for each child enrolled in the classroom. .0508(g)(1) 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. In Spaces #1 and 4, where children under 3 years of age received care, there was not a sufficient variety of materials. In Space #1, musical and sensory materials were not available and accessible. In space #4, pretend play, sensory, and fine motor materials were not available and accessible. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. In space #1, the dramatic play area did not a sufficient quantity of materials for three children to play with. In space #2, the art/creativity did not have any type of paper for drawing or creative art. However, there were markers, crayons, paint, scissors, glue, playdough. .0510(d)(1) 530 Each infant was not held for bottle feeding until he/she can hold his own bottle. In space #4, a infant was sitting in a bouncer feeing them self a bottle of milk. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. In space #4, there were several mouth toys that were being played with and the children put them in their mouth and was not taken to be cleaned and sanitized before another child played with it. .2822(a)(1-4) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In space #4, there was a tub of A&D ointment that did not have a name as to whom it was for. The ointment was removed form the space 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 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. Violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00pm on May 29, 2024, 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: Sandra Johnson Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64401 Fayetteville, NC 28304 sandra.johnson@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 Technical Assistants/ Consultation: During my observation of the outdoor environment there was a fence area with playgroud#2, that measured 3ft and 40 inches. However, there is a fenced area that covers the perimeter of the playground that is more than five feet high. *Activity Areas for children ages 3 and older – Because your program operates with 2 or more points in the Program Standards component of the Star Rated License, all five activity areas must be available and accessible daily for use by children. These areas are: books/language, manipulatives/fine motor; dramatic play/family living, blocks/building, art/creative expression. Each area must have at least 3 different activities available and enough materials for 3 children to use. Supplemental areas, such as math or writing, may also be added as separate areas or included in one of the five primary areas. Activities must be planned and offered at least weekly in science/nature, music/rhythm, and sand/water. Materials must be available and/or added to support the planned activities or the activity area(s). *Activities and materials for children under 3 years of age – Activity areas are not required in spaces serving children under 3 years of age however, you must have materials to support learning by having books, blocks, dolls, pretend play, musical, sensory, and fine motor. The groups of materials should be easily identified and include duplicates of the most popular toys. You may consider adding storage bins or laundry baskets and labeling them with the applicable material type and place materials in them at the end of the day for easy identification and access by children. This practice will also allow staff to recognize when additional materials are needed. Remember to choose toys and materials that are age and developmentally appropriate for the children in care. Toys requiring batteries are not always easily cleaned or sanitized. Additionally, they are not considered if the batteries are missing or no longer work because they are no longer operable as the manufacturer intended. Reminders: 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 Do you have children who bite? Do children struggle to focus during circle time? Do challenging behaviors cause difficult transitions? Do you spend all day managing behavior? Are you at your wits' end? Help is available for these and other behavioral challenges! The Challenging Behaviors Hotline has opened and is provided for Free. You may speak to a Behavior Support Advisor for advice and resources specific to challenging behaviors in your facility. Dial 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or for more information go to www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline. Please visit DCDEE’s website for the latest child care updates and information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Please feel free to contact me at sandra.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-408-8985 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: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0902 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPPING STONES LEARNING ACADEMY #3, LLC Facility ID: 26002538 Consultant: SANDRA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/15/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 5/15/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 400 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: 12:45 PM Time Out: 04:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit, including Health and Safety Training. The last annual compliance visit was completed May 22, 2023, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was at 92% which is above the 75%, that is required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). This program currently operates with a three - Star License issued December 2, 2022, the License was based on the program earning four points in education standards, two points in program standards, and one quality point by choosing to meet a programmatic option: Meeting Staff Benefits Package and Infrastructure of Parent Involvement. The information on record with DCDEE was verified as correct by Brittany Mack, Administrator, and the owner’s corporation status was verified on the Secretary of State’s website as current-active. Marybeth Datka, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me during today’s visit. Current Inspections are as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior with two demerits completed November 27, 2023. Fire Classification of Approved for daytime and night care completed October 16, 2023. Ms. Mack was present and assisted us while observing the indoor and outdoor area. During the monitoring of the facility there were 26 children present. While monitoring each space #2, #4, and #5, the children were observed participating in free choice play. Children were seen playing with blocks, dress-up clothes, cooking items, puzzles, animals and stacking toys. Lunch served today was ham and cheese, green beans, bananas, sliced bread, and milk. At the completion of the visit, the Visit Summary was reviewed with Ms. Mack. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 430 The activity plan did not identify activities which allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, part of group, or independent of the group. In space #4, the activity plan did not identify activities for each child enrolled in the classroom. .0508(g)(1) 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. In Spaces #1 and 4, where children under 3 years of age received care, there was not a sufficient variety of materials. In Space #1, musical and sensory materials were not available and accessible. In space #4, pretend play, sensory, and fine motor materials were not available and accessible. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. In space #1, the dramatic play area did not a sufficient quantity of materials for three children to play with. In space #2, the art/creativity did not have any type of paper for drawing or creative art. However, there were markers, crayons, paint, scissors, glue, playdough. .0510(d)(1) 530 Each infant was not held for bottle feeding until he/she can hold his own bottle. In space #4, a infant was sitting in a bouncer feeing them self a bottle of milk. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. In space #4, there were several mouth toys that were being played with and the children put them in their mouth and was not taken to be cleaned and sanitized before another child played with it. .2822(a)(1-4) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In space #4, there was a tub of A&D ointment that did not have a name as to whom it was for. The ointment was removed form the space 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 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. Violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00pm on May 29, 2024, 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: Sandra Johnson Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64401 Fayetteville, NC 28304 sandra.johnson@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 Technical Assistants/ Consultation: During my observation of the outdoor environment there was a fence area with playgroud#2, that measured 3ft and 40 inches. However, there is a fenced area that covers the perimeter of the playground that is more than five feet high. *Activity Areas for children ages 3 and older – Because your program operates with 2 or more points in the Program Standards component of the Star Rated License, all five activity areas must be available and accessible daily for use by children. These areas are: books/language, manipulatives/fine motor; dramatic play/family living, blocks/building, art/creative expression. Each area must have at least 3 different activities available and enough materials for 3 children to use. Supplemental areas, such as math or writing, may also be added as separate areas or included in one of the five primary areas. Activities must be planned and offered at least weekly in science/nature, music/rhythm, and sand/water. Materials must be available and/or added to support the planned activities or the activity area(s). *Activities and materials for children under 3 years of age – Activity areas are not required in spaces serving children under 3 years of age however, you must have materials to support learning by having books, blocks, dolls, pretend play, musical, sensory, and fine motor. The groups of materials should be easily identified and include duplicates of the most popular toys. You may consider adding storage bins or laundry baskets and labeling them with the applicable material type and place materials in them at the end of the day for easy identification and access by children. This practice will also allow staff to recognize when additional materials are needed. Remember to choose toys and materials that are age and developmentally appropriate for the children in care. Toys requiring batteries are not always easily cleaned or sanitized. Additionally, they are not considered if the batteries are missing or no longer work because they are no longer operable as the manufacturer intended. Reminders: 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 Do you have children who bite? Do children struggle to focus during circle time? Do challenging behaviors cause difficult transitions? Do you spend all day managing behavior? Are you at your wits' end? Help is available for these and other behavioral challenges! The Challenging Behaviors Hotline has opened and is provided for Free. You may speak to a Behavior Support Advisor for advice and resources specific to challenging behaviors in your facility. Dial 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or for more information go to www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline. Please visit DCDEE’s website for the latest child care updates and information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Please feel free to contact me at sandra.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-408-8985 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: STEPPING STONES LEARNING ACADEMY #3, LLC Facility ID: 26002538 Consultant: SANDRA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/15/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 5/15/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 400 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: 12:45 PM Time Out: 04:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit, including Health and Safety Training. The last annual compliance visit was completed May 22, 2023, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was at 92% which is above the 75%, that is required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). This program currently operates with a three - Star License issued December 2, 2022, the License was based on the program earning four points in education standards, two points in program standards, and one quality point by choosing to meet a programmatic option: Meeting Staff Benefits Package and Infrastructure of Parent Involvement. The information on record with DCDEE was verified as correct by Brittany Mack, Administrator, and the owner’s corporation status was verified on the Secretary of State’s website as current-active. Marybeth Datka, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me during today’s visit. Current Inspections are as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior with two demerits completed November 27, 2023. Fire Classification of Approved for daytime and night care completed October 16, 2023. Ms. Mack was present and assisted us while observing the indoor and outdoor area. During the monitoring of the facility there were 26 children present. While monitoring each space #2, #4, and #5, the children were observed participating in free choice play. Children were seen playing with blocks, dress-up clothes, cooking items, puzzles, animals and stacking toys. Lunch served today was ham and cheese, green beans, bananas, sliced bread, and milk. At the completion of the visit, the Visit Summary was reviewed with Ms. Mack. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 430 The activity plan did not identify activities which allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, part of group, or independent of the group. In space #4, the activity plan did not identify activities for each child enrolled in the classroom. .0508(g)(1) 445 For children under three years of age, developmentally appropriate toys and activities were not provided as outlined in Rule. In Spaces #1 and 4, where children under 3 years of age received care, there was not a sufficient variety of materials. In Space #1, musical and sensory materials were not available and accessible. In space #4, pretend play, sensory, and fine motor materials were not available and accessible. .0510 (e ) (1)(A-G) 468 When three year old children and older were in care, the materials and equipment in the activity area was not in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. In space #1, the dramatic play area did not a sufficient quantity of materials for three children to play with. In space #2, the art/creativity did not have any type of paper for drawing or creative art. However, there were markers, crayons, paint, scissors, glue, playdough. .0510(d)(1) 530 Each infant was not held for bottle feeding until he/she can hold his own bottle. In space #4, a infant was sitting in a bouncer feeing them self a bottle of milk. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(b) 616 Toys and other mouth-contact surfaces were not cleaned and sanitized daily when used or cleaned more frequently if visibly dirty. In space #4, there were several mouth toys that were being played with and the children put them in their mouth and was not taken to be cleaned and sanitized before another child played with it. .2822(a)(1-4) 846 Over-the-counter medicines were not in their original containers or administered as authorized in writing by parent, physician or authorized health professional. In space #4, there was a tub of A&D ointment that did not have a name as to whom it was for. The ointment was removed form the space 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4) 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. Violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00pm on May 29, 2024, 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: Sandra Johnson Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64401 Fayetteville, NC 28304 sandra.johnson@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 Technical Assistants/ Consultation: During my observation of the outdoor environment there was a fence area with playgroud#2, that measured 3ft and 40 inches. However, there is a fenced area that covers the perimeter of the playground that is more than five feet high. *Activity Areas for children ages 3 and older – Because your program operates with 2 or more points in the Program Standards component of the Star Rated License, all five activity areas must be available and accessible daily for use by children. These areas are: books/language, manipulatives/fine motor; dramatic play/family living, blocks/building, art/creative expression. Each area must have at least 3 different activities available and enough materials for 3 children to use. Supplemental areas, such as math or writing, may also be added as separate areas or included in one of the five primary areas. Activities must be planned and offered at least weekly in science/nature, music/rhythm, and sand/water. Materials must be available and/or added to support the planned activities or the activity area(s). *Activities and materials for children under 3 years of age – Activity areas are not required in spaces serving children under 3 years of age however, you must have materials to support learning by having books, blocks, dolls, pretend play, musical, sensory, and fine motor. The groups of materials should be easily identified and include duplicates of the most popular toys. You may consider adding storage bins or laundry baskets and labeling them with the applicable material type and place materials in them at the end of the day for easy identification and access by children. This practice will also allow staff to recognize when additional materials are needed. Remember to choose toys and materials that are age and developmentally appropriate for the children in care. Toys requiring batteries are not always easily cleaned or sanitized. Additionally, they are not considered if the batteries are missing or no longer work because they are no longer operable as the manufacturer intended. Reminders: 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 Do you have children who bite? Do children struggle to focus during circle time? Do challenging behaviors cause difficult transitions? Do you spend all day managing behavior? Are you at your wits' end? Help is available for these and other behavioral challenges! The Challenging Behaviors Hotline has opened and is provided for Free. You may speak to a Behavior Support Advisor for advice and resources specific to challenging behaviors in your facility. Dial 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or for more information go to www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline. Please visit DCDEE’s website for the latest child care updates and information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Please feel free to contact me at sandra.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-408-8985 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPPING STONES LEARNING ACADEMY #3, LLC Facility ID: 26002538 Consultant: JENNIFER STRICKLAND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/14/2023 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 11/14/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to a Routine Unannounced visit. The previous Annual Compliance Visit was completed May 22, 2023, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was 92%, which is at or above 75%, as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). This program currently operates with a Three (3)-Star License issued December 2, 2022. The License was based on the program earning four (4) points in education standards, two (2) points in program standards, and one (1) quality point by choosing to meet a programmatic option by having staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The information on record with DCDEE was verified as correct by Brittney Mack and the owner’s corporation status was verified on the Secretary of State’s website as current-active. Current Inspections are as follows: Sanitation Classification of superior completed November 10, 2022. Fire Inspection approved completed October 16, 2023. B. Mack, Administrator, was present and assisted me while I observed the indoor and outdoor areas. Upon my arrival, children in spaces 3 and 4 were combined. A teacher was changing a child’s diaper. Two children were playing with developmentally age-appropriate materials; one child was sitting in a bouncy seat with age-appropriate gadgets connected that the child played with, and another child was engaged in tummy time while the other teacher bottle-fed a child in her arms. Children in space # 2 were playing with Play-Doh. The teacher asked them what they were making, and they replied, pizza, cupcakes, etc. The teacher asked ask some questions, however the interaction was limited. In space #1, children were engaged in circle time. The teacher went over the numbers and colors. Children were observed preparing for outdoors (toileting, washing hands, putting on jackets, and lining up). Children were called to line up by name. Lunch served was beef cheese taco, soft taco shell, corn, pineapple, and milk The facility's program records were reviewed for compliance. At the completion of the visit, the Visit Summary was reviewed with B. Mack. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 899 The child care operator did not comply with all State laws, federal laws and/or local ordinances that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare, as required by General Statute 110-91.The most current sanitation inspection report for the facility was completed November 10, 2022. GS 110-91 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. Violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. The violations observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00pm on November 28, 2023, 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. 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 Mail or email the information to: Jennifer Strickland Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 641 Fayetteville, NC 28302 jennifer.a.strickland@dhhs.nc.gov Facility Specific TA/Consultation/Reminders: Observation Suggestion: I encouraged teachers to use Self-talk and Parallel talk. Self-talk will offer opportunities for children to be exposed to the language. For example, the teacher can talk out loud about what he/she is doing, seeing, hearing, or feeling. Parallel talk is important for the teacher to engage in conversations by talking about what the child is doing, seeing, hearing, or feeling. I so recommend that the teacher provides more open-ended questions allowing the children to respond to what they think needs to happen. An example would be. “How do we use our feet inside?” instead of saying “Stop running in here”. Allow children to think about what they are doing and respond with their own answer. This will allow the teacher to know if children understand what he/she is being asked. Sanitation Inspection: The violation for a current sanitation inspection was cited today. Sanitation inspections are required to be completed at least annually for all licensed child care programs. I suggested B. Mack contact Cumberland County Environmental Health Department, request an updated sanitation inspection, and document contact made with the agency. Please scan and email a copy of the sanitation inspection report to me by November 28, 2023, attached to the compliance letter. NCRLAP: I encourage teachers to visit the NCRLAP website at www.ncrlap.org for the video resources such as “Language for Learning: Infants and Toddlers” and “Language for Learning: Preschoolers. Also available are additional webinars, handouts, and other videos for all Environment Rating Scales. Challenging Behaviors: The Challenging Behaviors Hotline has opened. You may speak to a Behavior Support Advisor for advice and resources specific to challenging behaviors in your facility. Dial 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or for more information go to www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline. Hazardous Plants: It was observed that some classrooms contained living plants in which are used to expose children to nature and allow them the opportunity to take care of living objects. shared a copy of the pamphlet “The Guide to Accidental Plant Poisoning” with the administrator. The pamphlet contains information regarding common nonpoisonous plants that are safe for indoors and outdoors in child care programs. DCDEE Website/ Child Care Consultant Contact Information Visit the DCDEE website (https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov) for updated requirements, forms, and other pertinent information. Please feel free to contact me at jennifer.a.strickland@dhhs.nc.gov or 910- 882-2378 if you have any questions 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: STEPPING STONES LEARNING ACADEMY #3, LLC Facility ID: 26002538 Consultant: JENNIFER STRICKLAND Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/14/2023 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 11/14/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to a Routine Unannounced visit. The previous Annual Compliance Visit was completed May 22, 2023, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was 92%, which is at or above 75%, as required by North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(c-d). This program currently operates with a Three (3)-Star License issued December 2, 2022. The License was based on the program earning four (4) points in education standards, two (2) points in program standards, and one (1) quality point by choosing to meet a programmatic option by having staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The information on record with DCDEE was verified as correct by Brittney Mack and the owner’s corporation status was verified on the Secretary of State’s website as current-active. Current Inspections are as follows: Sanitation Classification of superior completed November 10, 2022. Fire Inspection approved completed October 16, 2023. B. Mack, Administrator, was present and assisted me while I observed the indoor and outdoor areas. Upon my arrival, children in spaces 3 and 4 were combined. A teacher was changing a child’s diaper. Two children were playing with developmentally age-appropriate materials; one child was sitting in a bouncy seat with age-appropriate gadgets connected that the child played with, and another child was engaged in tummy time while the other teacher bottle-fed a child in her arms. Children in space # 2 were playing with Play-Doh. The teacher asked them what they were making, and they replied, pizza, cupcakes, etc. The teacher asked ask some questions, however the interaction was limited. In space #1, children were engaged in circle time. The teacher went over the numbers and colors. Children were observed preparing for outdoors (toileting, washing hands, putting on jackets, and lining up). Children were called to line up by name. Lunch served was beef cheese taco, soft taco shell, corn, pineapple, and milk The facility's program records were reviewed for compliance. At the completion of the visit, the Visit Summary was reviewed with B. Mack. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 899 The child care operator did not comply with all State laws, federal laws and/or local ordinances that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare, as required by General Statute 110-91.The most current sanitation inspection report for the facility was completed November 10, 2022. GS 110-91 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. Violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. The violations observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00pm on November 28, 2023, 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. 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 Mail or email the information to: Jennifer Strickland Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 641 Fayetteville, NC 28302 jennifer.a.strickland@dhhs.nc.gov Facility Specific TA/Consultation/Reminders: Observation Suggestion: I encouraged teachers to use Self-talk and Parallel talk. Self-talk will offer opportunities for children to be exposed to the language. For example, the teacher can talk out loud about what he/she is doing, seeing, hearing, or feeling. Parallel talk is important for the teacher to engage in conversations by talking about what the child is doing, seeing, hearing, or feeling. I so recommend that the teacher provides more open-ended questions allowing the children to respond to what they think needs to happen. An example would be. “How do we use our feet inside?” instead of saying “Stop running in here”. Allow children to think about what they are doing and respond with their own answer. This will allow the teacher to know if children understand what he/she is being asked. Sanitation Inspection: The violation for a current sanitation inspection was cited today. Sanitation inspections are required to be completed at least annually for all licensed child care programs. I suggested B. Mack contact Cumberland County Environmental Health Department, request an updated sanitation inspection, and document contact made with the agency. Please scan and email a copy of the sanitation inspection report to me by November 28, 2023, attached to the compliance letter. NCRLAP: I encourage teachers to visit the NCRLAP website at www.ncrlap.org for the video resources such as “Language for Learning: Infants and Toddlers” and “Language for Learning: Preschoolers. Also available are additional webinars, handouts, and other videos for all Environment Rating Scales. Challenging Behaviors: The Challenging Behaviors Hotline has opened. You may speak to a Behavior Support Advisor for advice and resources specific to challenging behaviors in your facility. Dial 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or for more information go to www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline. Hazardous Plants: It was observed that some classrooms contained living plants in which are used to expose children to nature and allow them the opportunity to take care of living objects. shared a copy of the pamphlet “The Guide to Accidental Plant Poisoning” with the administrator. The pamphlet contains information regarding common nonpoisonous plants that are safe for indoors and outdoors in child care programs. DCDEE Website/ Child Care Consultant Contact Information Visit the DCDEE website (https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov) for updated requirements, forms, and other pertinent information. Please feel free to contact me at jennifer.a.strickland@dhhs.nc.gov or 910- 882-2378 if you have any questions 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