Supervision
Name of Operation: NESSA'S YOUNG'UNS NATURAL PLAY CENTER Facility ID: 45000372 Consultant: KARLA TERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/17/2026 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 3/17/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 10:55 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM 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 during an routine unannounced visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Karla Terry, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Dixie Metcalf, Administrator, during the visit. A signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site with you. Dixie Metcalf, Administrator, accompanied me today during the walk through and was available to assist with questions. The program’s annual compliance visit was conducted on 8/11/2025. The following items were monitored today: Supervision Staff / Child Ratio CPR / First Aid Special Training CBC Qualification ITS – SIDS Emergency Medical Care Plan Administration of Medication Storage of Hazardous Products Storage of Medication General Safety Discipline Adequate / Approved Space Program Records License Posted Permit Restrictions The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was eighty-three percent (83%) as of 3/9/2026. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed prior to today’s visit and the Business Corporation, Nessa's Young'uns Natural Playcenter, Inc., is current/active as of 3/9/2026. Permit type – Four (4) Star Rated License, issued 7/17/2019. Special Services/Restrictions – first shift, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratio. The last fire drill was practiced on 2/25/2026. The last lockdown drill was practiced on 12/30/2025. The last playground inspection was documented on 2/20/2026. The last fire inspection was approved on 8/5/2025. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 1/16/2026 with six (6) demerits for a superior classification. Lead water testing was completed on 7/25/2023. The next lead water testing is due by 7/25/2026. Lead paint and asbestos testing, the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ team determined that NESSA'S YOUNG'UNS NATURAL PLAY CENTER was exempt from the lead-based paint and asbestos assessment requirements. The facility provided the appropriate documentation to support this decision. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum for four-year-old children is Explorations with Young Children: A Curriculum Guide from the Bank Street College of Education. The program does not provide transportation. Space 1A, the group of infants and one-year-olds were finishing lunch, exploring the classroom, and napping. During nap time, the staff used low calming white noise to assist those who were sleeping, and a lamp to assist with lighting. Space 1B, the group of two to three-year-old children were divided among the other classrooms due to classroom closure. Space 2, the group of one- and two-year-old children were engaged in free play with baby dolls, push toys, and routine diaper change. At 11:20a a parent picked up a child early due to not feeling well. After free play, the group transitioned to group time for songs and routine diaper change. When group time concluded, the group washed hands and prepared for lunch. While monitoring the classroom, I observed one (1) feeding plan that was not signed and dated by the parent or staff. We discussed that when the child is enrolled and the feeding plan is received, the facility is to review the feeding plan with the parent, sign, and date. During nap time, the staff used calming low music and natural lighting to assist with resting. Space 3, the group of two-year-old children were engaged in music and movement going on a Leprechaun Hunt. While monitoring the classroom, I observed the daily attendance was not completed for today. The staff member corrected this during the visit. During nap time, I observed one (1) child asleep on their cot with their blanket covering their head. We discussed once the child is still and resting to ensure the blanket is removed from over their head to be able to assess any changes in their skin color, breathing, and well-being. Space 4 the group of three- to five-year-old children were engaged in cleaning up and transitioning to group time. During group time, the group talked about St. Patrick’s Day and why we wear green. While monitoring nap, I observed the staff using low lighting, calming music, and staff sitting with the children to assist with resting. QRIS Rated License Status: During a technical assistance visit on 2/6/2026 at Nessa’s Young’uns Natural Play Center 2 (45000409), both Nessa’s Young’uns Natural Play Center’s plan to pursue Pathway #1 Program Assessment. Today, we discussed the facility status towards applying for rated license. The administrator stated that they have begun the three (3) month self-study, and scheduled an Outreach assessment (window opens 3/30/2026). Staff have begun to access their DCDEE WORKS account to review the information shown on education. If a more current transcript needs to be submitted, staff will need to complete the process for requesting and submitting a current transcript now to ensure the most current education is showing. The facility is currently working on the Family and Community Engagement Standards and Continuous Quality Improvement plan. The approved curriculum currently used is Explorations with Young Children: A Curriculum Guide from the Bank Street College of Education. The facility plans to apply for rated license by 8/30/2026. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 541 The written feeding plan did not include the child's name, parent signature, and/or was not dated when received by the center. Space 2, one (1) feeding plan that was not signed and dated by the parent or staff. .0902(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Space 3, one (1) child asleep on their cot with their blanket covering their head 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. Space 3, the daily attendance was not completed for today (3/17/2026). GS 110-91(9) Technical assistance was provided as follows: Item 541- Space 2, one (1) feeding plan that was not signed and dated by the parent or staff. We discussed that when the child is enrolled and the feeding plan is received, the facility is to review the feeding plan with the parent, sign, and date. Rule Reference: 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) Item 807- Space 3, one (1) child asleep on their cot with their blanket covering their head. We discussed once the child is still and resting to ensure the blanket is removed from over their head to be able to assess any changes in their skin color, breathing, and well-being. The administrator removed the blanket from the child’s face and head during the visit. Rule Reference: 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Item 1301- Space 3, the daily attendance was not completed for today (3/17/2026). The teacher corrected this during the visit. We discussed with staff to complete the attendance as children arrive. Rule Reference: 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(3) Achieving Compliance: 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. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 3/31/2026. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or in the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: karla.terry@ dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Karla Terry PO Box 552 Ellenboro, NC 28040 Please call me at 828-200-9952, or email [email protected], if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: - ABCMS- Continue to update your staff roster to ensure it is current. New and terminated staff notification requirement: 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. 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 in 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) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2830 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in the operator not complying with the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within 120 days. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within 120 days, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at karla.terry@ dhhs.nc.gov or 828-200-9952, or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at [email protected]. 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