THE Learning Tree

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE LEARNING TREE Facility ID: 81000233 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/4/2024 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 3/4/2024 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 370 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival you, Tammy Simmons, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Erin Wilson, Child Care Health Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a three star license effective August 29, 2018. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, meets enhanced ratios, and children under 2 ½ years old in room with direct exits only. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 1, 2024, and your business Rutherford Life Services, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. We observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, and outdoor gross motor play. The center's compliance history was at 91% prior to today’s visit. 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. A sample of three children’s files were reviewed. No new staff members have been hired since the last monitoring visit. A sample of two existing staff files were reviewed. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on 2/22/24. The last shelter-in-place was practiced on 1/29/24. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 2/26/24. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on October 30, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on August 25, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The following violation(s) were observed and discussed with you today: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. On 2/23/24 there was one child not signed out of care. On 2/29/24, there was one child not signed out of care. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2 and space #3, there were 2 phone charger cords and art supplies that were suffocation and strangulation hazards accessible to children under the age of 3. .0604(q) 1231 Staff were not notified in writing of all changes to personnel policies. One child enrolled 2/1/24, did not have verification of a medical exam on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(e) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 18, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered 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 may be completed. 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. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Item #125 Arrival/Departure Records: Specific arrival and departure times are needed to ensure safe tracking of the children. I suggested that a designated staff person check sign in and out records at least twice daily for accuracy. You must document accurate time by including am and pm. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) Item #858 Suffocation/choking hazards: Have staff complete daily safety checks before children arrive and remove any safety hazards such as plastic bags, plastic packaging, sponges, foam rubber, small toy parts and other possible choking hazards. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q) All suffocation hazards were removed from both space #2, space #3. This is violation was corrected at visit. Item #1321 Child’s Medical Exam: Each child must have a completed medical exam and immunization record on file for review within thirty (30) days of enrollment. I recommended requiring medical exams and immunization records for children to be completed and turned in to you prior to enrollment. GS 110-91(1). We discussed that this child enrolled during the administrator’s absence. The child’s medical exam will need to be returned and on file within the next 2 weeks. You plan to talk with the parent later today to make arrangements for getting the required form into the facility. Consultation or other topics discussed today: I encouraged staff that are completing the playground inspections to report any exposed metal from paint that has worn away. The exposed metal may be too hot to touch in warmer weather. Consider repainting any of the exposed metal to avoid injury from occurring. We discussed that for gross motor spaces, a walkthrough of the space should be made prior to each age group visiting this space to determine that the environment is appropriate for each age group served. Per 10A NCAC 09.0304, 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. If the fire inspection report is not submitted to your Child Care Consultant within one week after the fire inspection is conducted, a violation will be cited during the facilities next monitoring visit. Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information: You have established your window for evaluation with the NCRLAP for April 15, 2024-May 10, 2024. As a reminder your facility is in cohort 1 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-StarRated-License Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was given to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov 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

10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE LEARNING TREE Facility ID: 81000233 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/4/2024 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 3/4/2024 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 370 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival you, Tammy Simmons, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Erin Wilson, Child Care Health Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a three star license effective August 29, 2018. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, meets enhanced ratios, and children under 2 ½ years old in room with direct exits only. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 1, 2024, and your business Rutherford Life Services, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. We observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, and outdoor gross motor play. The center's compliance history was at 91% prior to today’s visit. 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. A sample of three children’s files were reviewed. No new staff members have been hired since the last monitoring visit. A sample of two existing staff files were reviewed. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on 2/22/24. The last shelter-in-place was practiced on 1/29/24. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 2/26/24. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on October 30, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on August 25, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The following violation(s) were observed and discussed with you today: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. On 2/23/24 there was one child not signed out of care. On 2/29/24, there was one child not signed out of care. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2 and space #3, there were 2 phone charger cords and art supplies that were suffocation and strangulation hazards accessible to children under the age of 3. .0604(q) 1231 Staff were not notified in writing of all changes to personnel policies. One child enrolled 2/1/24, did not have verification of a medical exam on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(e) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 18, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered 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 may be completed. 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. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Item #125 Arrival/Departure Records: Specific arrival and departure times are needed to ensure safe tracking of the children. I suggested that a designated staff person check sign in and out records at least twice daily for accuracy. You must document accurate time by including am and pm. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) Item #858 Suffocation/choking hazards: Have staff complete daily safety checks before children arrive and remove any safety hazards such as plastic bags, plastic packaging, sponges, foam rubber, small toy parts and other possible choking hazards. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q) All suffocation hazards were removed from both space #2, space #3. This is violation was corrected at visit. Item #1321 Child’s Medical Exam: Each child must have a completed medical exam and immunization record on file for review within thirty (30) days of enrollment. I recommended requiring medical exams and immunization records for children to be completed and turned in to you prior to enrollment. GS 110-91(1). We discussed that this child enrolled during the administrator’s absence. The child’s medical exam will need to be returned and on file within the next 2 weeks. You plan to talk with the parent later today to make arrangements for getting the required form into the facility. Consultation or other topics discussed today: I encouraged staff that are completing the playground inspections to report any exposed metal from paint that has worn away. The exposed metal may be too hot to touch in warmer weather. Consider repainting any of the exposed metal to avoid injury from occurring. We discussed that for gross motor spaces, a walkthrough of the space should be made prior to each age group visiting this space to determine that the environment is appropriate for each age group served. Per 10A NCAC 09.0304, 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. If the fire inspection report is not submitted to your Child Care Consultant within one week after the fire inspection is conducted, a violation will be cited during the facilities next monitoring visit. Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information: You have established your window for evaluation with the NCRLAP for April 15, 2024-May 10, 2024. As a reminder your facility is in cohort 1 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-StarRated-License Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was given to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov 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

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE LEARNING TREE Facility ID: 81000233 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/4/2024 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 3/4/2024 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 370 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival you, Tammy Simmons, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Erin Wilson, Child Care Health Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a three star license effective August 29, 2018. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, meets enhanced ratios, and children under 2 ½ years old in room with direct exits only. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 1, 2024, and your business Rutherford Life Services, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. We observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, and outdoor gross motor play. The center's compliance history was at 91% prior to today’s visit. 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. A sample of three children’s files were reviewed. No new staff members have been hired since the last monitoring visit. A sample of two existing staff files were reviewed. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on 2/22/24. The last shelter-in-place was practiced on 1/29/24. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 2/26/24. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on October 30, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on August 25, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The following violation(s) were observed and discussed with you today: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. On 2/23/24 there was one child not signed out of care. On 2/29/24, there was one child not signed out of care. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2 and space #3, there were 2 phone charger cords and art supplies that were suffocation and strangulation hazards accessible to children under the age of 3. .0604(q) 1231 Staff were not notified in writing of all changes to personnel policies. One child enrolled 2/1/24, did not have verification of a medical exam on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(e) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 18, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered 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 may be completed. 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. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Item #125 Arrival/Departure Records: Specific arrival and departure times are needed to ensure safe tracking of the children. I suggested that a designated staff person check sign in and out records at least twice daily for accuracy. You must document accurate time by including am and pm. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) Item #858 Suffocation/choking hazards: Have staff complete daily safety checks before children arrive and remove any safety hazards such as plastic bags, plastic packaging, sponges, foam rubber, small toy parts and other possible choking hazards. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q) All suffocation hazards were removed from both space #2, space #3. This is violation was corrected at visit. Item #1321 Child’s Medical Exam: Each child must have a completed medical exam and immunization record on file for review within thirty (30) days of enrollment. I recommended requiring medical exams and immunization records for children to be completed and turned in to you prior to enrollment. GS 110-91(1). We discussed that this child enrolled during the administrator’s absence. The child’s medical exam will need to be returned and on file within the next 2 weeks. You plan to talk with the parent later today to make arrangements for getting the required form into the facility. Consultation or other topics discussed today: I encouraged staff that are completing the playground inspections to report any exposed metal from paint that has worn away. The exposed metal may be too hot to touch in warmer weather. Consider repainting any of the exposed metal to avoid injury from occurring. We discussed that for gross motor spaces, a walkthrough of the space should be made prior to each age group visiting this space to determine that the environment is appropriate for each age group served. Per 10A NCAC 09.0304, 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. If the fire inspection report is not submitted to your Child Care Consultant within one week after the fire inspection is conducted, a violation will be cited during the facilities next monitoring visit. Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information: You have established your window for evaluation with the NCRLAP for April 15, 2024-May 10, 2024. As a reminder your facility is in cohort 1 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-StarRated-License Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was given to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov 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

10A NCAC 09.0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE LEARNING TREE Facility ID: 81000233 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/4/2024 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 3/4/2024 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 370 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival you, Tammy Simmons, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Erin Wilson, Child Care Health Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a three star license effective August 29, 2018. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, meets enhanced ratios, and children under 2 ½ years old in room with direct exits only. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 1, 2024, and your business Rutherford Life Services, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. We observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, and outdoor gross motor play. The center's compliance history was at 91% prior to today’s visit. 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. A sample of three children’s files were reviewed. No new staff members have been hired since the last monitoring visit. A sample of two existing staff files were reviewed. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on 2/22/24. The last shelter-in-place was practiced on 1/29/24. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 2/26/24. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on October 30, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on August 25, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The following violation(s) were observed and discussed with you today: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. On 2/23/24 there was one child not signed out of care. On 2/29/24, there was one child not signed out of care. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2 and space #3, there were 2 phone charger cords and art supplies that were suffocation and strangulation hazards accessible to children under the age of 3. .0604(q) 1231 Staff were not notified in writing of all changes to personnel policies. One child enrolled 2/1/24, did not have verification of a medical exam on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(e) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 18, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered 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 may be completed. 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. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Item #125 Arrival/Departure Records: Specific arrival and departure times are needed to ensure safe tracking of the children. I suggested that a designated staff person check sign in and out records at least twice daily for accuracy. You must document accurate time by including am and pm. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) Item #858 Suffocation/choking hazards: Have staff complete daily safety checks before children arrive and remove any safety hazards such as plastic bags, plastic packaging, sponges, foam rubber, small toy parts and other possible choking hazards. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q) All suffocation hazards were removed from both space #2, space #3. This is violation was corrected at visit. Item #1321 Child’s Medical Exam: Each child must have a completed medical exam and immunization record on file for review within thirty (30) days of enrollment. I recommended requiring medical exams and immunization records for children to be completed and turned in to you prior to enrollment. GS 110-91(1). We discussed that this child enrolled during the administrator’s absence. The child’s medical exam will need to be returned and on file within the next 2 weeks. You plan to talk with the parent later today to make arrangements for getting the required form into the facility. Consultation or other topics discussed today: I encouraged staff that are completing the playground inspections to report any exposed metal from paint that has worn away. The exposed metal may be too hot to touch in warmer weather. Consider repainting any of the exposed metal to avoid injury from occurring. We discussed that for gross motor spaces, a walkthrough of the space should be made prior to each age group visiting this space to determine that the environment is appropriate for each age group served. Per 10A NCAC 09.0304, 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. If the fire inspection report is not submitted to your Child Care Consultant within one week after the fire inspection is conducted, a violation will be cited during the facilities next monitoring visit. Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information: You have established your window for evaluation with the NCRLAP for April 15, 2024-May 10, 2024. As a reminder your facility is in cohort 1 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-StarRated-License Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was given to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov 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: THE LEARNING TREE Facility ID: 81000233 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/4/2024 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 3/4/2024 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 370 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival you, Tammy Simmons, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Erin Wilson, Child Care Health Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a three star license effective August 29, 2018. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, meets enhanced ratios, and children under 2 ½ years old in room with direct exits only. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 1, 2024, and your business Rutherford Life Services, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. We observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, and outdoor gross motor play. The center's compliance history was at 91% prior to today’s visit. 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. A sample of three children’s files were reviewed. No new staff members have been hired since the last monitoring visit. A sample of two existing staff files were reviewed. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on 2/22/24. The last shelter-in-place was practiced on 1/29/24. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 2/26/24. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on October 30, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on August 25, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The following violation(s) were observed and discussed with you today: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. On 2/23/24 there was one child not signed out of care. On 2/29/24, there was one child not signed out of care. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2 and space #3, there were 2 phone charger cords and art supplies that were suffocation and strangulation hazards accessible to children under the age of 3. .0604(q) 1231 Staff were not notified in writing of all changes to personnel policies. One child enrolled 2/1/24, did not have verification of a medical exam on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(e) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 18, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered 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 may be completed. 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. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Item #125 Arrival/Departure Records: Specific arrival and departure times are needed to ensure safe tracking of the children. I suggested that a designated staff person check sign in and out records at least twice daily for accuracy. You must document accurate time by including am and pm. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) Item #858 Suffocation/choking hazards: Have staff complete daily safety checks before children arrive and remove any safety hazards such as plastic bags, plastic packaging, sponges, foam rubber, small toy parts and other possible choking hazards. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q) All suffocation hazards were removed from both space #2, space #3. This is violation was corrected at visit. Item #1321 Child’s Medical Exam: Each child must have a completed medical exam and immunization record on file for review within thirty (30) days of enrollment. I recommended requiring medical exams and immunization records for children to be completed and turned in to you prior to enrollment. GS 110-91(1). We discussed that this child enrolled during the administrator’s absence. The child’s medical exam will need to be returned and on file within the next 2 weeks. You plan to talk with the parent later today to make arrangements for getting the required form into the facility. Consultation or other topics discussed today: I encouraged staff that are completing the playground inspections to report any exposed metal from paint that has worn away. The exposed metal may be too hot to touch in warmer weather. Consider repainting any of the exposed metal to avoid injury from occurring. We discussed that for gross motor spaces, a walkthrough of the space should be made prior to each age group visiting this space to determine that the environment is appropriate for each age group served. Per 10A NCAC 09.0304, 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. If the fire inspection report is not submitted to your Child Care Consultant within one week after the fire inspection is conducted, a violation will be cited during the facilities next monitoring visit. Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information: You have established your window for evaluation with the NCRLAP for April 15, 2024-May 10, 2024. As a reminder your facility is in cohort 1 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-StarRated-License Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was given to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov 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: THE LEARNING TREE Facility ID: 81000233 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/4/2024 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 3/4/2024 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 370 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival you, Tammy Simmons, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Erin Wilson, Child Care Health Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a three star license effective August 29, 2018. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, meets enhanced ratios, and children under 2 ½ years old in room with direct exits only. The Secretary of State website was checked on March 1, 2024, and your business Rutherford Life Services, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. We observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, and outdoor gross motor play. The center's compliance history was at 91% prior to today’s visit. 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. A sample of three children’s files were reviewed. No new staff members have been hired since the last monitoring visit. A sample of two existing staff files were reviewed. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on 2/22/24. The last shelter-in-place was practiced on 1/29/24. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 2/26/24. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on October 30, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on August 25, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The following violation(s) were observed and discussed with you today: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. On 2/23/24 there was one child not signed out of care. On 2/29/24, there was one child not signed out of care. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space #2 and space #3, there were 2 phone charger cords and art supplies that were suffocation and strangulation hazards accessible to children under the age of 3. .0604(q) 1231 Staff were not notified in writing of all changes to personnel policies. One child enrolled 2/1/24, did not have verification of a medical exam on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(e) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 18, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered 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 may be completed. 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. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Item #125 Arrival/Departure Records: Specific arrival and departure times are needed to ensure safe tracking of the children. I suggested that a designated staff person check sign in and out records at least twice daily for accuracy. You must document accurate time by including am and pm. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) Item #858 Suffocation/choking hazards: Have staff complete daily safety checks before children arrive and remove any safety hazards such as plastic bags, plastic packaging, sponges, foam rubber, small toy parts and other possible choking hazards. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q) All suffocation hazards were removed from both space #2, space #3. This is violation was corrected at visit. Item #1321 Child’s Medical Exam: Each child must have a completed medical exam and immunization record on file for review within thirty (30) days of enrollment. I recommended requiring medical exams and immunization records for children to be completed and turned in to you prior to enrollment. GS 110-91(1). We discussed that this child enrolled during the administrator’s absence. The child’s medical exam will need to be returned and on file within the next 2 weeks. You plan to talk with the parent later today to make arrangements for getting the required form into the facility. Consultation or other topics discussed today: I encouraged staff that are completing the playground inspections to report any exposed metal from paint that has worn away. The exposed metal may be too hot to touch in warmer weather. Consider repainting any of the exposed metal to avoid injury from occurring. We discussed that for gross motor spaces, a walkthrough of the space should be made prior to each age group visiting this space to determine that the environment is appropriate for each age group served. Per 10A NCAC 09.0304, 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. If the fire inspection report is not submitted to your Child Care Consultant within one week after the fire inspection is conducted, a violation will be cited during the facilities next monitoring visit. Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information: You have established your window for evaluation with the NCRLAP for April 15, 2024-May 10, 2024. As a reminder your facility is in cohort 1 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-StarRated-License Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was given to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (828)748-7893 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov 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

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE LEARNING TREE Facility ID: 81000233 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/15/2023 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 9/15/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced routine unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Tammy Simmons, Administrator. Your program currently operates with a three star license effective August 29, 2018. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, meets enhanced ratios, and children under 2 ½ in rooms with direct exits only. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, outdoor play time and mealtime. The center's compliance history prior to today’s visit was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 92 percent as of September 13, 2023. 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. No new staff have been hired since the annual compliance visit on October 26, 2022. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 15, 2023. A supervisor sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on August 25, 2023. The facility was approved for day time. The following violation(s) were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. The playground for 1 and 2 year old children had mold on the play structure. One play car was missing 2 of its 4 wheels. .0601(c) 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. An electrical cord attached to a bottle warmer was in a cabinet accessible to children in Space #3. Electrical cords on a bottle warmer and a microwave were in a cabinet accessible to children in Space #8. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space #3, there were classroom decorations with plastic packaging that had suffocation warnings and a small plastic lid on a bubble container that were in a cabinet that was accessible to children. .0604(q) 1419 All commercially manufactured equipment and furnishings were not assembled and installed according to procedures specified by the manufacturer and/or the manufacturer's instructions were not kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. One balance beam play structure used in the gross motor room for 1 and 2 year old children, did not have manufacturer’s instructions available to determine age appropriate usage. Kids’ stackable animal plastic chairs were in use on the playground for 1 and 2 year old children and did not have manufacturer’s instructions available to determine outdoor use and age appropriate usage. .0601(b) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before September 29, 2023, 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 considered 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Sturdy, Free of Hazards Outdoor: The staff member conducting playground inspections should thoroughly check the playground to ensure equipment and furnishings are sturdy, stable, and free of hazards that may injure children including sharp edges, lead based or peeling paint, rust, and mold. Teachers should check the playgrounds daily to ensure all equipment is safe and in good repair. Any items that are considered hazardous should be repaired or removed immediately. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(c) The play car was removed from the outdoor space. You reported that you will discuss a plan for addressing the mold on the structure. Electrical Cords: Electrical cords must not be accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) You removed the electrical cords from both Space #3 and Space #8. The violation was corrected during the visit. Suffocation Hazards: All plastic packaging should be out of the reach of children under the age of 3. Have staff complete daily safety checks before children arrive and remove any safety hazards such as plastic bags, plastic packaging, sponges, foam rubber, small toy parts and other possible choking hazards. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q) Manufacturer’s Instructions: All commercially manufactured equipment and furnishings were not assembled and installed according to procedures specified by the manufacturer and/or the manufacturer's instructions were not kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(b) You removed the balance beam from the gross motor room that is used for toddlers and the animal stackable chairs from the playground for toddlers, as you were unable to provide the manufacturer’s information. This violation was corrected during the visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today): We discussed that your facility is in Cohort 1. Your preparatory year is July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. Your assessment year is July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. I encouraged you to take advantage of resources to prepare for environment rating scales and to make sure that staff have updated their WORKS accounts. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was emailed to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy. McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov 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

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE LEARNING TREE Facility ID: 81000233 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/15/2023 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 9/15/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced routine unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Tammy Simmons, Administrator. Your program currently operates with a three star license effective August 29, 2018. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, meets enhanced ratios, and children under 2 ½ in rooms with direct exits only. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, outdoor play time and mealtime. The center's compliance history prior to today’s visit was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 92 percent as of September 13, 2023. 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. No new staff have been hired since the annual compliance visit on October 26, 2022. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 15, 2023. A supervisor sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on August 25, 2023. The facility was approved for day time. The following violation(s) were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. The playground for 1 and 2 year old children had mold on the play structure. One play car was missing 2 of its 4 wheels. .0601(c) 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. An electrical cord attached to a bottle warmer was in a cabinet accessible to children in Space #3. Electrical cords on a bottle warmer and a microwave were in a cabinet accessible to children in Space #8. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space #3, there were classroom decorations with plastic packaging that had suffocation warnings and a small plastic lid on a bubble container that were in a cabinet that was accessible to children. .0604(q) 1419 All commercially manufactured equipment and furnishings were not assembled and installed according to procedures specified by the manufacturer and/or the manufacturer's instructions were not kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. One balance beam play structure used in the gross motor room for 1 and 2 year old children, did not have manufacturer’s instructions available to determine age appropriate usage. Kids’ stackable animal plastic chairs were in use on the playground for 1 and 2 year old children and did not have manufacturer’s instructions available to determine outdoor use and age appropriate usage. .0601(b) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before September 29, 2023, 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 considered 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Sturdy, Free of Hazards Outdoor: The staff member conducting playground inspections should thoroughly check the playground to ensure equipment and furnishings are sturdy, stable, and free of hazards that may injure children including sharp edges, lead based or peeling paint, rust, and mold. Teachers should check the playgrounds daily to ensure all equipment is safe and in good repair. Any items that are considered hazardous should be repaired or removed immediately. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(c) The play car was removed from the outdoor space. You reported that you will discuss a plan for addressing the mold on the structure. Electrical Cords: Electrical cords must not be accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) You removed the electrical cords from both Space #3 and Space #8. The violation was corrected during the visit. Suffocation Hazards: All plastic packaging should be out of the reach of children under the age of 3. Have staff complete daily safety checks before children arrive and remove any safety hazards such as plastic bags, plastic packaging, sponges, foam rubber, small toy parts and other possible choking hazards. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q) Manufacturer’s Instructions: All commercially manufactured equipment and furnishings were not assembled and installed according to procedures specified by the manufacturer and/or the manufacturer's instructions were not kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(b) You removed the balance beam from the gross motor room that is used for toddlers and the animal stackable chairs from the playground for toddlers, as you were unable to provide the manufacturer’s information. This violation was corrected during the visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today): We discussed that your facility is in Cohort 1. Your preparatory year is July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. Your assessment year is July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. I encouraged you to take advantage of resources to prepare for environment rating scales and to make sure that staff have updated their WORKS accounts. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was emailed to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy. McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov 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

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE LEARNING TREE Facility ID: 81000233 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/15/2023 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 9/15/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced routine unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Tammy Simmons, Administrator. Your program currently operates with a three star license effective August 29, 2018. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, meets enhanced ratios, and children under 2 ½ in rooms with direct exits only. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, outdoor play time and mealtime. The center's compliance history prior to today’s visit was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 92 percent as of September 13, 2023. 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. No new staff have been hired since the annual compliance visit on October 26, 2022. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 15, 2023. A supervisor sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on August 25, 2023. The facility was approved for day time. The following violation(s) were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. The playground for 1 and 2 year old children had mold on the play structure. One play car was missing 2 of its 4 wheels. .0601(c) 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. An electrical cord attached to a bottle warmer was in a cabinet accessible to children in Space #3. Electrical cords on a bottle warmer and a microwave were in a cabinet accessible to children in Space #8. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space #3, there were classroom decorations with plastic packaging that had suffocation warnings and a small plastic lid on a bubble container that were in a cabinet that was accessible to children. .0604(q) 1419 All commercially manufactured equipment and furnishings were not assembled and installed according to procedures specified by the manufacturer and/or the manufacturer's instructions were not kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. One balance beam play structure used in the gross motor room for 1 and 2 year old children, did not have manufacturer’s instructions available to determine age appropriate usage. Kids’ stackable animal plastic chairs were in use on the playground for 1 and 2 year old children and did not have manufacturer’s instructions available to determine outdoor use and age appropriate usage. .0601(b) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before September 29, 2023, 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 considered 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Sturdy, Free of Hazards Outdoor: The staff member conducting playground inspections should thoroughly check the playground to ensure equipment and furnishings are sturdy, stable, and free of hazards that may injure children including sharp edges, lead based or peeling paint, rust, and mold. Teachers should check the playgrounds daily to ensure all equipment is safe and in good repair. Any items that are considered hazardous should be repaired or removed immediately. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(c) The play car was removed from the outdoor space. You reported that you will discuss a plan for addressing the mold on the structure. Electrical Cords: Electrical cords must not be accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) You removed the electrical cords from both Space #3 and Space #8. The violation was corrected during the visit. Suffocation Hazards: All plastic packaging should be out of the reach of children under the age of 3. Have staff complete daily safety checks before children arrive and remove any safety hazards such as plastic bags, plastic packaging, sponges, foam rubber, small toy parts and other possible choking hazards. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q) Manufacturer’s Instructions: All commercially manufactured equipment and furnishings were not assembled and installed according to procedures specified by the manufacturer and/or the manufacturer's instructions were not kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(b) You removed the balance beam from the gross motor room that is used for toddlers and the animal stackable chairs from the playground for toddlers, as you were unable to provide the manufacturer’s information. This violation was corrected during the visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today): We discussed that your facility is in Cohort 1. Your preparatory year is July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. Your assessment year is July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. I encouraged you to take advantage of resources to prepare for environment rating scales and to make sure that staff have updated their WORKS accounts. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was emailed to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy. McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov 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: THE LEARNING TREE Facility ID: 81000233 Consultant: BETH ARCHER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/15/2023 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 9/15/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced routine unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Tammy Simmons, Administrator. Your program currently operates with a three star license effective August 29, 2018. The permit restrictions were in compliance including 1st shift, meets enhanced ratios, and children under 2 ½ in rooms with direct exits only. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You conducted the walkthrough of the facility with me. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, outdoor play time and mealtime. The center's compliance history prior to today’s visit was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 92 percent as of September 13, 2023. 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. No new staff have been hired since the annual compliance visit on October 26, 2022. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 15, 2023. A supervisor sanitation classification was issued with four demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on August 25, 2023. The facility was approved for day time. The following violation(s) were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. The playground for 1 and 2 year old children had mold on the play structure. One play car was missing 2 of its 4 wheels. .0601(c) 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. An electrical cord attached to a bottle warmer was in a cabinet accessible to children in Space #3. Electrical cords on a bottle warmer and a microwave were in a cabinet accessible to children in Space #8. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In Space #3, there were classroom decorations with plastic packaging that had suffocation warnings and a small plastic lid on a bubble container that were in a cabinet that was accessible to children. .0604(q) 1419 All commercially manufactured equipment and furnishings were not assembled and installed according to procedures specified by the manufacturer and/or the manufacturer's instructions were not kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. One balance beam play structure used in the gross motor room for 1 and 2 year old children, did not have manufacturer’s instructions available to determine age appropriate usage. Kids’ stackable animal plastic chairs were in use on the playground for 1 and 2 year old children and did not have manufacturer’s instructions available to determine outdoor use and age appropriate usage. .0601(b) The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before September 29, 2023, 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 considered 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. Technical assistance on violations was reviewed with you. Areas discussed included: Sturdy, Free of Hazards Outdoor: The staff member conducting playground inspections should thoroughly check the playground to ensure equipment and furnishings are sturdy, stable, and free of hazards that may injure children including sharp edges, lead based or peeling paint, rust, and mold. Teachers should check the playgrounds daily to ensure all equipment is safe and in good repair. Any items that are considered hazardous should be repaired or removed immediately. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(c) The play car was removed from the outdoor space. You reported that you will discuss a plan for addressing the mold on the structure. Electrical Cords: Electrical cords must not be accessible to infants and toddlers. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) You removed the electrical cords from both Space #3 and Space #8. The violation was corrected during the visit. Suffocation Hazards: All plastic packaging should be out of the reach of children under the age of 3. Have staff complete daily safety checks before children arrive and remove any safety hazards such as plastic bags, plastic packaging, sponges, foam rubber, small toy parts and other possible choking hazards. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q) Manufacturer’s Instructions: All commercially manufactured equipment and furnishings were not assembled and installed according to procedures specified by the manufacturer and/or the manufacturer's instructions were not kept on file or electronically accessible, if available. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(b) You removed the balance beam from the gross motor room that is used for toddlers and the animal stackable chairs from the playground for toddlers, as you were unable to provide the manufacturer’s information. This violation was corrected during the visit. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today): We discussed that your facility is in Cohort 1. Your preparatory year is July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. Your assessment year is July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025. I encouraged you to take advantage of resources to prepare for environment rating scales and to make sure that staff have updated their WORKS accounts. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and a copy was emailed to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy. McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at: Beth Archer Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64 Rutherfordton, NC 28139 beth.archer@dhhs.nc.gov 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