10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE CONNECTIONS CHILD CARE CENTER, INC Facility ID: 51000941 Consultant: PAULA DAVIS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/31/2024 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 5/31/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance of applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. I monitored the indoor and outdoor environments for compliance with child care requirements. Staff/child ratios, supervision, use of space and capacity were monitored for compliance. The permit, sanitation, evacuation, safe arrival and departure procedures, first aid chart, menus, daily schedules, activity plans, summary of NC Child Care Law and staff/child ratios were posted at the time of the visit. The storage of medication and hazardous products was also monitored for compliance. Four new staff were hired since the last annual compliance visit. The new staff files were reviewed today. An existing staff file was reviewed and a sample of children's records were reviewed during the visit and the worksheet was completed. A fire drill was documented as conducted on 4-30-24 at 2:23. A sanitation inspection was last completed on 3-8-24 with two demerits and a superior classification. During the visit, the children were observed eating lunch, napping and participating in routines. For lunch the children had bologna, crackers, cheese fries, carrots and milk. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The fire inspection was more than a year old. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. The cook was responsible for a group of children and preparing lunch today. .1801(a)(1-5) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two new staff members did not complete first aid within the first 90 days of hire. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two new staff members did not complete CPR within the first 90 days of hire. .1102(d) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The cook today was responsible for a group of children and preparing lunch today. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One new staff member had not completed the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) A violation pertaining to staff/child ratio and supervision were documented today, because the cook was also responsible for a group of children. All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter must be submitted within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. In the letter, you must address each violation, how the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Please be sure to include your facility ID number and each item number. The letter must be submitted to me no later than 6-14-24. Due to the nature of the violation(s) cited during today’s visit, a return visit will also occur to ensure that compliance has been maintained. Thank you for your time today. Should you have additional questions, I can be reached at paula.davis@dhhs.nc.gov or 919-819-9302. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE CONNECTIONS CHILD CARE CENTER, INC Facility ID: 51000941 Consultant: PAULA DAVIS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/31/2024 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 5/31/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance of applicable child care requirements during your annual compliance visit. I monitored the indoor and outdoor environments for compliance with child care requirements. Staff/child ratios, supervision, use of space and capacity were monitored for compliance. The permit, sanitation, evacuation, safe arrival and departure procedures, first aid chart, menus, daily schedules, activity plans, summary of NC Child Care Law and staff/child ratios were posted at the time of the visit. The storage of medication and hazardous products was also monitored for compliance. Four new staff were hired since the last annual compliance visit. The new staff files were reviewed today. An existing staff file was reviewed and a sample of children's records were reviewed during the visit and the worksheet was completed. A fire drill was documented as conducted on 4-30-24 at 2:23. A sanitation inspection was last completed on 3-8-24 with two demerits and a superior classification. During the visit, the children were observed eating lunch, napping and participating in routines. For lunch the children had bologna, crackers, cheese fries, carrots and milk. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The fire inspection was more than a year old. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. The cook was responsible for a group of children and preparing lunch today. .1801(a)(1-5) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two new staff members did not complete first aid within the first 90 days of hire. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two new staff members did not complete CPR within the first 90 days of hire. .1102(d) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. The cook today was responsible for a group of children and preparing lunch today. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. One new staff member had not completed the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(d)(1-4) A violation pertaining to staff/child ratio and supervision were documented today, because the cook was also responsible for a group of children. All violations must be corrected immediately. A compliance letter must be submitted within two (2) weeks of today’s visit. In the letter, you must address each violation, how the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Please be sure to include your facility ID number and each item number. The letter must be submitted to me no later than 6-14-24. Due to the nature of the violation(s) cited during today’s visit, a return visit will also occur to ensure that compliance has been maintained. Thank you for your time today. Should you have additional questions, I can be reached at paula.davis@dhhs.nc.gov or 919-819-9302. 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 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE CONNECTIONS CHILD CARE CENTER, INC Facility ID: 51000941 Consultant: MICHELE REMINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2023 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 7/25/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my announced visit today was to monitor your center for meeting applicable child care requirements during the first of at least three visits during the Temporary License period. The facility received a temporary license on 06/09/2023 and opened for child care on 07/17/2023. Today’s visit was completed with you, SS, director/owner. When I arrived, you were not on site, KB assisted me until your arrival. I monitored classroom environments, outdoor playgrounds, staff, and children's records and required center records. You are not providing transportation at this time. I used the North Carolina Child Care Requirements and Compliance Listing as basic monitoring tools during the visit. Your classrooms have a variety of developmentally appropriate learning materials and equipment, and the activity centers are well arranged. The license was posted along with the NC Summary of the Law and safe arrival and departure procedures. The emergency medical care plan and emergency telephone numbers were also posted. Three classrooms were visited today. Staff/child ratios were posted in each classroom. Blank activity plans were posted in each classroom. Daily schedules were posted. No concerns with ratios or supervision were observed during the visit. Teachers were interacting with the children and moving about the indoor areas. I observed the children while playing in free choice activities, rest time, for infants I also observed infants being held for bottle feeding. Staff and child interaction was positive and nurturing. Chicken alfredo, broccoli, fruit cocktail and milk were served for lunch. Five (5) children’s records and four (4) staff records were reviewed today. Using a checklist helps verify information on file. Great job! The last fire drill was completed on 07/20/2023 with an evacuation time of 97 seconds. The last outdoor inspection was completed on 06/22/2023 by SS. Six (6) violations were cited during the visit today. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Blank activity plans were posted in each room. A weekly activity plan should be complete, posted and current for each classroom. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. A child with a milk preference/allergy was not listed on the posted allergy forms in the classroom or kitchen. .0901(g) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. A medication permission form was not included with the emergency medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. An application was not on file for KS, the application was added to the file during the visit. It was submitted via email and had not been printed. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. The Health Care Needs section of the enrollment application form was not completed for two of the children. .0801(a)(1-7) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The caregiver in the room with infants did not have ITS-SIDS training. She is scheduled to complete ITS-SIDS training on 08/09/2023. Until that time, someone with ITS-SIDS training will need to work in the room with infants. .01102 (f) The above violations are required to be corrected immediately. Mail or email a signed letter to me within by 08/08/2023 stating that the violations were corrected. List each violation separately with a description of how that you corrected the violation. Mail your letter as follows: Michele Remington PO Box 701 Benson, NC 27504 CONSULTATION & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: The facility email and phone number were verified during today’s visit. If you have any changes to your phone number, email or mailing address, please update me so I can make changes in Regulatory. This information is what DCDEE uses on the Search for Childcare site, it is also the only way DCDEE communities with you. Discussion was held regarding the Rated License requirements and your intent to apply for a star rated license. Copies of the point sheets for staff, program standards, and a quality point were provided to you during the visit. I provided the application form for a star rated license and the Rated License Review Request form to you today. Your center will be assessed for points in two areas: education standards of staff and program standards. Staff can earn from 1 to 7 points based on their education. The center can earn from 1 to 7 points in program standards. You may also apply for a quality point that, if eligible, would be added to your total points in education and program standards. EDUCATION STANDARDS: -The education of the Administrator, Lead Teacher, Teacher, Group Leaders, and Program coordinator will be assessed for points for the star rated license. Reminders: Submit official transcripts to WORKS and have employees submit all other information using “WORKS” (Workforce online reporting and knowledge system). All staff education should be current before the fifth (5th) month of the temporary time period as a rated license will need to be processed before the end date of the temporary license. PROGRAM STANDARDS: -Your center will receive 2 points in program standards by meeting enhanced staff child ratios or enhanced space, by providing the required activity centers and supplemental centers, and having approved operational and personnel policies. -To receive more than 2 points in program standards, you will need for me to refer your program to the NCRLAP for the Environment Rating Scale assessment. This referral should be made now in order for the scale to be conducted in a timely manner. You will need to inform me within the next week if you want to be referred for this assessment. The assessor will contact you to establish a 4-week window of time in which the assessment will be conducted unannounced. You may choose to block out up to 5 days in which the assessment would not be conducted. The points that you would receive in program standards will be based on the score that you receive on the ERS assessment. QUALITY POINT: -Review the requirements to receive a quality point. TOTAL POINTS AND STAR LICENSE INFORMATION: -The total points received in both education and program standards and the quality point will determine the star license issued to your center. To receive a 3 Star License 7 to 9 points is required. SUBSIDY: Child Care Centers with a Temporary License in good standing may be eligible for participation in the NC Child Care Subsidy System during their first 6 months of operation. Legislative changes, however, will only allow centers with a 3 Star or higher license to continue to participate in the Subsidy System after the first 6 months of operation. You should begin making plans now to obtain at least a 3 Star License by the expiration of your Temporary License if you intend to participate in the NC Subsidized Child Care System. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: - We discussed the monitoring process that will take place during the Temporary Time Period. The Temporary License will be issued for six (6) months. During that time, at least three unannounced visits will be made. During each visit observed violations will be documented. It is very important that you maintain compliance with all applicable requirements at all times since you will be building a compliance history. In order to move to a star rated license at the end of the Temporary Time Period, you must have at least a 75% compliance history. Please be mindful of the fact that even a few violations, especially those associated with staff/child ratio, supervision of children, licensed capacity, and meeting license restrictions, could have a negative impact on your compliance status. -Programs whose compliance history is below 75% could be issued an administrative action including denial of a license at the end of the Temporary License period. Activity Plans & Foundations (NCFELD) Activity plans for all children must meet the following minimum licensing requirements: *Include activities daily to stimulate the following 5 developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: (social &emotional development, health & physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development). *Include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors or outdoors. *Reflect at least 4 activities daily (one of which is gross motor), one of which is offered outdoors, weather permitting. The remaining 3 activities should occur in the following areas (art/creative play, children’s books, blocks and block building, manipulatives, and family living/dramatic play). *Include both free choice and adult-directed activities, that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, in a small group, or independently. *In addition, activity plans must include each of these 3 enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science and nature; and music and rhythm. *Materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the activity plan and the daily schedule. You should be using Foundations when planning weekly activities. Children’s experiences and the skills and characteristics they develop during the preschool years are critically important to their success later in school. What children learn between birth and the time they start kindergarten lays the foundation for their learning and development for years to come. The goals from Foundations are to be used with weekly activity planning. Each activity should relate to a goal from one of the five domains. Staff may list the goal on the activity plan or if not listed tell the child care consultant which goal related to the posted activity. http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/providers/pv_infant_toddler_foundations.asp This is an excellent resource for childhood programs, educators, parents, and others. If you are interested in training on Foundations, please contact your local Partnership for Children/Resource & Referral agency. DCDEE paperwork: All forms required by DCDEE should be completed fully, by filling in all blanks, this includes repeated date information, health care needs, emergency contacts/preferences, signatures. etc. If it does not apply the parent/staff may put NA or No, otherwise the requested information is to be included. The Staff & Training worksheet was completed by me during the visit today. I recommend you download this worksheet and type information on the form and save it to your computer. This was you can make changes easily and have the form available to any DCDEE representative. Please have a completed form to include all staff (and yourself) by 08/08/2023. I will request a copy of this form during the next visit. CPR/FA: you and one additional staff have current CPR/FA. You are scheduling the other staff to take a CPR/FA class on 08/12/2023. Please note that DCDEE rules allow 90 days to complete CPR/FA training however someone with current CPR/FA is required to be on site at all times. ITS-SIDS: you have ITS-SIDS training and will need to work in the room with infants until another staff member has the training. You assisted in the room during part of the visit however when you were not it the room there was not a caregiver with ITS-SIDS training working with the infants. Hope4Healers is free to you and your family members. It’s an easily accessible helpline that is staffed 24/7 with trained, caring counselors. Just call this number: 919-226-2002. DCDEE is committed to maintaining the well-being of the early childhood professionals who care for the health of the state. Look for more resources and events in the future. The Importance of Providing Quality Child Care Providing quality child care is essential for children. There is ample research demonstrating that high-quality child-care experiences have many benefits to children and society and that quality child care is linked to children’s improved school performance. 1. The Cost, Quality and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers Study and a follow-up study done several years later found that quality child care is primarily related to higher staff/child ratios, administrators’ prior experience, wages, higher staff education levels and staff members’ continued participation in formal and specialized training. This study found that children attending higher quality centers scored better in math and language skills, had more positive interactions with peers, and had fewer behavior problems. 2. The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study followed children from their preschool years through age 40 and found that high-quality preschool programs significantly increased children’s future contributions through increased intellectual and social development, school success, economic performance, and reduced commission of crimes in adulthood. One of the most quoted results of this study is that for every dollar invested in children’s early care and education there is a $17 return to society in terms of crime and education savings, increased taxes collected, and welfare savings. There are many other studies including the Abecedarian Project, the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Study, and the NC Rated License Assessment Project. What the research tells us, in a nutshell, is that high quality child care has a positive impact on children’s later school success. The key to quality experiences for children is interaction with and stimulation from educated, trained teachers. The neuroscience associated with brain research is complicated, but its lesson is simple: babies' brains develop at astonishing rates in the first few years after birth. Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn from the moment they are born, but optimal development hinges on the experiences provided for them by the adults who take care of them. ---DCDEE Pre-Licensing Workshop - GENERAL INFORMATION: I encouraged you to review DCDEE training modules, and to check your email for any additional information or updates. You will need to have an NCID which is the same NCID that you use for Health and Safety training, WORKS login, and the CBC Portal- to view Moodle training. For the most up to date information, copies of sample forms, and copies of the child care requirements, you were encouraged to periodically visit the Division's website and click on the What’s New tab at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov If I may be of further assistance, please contact me at (919) 819-9355 or you may call Teraesa Leak, Licensing Supervisor, at (919) 971-7765. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE CONNECTIONS CHILD CARE CENTER, INC Facility ID: 51000941 Consultant: MICHELE REMINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2023 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 7/25/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my announced visit today was to monitor your center for meeting applicable child care requirements during the first of at least three visits during the Temporary License period. The facility received a temporary license on 06/09/2023 and opened for child care on 07/17/2023. Today’s visit was completed with you, SS, director/owner. When I arrived, you were not on site, KB assisted me until your arrival. I monitored classroom environments, outdoor playgrounds, staff, and children's records and required center records. You are not providing transportation at this time. I used the North Carolina Child Care Requirements and Compliance Listing as basic monitoring tools during the visit. Your classrooms have a variety of developmentally appropriate learning materials and equipment, and the activity centers are well arranged. The license was posted along with the NC Summary of the Law and safe arrival and departure procedures. The emergency medical care plan and emergency telephone numbers were also posted. Three classrooms were visited today. Staff/child ratios were posted in each classroom. Blank activity plans were posted in each classroom. Daily schedules were posted. No concerns with ratios or supervision were observed during the visit. Teachers were interacting with the children and moving about the indoor areas. I observed the children while playing in free choice activities, rest time, for infants I also observed infants being held for bottle feeding. Staff and child interaction was positive and nurturing. Chicken alfredo, broccoli, fruit cocktail and milk were served for lunch. Five (5) children’s records and four (4) staff records were reviewed today. Using a checklist helps verify information on file. Great job! The last fire drill was completed on 07/20/2023 with an evacuation time of 97 seconds. The last outdoor inspection was completed on 06/22/2023 by SS. Six (6) violations were cited during the visit today. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Blank activity plans were posted in each room. A weekly activity plan should be complete, posted and current for each classroom. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 508 Special diet or food allergy information was not posted where they can be seen in food preparation and eating areas. A child with a milk preference/allergy was not listed on the posted allergy forms in the classroom or kitchen. .0901(g) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. A medication permission form was not included with the emergency medication. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. An application was not on file for KS, the application was added to the file during the visit. It was submitted via email and had not been printed. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. The Health Care Needs section of the enrollment application form was not completed for two of the children. .0801(a)(1-7) 1831 At least one child care provider, who has completed ITS-SIDS training was not present in the infant room, while children were in care. The caregiver in the room with infants did not have ITS-SIDS training. She is scheduled to complete ITS-SIDS training on 08/09/2023. Until that time, someone with ITS-SIDS training will need to work in the room with infants. .01102 (f) The above violations are required to be corrected immediately. Mail or email a signed letter to me within by 08/08/2023 stating that the violations were corrected. List each violation separately with a description of how that you corrected the violation. Mail your letter as follows: Michele Remington PO Box 701 Benson, NC 27504 CONSULTATION & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: The facility email and phone number were verified during today’s visit. If you have any changes to your phone number, email or mailing address, please update me so I can make changes in Regulatory. This information is what DCDEE uses on the Search for Childcare site, it is also the only way DCDEE communities with you. Discussion was held regarding the Rated License requirements and your intent to apply for a star rated license. Copies of the point sheets for staff, program standards, and a quality point were provided to you during the visit. I provided the application form for a star rated license and the Rated License Review Request form to you today. Your center will be assessed for points in two areas: education standards of staff and program standards. Staff can earn from 1 to 7 points based on their education. The center can earn from 1 to 7 points in program standards. You may also apply for a quality point that, if eligible, would be added to your total points in education and program standards. EDUCATION STANDARDS: -The education of the Administrator, Lead Teacher, Teacher, Group Leaders, and Program coordinator will be assessed for points for the star rated license. Reminders: Submit official transcripts to WORKS and have employees submit all other information using “WORKS” (Workforce online reporting and knowledge system). All staff education should be current before the fifth (5th) month of the temporary time period as a rated license will need to be processed before the end date of the temporary license. PROGRAM STANDARDS: -Your center will receive 2 points in program standards by meeting enhanced staff child ratios or enhanced space, by providing the required activity centers and supplemental centers, and having approved operational and personnel policies. -To receive more than 2 points in program standards, you will need for me to refer your program to the NCRLAP for the Environment Rating Scale assessment. This referral should be made now in order for the scale to be conducted in a timely manner. You will need to inform me within the next week if you want to be referred for this assessment. The assessor will contact you to establish a 4-week window of time in which the assessment will be conducted unannounced. You may choose to block out up to 5 days in which the assessment would not be conducted. The points that you would receive in program standards will be based on the score that you receive on the ERS assessment. QUALITY POINT: -Review the requirements to receive a quality point. TOTAL POINTS AND STAR LICENSE INFORMATION: -The total points received in both education and program standards and the quality point will determine the star license issued to your center. To receive a 3 Star License 7 to 9 points is required. SUBSIDY: Child Care Centers with a Temporary License in good standing may be eligible for participation in the NC Child Care Subsidy System during their first 6 months of operation. Legislative changes, however, will only allow centers with a 3 Star or higher license to continue to participate in the Subsidy System after the first 6 months of operation. You should begin making plans now to obtain at least a 3 Star License by the expiration of your Temporary License if you intend to participate in the NC Subsidized Child Care System. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: - We discussed the monitoring process that will take place during the Temporary Time Period. The Temporary License will be issued for six (6) months. During that time, at least three unannounced visits will be made. During each visit observed violations will be documented. It is very important that you maintain compliance with all applicable requirements at all times since you will be building a compliance history. In order to move to a star rated license at the end of the Temporary Time Period, you must have at least a 75% compliance history. Please be mindful of the fact that even a few violations, especially those associated with staff/child ratio, supervision of children, licensed capacity, and meeting license restrictions, could have a negative impact on your compliance status. -Programs whose compliance history is below 75% could be issued an administrative action including denial of a license at the end of the Temporary License period. Activity Plans & Foundations (NCFELD) Activity plans for all children must meet the following minimum licensing requirements: *Include activities daily to stimulate the following 5 developmental domains, as listed in your NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development book: (social &emotional development, health & physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development/communication, and cognitive development). *Include a daily gross motor activity which may occur indoors or outdoors. *Reflect at least 4 activities daily (one of which is gross motor), one of which is offered outdoors, weather permitting. The remaining 3 activities should occur in the following areas (art/creative play, children’s books, blocks and block building, manipulatives, and family living/dramatic play). *Include both free choice and adult-directed activities, that allow children to choose to participate with the whole group, in a small group, or independently. *In addition, activity plans must include each of these 3 enrichment activities on at least a weekly basis: sand or water play; science and nature; and music and rhythm. *Materials and equipment must be available both inside and outside to support the activities on the activity plan and the daily schedule. You should be using Foundations when planning weekly activities. Children’s experiences and the skills and characteristics they develop during the preschool years are critically important to their success later in school. What children learn between birth and the time they start kindergarten lays the foundation for their learning and development for years to come. The goals from Foundations are to be used with weekly activity planning. Each activity should relate to a goal from one of the five domains. Staff may list the goal on the activity plan or if not listed tell the child care consultant which goal related to the posted activity. http://ncchildcare.dhhs.state.nc.us/providers/pv_infant_toddler_foundations.asp This is an excellent resource for childhood programs, educators, parents, and others. If you are interested in training on Foundations, please contact your local Partnership for Children/Resource & Referral agency. DCDEE paperwork: All forms required by DCDEE should be completed fully, by filling in all blanks, this includes repeated date information, health care needs, emergency contacts/preferences, signatures. etc. If it does not apply the parent/staff may put NA or No, otherwise the requested information is to be included. The Staff & Training worksheet was completed by me during the visit today. I recommend you download this worksheet and type information on the form and save it to your computer. This was you can make changes easily and have the form available to any DCDEE representative. Please have a completed form to include all staff (and yourself) by 08/08/2023. I will request a copy of this form during the next visit. CPR/FA: you and one additional staff have current CPR/FA. You are scheduling the other staff to take a CPR/FA class on 08/12/2023. Please note that DCDEE rules allow 90 days to complete CPR/FA training however someone with current CPR/FA is required to be on site at all times. ITS-SIDS: you have ITS-SIDS training and will need to work in the room with infants until another staff member has the training. You assisted in the room during part of the visit however when you were not it the room there was not a caregiver with ITS-SIDS training working with the infants. Hope4Healers is free to you and your family members. It’s an easily accessible helpline that is staffed 24/7 with trained, caring counselors. Just call this number: 919-226-2002. DCDEE is committed to maintaining the well-being of the early childhood professionals who care for the health of the state. Look for more resources and events in the future. The Importance of Providing Quality Child Care Providing quality child care is essential for children. There is ample research demonstrating that high-quality child-care experiences have many benefits to children and society and that quality child care is linked to children’s improved school performance. 1. The Cost, Quality and Child Outcomes in Child Care Centers Study and a follow-up study done several years later found that quality child care is primarily related to higher staff/child ratios, administrators’ prior experience, wages, higher staff education levels and staff members’ continued participation in formal and specialized training. This study found that children attending higher quality centers scored better in math and language skills, had more positive interactions with peers, and had fewer behavior problems. 2. The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study followed children from their preschool years through age 40 and found that high-quality preschool programs significantly increased children’s future contributions through increased intellectual and social development, school success, economic performance, and reduced commission of crimes in adulthood. One of the most quoted results of this study is that for every dollar invested in children’s early care and education there is a $17 return to society in terms of crime and education savings, increased taxes collected, and welfare savings. There are many other studies including the Abecedarian Project, the Arnett Caregiver Interaction Study, and the NC Rated License Assessment Project. What the research tells us, in a nutshell, is that high quality child care has a positive impact on children’s later school success. The key to quality experiences for children is interaction with and stimulation from educated, trained teachers. The neuroscience associated with brain research is complicated, but its lesson is simple: babies' brains develop at astonishing rates in the first few years after birth. Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn from the moment they are born, but optimal development hinges on the experiences provided for them by the adults who take care of them. ---DCDEE Pre-Licensing Workshop - GENERAL INFORMATION: I encouraged you to review DCDEE training modules, and to check your email for any additional information or updates. You will need to have an NCID which is the same NCID that you use for Health and Safety training, WORKS login, and the CBC Portal- to view Moodle training. For the most up to date information, copies of sample forms, and copies of the child care requirements, you were encouraged to periodically visit the Division's website and click on the What’s New tab at www.ncchildcare.nc.gov If I may be of further assistance, please contact me at (919) 819-9355 or you may call Teraesa Leak, Licensing Supervisor, at (919) 971-7765. 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