10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0626-336L Visit Date: 7/1/2026 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 7/1/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 305 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit is to investigate allegations of child care requirements. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Bridget Owen Child Care Consultant and also signed by Courtney Brendel, Administrator, during the visit. Monica Houck, Lead Child Care Consultant, accompanied me during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Courtney Brendal, Administrator, assisted me today. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history is eighty-five percent (85%) as of 06/29/2026. The facility operates with a temporary license issued on 2/2/2026. The Special Services/Restrictions include Daytime care, meet enhanced ratios, meet enhanced space. The complaint was received by the Division of Child Development and Early Education on 6/26/2026 and sent to me on 06/26/2026. In addition to addressing the allegations, staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, permit restrictions, license posted, program records, and children’s records. A walkthrough of the entire center was conducted to include five (5) classrooms in operation today. Ms. Brendal accompanied me on the walkthrough of the center. During today’s walkthrough, the license and emergency care plan was posted. The facilities behavior policy, behavior logs, attendance records, daily arrival and departure records, and incident log were monitored. Limited monitoring of new staff files occurred. Two children’s files were reviewed. Additionally, I observed the indoor and outdoor space used by the children in space # 2a& b. Meal Observation Families provide all meals from home, including morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. Classroom Observations Space #4: Two (2) teachers were observed engaging in floor play with five (5) children under one (1) year of age. Space #3B: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising thirteen (13) children between three (3) and four (4) years of age while the children engaged in free play. Space #3A: One (1) teacher and one (1) one uncompensated provider were observed supervising nine (9) children between three (3) and four (4) years of age while the children were engaged in free play. Space #2A & 2B: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising eight (8) children between one (1) and two (2) years of age as they transitioned to the outdoor environment. Spaces #2A and #2B are combined and operate as one classroom. Space #1: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising eleven (11) children between two (2) and three (3) years of age engaged in free play. Activities included painting, sand play, blocks, and puzzles. The classroom was split into two (2) groups, eight children were inside with one (1) teacher and one (1) teacher, and three (3) children were outside the classroom door in the fenced area. Allegations within the report included the following: *Required Staff/child ratio and group size may have exceeded the staff/child ratio and group size for classroom with two year old children. *The center’s behavior policy may not have been followed that included termination. *Required incident documentation may not have been properly completed, maintained, or disclosed. Allegation regarding Required Staff/child ratio and group size may have exceeded the staff/child ratio for the one- to two-year-olds in the classroom with two year old children. We reviewed monthly attendance documentation and daily arrival and departure times, documentation from the Brightwheels application the facility utilizes for April, May, and June 2026, four (2) staff were interviewed and video footage from June 2, 2026. After the review, it was noted on May 26, 206 and June 2, 2026, that children one year of age and three years of age were combined in one (1) classroom. Additionally, on June 2, 2026, video footage at 11:21 am showed that space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, exceeded the ratio and group size, as there was a one year old in attendance. Based on video footage, four (4) staff interviews, review of attendance records and arrival and departure records for April, May, and June 2026, the allegation regarding staff/child ratio was substantiated Allegations regarding the center’s behavior policy may not have been followed that included termination. The facilities behavior policy was reviewed during today’s visit. The behavior policy specifies the following reason for a child to be terminated from the program but not limited to: failure to pay, routinely late picking up their child, failure to complete the required forms, lack of parental cooperation, failure of child to adjust to the center after a reasonable amount of time, parental physical or verbal abuse of any person or property, behavior or habits of any parent or child that is disruptive to programing or regular center operations, the facilities inability to meet the child’s needs or the parent’s expectations, lack of compliance with handbook regulations, serious illness, chronic absenteeism without notice. A random sampling of children’s files were monitored and contained parental acknowledgment of the facilities behavior policy. Based on the facilities behavior policy, behavior logs, and random sampling of children’s files the allegation regarding the facilities behavior policy was unsubstantiated. Allegation regarding required incident documentation may not have been properly completed, maintained, or disclosed. After reviewing the incident log and the behavior logs and after discussing incidents with Ms. Brendel, incident logs were not completed for thirteen (13) incidents and recorded on the incident log. Based on the incident log and behavior log and interview with Ms. Brendel, the allegation regarding incident reports was substantiated. The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. Based on arrival and departure records, on May 26, 2026, and June 2, 2026, children between the ages of one and three years of age were combined in space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, outside of the first and last operating hour of the day. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. .0802 (e) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child file reviewed did not have a medical report on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.One (1) child file reviewed did not have immunization records on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Based on video footage from June 2, 2026 at 11:21am, space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, was shown exceeding the required staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements by having thirteen (13) children grouped together in the classroom and two (2) teachers. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Technical assistance was provided as follows: Combined Ages 1- & 3-Year-Olds Item #318 Based on arrival and departure records, on May 26, 2026, and June 2, 2026, children between the ages of one and three years of age were combined in space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, outside of the first and last operating hour of the day. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that children are grouped and assigned to classrooms according to their appropriate age ranges and that mixed-age groupings are maintained in accordance with the Division’s requirements. Incident Report Item #852 & Item #853 Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that all incidents are properly documented using the required incident report information and required incident log. During the visit, you stated that staff have been sending home “boo boo reports.” It is recommended that the facility discontinue the use of “boo boo reports” and only utilize the incident report and log provided by the Division’s website to ensure documentation requirements are met. Children’s Records - Items #1321 and #1323 *One (1) child file reviewed did not have a medical report on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. *One (1) child file reviewed did not have immunization records on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. To achieve compliance for item #1321, a plan must be put in place to state how children’s medical reports will be on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. The child is no longer enrolled at the facility to be able to collect the medical report from parents. To achieve compliance for item #1321, a plan must be put in place to state how children’s immunization records will be on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. The child is no longer enrolled at the facility to be able to collect the immunization records from parents. Ratio and Group Size Item #1756 Based on video footage from June 2, 2026 at 11:21am, space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, was shown exceeding the required staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements by having thirteen (13) children grouped together in the classroom and two (2) teachers. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that classrooms are maintained within the required staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes at all times. Staff assignments and classroom groupings must be adjusted as needed to remain in compliance with the Division’s requirements. Achieving Compliance: The facility received a violation regarding staff/child ratio and group size today. A follow-up visit may be conducted in the near future to determine if staff/child ratio and group size are adequately maintained per Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Based on today’s findings, this child care facility received a substantiated complaint regarding staff/child ratio and group size. This may warrant an administrative action as identified by Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818. Additional monitoring visits may be required. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by July 9, 2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114, Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424 or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: It is recommended to contact the local child care resource and referral agency, Southwestern Child Care Commission, when teachers may need assistance with challenging behaviors. It is also recommended to have parent/teacher conferences to discuss classroom transitions and challenging behaviors, which would allow for two-way communication and possible implementation of strategies to work together for the benefit of all children. We discussed during the next visit to measure space 2a and 2b as one space. We discussed that children may only play in approved spaces. We discussed the briefly the results from the Environmental Rating Scale and a copy of the report was email to you today. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable to your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and can be a resource for you while you strive to provide a safe and healthy environment for the well-being of young children. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0626-336L Visit Date: 7/1/2026 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 7/1/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 305 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit is to investigate allegations of child care requirements. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Bridget Owen Child Care Consultant and also signed by Courtney Brendel, Administrator, during the visit. Monica Houck, Lead Child Care Consultant, accompanied me during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Courtney Brendal, Administrator, assisted me today. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history is eighty-five percent (85%) as of 06/29/2026. The facility operates with a temporary license issued on 2/2/2026. The Special Services/Restrictions include Daytime care, meet enhanced ratios, meet enhanced space. The complaint was received by the Division of Child Development and Early Education on 6/26/2026 and sent to me on 06/26/2026. In addition to addressing the allegations, staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, permit restrictions, license posted, program records, and children’s records. A walkthrough of the entire center was conducted to include five (5) classrooms in operation today. Ms. Brendal accompanied me on the walkthrough of the center. During today’s walkthrough, the license and emergency care plan was posted. The facilities behavior policy, behavior logs, attendance records, daily arrival and departure records, and incident log were monitored. Limited monitoring of new staff files occurred. Two children’s files were reviewed. Additionally, I observed the indoor and outdoor space used by the children in space # 2a& b. Meal Observation Families provide all meals from home, including morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. Classroom Observations Space #4: Two (2) teachers were observed engaging in floor play with five (5) children under one (1) year of age. Space #3B: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising thirteen (13) children between three (3) and four (4) years of age while the children engaged in free play. Space #3A: One (1) teacher and one (1) one uncompensated provider were observed supervising nine (9) children between three (3) and four (4) years of age while the children were engaged in free play. Space #2A & 2B: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising eight (8) children between one (1) and two (2) years of age as they transitioned to the outdoor environment. Spaces #2A and #2B are combined and operate as one classroom. Space #1: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising eleven (11) children between two (2) and three (3) years of age engaged in free play. Activities included painting, sand play, blocks, and puzzles. The classroom was split into two (2) groups, eight children were inside with one (1) teacher and one (1) teacher, and three (3) children were outside the classroom door in the fenced area. Allegations within the report included the following: *Required Staff/child ratio and group size may have exceeded the staff/child ratio and group size for classroom with two year old children. *The center’s behavior policy may not have been followed that included termination. *Required incident documentation may not have been properly completed, maintained, or disclosed. Allegation regarding Required Staff/child ratio and group size may have exceeded the staff/child ratio for the one- to two-year-olds in the classroom with two year old children. We reviewed monthly attendance documentation and daily arrival and departure times, documentation from the Brightwheels application the facility utilizes for April, May, and June 2026, four (2) staff were interviewed and video footage from June 2, 2026. After the review, it was noted on May 26, 206 and June 2, 2026, that children one year of age and three years of age were combined in one (1) classroom. Additionally, on June 2, 2026, video footage at 11:21 am showed that space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, exceeded the ratio and group size, as there was a one year old in attendance. Based on video footage, four (4) staff interviews, review of attendance records and arrival and departure records for April, May, and June 2026, the allegation regarding staff/child ratio was substantiated Allegations regarding the center’s behavior policy may not have been followed that included termination. The facilities behavior policy was reviewed during today’s visit. The behavior policy specifies the following reason for a child to be terminated from the program but not limited to: failure to pay, routinely late picking up their child, failure to complete the required forms, lack of parental cooperation, failure of child to adjust to the center after a reasonable amount of time, parental physical or verbal abuse of any person or property, behavior or habits of any parent or child that is disruptive to programing or regular center operations, the facilities inability to meet the child’s needs or the parent’s expectations, lack of compliance with handbook regulations, serious illness, chronic absenteeism without notice. A random sampling of children’s files were monitored and contained parental acknowledgment of the facilities behavior policy. Based on the facilities behavior policy, behavior logs, and random sampling of children’s files the allegation regarding the facilities behavior policy was unsubstantiated. Allegation regarding required incident documentation may not have been properly completed, maintained, or disclosed. After reviewing the incident log and the behavior logs and after discussing incidents with Ms. Brendel, incident logs were not completed for thirteen (13) incidents and recorded on the incident log. Based on the incident log and behavior log and interview with Ms. Brendel, the allegation regarding incident reports was substantiated. The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. Based on arrival and departure records, on May 26, 2026, and June 2, 2026, children between the ages of one and three years of age were combined in space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, outside of the first and last operating hour of the day. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. .0802 (e) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child file reviewed did not have a medical report on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.One (1) child file reviewed did not have immunization records on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Based on video footage from June 2, 2026 at 11:21am, space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, was shown exceeding the required staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements by having thirteen (13) children grouped together in the classroom and two (2) teachers. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Technical assistance was provided as follows: Combined Ages 1- & 3-Year-Olds Item #318 Based on arrival and departure records, on May 26, 2026, and June 2, 2026, children between the ages of one and three years of age were combined in space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, outside of the first and last operating hour of the day. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that children are grouped and assigned to classrooms according to their appropriate age ranges and that mixed-age groupings are maintained in accordance with the Division’s requirements. Incident Report Item #852 & Item #853 Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that all incidents are properly documented using the required incident report information and required incident log. During the visit, you stated that staff have been sending home “boo boo reports.” It is recommended that the facility discontinue the use of “boo boo reports” and only utilize the incident report and log provided by the Division’s website to ensure documentation requirements are met. Children’s Records - Items #1321 and #1323 *One (1) child file reviewed did not have a medical report on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. *One (1) child file reviewed did not have immunization records on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. To achieve compliance for item #1321, a plan must be put in place to state how children’s medical reports will be on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. The child is no longer enrolled at the facility to be able to collect the medical report from parents. To achieve compliance for item #1321, a plan must be put in place to state how children’s immunization records will be on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. The child is no longer enrolled at the facility to be able to collect the immunization records from parents. Ratio and Group Size Item #1756 Based on video footage from June 2, 2026 at 11:21am, space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, was shown exceeding the required staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements by having thirteen (13) children grouped together in the classroom and two (2) teachers. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that classrooms are maintained within the required staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes at all times. Staff assignments and classroom groupings must be adjusted as needed to remain in compliance with the Division’s requirements. Achieving Compliance: The facility received a violation regarding staff/child ratio and group size today. A follow-up visit may be conducted in the near future to determine if staff/child ratio and group size are adequately maintained per Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Based on today’s findings, this child care facility received a substantiated complaint regarding staff/child ratio and group size. This may warrant an administrative action as identified by Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818. Additional monitoring visits may be required. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by July 9, 2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114, Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424 or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: It is recommended to contact the local child care resource and referral agency, Southwestern Child Care Commission, when teachers may need assistance with challenging behaviors. It is also recommended to have parent/teacher conferences to discuss classroom transitions and challenging behaviors, which would allow for two-way communication and possible implementation of strategies to work together for the benefit of all children. We discussed during the next visit to measure space 2a and 2b as one space. We discussed that children may only play in approved spaces. We discussed the briefly the results from the Environmental Rating Scale and a copy of the report was email to you today. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable to your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and can be a resource for you while you strive to provide a safe and healthy environment for the well-being of young children. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0626-336L Visit Date: 7/1/2026 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 7/1/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 305 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit is to investigate allegations of child care requirements. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Bridget Owen Child Care Consultant and also signed by Courtney Brendel, Administrator, during the visit. Monica Houck, Lead Child Care Consultant, accompanied me during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Courtney Brendal, Administrator, assisted me today. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history is eighty-five percent (85%) as of 06/29/2026. The facility operates with a temporary license issued on 2/2/2026. The Special Services/Restrictions include Daytime care, meet enhanced ratios, meet enhanced space. The complaint was received by the Division of Child Development and Early Education on 6/26/2026 and sent to me on 06/26/2026. In addition to addressing the allegations, staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, permit restrictions, license posted, program records, and children’s records. A walkthrough of the entire center was conducted to include five (5) classrooms in operation today. Ms. Brendal accompanied me on the walkthrough of the center. During today’s walkthrough, the license and emergency care plan was posted. The facilities behavior policy, behavior logs, attendance records, daily arrival and departure records, and incident log were monitored. Limited monitoring of new staff files occurred. Two children’s files were reviewed. Additionally, I observed the indoor and outdoor space used by the children in space # 2a& b. Meal Observation Families provide all meals from home, including morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. Classroom Observations Space #4: Two (2) teachers were observed engaging in floor play with five (5) children under one (1) year of age. Space #3B: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising thirteen (13) children between three (3) and four (4) years of age while the children engaged in free play. Space #3A: One (1) teacher and one (1) one uncompensated provider were observed supervising nine (9) children between three (3) and four (4) years of age while the children were engaged in free play. Space #2A & 2B: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising eight (8) children between one (1) and two (2) years of age as they transitioned to the outdoor environment. Spaces #2A and #2B are combined and operate as one classroom. Space #1: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising eleven (11) children between two (2) and three (3) years of age engaged in free play. Activities included painting, sand play, blocks, and puzzles. The classroom was split into two (2) groups, eight children were inside with one (1) teacher and one (1) teacher, and three (3) children were outside the classroom door in the fenced area. Allegations within the report included the following: *Required Staff/child ratio and group size may have exceeded the staff/child ratio and group size for classroom with two year old children. *The center’s behavior policy may not have been followed that included termination. *Required incident documentation may not have been properly completed, maintained, or disclosed. Allegation regarding Required Staff/child ratio and group size may have exceeded the staff/child ratio for the one- to two-year-olds in the classroom with two year old children. We reviewed monthly attendance documentation and daily arrival and departure times, documentation from the Brightwheels application the facility utilizes for April, May, and June 2026, four (2) staff were interviewed and video footage from June 2, 2026. After the review, it was noted on May 26, 206 and June 2, 2026, that children one year of age and three years of age were combined in one (1) classroom. Additionally, on June 2, 2026, video footage at 11:21 am showed that space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, exceeded the ratio and group size, as there was a one year old in attendance. Based on video footage, four (4) staff interviews, review of attendance records and arrival and departure records for April, May, and June 2026, the allegation regarding staff/child ratio was substantiated Allegations regarding the center’s behavior policy may not have been followed that included termination. The facilities behavior policy was reviewed during today’s visit. The behavior policy specifies the following reason for a child to be terminated from the program but not limited to: failure to pay, routinely late picking up their child, failure to complete the required forms, lack of parental cooperation, failure of child to adjust to the center after a reasonable amount of time, parental physical or verbal abuse of any person or property, behavior or habits of any parent or child that is disruptive to programing or regular center operations, the facilities inability to meet the child’s needs or the parent’s expectations, lack of compliance with handbook regulations, serious illness, chronic absenteeism without notice. A random sampling of children’s files were monitored and contained parental acknowledgment of the facilities behavior policy. Based on the facilities behavior policy, behavior logs, and random sampling of children’s files the allegation regarding the facilities behavior policy was unsubstantiated. Allegation regarding required incident documentation may not have been properly completed, maintained, or disclosed. After reviewing the incident log and the behavior logs and after discussing incidents with Ms. Brendel, incident logs were not completed for thirteen (13) incidents and recorded on the incident log. Based on the incident log and behavior log and interview with Ms. Brendel, the allegation regarding incident reports was substantiated. The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. Based on arrival and departure records, on May 26, 2026, and June 2, 2026, children between the ages of one and three years of age were combined in space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, outside of the first and last operating hour of the day. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. .0802 (e) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child file reviewed did not have a medical report on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.One (1) child file reviewed did not have immunization records on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Based on video footage from June 2, 2026 at 11:21am, space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, was shown exceeding the required staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements by having thirteen (13) children grouped together in the classroom and two (2) teachers. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Technical assistance was provided as follows: Combined Ages 1- & 3-Year-Olds Item #318 Based on arrival and departure records, on May 26, 2026, and June 2, 2026, children between the ages of one and three years of age were combined in space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, outside of the first and last operating hour of the day. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that children are grouped and assigned to classrooms according to their appropriate age ranges and that mixed-age groupings are maintained in accordance with the Division’s requirements. Incident Report Item #852 & Item #853 Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that all incidents are properly documented using the required incident report information and required incident log. During the visit, you stated that staff have been sending home “boo boo reports.” It is recommended that the facility discontinue the use of “boo boo reports” and only utilize the incident report and log provided by the Division’s website to ensure documentation requirements are met. Children’s Records - Items #1321 and #1323 *One (1) child file reviewed did not have a medical report on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. *One (1) child file reviewed did not have immunization records on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. To achieve compliance for item #1321, a plan must be put in place to state how children’s medical reports will be on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. The child is no longer enrolled at the facility to be able to collect the medical report from parents. To achieve compliance for item #1321, a plan must be put in place to state how children’s immunization records will be on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. The child is no longer enrolled at the facility to be able to collect the immunization records from parents. Ratio and Group Size Item #1756 Based on video footage from June 2, 2026 at 11:21am, space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, was shown exceeding the required staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements by having thirteen (13) children grouped together in the classroom and two (2) teachers. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that classrooms are maintained within the required staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes at all times. Staff assignments and classroom groupings must be adjusted as needed to remain in compliance with the Division’s requirements. Achieving Compliance: The facility received a violation regarding staff/child ratio and group size today. A follow-up visit may be conducted in the near future to determine if staff/child ratio and group size are adequately maintained per Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Based on today’s findings, this child care facility received a substantiated complaint regarding staff/child ratio and group size. This may warrant an administrative action as identified by Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818. Additional monitoring visits may be required. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by July 9, 2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114, Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424 or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: It is recommended to contact the local child care resource and referral agency, Southwestern Child Care Commission, when teachers may need assistance with challenging behaviors. It is also recommended to have parent/teacher conferences to discuss classroom transitions and challenging behaviors, which would allow for two-way communication and possible implementation of strategies to work together for the benefit of all children. We discussed during the next visit to measure space 2a and 2b as one space. We discussed that children may only play in approved spaces. We discussed the briefly the results from the Environmental Rating Scale and a copy of the report was email to you today. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable to your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and can be a resource for you while you strive to provide a safe and healthy environment for the well-being of young children. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0626-336L Visit Date: 7/1/2026 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 7/1/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 305 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit is to investigate allegations of child care requirements. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Bridget Owen Child Care Consultant and also signed by Courtney Brendel, Administrator, during the visit. Monica Houck, Lead Child Care Consultant, accompanied me during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Courtney Brendal, Administrator, assisted me today. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history is eighty-five percent (85%) as of 06/29/2026. The facility operates with a temporary license issued on 2/2/2026. The Special Services/Restrictions include Daytime care, meet enhanced ratios, meet enhanced space. The complaint was received by the Division of Child Development and Early Education on 6/26/2026 and sent to me on 06/26/2026. In addition to addressing the allegations, staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, permit restrictions, license posted, program records, and children’s records. A walkthrough of the entire center was conducted to include five (5) classrooms in operation today. Ms. Brendal accompanied me on the walkthrough of the center. During today’s walkthrough, the license and emergency care plan was posted. The facilities behavior policy, behavior logs, attendance records, daily arrival and departure records, and incident log were monitored. Limited monitoring of new staff files occurred. Two children’s files were reviewed. Additionally, I observed the indoor and outdoor space used by the children in space # 2a& b. Meal Observation Families provide all meals from home, including morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. Classroom Observations Space #4: Two (2) teachers were observed engaging in floor play with five (5) children under one (1) year of age. Space #3B: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising thirteen (13) children between three (3) and four (4) years of age while the children engaged in free play. Space #3A: One (1) teacher and one (1) one uncompensated provider were observed supervising nine (9) children between three (3) and four (4) years of age while the children were engaged in free play. Space #2A & 2B: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising eight (8) children between one (1) and two (2) years of age as they transitioned to the outdoor environment. Spaces #2A and #2B are combined and operate as one classroom. Space #1: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising eleven (11) children between two (2) and three (3) years of age engaged in free play. Activities included painting, sand play, blocks, and puzzles. The classroom was split into two (2) groups, eight children were inside with one (1) teacher and one (1) teacher, and three (3) children were outside the classroom door in the fenced area. Allegations within the report included the following: *Required Staff/child ratio and group size may have exceeded the staff/child ratio and group size for classroom with two year old children. *The center’s behavior policy may not have been followed that included termination. *Required incident documentation may not have been properly completed, maintained, or disclosed. Allegation regarding Required Staff/child ratio and group size may have exceeded the staff/child ratio for the one- to two-year-olds in the classroom with two year old children. We reviewed monthly attendance documentation and daily arrival and departure times, documentation from the Brightwheels application the facility utilizes for April, May, and June 2026, four (2) staff were interviewed and video footage from June 2, 2026. After the review, it was noted on May 26, 206 and June 2, 2026, that children one year of age and three years of age were combined in one (1) classroom. Additionally, on June 2, 2026, video footage at 11:21 am showed that space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, exceeded the ratio and group size, as there was a one year old in attendance. Based on video footage, four (4) staff interviews, review of attendance records and arrival and departure records for April, May, and June 2026, the allegation regarding staff/child ratio was substantiated Allegations regarding the center’s behavior policy may not have been followed that included termination. The facilities behavior policy was reviewed during today’s visit. The behavior policy specifies the following reason for a child to be terminated from the program but not limited to: failure to pay, routinely late picking up their child, failure to complete the required forms, lack of parental cooperation, failure of child to adjust to the center after a reasonable amount of time, parental physical or verbal abuse of any person or property, behavior or habits of any parent or child that is disruptive to programing or regular center operations, the facilities inability to meet the child’s needs or the parent’s expectations, lack of compliance with handbook regulations, serious illness, chronic absenteeism without notice. A random sampling of children’s files were monitored and contained parental acknowledgment of the facilities behavior policy. Based on the facilities behavior policy, behavior logs, and random sampling of children’s files the allegation regarding the facilities behavior policy was unsubstantiated. Allegation regarding required incident documentation may not have been properly completed, maintained, or disclosed. After reviewing the incident log and the behavior logs and after discussing incidents with Ms. Brendel, incident logs were not completed for thirteen (13) incidents and recorded on the incident log. Based on the incident log and behavior log and interview with Ms. Brendel, the allegation regarding incident reports was substantiated. The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. Based on arrival and departure records, on May 26, 2026, and June 2, 2026, children between the ages of one and three years of age were combined in space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, outside of the first and last operating hour of the day. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. .0802 (e) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child file reviewed did not have a medical report on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.One (1) child file reviewed did not have immunization records on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Based on video footage from June 2, 2026 at 11:21am, space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, was shown exceeding the required staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements by having thirteen (13) children grouped together in the classroom and two (2) teachers. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Technical assistance was provided as follows: Combined Ages 1- & 3-Year-Olds Item #318 Based on arrival and departure records, on May 26, 2026, and June 2, 2026, children between the ages of one and three years of age were combined in space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, outside of the first and last operating hour of the day. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that children are grouped and assigned to classrooms according to their appropriate age ranges and that mixed-age groupings are maintained in accordance with the Division’s requirements. Incident Report Item #852 & Item #853 Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that all incidents are properly documented using the required incident report information and required incident log. During the visit, you stated that staff have been sending home “boo boo reports.” It is recommended that the facility discontinue the use of “boo boo reports” and only utilize the incident report and log provided by the Division’s website to ensure documentation requirements are met. Children’s Records - Items #1321 and #1323 *One (1) child file reviewed did not have a medical report on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. *One (1) child file reviewed did not have immunization records on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. To achieve compliance for item #1321, a plan must be put in place to state how children’s medical reports will be on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. The child is no longer enrolled at the facility to be able to collect the medical report from parents. To achieve compliance for item #1321, a plan must be put in place to state how children’s immunization records will be on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. The child is no longer enrolled at the facility to be able to collect the immunization records from parents. Ratio and Group Size Item #1756 Based on video footage from June 2, 2026 at 11:21am, space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, was shown exceeding the required staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements by having thirteen (13) children grouped together in the classroom and two (2) teachers. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that classrooms are maintained within the required staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes at all times. Staff assignments and classroom groupings must be adjusted as needed to remain in compliance with the Division’s requirements. Achieving Compliance: The facility received a violation regarding staff/child ratio and group size today. A follow-up visit may be conducted in the near future to determine if staff/child ratio and group size are adequately maintained per Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Based on today’s findings, this child care facility received a substantiated complaint regarding staff/child ratio and group size. This may warrant an administrative action as identified by Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818. Additional monitoring visits may be required. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by July 9, 2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114, Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424 or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: It is recommended to contact the local child care resource and referral agency, Southwestern Child Care Commission, when teachers may need assistance with challenging behaviors. It is also recommended to have parent/teacher conferences to discuss classroom transitions and challenging behaviors, which would allow for two-way communication and possible implementation of strategies to work together for the benefit of all children. We discussed during the next visit to measure space 2a and 2b as one space. We discussed that children may only play in approved spaces. We discussed the briefly the results from the Environmental Rating Scale and a copy of the report was email to you today. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable to your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and can be a resource for you while you strive to provide a safe and healthy environment for the well-being of young children. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0626-336L Visit Date: 7/1/2026 Number Present: 46 Completed Date: 7/1/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 305 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit is to investigate allegations of child care requirements. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by me, Bridget Owen Child Care Consultant and also signed by Courtney Brendel, Administrator, during the visit. Monica Houck, Lead Child Care Consultant, accompanied me during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Courtney Brendal, Administrator, assisted me today. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history is eighty-five percent (85%) as of 06/29/2026. The facility operates with a temporary license issued on 2/2/2026. The Special Services/Restrictions include Daytime care, meet enhanced ratios, meet enhanced space. The complaint was received by the Division of Child Development and Early Education on 6/26/2026 and sent to me on 06/26/2026. In addition to addressing the allegations, staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, permit restrictions, license posted, program records, and children’s records. A walkthrough of the entire center was conducted to include five (5) classrooms in operation today. Ms. Brendal accompanied me on the walkthrough of the center. During today’s walkthrough, the license and emergency care plan was posted. The facilities behavior policy, behavior logs, attendance records, daily arrival and departure records, and incident log were monitored. Limited monitoring of new staff files occurred. Two children’s files were reviewed. Additionally, I observed the indoor and outdoor space used by the children in space # 2a& b. Meal Observation Families provide all meals from home, including morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. Classroom Observations Space #4: Two (2) teachers were observed engaging in floor play with five (5) children under one (1) year of age. Space #3B: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising thirteen (13) children between three (3) and four (4) years of age while the children engaged in free play. Space #3A: One (1) teacher and one (1) one uncompensated provider were observed supervising nine (9) children between three (3) and four (4) years of age while the children were engaged in free play. Space #2A & 2B: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising eight (8) children between one (1) and two (2) years of age as they transitioned to the outdoor environment. Spaces #2A and #2B are combined and operate as one classroom. Space #1: Two (2) teachers were observed supervising eleven (11) children between two (2) and three (3) years of age engaged in free play. Activities included painting, sand play, blocks, and puzzles. The classroom was split into two (2) groups, eight children were inside with one (1) teacher and one (1) teacher, and three (3) children were outside the classroom door in the fenced area. Allegations within the report included the following: *Required Staff/child ratio and group size may have exceeded the staff/child ratio and group size for classroom with two year old children. *The center’s behavior policy may not have been followed that included termination. *Required incident documentation may not have been properly completed, maintained, or disclosed. Allegation regarding Required Staff/child ratio and group size may have exceeded the staff/child ratio for the one- to two-year-olds in the classroom with two year old children. We reviewed monthly attendance documentation and daily arrival and departure times, documentation from the Brightwheels application the facility utilizes for April, May, and June 2026, four (2) staff were interviewed and video footage from June 2, 2026. After the review, it was noted on May 26, 206 and June 2, 2026, that children one year of age and three years of age were combined in one (1) classroom. Additionally, on June 2, 2026, video footage at 11:21 am showed that space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, exceeded the ratio and group size, as there was a one year old in attendance. Based on video footage, four (4) staff interviews, review of attendance records and arrival and departure records for April, May, and June 2026, the allegation regarding staff/child ratio was substantiated Allegations regarding the center’s behavior policy may not have been followed that included termination. The facilities behavior policy was reviewed during today’s visit. The behavior policy specifies the following reason for a child to be terminated from the program but not limited to: failure to pay, routinely late picking up their child, failure to complete the required forms, lack of parental cooperation, failure of child to adjust to the center after a reasonable amount of time, parental physical or verbal abuse of any person or property, behavior or habits of any parent or child that is disruptive to programing or regular center operations, the facilities inability to meet the child’s needs or the parent’s expectations, lack of compliance with handbook regulations, serious illness, chronic absenteeism without notice. A random sampling of children’s files were monitored and contained parental acknowledgment of the facilities behavior policy. Based on the facilities behavior policy, behavior logs, and random sampling of children’s files the allegation regarding the facilities behavior policy was unsubstantiated. Allegation regarding required incident documentation may not have been properly completed, maintained, or disclosed. After reviewing the incident log and the behavior logs and after discussing incidents with Ms. Brendel, incident logs were not completed for thirteen (13) incidents and recorded on the incident log. Based on the incident log and behavior log and interview with Ms. Brendel, the allegation regarding incident reports was substantiated. The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 318 Children between 12 and 24 months of age were grouped with children 3 years of age or older. Based on arrival and departure records, on May 26, 2026, and June 2, 2026, children between the ages of one and three years of age were combined in space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, outside of the first and last operating hour of the day. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(6) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. .0802 (e) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One (1) child file reviewed did not have a medical report on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission.One (1) child file reviewed did not have immunization records on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Based on video footage from June 2, 2026 at 11:21am, space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, was shown exceeding the required staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements by having thirteen (13) children grouped together in the classroom and two (2) teachers. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Technical assistance was provided as follows: Combined Ages 1- & 3-Year-Olds Item #318 Based on arrival and departure records, on May 26, 2026, and June 2, 2026, children between the ages of one and three years of age were combined in space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, outside of the first and last operating hour of the day. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that children are grouped and assigned to classrooms according to their appropriate age ranges and that mixed-age groupings are maintained in accordance with the Division’s requirements. Incident Report Item #852 & Item #853 Upon review of the behavior logs and incident reports, it was noted that thirteen (13) incidents had not been completed and documented on the facility’s incident log. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that all incidents are properly documented using the required incident report information and required incident log. During the visit, you stated that staff have been sending home “boo boo reports.” It is recommended that the facility discontinue the use of “boo boo reports” and only utilize the incident report and log provided by the Division’s website to ensure documentation requirements are met. Children’s Records - Items #1321 and #1323 *One (1) child file reviewed did not have a medical report on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. *One (1) child file reviewed did not have immunization records on file for the child. The child had been enrolled for more than thirty (30) days. To achieve compliance for item #1321, a plan must be put in place to state how children’s medical reports will be on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. The child is no longer enrolled at the facility to be able to collect the medical report from parents. To achieve compliance for item #1321, a plan must be put in place to state how children’s immunization records will be on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment. The child is no longer enrolled at the facility to be able to collect the immunization records from parents. Ratio and Group Size Item #1756 Based on video footage from June 2, 2026 at 11:21am, space #2a&b, the classroom with one through three year old children, was shown exceeding the required staff-to-child ratio and group size requirements by having thirteen (13) children grouped together in the classroom and two (2) teachers. To achieve compliance, the facility must ensure that classrooms are maintained within the required staff-to-child ratios and maximum group sizes at all times. Staff assignments and classroom groupings must be adjusted as needed to remain in compliance with the Division’s requirements. Achieving Compliance: The facility received a violation regarding staff/child ratio and group size today. A follow-up visit may be conducted in the near future to determine if staff/child ratio and group size are adequately maintained per Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Based on today’s findings, this child care facility received a substantiated complaint regarding staff/child ratio and group size. This may warrant an administrative action as identified by Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818. Additional monitoring visits may be required. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by July 9, 2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114, Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424 or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Consultation is provided as follows: It is recommended to contact the local child care resource and referral agency, Southwestern Child Care Commission, when teachers may need assistance with challenging behaviors. It is also recommended to have parent/teacher conferences to discuss classroom transitions and challenging behaviors, which would allow for two-way communication and possible implementation of strategies to work together for the benefit of all children. We discussed during the next visit to measure space 2a and 2b as one space. We discussed that children may only play in approved spaces. We discussed the briefly the results from the Environmental Rating Scale and a copy of the report was email to you today. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable to your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any licensing visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and can be a resource for you while you strive to provide a safe and healthy environment for the well-being of young children. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828-530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/7/2026 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 4/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. This facility is on a temporary license due to a change of location. Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. Courtney Brendel, Administrator/Legal Operator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed and reviewed with you. The printed visit summary was signed and a copy left with you. Currently this center operates with a Temporary License, issued 2/2/26 and is effective through 8/2/26. The restrictions include first shift only for ninety (90) children, ages 0-5 years old, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked today, and the Limited Liability Company, Above and Beyond Child Care of Franklin LLC, is listed as active-current. If any changes to the organization need to be made, then you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1/22/26. A sanitation inspection was conducted on 3/18/26 with four (4) demerits for a Superior rating. Lead water test results were last completed on 8/29/25, (the previous owner’s lead water test results can carry over to the new owner with this location; plan to contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids to notify of the change of ownership and have account results transferred into new ownership account). Per the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, the building was built in 1977; per report dated 9/17/25 no lead based paint hazards were detected and per report dated 9/17/25 no asbestos hazards were identified. The EPR plan was completed for the new location on 2/25/26. The last fire drill was practiced on 2/18/26. The last lockdown drill was practiced on 1/9/26. A drill is due to be practiced this month. The last playground inspection was completed on 2/18/26. The incident log could not be located. Three (3) children files were monitored. Five (5) staff files were monitored. To serve children on subsidy vouchers, the facility must transition to a three-star license or higher. If the facility cannot achieve a three-star license or higher, no children can be served that receive subsidy vouchers. The Initial Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License can be found on the Division’s website if you would like to apply for a rated license. The Rated License Request for Review Form is embedded in the rated license application if you would like to request the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment. Plan to visit the ncrlap.org website to learn more about the assessment process. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Upon arrival in space 2a & 2b, the classrooms with two year old children, a children’s show was being played on the screen for children under three years of age. .0510(f) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill was practiced on 2/18/26. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space 3b, the classroom with four and five year old children, a gallon of paint with keep out of reach of children was stored in an unlocked storage closet. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Four (4) children had parent authorization on a form created by the provider for the administration of diaper cream found in the child’s cubby (Boudereauxs Butt Paste, Little Journey, Honest, and etc.) The provider’s form was missing required information. Five (5) children did not have parent authorization for the administration of diaper creams found in the child’s cubby (vitamin A & D, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, Equate Diaper Rash Ointment, and etc.) 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. An incident log was not available for review. .0802(g)(1-6) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 2/18/26. .0605(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Space #4, the classroom with infant and one year old children, the sleep charts could not be located for 4/1/26 and 4/2/26. .0606(g) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One (1) staff with a start date of 2/10/26 did not have documentation of sixteen (16) hours of orientation within the first six (6) weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. No staff have a signed and dated statement that they have received a job description. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. No child care providers have been assigned to the child care facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. This is a repeat violation from 3/9/26. .0801(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Medical records were stored in three (3) individual personnel files. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One (1) staff hired in 2021 had not completed the health and safety training topic for Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent. .1102(a) All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement on or before 4/21/26. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Achieving Compliance – rule references are noted in the cited violations *DCDEE Criminal Background Check (CBC) Reporting – Item #1805 You have taken the Moodle training. To achieve compliance, you stated you will need to contact the DCDEE CBC unit to find out the provider number and log in information to begin the process of adding staff. New and terminated staff notification requirement: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. *Incident Log – Item #853 To achieve compliance, you printed out a new incident log to have available for the new location and will locate the incident log from the previous location. *Staff Medical File – Item #1890 To achieve compliance, you moved the medical documents into a medical file for staff. This was corrected during the visit. *Monthly Fire Drills – Items #805 To achieve compliance, you will provide a written plan to state how fire drills will be practiced monthly. We discussed placing reminders on an electronic calendar. *Monthly Playground Inspections – Item #859 To achieve compliance, you will provide a written plan to state how playground inspections will be completed each month. We discussed placing reminders on an electronic calendar. *Health and Safety Training – Item #1898 To achieve compliance, you stated D. Brendel will complete Medication in Child Care Training. This is an on-demand training course on DCDEE Moodle. *New Staff Orientation – Item #1045 To achieve compliance, you will complete the orientation training with I. Auld to complete the required sixteen (16) hours of orientation. *Job Descriptions - Item #1233 To achieve compliance, each staff member will need to review, sign, and date that they have received a copy of the job description for their specific position (administrator/director, lead teacher, teacher, substitute, etc.) Emergency Medication Item # 1835 An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. You stated you would obtain an updated action plan with signatures and new validity date. The updated action plan will need to be emailed for verification since this is a repeat violation from 3/5/26. Sleep Charts Item # 887 The most current sleep charts were dated through 3/31/2026 and today’s 4/7/2026 was started. You stated that you might have filed them. To achieve compliance, the sleep charts for 4/1/26 and 4/2/26 must be provided for verification if found and a plan to state how sleep charts will be maintained moving forward. Medication Authorization Item # 0847 You stated that you would start using the medical authorization for topicals that can be found on the division’s website under the provider forms and documents tab. To achieve compliance, all diaper creams must have a parent signed medication authorization form with all required information. Screen Time for Children under 3 years olds Item #544 To achieve compliance, a written plan must be submitted to state how screen time will not be offered to children under three years of age. Hazardous Products Item # 0840 To achieve compliance, the gallon of paint was locked. This was corrected during the visit. Rated License Consultation: Rated License Assessment: The program must maintain a 75% or higher compliance history score to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. We discussed you would be choosing the program assessment pathway and referred to the SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES. When emailing the rated license application, plan to also email the three-month self study verification form, the family and community engagement foundational practices form, the continuous quality improvement plan for the facility that is in process, and the request to have the environmental rating scale assessment. The following would be completed for the program assessment pathway based on star level met. *Enhanced staff/child ratios and/or enhanced space options. *Staff education evaluation of fifty percent (50%) of lead teachers and fifty percent (50%) of other educators. *Evidence of implementing family and community engagement foundational practices. *Evidence of implementing continuous quality improvement plans for the facility and individual staff. *A structured self-study completed by the administrator and lead teacher(s) over three (3) consecutive months using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. *Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment using Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3 and ECERS-3). *Evidence of implementing an approved curriculum with four-year old children. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submitted an official transcript (if applicable) and applied for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. All staff must have education evaluated by WORKS on or before 5/15/26. If staff have DCDEE WORKS accounts without education evaluated for their position or do not have a DCDEE WORKS account, then it may result in a one star level for education. *C. Brendel – Administrator – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets Level I Administrator *T. Daniel – Teacher (T) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the North Carolina Early Childhood Certificate (NCECC) *B. Banks – T – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus nine (9) additional semester hours in early childhood development (ECE) *A. Ray – Lead Teacher (LT) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the NCECC *S. Brendel – LT – no education in DCDEE WORKS account to evaluate for position *H. Ramey – LT – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus six (6) additional semester hours in ECE *I. Auld – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account *M. Kiser – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account Curriculum is required for four year old children for four and five star programs. You stated you use the curriculum below. This will be verified during the next visit. Starfall 4s Starfall Education Foundation, 2013 Consultation: D. Brendel has a DCDEE CBC qualifying letter on file that expires 6/25/26. It is recommended to start the DCDEE CBC application process now to avoid a lapse in qualification. When allowing a potential employee to come observe as a visitor, we discussed they could only be there to watch the routine of the lead teacher and not provide care to children. Any visitors must sign in on the visitor log. We discussed rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (j) Staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule in the presence of children in care. In Space 4b there was a green smoothie type drink on the counter. Reminder to keep drinks in an opaque cup. We discussed the feeding plan is required for children under fifteen-month-olds. We discussed the screen time log would need to be completed for children three years of age or older anytime the screen is being used. Research was conducted on the use of the YouTube music black screen and was found to be a black screen with music in the background. If you play music using the screen and it has video on it, you will need to complete a screen time log. 10 A NCAC 09.0510 (f) Screen time, including television, videos, video games, and computer usage, shall be prohibited for children under three years of age. In space 2a acrylic paint was stored with food items (goldfish, cheese its, and fruit snacks). We discussed that food items cannot be stored with hazardous materials. 15 A NCAC18A. 2820(b) Toxic substances, which include corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled shall be kept in the original container or in another labeled container, used according to the manufacturer's instructions, and stored in a locked storage room or cabinet when not in use. Locked storage rooms and cabinets shall include those which are unlocked with a combination lock, electronic or magnetic device, keypad, key, or equivalent locking device. Keys and electronic or magnetic unlocking devices shall be kept out of the reach of a child and shall not be stored in the lock. Toxic substances shall be stored below or separate from medications and food. Any other product that is labeled "keep out of reach of children" and does not have any other warnings on the label shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but is not required to be kept in locked storage. For the purpose of Paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this Rule, a product shall be considered inaccessible to children when stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is mounted a minimum vertical distance of five feet above the finished floor. During the visit today, lead teachers stated they have already completed the self-study within the last two months. Reminder that if you are applying for a star rated license under the program assessment pathway, then a three-month self-study must be completed. The self-study cannot be less than three-months. 10A NCAC 09 .3203 PROGRAM ASSESSMENT PATHWAY FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) This Rule shall apply to child care centers, including centers located in a residence, that choose to earn a two through five-star rated license using the program assessment licensure pathway. (b) As used in this Rule, "educators" shall mean teachers, group leaders, and administrative staff, including directors, assistant directors, program coordinators, education coordinators, curriculum specialists, and other staff that have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training on-site in a child care center. Educators shall meet the education standards of a position as set forth in Rules .3211, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218 of this Section and work full-time. If a program operates less than 40 hours per week, full-time shall mean the hours the program is in operation. (c) As used in this Rule, "structured self-study" shall mean the process used to reflect on current teaching practices and educational environments, and identify areas of strength, needs, and action steps required to achieve the standards of the applicable program assessment tool(s) as set forth in Paragraph (d) of this Rule, based on the age of the children served. A structured self-study shall be completed over a minimum of three consecutive months and include a self-assessment using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. Sample self-study forms may be found on the Division's website. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.243.2154, or my supervisor, Bonnie Mathis at bonnie.mathis@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/7/2026 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 4/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. This facility is on a temporary license due to a change of location. Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. Courtney Brendel, Administrator/Legal Operator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed and reviewed with you. The printed visit summary was signed and a copy left with you. Currently this center operates with a Temporary License, issued 2/2/26 and is effective through 8/2/26. The restrictions include first shift only for ninety (90) children, ages 0-5 years old, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked today, and the Limited Liability Company, Above and Beyond Child Care of Franklin LLC, is listed as active-current. If any changes to the organization need to be made, then you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1/22/26. A sanitation inspection was conducted on 3/18/26 with four (4) demerits for a Superior rating. Lead water test results were last completed on 8/29/25, (the previous owner’s lead water test results can carry over to the new owner with this location; plan to contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids to notify of the change of ownership and have account results transferred into new ownership account). Per the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, the building was built in 1977; per report dated 9/17/25 no lead based paint hazards were detected and per report dated 9/17/25 no asbestos hazards were identified. The EPR plan was completed for the new location on 2/25/26. The last fire drill was practiced on 2/18/26. The last lockdown drill was practiced on 1/9/26. A drill is due to be practiced this month. The last playground inspection was completed on 2/18/26. The incident log could not be located. Three (3) children files were monitored. Five (5) staff files were monitored. To serve children on subsidy vouchers, the facility must transition to a three-star license or higher. If the facility cannot achieve a three-star license or higher, no children can be served that receive subsidy vouchers. The Initial Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License can be found on the Division’s website if you would like to apply for a rated license. The Rated License Request for Review Form is embedded in the rated license application if you would like to request the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment. Plan to visit the ncrlap.org website to learn more about the assessment process. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Upon arrival in space 2a & 2b, the classrooms with two year old children, a children’s show was being played on the screen for children under three years of age. .0510(f) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill was practiced on 2/18/26. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space 3b, the classroom with four and five year old children, a gallon of paint with keep out of reach of children was stored in an unlocked storage closet. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Four (4) children had parent authorization on a form created by the provider for the administration of diaper cream found in the child’s cubby (Boudereauxs Butt Paste, Little Journey, Honest, and etc.) The provider’s form was missing required information. Five (5) children did not have parent authorization for the administration of diaper creams found in the child’s cubby (vitamin A & D, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, Equate Diaper Rash Ointment, and etc.) 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. An incident log was not available for review. .0802(g)(1-6) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 2/18/26. .0605(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Space #4, the classroom with infant and one year old children, the sleep charts could not be located for 4/1/26 and 4/2/26. .0606(g) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One (1) staff with a start date of 2/10/26 did not have documentation of sixteen (16) hours of orientation within the first six (6) weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. No staff have a signed and dated statement that they have received a job description. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. No child care providers have been assigned to the child care facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. This is a repeat violation from 3/9/26. .0801(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Medical records were stored in three (3) individual personnel files. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One (1) staff hired in 2021 had not completed the health and safety training topic for Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent. .1102(a) All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement on or before 4/21/26. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Achieving Compliance – rule references are noted in the cited violations *DCDEE Criminal Background Check (CBC) Reporting – Item #1805 You have taken the Moodle training. To achieve compliance, you stated you will need to contact the DCDEE CBC unit to find out the provider number and log in information to begin the process of adding staff. New and terminated staff notification requirement: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. *Incident Log – Item #853 To achieve compliance, you printed out a new incident log to have available for the new location and will locate the incident log from the previous location. *Staff Medical File – Item #1890 To achieve compliance, you moved the medical documents into a medical file for staff. This was corrected during the visit. *Monthly Fire Drills – Items #805 To achieve compliance, you will provide a written plan to state how fire drills will be practiced monthly. We discussed placing reminders on an electronic calendar. *Monthly Playground Inspections – Item #859 To achieve compliance, you will provide a written plan to state how playground inspections will be completed each month. We discussed placing reminders on an electronic calendar. *Health and Safety Training – Item #1898 To achieve compliance, you stated D. Brendel will complete Medication in Child Care Training. This is an on-demand training course on DCDEE Moodle. *New Staff Orientation – Item #1045 To achieve compliance, you will complete the orientation training with I. Auld to complete the required sixteen (16) hours of orientation. *Job Descriptions - Item #1233 To achieve compliance, each staff member will need to review, sign, and date that they have received a copy of the job description for their specific position (administrator/director, lead teacher, teacher, substitute, etc.) Emergency Medication Item # 1835 An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. You stated you would obtain an updated action plan with signatures and new validity date. The updated action plan will need to be emailed for verification since this is a repeat violation from 3/5/26. Sleep Charts Item # 887 The most current sleep charts were dated through 3/31/2026 and today’s 4/7/2026 was started. You stated that you might have filed them. To achieve compliance, the sleep charts for 4/1/26 and 4/2/26 must be provided for verification if found and a plan to state how sleep charts will be maintained moving forward. Medication Authorization Item # 0847 You stated that you would start using the medical authorization for topicals that can be found on the division’s website under the provider forms and documents tab. To achieve compliance, all diaper creams must have a parent signed medication authorization form with all required information. Screen Time for Children under 3 years olds Item #544 To achieve compliance, a written plan must be submitted to state how screen time will not be offered to children under three years of age. Hazardous Products Item # 0840 To achieve compliance, the gallon of paint was locked. This was corrected during the visit. Rated License Consultation: Rated License Assessment: The program must maintain a 75% or higher compliance history score to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. We discussed you would be choosing the program assessment pathway and referred to the SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES. When emailing the rated license application, plan to also email the three-month self study verification form, the family and community engagement foundational practices form, the continuous quality improvement plan for the facility that is in process, and the request to have the environmental rating scale assessment. The following would be completed for the program assessment pathway based on star level met. *Enhanced staff/child ratios and/or enhanced space options. *Staff education evaluation of fifty percent (50%) of lead teachers and fifty percent (50%) of other educators. *Evidence of implementing family and community engagement foundational practices. *Evidence of implementing continuous quality improvement plans for the facility and individual staff. *A structured self-study completed by the administrator and lead teacher(s) over three (3) consecutive months using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. *Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment using Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3 and ECERS-3). *Evidence of implementing an approved curriculum with four-year old children. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submitted an official transcript (if applicable) and applied for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. All staff must have education evaluated by WORKS on or before 5/15/26. If staff have DCDEE WORKS accounts without education evaluated for their position or do not have a DCDEE WORKS account, then it may result in a one star level for education. *C. Brendel – Administrator – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets Level I Administrator *T. Daniel – Teacher (T) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the North Carolina Early Childhood Certificate (NCECC) *B. Banks – T – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus nine (9) additional semester hours in early childhood development (ECE) *A. Ray – Lead Teacher (LT) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the NCECC *S. Brendel – LT – no education in DCDEE WORKS account to evaluate for position *H. Ramey – LT – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus six (6) additional semester hours in ECE *I. Auld – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account *M. Kiser – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account Curriculum is required for four year old children for four and five star programs. You stated you use the curriculum below. This will be verified during the next visit. Starfall 4s Starfall Education Foundation, 2013 Consultation: D. Brendel has a DCDEE CBC qualifying letter on file that expires 6/25/26. It is recommended to start the DCDEE CBC application process now to avoid a lapse in qualification. When allowing a potential employee to come observe as a visitor, we discussed they could only be there to watch the routine of the lead teacher and not provide care to children. Any visitors must sign in on the visitor log. We discussed rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (j) Staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule in the presence of children in care. In Space 4b there was a green smoothie type drink on the counter. Reminder to keep drinks in an opaque cup. We discussed the feeding plan is required for children under fifteen-month-olds. We discussed the screen time log would need to be completed for children three years of age or older anytime the screen is being used. Research was conducted on the use of the YouTube music black screen and was found to be a black screen with music in the background. If you play music using the screen and it has video on it, you will need to complete a screen time log. 10 A NCAC 09.0510 (f) Screen time, including television, videos, video games, and computer usage, shall be prohibited for children under three years of age. In space 2a acrylic paint was stored with food items (goldfish, cheese its, and fruit snacks). We discussed that food items cannot be stored with hazardous materials. 15 A NCAC18A. 2820(b) Toxic substances, which include corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled shall be kept in the original container or in another labeled container, used according to the manufacturer's instructions, and stored in a locked storage room or cabinet when not in use. Locked storage rooms and cabinets shall include those which are unlocked with a combination lock, electronic or magnetic device, keypad, key, or equivalent locking device. Keys and electronic or magnetic unlocking devices shall be kept out of the reach of a child and shall not be stored in the lock. Toxic substances shall be stored below or separate from medications and food. Any other product that is labeled "keep out of reach of children" and does not have any other warnings on the label shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but is not required to be kept in locked storage. For the purpose of Paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this Rule, a product shall be considered inaccessible to children when stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is mounted a minimum vertical distance of five feet above the finished floor. During the visit today, lead teachers stated they have already completed the self-study within the last two months. Reminder that if you are applying for a star rated license under the program assessment pathway, then a three-month self-study must be completed. The self-study cannot be less than three-months. 10A NCAC 09 .3203 PROGRAM ASSESSMENT PATHWAY FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) This Rule shall apply to child care centers, including centers located in a residence, that choose to earn a two through five-star rated license using the program assessment licensure pathway. (b) As used in this Rule, "educators" shall mean teachers, group leaders, and administrative staff, including directors, assistant directors, program coordinators, education coordinators, curriculum specialists, and other staff that have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training on-site in a child care center. Educators shall meet the education standards of a position as set forth in Rules .3211, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218 of this Section and work full-time. If a program operates less than 40 hours per week, full-time shall mean the hours the program is in operation. (c) As used in this Rule, "structured self-study" shall mean the process used to reflect on current teaching practices and educational environments, and identify areas of strength, needs, and action steps required to achieve the standards of the applicable program assessment tool(s) as set forth in Paragraph (d) of this Rule, based on the age of the children served. A structured self-study shall be completed over a minimum of three consecutive months and include a self-assessment using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. Sample self-study forms may be found on the Division's website. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.243.2154, or my supervisor, Bonnie Mathis at bonnie.mathis@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 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/7/2026 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 4/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. This facility is on a temporary license due to a change of location. Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. Courtney Brendel, Administrator/Legal Operator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed and reviewed with you. The printed visit summary was signed and a copy left with you. Currently this center operates with a Temporary License, issued 2/2/26 and is effective through 8/2/26. The restrictions include first shift only for ninety (90) children, ages 0-5 years old, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked today, and the Limited Liability Company, Above and Beyond Child Care of Franklin LLC, is listed as active-current. If any changes to the organization need to be made, then you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1/22/26. A sanitation inspection was conducted on 3/18/26 with four (4) demerits for a Superior rating. Lead water test results were last completed on 8/29/25, (the previous owner’s lead water test results can carry over to the new owner with this location; plan to contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids to notify of the change of ownership and have account results transferred into new ownership account). Per the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, the building was built in 1977; per report dated 9/17/25 no lead based paint hazards were detected and per report dated 9/17/25 no asbestos hazards were identified. The EPR plan was completed for the new location on 2/25/26. The last fire drill was practiced on 2/18/26. The last lockdown drill was practiced on 1/9/26. A drill is due to be practiced this month. The last playground inspection was completed on 2/18/26. The incident log could not be located. Three (3) children files were monitored. Five (5) staff files were monitored. To serve children on subsidy vouchers, the facility must transition to a three-star license or higher. If the facility cannot achieve a three-star license or higher, no children can be served that receive subsidy vouchers. The Initial Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License can be found on the Division’s website if you would like to apply for a rated license. The Rated License Request for Review Form is embedded in the rated license application if you would like to request the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment. Plan to visit the ncrlap.org website to learn more about the assessment process. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Upon arrival in space 2a & 2b, the classrooms with two year old children, a children’s show was being played on the screen for children under three years of age. .0510(f) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill was practiced on 2/18/26. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space 3b, the classroom with four and five year old children, a gallon of paint with keep out of reach of children was stored in an unlocked storage closet. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Four (4) children had parent authorization on a form created by the provider for the administration of diaper cream found in the child’s cubby (Boudereauxs Butt Paste, Little Journey, Honest, and etc.) The provider’s form was missing required information. Five (5) children did not have parent authorization for the administration of diaper creams found in the child’s cubby (vitamin A & D, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, Equate Diaper Rash Ointment, and etc.) 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. An incident log was not available for review. .0802(g)(1-6) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 2/18/26. .0605(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Space #4, the classroom with infant and one year old children, the sleep charts could not be located for 4/1/26 and 4/2/26. .0606(g) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One (1) staff with a start date of 2/10/26 did not have documentation of sixteen (16) hours of orientation within the first six (6) weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. No staff have a signed and dated statement that they have received a job description. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. No child care providers have been assigned to the child care facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. This is a repeat violation from 3/9/26. .0801(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Medical records were stored in three (3) individual personnel files. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One (1) staff hired in 2021 had not completed the health and safety training topic for Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent. .1102(a) All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement on or before 4/21/26. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Achieving Compliance – rule references are noted in the cited violations *DCDEE Criminal Background Check (CBC) Reporting – Item #1805 You have taken the Moodle training. To achieve compliance, you stated you will need to contact the DCDEE CBC unit to find out the provider number and log in information to begin the process of adding staff. New and terminated staff notification requirement: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. *Incident Log – Item #853 To achieve compliance, you printed out a new incident log to have available for the new location and will locate the incident log from the previous location. *Staff Medical File – Item #1890 To achieve compliance, you moved the medical documents into a medical file for staff. This was corrected during the visit. *Monthly Fire Drills – Items #805 To achieve compliance, you will provide a written plan to state how fire drills will be practiced monthly. We discussed placing reminders on an electronic calendar. *Monthly Playground Inspections – Item #859 To achieve compliance, you will provide a written plan to state how playground inspections will be completed each month. We discussed placing reminders on an electronic calendar. *Health and Safety Training – Item #1898 To achieve compliance, you stated D. Brendel will complete Medication in Child Care Training. This is an on-demand training course on DCDEE Moodle. *New Staff Orientation – Item #1045 To achieve compliance, you will complete the orientation training with I. Auld to complete the required sixteen (16) hours of orientation. *Job Descriptions - Item #1233 To achieve compliance, each staff member will need to review, sign, and date that they have received a copy of the job description for their specific position (administrator/director, lead teacher, teacher, substitute, etc.) Emergency Medication Item # 1835 An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. You stated you would obtain an updated action plan with signatures and new validity date. The updated action plan will need to be emailed for verification since this is a repeat violation from 3/5/26. Sleep Charts Item # 887 The most current sleep charts were dated through 3/31/2026 and today’s 4/7/2026 was started. You stated that you might have filed them. To achieve compliance, the sleep charts for 4/1/26 and 4/2/26 must be provided for verification if found and a plan to state how sleep charts will be maintained moving forward. Medication Authorization Item # 0847 You stated that you would start using the medical authorization for topicals that can be found on the division’s website under the provider forms and documents tab. To achieve compliance, all diaper creams must have a parent signed medication authorization form with all required information. Screen Time for Children under 3 years olds Item #544 To achieve compliance, a written plan must be submitted to state how screen time will not be offered to children under three years of age. Hazardous Products Item # 0840 To achieve compliance, the gallon of paint was locked. This was corrected during the visit. Rated License Consultation: Rated License Assessment: The program must maintain a 75% or higher compliance history score to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. We discussed you would be choosing the program assessment pathway and referred to the SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES. When emailing the rated license application, plan to also email the three-month self study verification form, the family and community engagement foundational practices form, the continuous quality improvement plan for the facility that is in process, and the request to have the environmental rating scale assessment. The following would be completed for the program assessment pathway based on star level met. *Enhanced staff/child ratios and/or enhanced space options. *Staff education evaluation of fifty percent (50%) of lead teachers and fifty percent (50%) of other educators. *Evidence of implementing family and community engagement foundational practices. *Evidence of implementing continuous quality improvement plans for the facility and individual staff. *A structured self-study completed by the administrator and lead teacher(s) over three (3) consecutive months using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. *Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment using Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3 and ECERS-3). *Evidence of implementing an approved curriculum with four-year old children. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submitted an official transcript (if applicable) and applied for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. All staff must have education evaluated by WORKS on or before 5/15/26. If staff have DCDEE WORKS accounts without education evaluated for their position or do not have a DCDEE WORKS account, then it may result in a one star level for education. *C. Brendel – Administrator – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets Level I Administrator *T. Daniel – Teacher (T) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the North Carolina Early Childhood Certificate (NCECC) *B. Banks – T – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus nine (9) additional semester hours in early childhood development (ECE) *A. Ray – Lead Teacher (LT) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the NCECC *S. Brendel – LT – no education in DCDEE WORKS account to evaluate for position *H. Ramey – LT – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus six (6) additional semester hours in ECE *I. Auld – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account *M. Kiser – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account Curriculum is required for four year old children for four and five star programs. You stated you use the curriculum below. This will be verified during the next visit. Starfall 4s Starfall Education Foundation, 2013 Consultation: D. Brendel has a DCDEE CBC qualifying letter on file that expires 6/25/26. It is recommended to start the DCDEE CBC application process now to avoid a lapse in qualification. When allowing a potential employee to come observe as a visitor, we discussed they could only be there to watch the routine of the lead teacher and not provide care to children. Any visitors must sign in on the visitor log. We discussed rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (j) Staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule in the presence of children in care. In Space 4b there was a green smoothie type drink on the counter. Reminder to keep drinks in an opaque cup. We discussed the feeding plan is required for children under fifteen-month-olds. We discussed the screen time log would need to be completed for children three years of age or older anytime the screen is being used. Research was conducted on the use of the YouTube music black screen and was found to be a black screen with music in the background. If you play music using the screen and it has video on it, you will need to complete a screen time log. 10 A NCAC 09.0510 (f) Screen time, including television, videos, video games, and computer usage, shall be prohibited for children under three years of age. In space 2a acrylic paint was stored with food items (goldfish, cheese its, and fruit snacks). We discussed that food items cannot be stored with hazardous materials. 15 A NCAC18A. 2820(b) Toxic substances, which include corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled shall be kept in the original container or in another labeled container, used according to the manufacturer's instructions, and stored in a locked storage room or cabinet when not in use. Locked storage rooms and cabinets shall include those which are unlocked with a combination lock, electronic or magnetic device, keypad, key, or equivalent locking device. Keys and electronic or magnetic unlocking devices shall be kept out of the reach of a child and shall not be stored in the lock. Toxic substances shall be stored below or separate from medications and food. Any other product that is labeled "keep out of reach of children" and does not have any other warnings on the label shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but is not required to be kept in locked storage. For the purpose of Paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this Rule, a product shall be considered inaccessible to children when stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is mounted a minimum vertical distance of five feet above the finished floor. During the visit today, lead teachers stated they have already completed the self-study within the last two months. Reminder that if you are applying for a star rated license under the program assessment pathway, then a three-month self-study must be completed. The self-study cannot be less than three-months. 10A NCAC 09 .3203 PROGRAM ASSESSMENT PATHWAY FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) This Rule shall apply to child care centers, including centers located in a residence, that choose to earn a two through five-star rated license using the program assessment licensure pathway. (b) As used in this Rule, "educators" shall mean teachers, group leaders, and administrative staff, including directors, assistant directors, program coordinators, education coordinators, curriculum specialists, and other staff that have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training on-site in a child care center. Educators shall meet the education standards of a position as set forth in Rules .3211, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218 of this Section and work full-time. If a program operates less than 40 hours per week, full-time shall mean the hours the program is in operation. (c) As used in this Rule, "structured self-study" shall mean the process used to reflect on current teaching practices and educational environments, and identify areas of strength, needs, and action steps required to achieve the standards of the applicable program assessment tool(s) as set forth in Paragraph (d) of this Rule, based on the age of the children served. A structured self-study shall be completed over a minimum of three consecutive months and include a self-assessment using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. Sample self-study forms may be found on the Division's website. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.243.2154, or my supervisor, Bonnie Mathis at bonnie.mathis@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 .3203 · Violation

Name of Operation: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/7/2026 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 4/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. This facility is on a temporary license due to a change of location. Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. Courtney Brendel, Administrator/Legal Operator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed and reviewed with you. The printed visit summary was signed and a copy left with you. Currently this center operates with a Temporary License, issued 2/2/26 and is effective through 8/2/26. The restrictions include first shift only for ninety (90) children, ages 0-5 years old, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked today, and the Limited Liability Company, Above and Beyond Child Care of Franklin LLC, is listed as active-current. If any changes to the organization need to be made, then you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1/22/26. A sanitation inspection was conducted on 3/18/26 with four (4) demerits for a Superior rating. Lead water test results were last completed on 8/29/25, (the previous owner’s lead water test results can carry over to the new owner with this location; plan to contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids to notify of the change of ownership and have account results transferred into new ownership account). Per the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, the building was built in 1977; per report dated 9/17/25 no lead based paint hazards were detected and per report dated 9/17/25 no asbestos hazards were identified. The EPR plan was completed for the new location on 2/25/26. The last fire drill was practiced on 2/18/26. The last lockdown drill was practiced on 1/9/26. A drill is due to be practiced this month. The last playground inspection was completed on 2/18/26. The incident log could not be located. Three (3) children files were monitored. Five (5) staff files were monitored. To serve children on subsidy vouchers, the facility must transition to a three-star license or higher. If the facility cannot achieve a three-star license or higher, no children can be served that receive subsidy vouchers. The Initial Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License can be found on the Division’s website if you would like to apply for a rated license. The Rated License Request for Review Form is embedded in the rated license application if you would like to request the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment. Plan to visit the ncrlap.org website to learn more about the assessment process. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Upon arrival in space 2a & 2b, the classrooms with two year old children, a children’s show was being played on the screen for children under three years of age. .0510(f) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill was practiced on 2/18/26. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space 3b, the classroom with four and five year old children, a gallon of paint with keep out of reach of children was stored in an unlocked storage closet. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Four (4) children had parent authorization on a form created by the provider for the administration of diaper cream found in the child’s cubby (Boudereauxs Butt Paste, Little Journey, Honest, and etc.) The provider’s form was missing required information. Five (5) children did not have parent authorization for the administration of diaper creams found in the child’s cubby (vitamin A & D, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, Equate Diaper Rash Ointment, and etc.) 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. An incident log was not available for review. .0802(g)(1-6) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 2/18/26. .0605(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Space #4, the classroom with infant and one year old children, the sleep charts could not be located for 4/1/26 and 4/2/26. .0606(g) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One (1) staff with a start date of 2/10/26 did not have documentation of sixteen (16) hours of orientation within the first six (6) weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. No staff have a signed and dated statement that they have received a job description. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. No child care providers have been assigned to the child care facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. This is a repeat violation from 3/9/26. .0801(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Medical records were stored in three (3) individual personnel files. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One (1) staff hired in 2021 had not completed the health and safety training topic for Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent. .1102(a) All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement on or before 4/21/26. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Achieving Compliance – rule references are noted in the cited violations *DCDEE Criminal Background Check (CBC) Reporting – Item #1805 You have taken the Moodle training. To achieve compliance, you stated you will need to contact the DCDEE CBC unit to find out the provider number and log in information to begin the process of adding staff. New and terminated staff notification requirement: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. *Incident Log – Item #853 To achieve compliance, you printed out a new incident log to have available for the new location and will locate the incident log from the previous location. *Staff Medical File – Item #1890 To achieve compliance, you moved the medical documents into a medical file for staff. This was corrected during the visit. *Monthly Fire Drills – Items #805 To achieve compliance, you will provide a written plan to state how fire drills will be practiced monthly. We discussed placing reminders on an electronic calendar. *Monthly Playground Inspections – Item #859 To achieve compliance, you will provide a written plan to state how playground inspections will be completed each month. We discussed placing reminders on an electronic calendar. *Health and Safety Training – Item #1898 To achieve compliance, you stated D. Brendel will complete Medication in Child Care Training. This is an on-demand training course on DCDEE Moodle. *New Staff Orientation – Item #1045 To achieve compliance, you will complete the orientation training with I. Auld to complete the required sixteen (16) hours of orientation. *Job Descriptions - Item #1233 To achieve compliance, each staff member will need to review, sign, and date that they have received a copy of the job description for their specific position (administrator/director, lead teacher, teacher, substitute, etc.) Emergency Medication Item # 1835 An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. You stated you would obtain an updated action plan with signatures and new validity date. The updated action plan will need to be emailed for verification since this is a repeat violation from 3/5/26. Sleep Charts Item # 887 The most current sleep charts were dated through 3/31/2026 and today’s 4/7/2026 was started. You stated that you might have filed them. To achieve compliance, the sleep charts for 4/1/26 and 4/2/26 must be provided for verification if found and a plan to state how sleep charts will be maintained moving forward. Medication Authorization Item # 0847 You stated that you would start using the medical authorization for topicals that can be found on the division’s website under the provider forms and documents tab. To achieve compliance, all diaper creams must have a parent signed medication authorization form with all required information. Screen Time for Children under 3 years olds Item #544 To achieve compliance, a written plan must be submitted to state how screen time will not be offered to children under three years of age. Hazardous Products Item # 0840 To achieve compliance, the gallon of paint was locked. This was corrected during the visit. Rated License Consultation: Rated License Assessment: The program must maintain a 75% or higher compliance history score to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. We discussed you would be choosing the program assessment pathway and referred to the SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES. When emailing the rated license application, plan to also email the three-month self study verification form, the family and community engagement foundational practices form, the continuous quality improvement plan for the facility that is in process, and the request to have the environmental rating scale assessment. The following would be completed for the program assessment pathway based on star level met. *Enhanced staff/child ratios and/or enhanced space options. *Staff education evaluation of fifty percent (50%) of lead teachers and fifty percent (50%) of other educators. *Evidence of implementing family and community engagement foundational practices. *Evidence of implementing continuous quality improvement plans for the facility and individual staff. *A structured self-study completed by the administrator and lead teacher(s) over three (3) consecutive months using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. *Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment using Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3 and ECERS-3). *Evidence of implementing an approved curriculum with four-year old children. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submitted an official transcript (if applicable) and applied for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. All staff must have education evaluated by WORKS on or before 5/15/26. If staff have DCDEE WORKS accounts without education evaluated for their position or do not have a DCDEE WORKS account, then it may result in a one star level for education. *C. Brendel – Administrator – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets Level I Administrator *T. Daniel – Teacher (T) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the North Carolina Early Childhood Certificate (NCECC) *B. Banks – T – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus nine (9) additional semester hours in early childhood development (ECE) *A. Ray – Lead Teacher (LT) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the NCECC *S. Brendel – LT – no education in DCDEE WORKS account to evaluate for position *H. Ramey – LT – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus six (6) additional semester hours in ECE *I. Auld – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account *M. Kiser – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account Curriculum is required for four year old children for four and five star programs. You stated you use the curriculum below. This will be verified during the next visit. Starfall 4s Starfall Education Foundation, 2013 Consultation: D. Brendel has a DCDEE CBC qualifying letter on file that expires 6/25/26. It is recommended to start the DCDEE CBC application process now to avoid a lapse in qualification. When allowing a potential employee to come observe as a visitor, we discussed they could only be there to watch the routine of the lead teacher and not provide care to children. Any visitors must sign in on the visitor log. We discussed rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (j) Staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule in the presence of children in care. In Space 4b there was a green smoothie type drink on the counter. Reminder to keep drinks in an opaque cup. We discussed the feeding plan is required for children under fifteen-month-olds. We discussed the screen time log would need to be completed for children three years of age or older anytime the screen is being used. Research was conducted on the use of the YouTube music black screen and was found to be a black screen with music in the background. If you play music using the screen and it has video on it, you will need to complete a screen time log. 10 A NCAC 09.0510 (f) Screen time, including television, videos, video games, and computer usage, shall be prohibited for children under three years of age. In space 2a acrylic paint was stored with food items (goldfish, cheese its, and fruit snacks). We discussed that food items cannot be stored with hazardous materials. 15 A NCAC18A. 2820(b) Toxic substances, which include corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled shall be kept in the original container or in another labeled container, used according to the manufacturer's instructions, and stored in a locked storage room or cabinet when not in use. Locked storage rooms and cabinets shall include those which are unlocked with a combination lock, electronic or magnetic device, keypad, key, or equivalent locking device. Keys and electronic or magnetic unlocking devices shall be kept out of the reach of a child and shall not be stored in the lock. Toxic substances shall be stored below or separate from medications and food. Any other product that is labeled "keep out of reach of children" and does not have any other warnings on the label shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but is not required to be kept in locked storage. For the purpose of Paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this Rule, a product shall be considered inaccessible to children when stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is mounted a minimum vertical distance of five feet above the finished floor. During the visit today, lead teachers stated they have already completed the self-study within the last two months. Reminder that if you are applying for a star rated license under the program assessment pathway, then a three-month self-study must be completed. The self-study cannot be less than three-months. 10A NCAC 09 .3203 PROGRAM ASSESSMENT PATHWAY FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) This Rule shall apply to child care centers, including centers located in a residence, that choose to earn a two through five-star rated license using the program assessment licensure pathway. (b) As used in this Rule, "educators" shall mean teachers, group leaders, and administrative staff, including directors, assistant directors, program coordinators, education coordinators, curriculum specialists, and other staff that have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training on-site in a child care center. Educators shall meet the education standards of a position as set forth in Rules .3211, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218 of this Section and work full-time. If a program operates less than 40 hours per week, full-time shall mean the hours the program is in operation. (c) As used in this Rule, "structured self-study" shall mean the process used to reflect on current teaching practices and educational environments, and identify areas of strength, needs, and action steps required to achieve the standards of the applicable program assessment tool(s) as set forth in Paragraph (d) of this Rule, based on the age of the children served. A structured self-study shall be completed over a minimum of three consecutive months and include a self-assessment using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. Sample self-study forms may be found on the Division's website. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.243.2154, or my supervisor, Bonnie Mathis at bonnie.mathis@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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/7/2026 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 4/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the second temporary time period visit. This facility is on a temporary license due to a change of location. Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. Courtney Brendel, Administrator/Legal Operator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed and reviewed with you. The printed visit summary was signed and a copy left with you. Currently this center operates with a Temporary License, issued 2/2/26 and is effective through 8/2/26. The restrictions include first shift only for ninety (90) children, ages 0-5 years old, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked today, and the Limited Liability Company, Above and Beyond Child Care of Franklin LLC, is listed as active-current. If any changes to the organization need to be made, then you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1/22/26. A sanitation inspection was conducted on 3/18/26 with four (4) demerits for a Superior rating. Lead water test results were last completed on 8/29/25, (the previous owner’s lead water test results can carry over to the new owner with this location; plan to contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids to notify of the change of ownership and have account results transferred into new ownership account). Per the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, the building was built in 1977; per report dated 9/17/25 no lead based paint hazards were detected and per report dated 9/17/25 no asbestos hazards were identified. The EPR plan was completed for the new location on 2/25/26. The last fire drill was practiced on 2/18/26. The last lockdown drill was practiced on 1/9/26. A drill is due to be practiced this month. The last playground inspection was completed on 2/18/26. The incident log could not be located. Three (3) children files were monitored. Five (5) staff files were monitored. To serve children on subsidy vouchers, the facility must transition to a three-star license or higher. If the facility cannot achieve a three-star license or higher, no children can be served that receive subsidy vouchers. The Initial Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License can be found on the Division’s website if you would like to apply for a rated license. The Rated License Request for Review Form is embedded in the rated license application if you would like to request the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment. Plan to visit the ncrlap.org website to learn more about the assessment process. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 544 Screen time was offered to children under three years of age. Upon arrival in space 2a & 2b, the classrooms with two year old children, a children’s show was being played on the screen for children under three years of age. .0510(f) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill was practiced on 2/18/26. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space 3b, the classroom with four and five year old children, a gallon of paint with keep out of reach of children was stored in an unlocked storage closet. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Four (4) children had parent authorization on a form created by the provider for the administration of diaper cream found in the child’s cubby (Boudereauxs Butt Paste, Little Journey, Honest, and etc.) The provider’s form was missing required information. Five (5) children did not have parent authorization for the administration of diaper creams found in the child’s cubby (vitamin A & D, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, Equate Diaper Rash Ointment, and etc.) 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. An incident log was not available for review. .0802(g)(1-6) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on 2/18/26. .0605(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Space #4, the classroom with infant and one year old children, the sleep charts could not be located for 4/1/26 and 4/2/26. .0606(g) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. One (1) staff with a start date of 2/10/26 did not have documentation of sixteen (16) hours of orientation within the first six (6) weeks of employment. .1101(a) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. No staff have a signed and dated statement that they have received a job description. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. No child care providers have been assigned to the child care facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. This is a repeat violation from 3/9/26. .0801(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Medical records were stored in three (3) individual personnel files. .0701(d) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One (1) staff hired in 2021 had not completed the health and safety training topic for Administration of medication, with standards for parental consent. .1102(a) All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement on or before 4/21/26. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Achieving Compliance – rule references are noted in the cited violations *DCDEE Criminal Background Check (CBC) Reporting – Item #1805 You have taken the Moodle training. To achieve compliance, you stated you will need to contact the DCDEE CBC unit to find out the provider number and log in information to begin the process of adding staff. New and terminated staff notification requirement: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. *Incident Log – Item #853 To achieve compliance, you printed out a new incident log to have available for the new location and will locate the incident log from the previous location. *Staff Medical File – Item #1890 To achieve compliance, you moved the medical documents into a medical file for staff. This was corrected during the visit. *Monthly Fire Drills – Items #805 To achieve compliance, you will provide a written plan to state how fire drills will be practiced monthly. We discussed placing reminders on an electronic calendar. *Monthly Playground Inspections – Item #859 To achieve compliance, you will provide a written plan to state how playground inspections will be completed each month. We discussed placing reminders on an electronic calendar. *Health and Safety Training – Item #1898 To achieve compliance, you stated D. Brendel will complete Medication in Child Care Training. This is an on-demand training course on DCDEE Moodle. *New Staff Orientation – Item #1045 To achieve compliance, you will complete the orientation training with I. Auld to complete the required sixteen (16) hours of orientation. *Job Descriptions - Item #1233 To achieve compliance, each staff member will need to review, sign, and date that they have received a copy of the job description for their specific position (administrator/director, lead teacher, teacher, substitute, etc.) Emergency Medication Item # 1835 An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. You stated you would obtain an updated action plan with signatures and new validity date. The updated action plan will need to be emailed for verification since this is a repeat violation from 3/5/26. Sleep Charts Item # 887 The most current sleep charts were dated through 3/31/2026 and today’s 4/7/2026 was started. You stated that you might have filed them. To achieve compliance, the sleep charts for 4/1/26 and 4/2/26 must be provided for verification if found and a plan to state how sleep charts will be maintained moving forward. Medication Authorization Item # 0847 You stated that you would start using the medical authorization for topicals that can be found on the division’s website under the provider forms and documents tab. To achieve compliance, all diaper creams must have a parent signed medication authorization form with all required information. Screen Time for Children under 3 years olds Item #544 To achieve compliance, a written plan must be submitted to state how screen time will not be offered to children under three years of age. Hazardous Products Item # 0840 To achieve compliance, the gallon of paint was locked. This was corrected during the visit. Rated License Consultation: Rated License Assessment: The program must maintain a 75% or higher compliance history score to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. We discussed you would be choosing the program assessment pathway and referred to the SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES. When emailing the rated license application, plan to also email the three-month self study verification form, the family and community engagement foundational practices form, the continuous quality improvement plan for the facility that is in process, and the request to have the environmental rating scale assessment. The following would be completed for the program assessment pathway based on star level met. *Enhanced staff/child ratios and/or enhanced space options. *Staff education evaluation of fifty percent (50%) of lead teachers and fifty percent (50%) of other educators. *Evidence of implementing family and community engagement foundational practices. *Evidence of implementing continuous quality improvement plans for the facility and individual staff. *A structured self-study completed by the administrator and lead teacher(s) over three (3) consecutive months using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. *Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment using Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3 and ECERS-3). *Evidence of implementing an approved curriculum with four-year old children. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submitted an official transcript (if applicable) and applied for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. All staff must have education evaluated by WORKS on or before 5/15/26. If staff have DCDEE WORKS accounts without education evaluated for their position or do not have a DCDEE WORKS account, then it may result in a one star level for education. *C. Brendel – Administrator – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets Level I Administrator *T. Daniel – Teacher (T) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the North Carolina Early Childhood Certificate (NCECC) *B. Banks – T – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus nine (9) additional semester hours in early childhood development (ECE) *A. Ray – Lead Teacher (LT) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the NCECC *S. Brendel – LT – no education in DCDEE WORKS account to evaluate for position *H. Ramey – LT – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus six (6) additional semester hours in ECE *I. Auld – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account *M. Kiser – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account Curriculum is required for four year old children for four and five star programs. You stated you use the curriculum below. This will be verified during the next visit. Starfall 4s Starfall Education Foundation, 2013 Consultation: D. Brendel has a DCDEE CBC qualifying letter on file that expires 6/25/26. It is recommended to start the DCDEE CBC application process now to avoid a lapse in qualification. When allowing a potential employee to come observe as a visitor, we discussed they could only be there to watch the routine of the lead teacher and not provide care to children. Any visitors must sign in on the visitor log. We discussed rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (j) Staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule in the presence of children in care. In Space 4b there was a green smoothie type drink on the counter. Reminder to keep drinks in an opaque cup. We discussed the feeding plan is required for children under fifteen-month-olds. We discussed the screen time log would need to be completed for children three years of age or older anytime the screen is being used. Research was conducted on the use of the YouTube music black screen and was found to be a black screen with music in the background. If you play music using the screen and it has video on it, you will need to complete a screen time log. 10 A NCAC 09.0510 (f) Screen time, including television, videos, video games, and computer usage, shall be prohibited for children under three years of age. In space 2a acrylic paint was stored with food items (goldfish, cheese its, and fruit snacks). We discussed that food items cannot be stored with hazardous materials. 15 A NCAC18A. 2820(b) Toxic substances, which include corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled shall be kept in the original container or in another labeled container, used according to the manufacturer's instructions, and stored in a locked storage room or cabinet when not in use. Locked storage rooms and cabinets shall include those which are unlocked with a combination lock, electronic or magnetic device, keypad, key, or equivalent locking device. Keys and electronic or magnetic unlocking devices shall be kept out of the reach of a child and shall not be stored in the lock. Toxic substances shall be stored below or separate from medications and food. Any other product that is labeled "keep out of reach of children" and does not have any other warnings on the label shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but is not required to be kept in locked storage. For the purpose of Paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this Rule, a product shall be considered inaccessible to children when stored on a shelf or in an unlocked cabinet that is mounted a minimum vertical distance of five feet above the finished floor. During the visit today, lead teachers stated they have already completed the self-study within the last two months. Reminder that if you are applying for a star rated license under the program assessment pathway, then a three-month self-study must be completed. The self-study cannot be less than three-months. 10A NCAC 09 .3203 PROGRAM ASSESSMENT PATHWAY FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) This Rule shall apply to child care centers, including centers located in a residence, that choose to earn a two through five-star rated license using the program assessment licensure pathway. (b) As used in this Rule, "educators" shall mean teachers, group leaders, and administrative staff, including directors, assistant directors, program coordinators, education coordinators, curriculum specialists, and other staff that have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training on-site in a child care center. Educators shall meet the education standards of a position as set forth in Rules .3211, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218 of this Section and work full-time. If a program operates less than 40 hours per week, full-time shall mean the hours the program is in operation. (c) As used in this Rule, "structured self-study" shall mean the process used to reflect on current teaching practices and educational environments, and identify areas of strength, needs, and action steps required to achieve the standards of the applicable program assessment tool(s) as set forth in Paragraph (d) of this Rule, based on the age of the children served. A structured self-study shall be completed over a minimum of three consecutive months and include a self-assessment using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. Sample self-study forms may be found on the Division's website. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.243.2154, or my supervisor, Bonnie Mathis at bonnie.mathis@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 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/9/2026 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 3/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the first temporary time period visit. This facility is on a temporary license due to a change of location. Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. Courtney Brendel, Administrator/Legal Operator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed and reviewed with you. The printed visit summary was signed and a copy left with you. Currently this center operates with a Temporary License, issued 2/2/26 and is effective through 8/2/26. The restrictions include first shift only for ninety (90) children, ages 0-5 years old, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked today, and the Limited Liability Company, Above and Beyond Child Care of Franklin LLC, is listed as active-current. If any changes to the organization need to be made, then you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. During this first Temporary Time Period visit, classrooms were monitored as well as the playground, materials, equipment and required posted items for meeting minimum licensing requirements. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1/22/26. The pre-licensing sanitation inspection was conducted on 1/22/26 with zero (0) demerits for a Superior rating. Lead water test results were last completed on 8/29/25, (the previous owner’s lead water test results can carry over to the new owner with this location; plan to contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids to notify of the change of ownership and have account results transferred into new ownership account). Per the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, the building was built in 1977; per report dated 9/17/25 no lead based paint hazards were detected and per report dated 9/17/25 no asbestos hazards were identified. The EPR plan was completed for the new location on 2/25/26. During the walkthrough of Space #4A, there were two (2) children under one (1) year of age napping and three (3) children one (1) year of age and younger engaged in free play. Teachers were actively interacting with the children, and supervision was appropriate. Sleep checks were observed to be current. Feeding plan were posted. During the observation in Spaces A and B, children between the ages of three (3) and five (5) years were engaged in circle time and later transitioned to the outdoor environment. The outdoor environment contained a variety of age-appropriate equipment including bikes, a bike path, a music area, a slide, a bouncy see-saw, a sit-and-buggy, waffle blocks, picnic tables, steppingstones, and other portable toys and equipment. Staff provided adequate supervision and staff/child interactions were positive. During the observation in Space #2A, children two (2) years of age were engaged in free play. Teachers were interacting with the children and supervision was appropriate. I observed lunch during the visit. All meals were brought from home. Staff were interacting with the children during the meal and providing appropriate supervision. Three (3) children files were monitored. Five (5) staff files were monitored. To serve children on subsidy vouchers, the facility must transition to a three-star license or higher. If the facility cannot achieve a three-star license or higher, no children can be served that receive subsidy vouchers. The Initial Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License can be found on the Division’s website if you would like to apply for a rated license. The Rated License Request for Review Form is embedded in the rated license application if you would like to request the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment. Plan to visit the ncrlap.org website to learn more about the assessment process. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. Daily Schedule was not posted in space # 3a and space # 2a. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 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 2a Plastic bags were stored in an unlocked drawer below five feet accessible to children under three (3) years of age. .0604(q) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. A signed copy of the safe sleep policy could not be located in a file for an infant that began enrollment on 3/2/26. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff hired on 7/2/21 had an annual health questionnaire on file dated 6/6/24. One (1) staff hired on 1/10/24 had an annual health questionnaire on file dated 1/10/24. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) staff hired on 7/2/21 had an emergency information form on file dated 6/6/24. One (1) staff hired on 1/10/24 had an emergency information form on file dated 1/10/24. .0701(a) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. Three (3) files for children did not have signed and dated statements that the parent(s) received the discipline policy and it was explained at enrollment. .1804(c) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. .0801(b) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the surfacing beneath the anchored slide was measured between five (5) and six (6) inches. .0605(k)(1-4) All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement on or before 3/23/26. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Achieving Compliance – rule references are noted in the cited violations *Staff Medical Records – Items #1034 and #1035 The two (2) staff updated their emergency information forms and health questionnaire forms during the visit. This was corrected during the visit. Reminder to keep staff medical records in the confidential medical file and not in the personnel file. *Safe Sleep Policy – Item #893 To achieve compliance, you stated the safe sleep policy will be printed and taken to the classroom with infants so the parent can review and sign the form when they pick up their child. *Discipline Policy – Item #1324 The front page of the discipline policy was in the three (3) files for children. However, the signature page could not be located. To achieve compliance, you stated the discipline policy will be printed and taken to each respective child’s classroom so the parent can review and sign the form when they pick up their child. Daily Schedule Item # 0415 In Space 2a and 3a: A daily schedule was not posted. This item was corrected during the visit. Plastic Bags Item # 0858 In Space 2a Plastic bags were stored in an unlocked drawer below five feet accessible to children under three (3) years of age. This item was corrected during the visit. Emergency Medication Item # 1835 An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. You stated you would obtain an updated action plan with signatures and new validity date. Playground Surfacing – Item #1867 The depth of the surfacing beneath the anchored slide was measured between five (5) and six (6) inches. You stated that the facility will monitor the depth of the surfacing and rake it as needed to maintain adequate coverage. Rated License Consultation: Rated License Assessment: The program must maintain a 75% or higher compliance history score to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. We discussed you would be choosing the program assessment pathway and referred to the SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES. When emailing the rated license application, plan to also email the three-month self study verification form, the family and community engagement foundational practices form, the continuous quality improvement plan for the facility that is in process, and the request to have the environmental rating scale assessment. The following would be completed for the program assessment pathway based on star level met. *Enhanced staff/child ratios and/or enhanced space options. *Staff education evaluation of fifty percent (50%) of lead teachers and fifty percent (50%) of other educators. *Evidence of implementing family and community engagement foundational practices. *Evidence of implementing continuous quality improvement plans for the facility and individual staff. *A structured self-study completed by the administrator and lead teacher(s) over three (3) consecutive months using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. *Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment using Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3 and ECERS-3). *Evidence of implementing an approved curriculum with four-year old children. Self-study resources and the self-study verification form from ncrlap.org were provided to you via email prior to today’s visit: *Understanding self-study; *Key steps, the self-study process for NC child care programs; *The self-study, guidance for administrators; and *Getting started with a self-study for teachers. The verification form will be reviewed and collected by the child care consultant. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submitted an official transcript (if applicable) and applied for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. All staff must have education evaluated by WORKS on or before 5/15/26. If staff have DCDEE WORKS accounts without education evaluated for their position or do not have a DCDEE WORKS account, then it may result in a one star level for education. *C. Brendel – Administrator – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets Level I Administrator *T. Daniel – Teacher (T) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the North Carolina Early Childhood Certificate (NCECC) *B. Banks – T – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus nine (9) additional semester hours in early childhood development (ECE) *A. Ray – Lead Teacher (LT) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the NCECC *S. Brendel – LT – no education in DCDEE WORKS account to evaluate for position *H. Ramey – LT – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus six (6) additional semester hours in ECE *I. Auld – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account *M. Kiser – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account Curriculum is required for four year old children for four and five star programs. You stated you use the curriculum below. This would be verified at a later visit. Starfall 4s Starfall Education Foundation, 2013 Consultation: New and terminated staff notification requirement: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. We discussed the food program, and the CACFP link was emailed to Ms. Brindle during the visit. Currently, all meals, including snacks, are brought from home. We discussed that when children are present in both Spaces #4A and #4B, it is best practice for one staff member to be present in each space to ensure proper supervision. We discussed rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (j) Staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule in the presence of children in care. (k) Parents shall be allowed to provide breast milk for their children. Accommodations for breast In Space 4b there was a Pepsi and a Coke on the counter. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.243.2154, or my supervisor, Bonnie Mathis at bonnie.mathis@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/9/2026 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 3/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the first temporary time period visit. This facility is on a temporary license due to a change of location. Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. Courtney Brendel, Administrator/Legal Operator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed and reviewed with you. The printed visit summary was signed and a copy left with you. Currently this center operates with a Temporary License, issued 2/2/26 and is effective through 8/2/26. The restrictions include first shift only for ninety (90) children, ages 0-5 years old, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked today, and the Limited Liability Company, Above and Beyond Child Care of Franklin LLC, is listed as active-current. If any changes to the organization need to be made, then you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. During this first Temporary Time Period visit, classrooms were monitored as well as the playground, materials, equipment and required posted items for meeting minimum licensing requirements. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1/22/26. The pre-licensing sanitation inspection was conducted on 1/22/26 with zero (0) demerits for a Superior rating. Lead water test results were last completed on 8/29/25, (the previous owner’s lead water test results can carry over to the new owner with this location; plan to contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids to notify of the change of ownership and have account results transferred into new ownership account). Per the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, the building was built in 1977; per report dated 9/17/25 no lead based paint hazards were detected and per report dated 9/17/25 no asbestos hazards were identified. The EPR plan was completed for the new location on 2/25/26. During the walkthrough of Space #4A, there were two (2) children under one (1) year of age napping and three (3) children one (1) year of age and younger engaged in free play. Teachers were actively interacting with the children, and supervision was appropriate. Sleep checks were observed to be current. Feeding plan were posted. During the observation in Spaces A and B, children between the ages of three (3) and five (5) years were engaged in circle time and later transitioned to the outdoor environment. The outdoor environment contained a variety of age-appropriate equipment including bikes, a bike path, a music area, a slide, a bouncy see-saw, a sit-and-buggy, waffle blocks, picnic tables, steppingstones, and other portable toys and equipment. Staff provided adequate supervision and staff/child interactions were positive. During the observation in Space #2A, children two (2) years of age were engaged in free play. Teachers were interacting with the children and supervision was appropriate. I observed lunch during the visit. All meals were brought from home. Staff were interacting with the children during the meal and providing appropriate supervision. Three (3) children files were monitored. Five (5) staff files were monitored. To serve children on subsidy vouchers, the facility must transition to a three-star license or higher. If the facility cannot achieve a three-star license or higher, no children can be served that receive subsidy vouchers. The Initial Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License can be found on the Division’s website if you would like to apply for a rated license. The Rated License Request for Review Form is embedded in the rated license application if you would like to request the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment. Plan to visit the ncrlap.org website to learn more about the assessment process. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. Daily Schedule was not posted in space # 3a and space # 2a. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 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 2a Plastic bags were stored in an unlocked drawer below five feet accessible to children under three (3) years of age. .0604(q) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. A signed copy of the safe sleep policy could not be located in a file for an infant that began enrollment on 3/2/26. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff hired on 7/2/21 had an annual health questionnaire on file dated 6/6/24. One (1) staff hired on 1/10/24 had an annual health questionnaire on file dated 1/10/24. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) staff hired on 7/2/21 had an emergency information form on file dated 6/6/24. One (1) staff hired on 1/10/24 had an emergency information form on file dated 1/10/24. .0701(a) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. Three (3) files for children did not have signed and dated statements that the parent(s) received the discipline policy and it was explained at enrollment. .1804(c) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. .0801(b) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the surfacing beneath the anchored slide was measured between five (5) and six (6) inches. .0605(k)(1-4) All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement on or before 3/23/26. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Achieving Compliance – rule references are noted in the cited violations *Staff Medical Records – Items #1034 and #1035 The two (2) staff updated their emergency information forms and health questionnaire forms during the visit. This was corrected during the visit. Reminder to keep staff medical records in the confidential medical file and not in the personnel file. *Safe Sleep Policy – Item #893 To achieve compliance, you stated the safe sleep policy will be printed and taken to the classroom with infants so the parent can review and sign the form when they pick up their child. *Discipline Policy – Item #1324 The front page of the discipline policy was in the three (3) files for children. However, the signature page could not be located. To achieve compliance, you stated the discipline policy will be printed and taken to each respective child’s classroom so the parent can review and sign the form when they pick up their child. Daily Schedule Item # 0415 In Space 2a and 3a: A daily schedule was not posted. This item was corrected during the visit. Plastic Bags Item # 0858 In Space 2a Plastic bags were stored in an unlocked drawer below five feet accessible to children under three (3) years of age. This item was corrected during the visit. Emergency Medication Item # 1835 An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. You stated you would obtain an updated action plan with signatures and new validity date. Playground Surfacing – Item #1867 The depth of the surfacing beneath the anchored slide was measured between five (5) and six (6) inches. You stated that the facility will monitor the depth of the surfacing and rake it as needed to maintain adequate coverage. Rated License Consultation: Rated License Assessment: The program must maintain a 75% or higher compliance history score to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. We discussed you would be choosing the program assessment pathway and referred to the SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES. When emailing the rated license application, plan to also email the three-month self study verification form, the family and community engagement foundational practices form, the continuous quality improvement plan for the facility that is in process, and the request to have the environmental rating scale assessment. The following would be completed for the program assessment pathway based on star level met. *Enhanced staff/child ratios and/or enhanced space options. *Staff education evaluation of fifty percent (50%) of lead teachers and fifty percent (50%) of other educators. *Evidence of implementing family and community engagement foundational practices. *Evidence of implementing continuous quality improvement plans for the facility and individual staff. *A structured self-study completed by the administrator and lead teacher(s) over three (3) consecutive months using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. *Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment using Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3 and ECERS-3). *Evidence of implementing an approved curriculum with four-year old children. Self-study resources and the self-study verification form from ncrlap.org were provided to you via email prior to today’s visit: *Understanding self-study; *Key steps, the self-study process for NC child care programs; *The self-study, guidance for administrators; and *Getting started with a self-study for teachers. The verification form will be reviewed and collected by the child care consultant. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submitted an official transcript (if applicable) and applied for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. All staff must have education evaluated by WORKS on or before 5/15/26. If staff have DCDEE WORKS accounts without education evaluated for their position or do not have a DCDEE WORKS account, then it may result in a one star level for education. *C. Brendel – Administrator – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets Level I Administrator *T. Daniel – Teacher (T) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the North Carolina Early Childhood Certificate (NCECC) *B. Banks – T – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus nine (9) additional semester hours in early childhood development (ECE) *A. Ray – Lead Teacher (LT) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the NCECC *S. Brendel – LT – no education in DCDEE WORKS account to evaluate for position *H. Ramey – LT – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus six (6) additional semester hours in ECE *I. Auld – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account *M. Kiser – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account Curriculum is required for four year old children for four and five star programs. You stated you use the curriculum below. This would be verified at a later visit. Starfall 4s Starfall Education Foundation, 2013 Consultation: New and terminated staff notification requirement: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. We discussed the food program, and the CACFP link was emailed to Ms. Brindle during the visit. Currently, all meals, including snacks, are brought from home. We discussed that when children are present in both Spaces #4A and #4B, it is best practice for one staff member to be present in each space to ensure proper supervision. We discussed rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (j) Staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule in the presence of children in care. (k) Parents shall be allowed to provide breast milk for their children. Accommodations for breast In Space 4b there was a Pepsi and a Coke on the counter. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.243.2154, or my supervisor, Bonnie Mathis at bonnie.mathis@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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/9/2026 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 3/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the first temporary time period visit. This facility is on a temporary license due to a change of location. Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. Courtney Brendel, Administrator/Legal Operator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed and reviewed with you. The printed visit summary was signed and a copy left with you. Currently this center operates with a Temporary License, issued 2/2/26 and is effective through 8/2/26. The restrictions include first shift only for ninety (90) children, ages 0-5 years old, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked today, and the Limited Liability Company, Above and Beyond Child Care of Franklin LLC, is listed as active-current. If any changes to the organization need to be made, then you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. During this first Temporary Time Period visit, classrooms were monitored as well as the playground, materials, equipment and required posted items for meeting minimum licensing requirements. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1/22/26. The pre-licensing sanitation inspection was conducted on 1/22/26 with zero (0) demerits for a Superior rating. Lead water test results were last completed on 8/29/25, (the previous owner’s lead water test results can carry over to the new owner with this location; plan to contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids to notify of the change of ownership and have account results transferred into new ownership account). Per the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, the building was built in 1977; per report dated 9/17/25 no lead based paint hazards were detected and per report dated 9/17/25 no asbestos hazards were identified. The EPR plan was completed for the new location on 2/25/26. During the walkthrough of Space #4A, there were two (2) children under one (1) year of age napping and three (3) children one (1) year of age and younger engaged in free play. Teachers were actively interacting with the children, and supervision was appropriate. Sleep checks were observed to be current. Feeding plan were posted. During the observation in Spaces A and B, children between the ages of three (3) and five (5) years were engaged in circle time and later transitioned to the outdoor environment. The outdoor environment contained a variety of age-appropriate equipment including bikes, a bike path, a music area, a slide, a bouncy see-saw, a sit-and-buggy, waffle blocks, picnic tables, steppingstones, and other portable toys and equipment. Staff provided adequate supervision and staff/child interactions were positive. During the observation in Space #2A, children two (2) years of age were engaged in free play. Teachers were interacting with the children and supervision was appropriate. I observed lunch during the visit. All meals were brought from home. Staff were interacting with the children during the meal and providing appropriate supervision. Three (3) children files were monitored. Five (5) staff files were monitored. To serve children on subsidy vouchers, the facility must transition to a three-star license or higher. If the facility cannot achieve a three-star license or higher, no children can be served that receive subsidy vouchers. The Initial Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License can be found on the Division’s website if you would like to apply for a rated license. The Rated License Request for Review Form is embedded in the rated license application if you would like to request the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment. Plan to visit the ncrlap.org website to learn more about the assessment process. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. Daily Schedule was not posted in space # 3a and space # 2a. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 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 2a Plastic bags were stored in an unlocked drawer below five feet accessible to children under three (3) years of age. .0604(q) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. A signed copy of the safe sleep policy could not be located in a file for an infant that began enrollment on 3/2/26. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff hired on 7/2/21 had an annual health questionnaire on file dated 6/6/24. One (1) staff hired on 1/10/24 had an annual health questionnaire on file dated 1/10/24. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) staff hired on 7/2/21 had an emergency information form on file dated 6/6/24. One (1) staff hired on 1/10/24 had an emergency information form on file dated 1/10/24. .0701(a) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. Three (3) files for children did not have signed and dated statements that the parent(s) received the discipline policy and it was explained at enrollment. .1804(c) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. .0801(b) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the surfacing beneath the anchored slide was measured between five (5) and six (6) inches. .0605(k)(1-4) All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement on or before 3/23/26. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Achieving Compliance – rule references are noted in the cited violations *Staff Medical Records – Items #1034 and #1035 The two (2) staff updated their emergency information forms and health questionnaire forms during the visit. This was corrected during the visit. Reminder to keep staff medical records in the confidential medical file and not in the personnel file. *Safe Sleep Policy – Item #893 To achieve compliance, you stated the safe sleep policy will be printed and taken to the classroom with infants so the parent can review and sign the form when they pick up their child. *Discipline Policy – Item #1324 The front page of the discipline policy was in the three (3) files for children. However, the signature page could not be located. To achieve compliance, you stated the discipline policy will be printed and taken to each respective child’s classroom so the parent can review and sign the form when they pick up their child. Daily Schedule Item # 0415 In Space 2a and 3a: A daily schedule was not posted. This item was corrected during the visit. Plastic Bags Item # 0858 In Space 2a Plastic bags were stored in an unlocked drawer below five feet accessible to children under three (3) years of age. This item was corrected during the visit. Emergency Medication Item # 1835 An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. You stated you would obtain an updated action plan with signatures and new validity date. Playground Surfacing – Item #1867 The depth of the surfacing beneath the anchored slide was measured between five (5) and six (6) inches. You stated that the facility will monitor the depth of the surfacing and rake it as needed to maintain adequate coverage. Rated License Consultation: Rated License Assessment: The program must maintain a 75% or higher compliance history score to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. We discussed you would be choosing the program assessment pathway and referred to the SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES. When emailing the rated license application, plan to also email the three-month self study verification form, the family and community engagement foundational practices form, the continuous quality improvement plan for the facility that is in process, and the request to have the environmental rating scale assessment. The following would be completed for the program assessment pathway based on star level met. *Enhanced staff/child ratios and/or enhanced space options. *Staff education evaluation of fifty percent (50%) of lead teachers and fifty percent (50%) of other educators. *Evidence of implementing family and community engagement foundational practices. *Evidence of implementing continuous quality improvement plans for the facility and individual staff. *A structured self-study completed by the administrator and lead teacher(s) over three (3) consecutive months using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. *Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment using Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3 and ECERS-3). *Evidence of implementing an approved curriculum with four-year old children. Self-study resources and the self-study verification form from ncrlap.org were provided to you via email prior to today’s visit: *Understanding self-study; *Key steps, the self-study process for NC child care programs; *The self-study, guidance for administrators; and *Getting started with a self-study for teachers. The verification form will be reviewed and collected by the child care consultant. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submitted an official transcript (if applicable) and applied for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. All staff must have education evaluated by WORKS on or before 5/15/26. If staff have DCDEE WORKS accounts without education evaluated for their position or do not have a DCDEE WORKS account, then it may result in a one star level for education. *C. Brendel – Administrator – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets Level I Administrator *T. Daniel – Teacher (T) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the North Carolina Early Childhood Certificate (NCECC) *B. Banks – T – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus nine (9) additional semester hours in early childhood development (ECE) *A. Ray – Lead Teacher (LT) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the NCECC *S. Brendel – LT – no education in DCDEE WORKS account to evaluate for position *H. Ramey – LT – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus six (6) additional semester hours in ECE *I. Auld – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account *M. Kiser – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account Curriculum is required for four year old children for four and five star programs. You stated you use the curriculum below. This would be verified at a later visit. Starfall 4s Starfall Education Foundation, 2013 Consultation: New and terminated staff notification requirement: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. We discussed the food program, and the CACFP link was emailed to Ms. Brindle during the visit. Currently, all meals, including snacks, are brought from home. We discussed that when children are present in both Spaces #4A and #4B, it is best practice for one staff member to be present in each space to ensure proper supervision. We discussed rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (j) Staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule in the presence of children in care. (k) Parents shall be allowed to provide breast milk for their children. Accommodations for breast In Space 4b there was a Pepsi and a Coke on the counter. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.243.2154, or my supervisor, Bonnie Mathis at bonnie.mathis@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: Above and Beyond Childcare of Franklin Facility ID: 56000195 Consultant: MONICA HOUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/9/2026 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 3/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 260 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during the first temporary time period visit. This facility is on a temporary license due to a change of location. Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me on the visit. Courtney Brendel, Administrator/Legal Operator, was on-site and available to answer and ask questions. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed and reviewed with you. The printed visit summary was signed and a copy left with you. Currently this center operates with a Temporary License, issued 2/2/26 and is effective through 8/2/26. The restrictions include first shift only for ninety (90) children, ages 0-5 years old, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The Secretary of State website was checked today, and the Limited Liability Company, Above and Beyond Child Care of Franklin LLC, is listed as active-current. If any changes to the organization need to be made, then you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. During this first Temporary Time Period visit, classrooms were monitored as well as the playground, materials, equipment and required posted items for meeting minimum licensing requirements. An approved fire inspection was completed on 1/22/26. The pre-licensing sanitation inspection was conducted on 1/22/26 with zero (0) demerits for a Superior rating. Lead water test results were last completed on 8/29/25, (the previous owner’s lead water test results can carry over to the new owner with this location; plan to contact Clean Water for Carolina Kids to notify of the change of ownership and have account results transferred into new ownership account). Per the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, the building was built in 1977; per report dated 9/17/25 no lead based paint hazards were detected and per report dated 9/17/25 no asbestos hazards were identified. The EPR plan was completed for the new location on 2/25/26. During the walkthrough of Space #4A, there were two (2) children under one (1) year of age napping and three (3) children one (1) year of age and younger engaged in free play. Teachers were actively interacting with the children, and supervision was appropriate. Sleep checks were observed to be current. Feeding plan were posted. During the observation in Spaces A and B, children between the ages of three (3) and five (5) years were engaged in circle time and later transitioned to the outdoor environment. The outdoor environment contained a variety of age-appropriate equipment including bikes, a bike path, a music area, a slide, a bouncy see-saw, a sit-and-buggy, waffle blocks, picnic tables, steppingstones, and other portable toys and equipment. Staff provided adequate supervision and staff/child interactions were positive. During the observation in Space #2A, children two (2) years of age were engaged in free play. Teachers were interacting with the children and supervision was appropriate. I observed lunch during the visit. All meals were brought from home. Staff were interacting with the children during the meal and providing appropriate supervision. Three (3) children files were monitored. Five (5) staff files were monitored. To serve children on subsidy vouchers, the facility must transition to a three-star license or higher. If the facility cannot achieve a three-star license or higher, no children can be served that receive subsidy vouchers. The Initial Application for Assessment for a Two Component Star Rated License can be found on the Division’s website if you would like to apply for a rated license. The Rated License Request for Review Form is embedded in the rated license application if you would like to request the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment. Plan to visit the ncrlap.org website to learn more about the assessment process. The following violations of child care requirements were observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. Daily Schedule was not posted in space # 3a and space # 2a. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 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 2a Plastic bags were stored in an unlocked drawer below five feet accessible to children under three (3) years of age. .0604(q) 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. A signed copy of the safe sleep policy could not be located in a file for an infant that began enrollment on 3/2/26. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. One (1) staff hired on 7/2/21 had an annual health questionnaire on file dated 6/6/24. One (1) staff hired on 1/10/24 had an annual health questionnaire on file dated 1/10/24. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One (1) staff hired on 7/2/21 had an emergency information form on file dated 6/6/24. One (1) staff hired on 1/10/24 had an emergency information form on file dated 1/10/24. .0701(a) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. Three (3) files for children did not have signed and dated statements that the parent(s) received the discipline policy and it was explained at enrollment. .1804(c) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. .0801(b) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the surfacing beneath the anchored slide was measured between five (5) and six (6) inches. .0605(k)(1-4) All violations are required to be corrected immediately. However, if at any time you are unable to correct all violations within the specified time frame, please send a written statement regarding those violations that were corrected and include a specific plan for correction of the remaining violations. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today’s visit would be considered as legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement on or before 3/23/26. Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or on the email identifying your facility name, ID#, name and position to: monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) Attn: Monica Houck 151 Creekview Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792 Please call me at 828-243-2154, or email monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Falsification of any information may result in a revocation of your license. You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by G.S. 110-90(4) (c). Please note any violations cited today and during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Achieving Compliance – rule references are noted in the cited violations *Staff Medical Records – Items #1034 and #1035 The two (2) staff updated their emergency information forms and health questionnaire forms during the visit. This was corrected during the visit. Reminder to keep staff medical records in the confidential medical file and not in the personnel file. *Safe Sleep Policy – Item #893 To achieve compliance, you stated the safe sleep policy will be printed and taken to the classroom with infants so the parent can review and sign the form when they pick up their child. *Discipline Policy – Item #1324 The front page of the discipline policy was in the three (3) files for children. However, the signature page could not be located. To achieve compliance, you stated the discipline policy will be printed and taken to each respective child’s classroom so the parent can review and sign the form when they pick up their child. Daily Schedule Item # 0415 In Space 2a and 3a: A daily schedule was not posted. This item was corrected during the visit. Plastic Bags Item # 0858 In Space 2a Plastic bags were stored in an unlocked drawer below five feet accessible to children under three (3) years of age. This item was corrected during the visit. Emergency Medication Item # 1835 An emergency medication for a child in space #3a an action plan expired on 9/3/2025 and did not include the parent or guardian signature. You stated you would obtain an updated action plan with signatures and new validity date. Playground Surfacing – Item #1867 The depth of the surfacing beneath the anchored slide was measured between five (5) and six (6) inches. You stated that the facility will monitor the depth of the surfacing and rake it as needed to maintain adequate coverage. Rated License Consultation: Rated License Assessment: The program must maintain a 75% or higher compliance history score to be eligible for a 2-5 star rated license. We discussed you would be choosing the program assessment pathway and referred to the SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES. When emailing the rated license application, plan to also email the three-month self study verification form, the family and community engagement foundational practices form, the continuous quality improvement plan for the facility that is in process, and the request to have the environmental rating scale assessment. The following would be completed for the program assessment pathway based on star level met. *Enhanced staff/child ratios and/or enhanced space options. *Staff education evaluation of fifty percent (50%) of lead teachers and fifty percent (50%) of other educators. *Evidence of implementing family and community engagement foundational practices. *Evidence of implementing continuous quality improvement plans for the facility and individual staff. *A structured self-study completed by the administrator and lead teacher(s) over three (3) consecutive months using the appropriate program assessment tool and additional resources located at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/, a written reflection of the self-assessment, including identification of goals for continuous quality improvement, and documentation of the structured self-study. *Environment Rating Scale (ERS) assessment using Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale and the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3 and ECERS-3). *Evidence of implementing an approved curriculum with four-year old children. Self-study resources and the self-study verification form from ncrlap.org were provided to you via email prior to today’s visit: *Understanding self-study; *Key steps, the self-study process for NC child care programs; *The self-study, guidance for administrators; and *Getting started with a self-study for teachers. The verification form will be reviewed and collected by the child care consultant. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submitted an official transcript (if applicable) and applied for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. All staff must have education evaluated by WORKS on or before 5/15/26. If staff have DCDEE WORKS accounts without education evaluated for their position or do not have a DCDEE WORKS account, then it may result in a one star level for education. *C. Brendel – Administrator – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets Level I Administrator *T. Daniel – Teacher (T) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the North Carolina Early Childhood Certificate (NCECC) *B. Banks – T – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus nine (9) additional semester hours in early childhood development (ECE) *A. Ray – Lead Teacher (LT) – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements with the NCECC *S. Brendel – LT – no education in DCDEE WORKS account to evaluate for position *H. Ramey – LT – has DCDEE WORKS account and meets LT requirements plus six (6) additional semester hours in ECE *I. Auld – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account *M. Kiser – T – does not have a DCDEE WORKS account Curriculum is required for four year old children for four and five star programs. You stated you use the curriculum below. This would be verified at a later visit. Starfall 4s Starfall Education Foundation, 2013 Consultation: New and terminated staff notification requirement: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. We discussed the food program, and the CACFP link was emailed to Ms. Brindle during the visit. Currently, all meals, including snacks, are brought from home. We discussed that when children are present in both Spaces #4A and #4B, it is best practice for one staff member to be present in each space to ensure proper supervision. We discussed rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901 GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS (j) Staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in Paragraph (a) of this Rule in the presence of children in care. (k) Parents shall be allowed to provide breast milk for their children. Accommodations for breast In Space 4b there was a Pepsi and a Coke on the counter. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at monica.houck@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.243.2154, or my supervisor, Bonnie Mathis at bonnie.mathis@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