Fremont Elementary School

10A NCAC 09 .0102 · Violation

Name of Operation: Fremont Elementary School Facility ID: 96000644 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/21/2025 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 5/21/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during this Routine Unannounced Visit. Today’s visit was completed with S. Smith, Lead Teacher. You were present when I arrived, and you were notified of the purpose of the visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star Child Care Center License that was issued September 20, 2024, earning 7 points in the Education Component, 7 points in the Program Component and 1 Quality point for having 75% of lead teachers with a BA or BS degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. This program consists of one (1) NC Pre-K classroom, located on a public -school campus. The last annual compliance visit was conducted November 19, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on August 26, 2024, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on May 30, 2024, and the program was approved for day time care only. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 96% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. This program is operated by the Wayne County Public Schools. NC Pre-K monitoring was completed. The current NC Pre-K staff are the same staff as indicated in the NC Pre-K Plan System. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress. The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: fall, winter, and spring. Parent conferences are held twice a year. Examples of parent involvement were discussed. Children were observed participating in free play in the indoor and outdoor environment, group time, interacting with caregivers, completing routines, and completing transitions. A computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was provided to you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violation of child care requirements was documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. A cabinet that contained aerosol cans, downy fabric softener, and disinfecting wipes was not locked. .2820(b) Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. START RATED LICENSE/QUALITY IMPROVEMENT RATING SYSTEM (QRIS) UPDATE: The Child Care Commission intends to adopt the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .3201-.3226 and amend the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .0102, .2902, .2905, .3002, .3009, and .3010. • Read the Proposed Amendments and Adoptions. • Read the Fiscal Impact Analysis approved by the Office of State Budget Management. This set of rules is proposed for adoption and amendment by the N.C. Child Care Commission in response to Session Laws 2023-40 and 2024-34 regarding the modernization of the state’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). QRIS is based on a star-rating licensing system that applies to child care centers and family child care homes that meet all minimum child care requirements which include but are not limited to health and safety standards and those who voluntarily choose to meet higher standards. The proposed rules incorporate all the elements of QRIS required by legislation as well as additional changes necessary for administrative clarity. The rules preserve the integrity of the state’s existing QRIS while providing more options for child care facilities to demonstrate and meet quality standards. These options include adjustments to current requirements related to staff/child ratio and enrollment that will result in more availability for families, options for early childhood education professionals to meet education standards at all star levels, and a choice of three licensure pathways to earn a Star Rated License. This will enable operators to demonstrate quality care practices by meeting standards that best fit the needs of the families they serve and the early childhood education professionals they employ. Proposed Effective Date: August 1, 2025 DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov RESOURCES: PROVIDER DOCUMENTS/FORMS: You should visit the website often to ensure you’re using all updated forms. All requirements must be included if you choose to use your own forms electronically or hard copy. The NC child care rules were last updated as of November 1, 2024. • The most current provider documents/ forms, checklists, resources related to child care, MOODLE trainings, and new child care requirements can be found on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov • NC Child Care Health & Safety Resource Center www.healthychildcare.unc.edu. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions concerning today’s visit or any child care requirement, I can be reached at Tina Jones, Child Care Consultant, 252-361-3434 or tina.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or you may contact licensing supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809. 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 .3201 · Violation

Name of Operation: Fremont Elementary School Facility ID: 96000644 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/21/2025 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 5/21/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor applicable child care requirements during this Routine Unannounced Visit. Today’s visit was completed with S. Smith, Lead Teacher. You were present when I arrived, and you were notified of the purpose of the visit. This facility currently operates with a Five Star Child Care Center License that was issued September 20, 2024, earning 7 points in the Education Component, 7 points in the Program Component and 1 Quality point for having 75% of lead teachers with a BA or BS degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. This program consists of one (1) NC Pre-K classroom, located on a public -school campus. The last annual compliance visit was conducted November 19, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on August 26, 2024, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on May 30, 2024, and the program was approved for day time care only. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 96% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. This program is operated by the Wayne County Public Schools. NC Pre-K monitoring was completed. The current NC Pre-K staff are the same staff as indicated in the NC Pre-K Plan System. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress. The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: fall, winter, and spring. Parent conferences are held twice a year. Examples of parent involvement were discussed. Children were observed participating in free play in the indoor and outdoor environment, group time, interacting with caregivers, completing routines, and completing transitions. A computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was provided to you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violation of child care requirements was documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. A cabinet that contained aerosol cans, downy fabric softener, and disinfecting wipes was not locked. .2820(b) Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. START RATED LICENSE/QUALITY IMPROVEMENT RATING SYSTEM (QRIS) UPDATE: The Child Care Commission intends to adopt the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .3201-.3226 and amend the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .0102, .2902, .2905, .3002, .3009, and .3010. • Read the Proposed Amendments and Adoptions. • Read the Fiscal Impact Analysis approved by the Office of State Budget Management. This set of rules is proposed for adoption and amendment by the N.C. Child Care Commission in response to Session Laws 2023-40 and 2024-34 regarding the modernization of the state’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). QRIS is based on a star-rating licensing system that applies to child care centers and family child care homes that meet all minimum child care requirements which include but are not limited to health and safety standards and those who voluntarily choose to meet higher standards. The proposed rules incorporate all the elements of QRIS required by legislation as well as additional changes necessary for administrative clarity. The rules preserve the integrity of the state’s existing QRIS while providing more options for child care facilities to demonstrate and meet quality standards. These options include adjustments to current requirements related to staff/child ratio and enrollment that will result in more availability for families, options for early childhood education professionals to meet education standards at all star levels, and a choice of three licensure pathways to earn a Star Rated License. This will enable operators to demonstrate quality care practices by meeting standards that best fit the needs of the families they serve and the early childhood education professionals they employ. Proposed Effective Date: August 1, 2025 DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov RESOURCES: PROVIDER DOCUMENTS/FORMS: You should visit the website often to ensure you’re using all updated forms. All requirements must be included if you choose to use your own forms electronically or hard copy. The NC child care rules were last updated as of November 1, 2024. • The most current provider documents/ forms, checklists, resources related to child care, MOODLE trainings, and new child care requirements can be found on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov • NC Child Care Health & Safety Resource Center www.healthychildcare.unc.edu. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions concerning today’s visit or any child care requirement, I can be reached at Tina Jones, Child Care Consultant, 252-361-3434 or tina.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or you may contact licensing supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: Fremont Elementary School Facility ID: 96000644 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/19/2024 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 11/19/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The visit was completed with you, S. Wolfe, Administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit. You were unavailable for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. I reviewed the visit summary with A. Kenion, Instructional Assistant. The staff/training worksheet was provided during the visit. Stephanie Smith, Lead Teacher, was absent today. There was a substitute, J. Thomas. I reviewed her file for compliance. This facility currently operates with a Five Star Child Care Center License that was issued September 20, 2024, earning 7 points in the Education Component, 7 points in the Program Component and 1 Quality point for having 75% of lead teachers with a BA or BS degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. This program consists of one (1) NC Pre-K classroom, located on a public -school campus. The sanitation inspection was completed on August 26, 2024, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed on May 30, 2024, and the facility was approved for day time care only. Ms. Kenion stated that a fire inspection was completed last week. The new fire inspection was received during the visit. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 98% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. The center is owned and operated by Wayne County Public Schools. You verified the location address, telephone, and email on file with DCDEE is accurate. Children were observed during morning group activities, free play in centers, eating lunch, completing transitions, and completing routines such as handwashing and toileting. Lunch consisted of stuffed crust pizza, green beans, baked apples, and milk. Due to the NC Pre-K monitoring tool not being completed, NC Pre-K monitoring will be completed during your Routine Unannounced visit. Ms. Kenion provided me with a binder when asked for required items to complete the Annual Compliance visit. All items were easily accessible and very neatly organized. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Violations documented were reviewed with Ms. Kenion at the conclusion of the visit, and a copy of the visit summary was provided to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two wooden sandboxes and an unassembled trike is stored on the playground. One of the wooden sandboxes is propped against the building and could fall on a child. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Instructional assistant, A. Kenion has not completed the required training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 8/16/2024. .1102(g) CONSULTATION/RESOURCES: Violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be mailed to me by December 3, 2024, describing and when the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. This two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter and is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. The letter of compliance should be mailed or emailed to me, Tina Jones, PO Box 10194, Goldsboro, NC 27532. The compliance letter must be submitted from the email address on file for your program. If you have any questions related to this visit or if I can be of additional assistance, I can be reached at 252-361-3434 or tina.jones@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at 252-373-9809. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented is 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. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: GROUP TIME: Preschool circle time is not just a routine gathering of young children in a classroom; it is a powerful tool that nurtures their social, emotional, cognitive, and language development. During circle time, children gather in a circle or designated area to engage in a variety of activities that promote social interaction, learning, and the development of essential skills. During group time/circle time today, I observed children have trouble staying focused. They began to play with toys, fidget, and not pay attention. This is normal, as preschool children can only stay focused for about 10-12 minutes. I began observing circle time at 9:20am and circle time ended at 10:01am. During this time, the following language was observed from the substitute: “he is having a bad day today, get on your spot, you will be last to go because you are rude, and Ms. Smith is going to be upset with you.” This type of language does not support developmentally appropriate practice and nurturing care. I encourage you to obtain training for all substitute staff that addresses appropriate interactions and I encourage the instructional assistants to lead circle time/group time until all substitutes receive this training. OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT: During the Temporary Time visit completed on September 20, 2024, I discussed with Shaquanya Hutcherson, Early Learning Coordinator with Wayne County Public Schools, that there are several items that are in boxes in the outdoor play area that required assembly. We discussed completing a work order to have those items assembled to provide the children additional items to play with and to free up some space on the playground. Today, I observed the trikes not assembled and stored on the playground, accessible to children. I observed items that were still in boxes that have not been assembled. One wooden waterfall sandbox is propped up against the building. This is a safety hazard. I reviewed with Ms. Hutcherson and Ms. Smith during the visit on September 20, 2024, visit that there is a storage building with items for the outdoor environment at the previous location. We reviewed that those items would be relocated to the new location. The items have not been relocated as of today’s visit. The teachers are taking inside material outside to ensure the children have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible on a daily basis. As a reminder, the materials and equipment indoors and outdoors shall be sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences that promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. I encourage you to relocate the items from the previous location and have the items on the playground assembled to ensure all outdoor environment requirements are being met. RESOURCES: QRIS MODERNIZATION: PATHWAYS TO THE STARS: North Carolina led the nation in 1999 when it launched its Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), a star rating system for early childhood education facilities. QRIS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality. It encourages early care and learning programs to engage in continuous quality improvement, and families may use the star rating to make informed decisions when choosing a child care facility. Listening to and communicating with early childhood professionals, families, communities and businesses is a critical component to ensure a successful QRIS modernization. The Commission began the modernization process by seeking public comment, and the Commission invites and welcomes public comment as we move towards finalizing rules. Some QRIS Modernization changes are still in draft form. To learn more about the Commission’s QRIS work, please note these upcoming opportunities for participation: • December 9, 2024 – Quarterly Commission meeting, with a public comment period for any topic. The Commission may decide to publish proposed QRIS rules, with publication occurring in January 2025. • Public Comment Period for QRIS Rules – After publication in the new year, DCDEE will announce a 60-day public comment period regarding QRIS Modernization, including a public hearing and the opportunity to submit written comments. Email your feedback to DCDEE_QRIS@dhhs.nc.gov at any time. ABCMS: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM INFORMATION: 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. 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 1-800-859-0829, and someone will assist you. PROVIDER DOCUMENTS/FORMS: You should visit the website often to ensure you’re using all updated forms. All requirements must be included if you choose to use your own forms electronically or hard copy. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. The most current provider documents/ forms, checklists, resources related to child care, MOODLE trainings, and new child care requirements can be found on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.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