Rankin II Head Start

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: RANKIN II HEAD START Facility ID: 36000174 Consultant: FARRAN RHYNE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/16/2025 Number Present: 60 Completed Date: 12/16/2025 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety, and to begin your rated license assessment. The visit was conducted with you, Angela Brown, Administrator. This program currently operates with a five-star rated license issued on February 25, 2020. The permit restrictions include daytime care, meets enhanced ratios, and meets enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 23, 2025. The program’s compliance history was reviewed with the administrator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-eight percent as of December 12, 2025. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 12, 2025, and Gaston Community Action, Inc. was listed as active/current. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. A walkthrough of the facility was completed. All indoor and outdoor spaces and transportation requirements were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play and group-led activities indoors, gross motor play outdoors, handwashing routines, lunch, nap, and departure. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Inspections/Drills: The most recent approved fire inspection for your facility was conducted on October 27, 2025. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on December 15, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with twelve demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent monthly fire drill was conducted on November 18, 2025, at 10:15am. The most recent quarterly lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was a shelter-in-place conducted on October 15, 2025, at 1:19pm. The most recent monthly playground inspection was completed on December 5, 2025, by Susan Huffman. The facility’s EPR Plan was reviewed on August 29, 2025. Lead and Asbestos Testing: The analysis date for the most recent lead water test was May 22, 2024. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You may review your facilities results and enroll in the asbestos and lead-based paint testing by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. This website also indicated “no results available” for required asbestos and lead-based paint testing. I suggested you or the individual responsible, contact RTI to request an update on this facilities enrollment with required asbestos and lead based paint testing. These tests must be completed by December 31, 2025. You stated you previously completed enrollment, spoke with RTI on December 4, 2025, and you are waiting to receive additional information regarding your facility’s results. Files Reviewed: You provided me with applicable program, staff, and children’s records for review. Files for three new staff, one existing staff, and applicable records for all staff were reviewed. You stated your program’s ABCMS Provider Portal account is locked. You stated you have contacted the CBC Unit and are waiting for further instructions. Nine current staff were listed on the ABCMS Provider Portal roster for this facility. A sample of seven children’s records were reviewed. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the Visit Summary left with you at the conclusion of this visit. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space #2, was one epinephrine injection pen that expired on November 30, 2025. .0803(12) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled on August 25, 2025, in Space #4, had a medical exam completed on September 26, 2025. The medical exam was due to be completed by September 23, 2025. GS110-91(1) Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Children’s Records: All children must have a medical exam on file within the first thirty (30) days of enrollment. The assessment shall be conducted by a licensed physician, the physician's authorized agent who is currently approved by the North Carolina Medical Board, or comparable certifying board in any state contiguous to North Carolina, a certified nurse practitioner, or a public health nurse. I suggested you ask parents to provide the medical exam during the enrollment process to ensure the documentation is on file in a timely manner. I also suggested you use the children’s file checklist found on the DCDEE website under the “Provider” tab to ensure all required documentation is on file. I provided you with a copy of the children’s file checklist during the visit. This was corrected during the visit by a current medical exam being on file and available for review. Medication: Any medication remaining after the course of treatment is completed, after authorization is withdrawn or after authorization or medication has expired must be returned to the child's parents. Any medication the parent fails to retrieve within 72 hours of completion of treatment, or withdrawal of authorization, should be discarded. Standing permission to administer medications for chronic illnesses may be given for up to six (6) months. I provided you with a copy of the Medication Administration Permission Form and Log during today’s visit. This form may also be found on the DCDEE website under the “Provider” tab, which I demonstrated how to access during today’s visit. I suggested you place extra copies of the Permission to Administer Medication Form in each classroom to be completed by the parent in the event that a form expires. Additionally, I suggested you assign a staff member to each room to check all medications and Permission to Administer Medication Forms at least once a month to prevent further non-compliance regarding medication. Consultation: Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) The ABCMS provider portal facility roster should be updated in ABCMS on 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 contact the Criminal Background Check Unit today at (919) 814-8401 to obtain further instruction regarding your program’s locked account. Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization We reviewed Pathway #1, #2, and #3. This facility is a Head Start program; therefore, you stated you intend to follow Pathway #3, Accreditation, for your facilities rated license reassessment. Kristin Thomas, Gaston Community Action Head Start Director, completed and submitted the Pathway 3 – Request to Use Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway on September 23, 2025. During today’s visit the application and QRIS Conversation Template were reviewed and completed. Reminders & Resources: Fire Inspections You must schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of your center's previous fire inspection and notify the local fire inspector when it is time for your center's annual fire inspection. You must submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to your Child Care Consultant within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. Health & Safety Trainings All staff must complete on-going health and safety trainings every five years. Lead Water Testing Under rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816, child care centers are required to complete lead water testing every three (3) years. DCDEE Website For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Compliance Letter: 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. On or before December 30, 2025, 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. Email the information to: farran.m.rhyne@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, at Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 704-594-0003. Farran M. Rhyne, Child Care Consultant PO Box 92 Maiden, NC 28650 farran.m.rhyne@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: RANKIN II HEAD START Facility ID: 36000174 Consultant: FARRAN RHYNE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/16/2025 Number Present: 60 Completed Date: 12/16/2025 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety, and to begin your rated license assessment. The visit was conducted with you, Angela Brown, Administrator. This program currently operates with a five-star rated license issued on February 25, 2020. The permit restrictions include daytime care, meets enhanced ratios, and meets enhanced space. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 23, 2025. The program’s compliance history was reviewed with the administrator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-eight percent as of December 12, 2025. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 12, 2025, and Gaston Community Action, Inc. was listed as active/current. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. A walkthrough of the facility was completed. All indoor and outdoor spaces and transportation requirements were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play and group-led activities indoors, gross motor play outdoors, handwashing routines, lunch, nap, and departure. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Inspections/Drills: The most recent approved fire inspection for your facility was conducted on October 27, 2025. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on December 15, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with twelve demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent monthly fire drill was conducted on November 18, 2025, at 10:15am. The most recent quarterly lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was a shelter-in-place conducted on October 15, 2025, at 1:19pm. The most recent monthly playground inspection was completed on December 5, 2025, by Susan Huffman. The facility’s EPR Plan was reviewed on August 29, 2025. Lead and Asbestos Testing: The analysis date for the most recent lead water test was May 22, 2024. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You may review your facilities results and enroll in the asbestos and lead-based paint testing by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. This website also indicated “no results available” for required asbestos and lead-based paint testing. I suggested you or the individual responsible, contact RTI to request an update on this facilities enrollment with required asbestos and lead based paint testing. These tests must be completed by December 31, 2025. You stated you previously completed enrollment, spoke with RTI on December 4, 2025, and you are waiting to receive additional information regarding your facility’s results. Files Reviewed: You provided me with applicable program, staff, and children’s records for review. Files for three new staff, one existing staff, and applicable records for all staff were reviewed. You stated your program’s ABCMS Provider Portal account is locked. You stated you have contacted the CBC Unit and are waiting for further instructions. Nine current staff were listed on the ABCMS Provider Portal roster for this facility. A sample of seven children’s records were reviewed. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the Visit Summary left with you at the conclusion of this visit. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. In Space #2, was one epinephrine injection pen that expired on November 30, 2025. .0803(12) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child enrolled on August 25, 2025, in Space #4, had a medical exam completed on September 26, 2025. The medical exam was due to be completed by September 23, 2025. GS110-91(1) Technical Assistance was provided on the following: Children’s Records: All children must have a medical exam on file within the first thirty (30) days of enrollment. The assessment shall be conducted by a licensed physician, the physician's authorized agent who is currently approved by the North Carolina Medical Board, or comparable certifying board in any state contiguous to North Carolina, a certified nurse practitioner, or a public health nurse. I suggested you ask parents to provide the medical exam during the enrollment process to ensure the documentation is on file in a timely manner. I also suggested you use the children’s file checklist found on the DCDEE website under the “Provider” tab to ensure all required documentation is on file. I provided you with a copy of the children’s file checklist during the visit. This was corrected during the visit by a current medical exam being on file and available for review. Medication: Any medication remaining after the course of treatment is completed, after authorization is withdrawn or after authorization or medication has expired must be returned to the child's parents. Any medication the parent fails to retrieve within 72 hours of completion of treatment, or withdrawal of authorization, should be discarded. Standing permission to administer medications for chronic illnesses may be given for up to six (6) months. I provided you with a copy of the Medication Administration Permission Form and Log during today’s visit. This form may also be found on the DCDEE website under the “Provider” tab, which I demonstrated how to access during today’s visit. I suggested you place extra copies of the Permission to Administer Medication Form in each classroom to be completed by the parent in the event that a form expires. Additionally, I suggested you assign a staff member to each room to check all medications and Permission to Administer Medication Forms at least once a month to prevent further non-compliance regarding medication. Consultation: Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) The ABCMS provider portal facility roster should be updated in ABCMS on 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 contact the Criminal Background Check Unit today at (919) 814-8401 to obtain further instruction regarding your program’s locked account. Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization We reviewed Pathway #1, #2, and #3. This facility is a Head Start program; therefore, you stated you intend to follow Pathway #3, Accreditation, for your facilities rated license reassessment. Kristin Thomas, Gaston Community Action Head Start Director, completed and submitted the Pathway 3 – Request to Use Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway on September 23, 2025. During today’s visit the application and QRIS Conversation Template were reviewed and completed. Reminders & Resources: Fire Inspections You must schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of your center's previous fire inspection and notify the local fire inspector when it is time for your center's annual fire inspection. You must submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to your Child Care Consultant within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. Health & Safety Trainings All staff must complete on-going health and safety trainings every five years. Lead Water Testing Under rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816, child care centers are required to complete lead water testing every three (3) years. DCDEE Website For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Compliance Letter: 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. On or before December 30, 2025, 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. Email the information to: farran.m.rhyne@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, at Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 704-594-0003. Farran M. Rhyne, Child Care Consultant PO Box 92 Maiden, NC 28650 farran.m.rhyne@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: RANKIN II HEAD START Facility ID: 36000174 Consultant: FARRAN RHYNE Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-072L Visit Date: 2/18/2025 Number Present: 57 Completed Date: 2/18/2025 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 01:05 PM Time Out: 03:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. The visit was conducted with you, Kristin Thomas, Director. The Secretary of State website was checked on February 17, 2025, and your business Gaston Community Action, Inc., is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, Farran Rhyne, your consultant, at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. On February 7, 2025, the following allegations were received: There is a concern regarding staff qualifications, nurture and care/discipline. The allegations were discussed with you and (3) staff members. You and staff members had an opportunity to ask questions, state perceptions of the situation and provide pertinent information in response to the allegation. Staff records, children records, and program records were reviewed. Staff and children interactions were observed during end of day activities and dismissal. We reviewed and discussed your program’s discipline policy. Based on staff interviews and review of records, the allegations for “There are concerns regarding nurture and care” was unsubstantiated. “There are concerns regarding staff qualifications was substantiated, therefore confirmed. The following violation was observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One (1) staff member, T. Dacus, employed on September 2, 2008, had a qualification letter on file with an expiration date of December 20, 2024. A new qualification letter was not received until February 6, 2025._________________________________________________ G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. One (1) staff member, T. Dacus, employed on September 2, 2008, did not have a qualification letter on file for review from December 20, 2024, through February 6, 2025. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) Technical Assistance: Nurture and Care: I discussed with you the resources provided by Caring for Our Children and I provided you with a copy of the Positive Behavior Support resource document to share with your staff. Additional resources related to nurture and care can be found on the Caring for Our Children website at https://nrckids.org/CFOC. I also discussed with you the Infant and Child Social Emotional Wellbeing for Early Educators training. This training includes information on infant and child social and emotional wellbeing for early educators. Participants will understand the impact that safe, stable, nurturing relationships have on the social emotional development of infants and young children in the early education setting, increase awareness of how self-care and reflection is important in establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and learn strength-based approaches to apply when caring for children exhibiting dysregulated behaviors. Please contact your local Child Care Health Consultants, Ashlyn Wadsworth at ashlyn.wadsworth@gastongov.com or Tara Knight at tara.knight@gastongov.com, to inquire about this training opportunity. Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project: I discussed with you the Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. I shared the flier with you regarding the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. For more information, please visit https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline. Staff Qualifications: I discussed with you that child care providers must have a valid and current qualification letter on file and available for review. The five (5) year Criminal Background re-check for staff member T. Dacus, employed on September 2, 2008, shows the qualification letter expired December 20, 2024. The five (5) year Criminal Background re-check was completed on February 6, 2025, and a current qualification letter was made available for review during today’s visit. You stated the Federal Funding Freeze on January 20, 2025, delayed the staff member’s application re-check process once you realized the qualification letter had expired. Compliance History: The program’s compliance history was ninety-six percent (96%) prior to today's visit. 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. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by March 4, 2025. Please include in that letter each item number and explain in detail how you corrected each violation and what plan will be implemented to prevent these violations from occurring again. Please sign the letter, include your facility name, ID number, visit date and mail the letter to my mailing address below or email the letter to me at farran.m.rhyne@dhhs.nc.gov Farran M. Rhyne PO Box 92 Maiden, NC 28650 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above will result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. 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. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, at Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 704-594-0003. Farran M. Rhyne, Child Care Consultant PO Box 92 Maiden, NC 28650 farran.m.rhyne@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: RANKIN II HEAD START Facility ID: 36000174 Consultant: KRISTEN R. MAUNEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/15/2024 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 5/15/2024 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit, including health and safety. The visit was conducted with you, Gitara Robbins, Administrator. You provided me with applicable program, staff, and children’s records for review. Farran Rhyne, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed before the visit and Gaston Community Action, Inc. was current/active as of May 13, 2024. This program currently operates with a Five star rated license effective February 25, 2020. The program’s compliance history was 97 percent prior to today’s visit. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Children and staff were observed during free play activities indoors and gross motor activities outdoors. The buses used to transport children were unable to be monitored today due to being parked at another location. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on January 23, 2024. A superior sanitation classification was issued with 4 demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on November 1, 2023. The most recent lead water testing results were received on April 16, 2021. Enrollment for lead in water testing was completed on April 8, 2024. The enrollment for lead paint and asbestos testing has been started, according to the website. You may review the status of your results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. The violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the Visit Summary left with you at the conclusion of this visit. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In space #1, one child was not signed out on 5/8/2024 and 5/13/2024. In space #3, one child was not signed out on 5/3/2024. In space #4, one child was not signed in on 5/6/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In space #3, an electric fan was observed on top of a shelf accessible to children that was not mounted nor contained a mesh guard. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 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 #1, BIC Cover-It correction fluid with multiple safety warnings and Equate nail polish remover stating “keep out of reach of children” were observed on top of a cubby less than a vertical distance of five feet from the floor accessible to children. In an unlocked cabinet in space #1, Gain aroma boost laundry detergent, Mr. Clean disinfectant wipes, Lysol disinfectant wipes, and Wizard the magic of fresh room mist with multiple safety warnings, were observed on a shelf within the unlocked cabinet less than a vertical distance of five feet from the floor accessible to children. In space #1, two tubes of Kid's Crest Cavity Protection sparkle fun toothpaste were observed in an unlocked drawer less than five feet from the floor accessible to children. .2820(b) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Non-aerosol sanitizing solutions, approved disinfectants, detergent solutions, hand antiseptics, and hand lotions shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage. These solutions shall be labeled as sanitizing, disinfecting, or detergent solutions. Hand soap other than that which is in bulk containers is not required to be kept inaccessible to children or in locked storage. Bulk soaps shall be kept inaccessible to children. In space #1, the disinfectant solution was observed on the counter behind the sink faucet accessible to children and the sanitizer solution was observed on a shelf less than a vertical distance of five feet from the floor accessible to children. This is a violation of sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(c). 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 violation item number, statement of compliance, date of the visit and license ID number in the letter. I must receive your compliance statement by May 29, 2024. Please send your letter to Kristen.Mauney@dhhs.nc.gov. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. If you state in your violation correction letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed: Storage of Hazardous Products: -Staff moved the hazardous products to locked storage during the visit. 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 must be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet. I suggested that you check all areas of each classroom at the beginning of the day and throughout the day to ensure hazardous products are kept in locked storage. Storage of Sanitizer and Disinfectant Solutions: -Staff moved the sanitizer and disinfectant solutions to a shelf at a vertical distance of five feet from the floor during the visit. Non-aerosol sanitizing solutions, approved disinfectants, detergent solutions, hand antiseptics, and hand lotions shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage. These solutions shall be labeled as sanitizing, disinfecting, or detergent solutions. I suggested that you check all areas of each classroom at the beginning of the day and throughout the day to ensure sanitizing and disinfectant solutions are stored at or above a vertical distance of five feet from the floor. Arrival and Departure Records: -All children must be signed in and out each day including the time of arrival and departure. I suggested that you assign one person to monitor the arrival and departure records at designated times each day to ensure all children have been signed in and signed out. Electric Fan: -The administrator removed the fan from the classroom to a locked closet during the visit. Electric fans shall be mounted out of the reach of children or shall be fitted with a mesh guard to prevent access by children. I suggested that you review this child care requirement with all staff. Rated License Reassessment: -To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility is in cohort one. The preparation year for cohort one ends June 30, 2024. The reassessment year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. You stated you are not interested in requesting the Environment Rating Scale during the preparation year. Consultation: We discussed the following during the visit: -Listing actual names on the Emergency Medical Care Plan. Gitara Robbins was listed on the EMC Plan and you were present at the facility during today’s visit. -We discussed updating your Emergency Preparedness and Response plan as changes occur and annually. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 704-853-9196. Kristen Mauney, Child Care Consultant PO Box 674, Denver, NC 28037 Kristen.Mauney@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 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: RANKIN II HEAD START Facility ID: 36000174 Consultant: KRISTEN R. MAUNEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/15/2024 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 5/15/2024 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit, including health and safety. The visit was conducted with you, Gitara Robbins, Administrator. You provided me with applicable program, staff, and children’s records for review. Farran Rhyne, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed before the visit and Gaston Community Action, Inc. was current/active as of May 13, 2024. This program currently operates with a Five star rated license effective February 25, 2020. The program’s compliance history was 97 percent prior to today’s visit. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Children and staff were observed during free play activities indoors and gross motor activities outdoors. The buses used to transport children were unable to be monitored today due to being parked at another location. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on January 23, 2024. A superior sanitation classification was issued with 4 demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on November 1, 2023. The most recent lead water testing results were received on April 16, 2021. Enrollment for lead in water testing was completed on April 8, 2024. The enrollment for lead paint and asbestos testing has been started, according to the website. You may review the status of your results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. The violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the Visit Summary left with you at the conclusion of this visit. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In space #1, one child was not signed out on 5/8/2024 and 5/13/2024. In space #3, one child was not signed out on 5/3/2024. In space #4, one child was not signed in on 5/6/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In space #3, an electric fan was observed on top of a shelf accessible to children that was not mounted nor contained a mesh guard. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 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 #1, BIC Cover-It correction fluid with multiple safety warnings and Equate nail polish remover stating “keep out of reach of children” were observed on top of a cubby less than a vertical distance of five feet from the floor accessible to children. In an unlocked cabinet in space #1, Gain aroma boost laundry detergent, Mr. Clean disinfectant wipes, Lysol disinfectant wipes, and Wizard the magic of fresh room mist with multiple safety warnings, were observed on a shelf within the unlocked cabinet less than a vertical distance of five feet from the floor accessible to children. In space #1, two tubes of Kid's Crest Cavity Protection sparkle fun toothpaste were observed in an unlocked drawer less than five feet from the floor accessible to children. .2820(b) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Non-aerosol sanitizing solutions, approved disinfectants, detergent solutions, hand antiseptics, and hand lotions shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage. These solutions shall be labeled as sanitizing, disinfecting, or detergent solutions. Hand soap other than that which is in bulk containers is not required to be kept inaccessible to children or in locked storage. Bulk soaps shall be kept inaccessible to children. In space #1, the disinfectant solution was observed on the counter behind the sink faucet accessible to children and the sanitizer solution was observed on a shelf less than a vertical distance of five feet from the floor accessible to children. This is a violation of sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(c). 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 violation item number, statement of compliance, date of the visit and license ID number in the letter. I must receive your compliance statement by May 29, 2024. Please send your letter to Kristen.Mauney@dhhs.nc.gov. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. If you state in your violation correction letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed: Storage of Hazardous Products: -Staff moved the hazardous products to locked storage during the visit. 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 must be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet. I suggested that you check all areas of each classroom at the beginning of the day and throughout the day to ensure hazardous products are kept in locked storage. Storage of Sanitizer and Disinfectant Solutions: -Staff moved the sanitizer and disinfectant solutions to a shelf at a vertical distance of five feet from the floor during the visit. Non-aerosol sanitizing solutions, approved disinfectants, detergent solutions, hand antiseptics, and hand lotions shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage. These solutions shall be labeled as sanitizing, disinfecting, or detergent solutions. I suggested that you check all areas of each classroom at the beginning of the day and throughout the day to ensure sanitizing and disinfectant solutions are stored at or above a vertical distance of five feet from the floor. Arrival and Departure Records: -All children must be signed in and out each day including the time of arrival and departure. I suggested that you assign one person to monitor the arrival and departure records at designated times each day to ensure all children have been signed in and signed out. Electric Fan: -The administrator removed the fan from the classroom to a locked closet during the visit. Electric fans shall be mounted out of the reach of children or shall be fitted with a mesh guard to prevent access by children. I suggested that you review this child care requirement with all staff. Rated License Reassessment: -To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility is in cohort one. The preparation year for cohort one ends June 30, 2024. The reassessment year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. You stated you are not interested in requesting the Environment Rating Scale during the preparation year. Consultation: We discussed the following during the visit: -Listing actual names on the Emergency Medical Care Plan. Gitara Robbins was listed on the EMC Plan and you were present at the facility during today’s visit. -We discussed updating your Emergency Preparedness and Response plan as changes occur and annually. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 704-853-9196. Kristen Mauney, Child Care Consultant PO Box 674, Denver, NC 28037 Kristen.Mauney@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: RANKIN II HEAD START Facility ID: 36000174 Consultant: KRISTEN R. MAUNEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/15/2024 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 5/15/2024 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit, including health and safety. The visit was conducted with you, Gitara Robbins, Administrator. You provided me with applicable program, staff, and children’s records for review. Farran Rhyne, Child Care Consultant, accompanied me. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed before the visit and Gaston Community Action, Inc. was current/active as of May 13, 2024. This program currently operates with a Five star rated license effective February 25, 2020. The program’s compliance history was 97 percent prior to today’s visit. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Children and staff were observed during free play activities indoors and gross motor activities outdoors. The buses used to transport children were unable to be monitored today due to being parked at another location. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on January 23, 2024. A superior sanitation classification was issued with 4 demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on November 1, 2023. The most recent lead water testing results were received on April 16, 2021. Enrollment for lead in water testing was completed on April 8, 2024. The enrollment for lead paint and asbestos testing has been started, according to the website. You may review the status of your results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. The violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the Visit Summary left with you at the conclusion of this visit. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. In space #1, one child was not signed out on 5/8/2024 and 5/13/2024. In space #3, one child was not signed out on 5/3/2024. In space #4, one child was not signed in on 5/6/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 813 Electric fans were not mounted out of reach or did not have a mesh guard to prevent access. In space #3, an electric fan was observed on top of a shelf accessible to children that was not mounted nor contained a mesh guard. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(d) 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 #1, BIC Cover-It correction fluid with multiple safety warnings and Equate nail polish remover stating “keep out of reach of children” were observed on top of a cubby less than a vertical distance of five feet from the floor accessible to children. In an unlocked cabinet in space #1, Gain aroma boost laundry detergent, Mr. Clean disinfectant wipes, Lysol disinfectant wipes, and Wizard the magic of fresh room mist with multiple safety warnings, were observed on a shelf within the unlocked cabinet less than a vertical distance of five feet from the floor accessible to children. In space #1, two tubes of Kid's Crest Cavity Protection sparkle fun toothpaste were observed in an unlocked drawer less than five feet from the floor accessible to children. .2820(b) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. Non-aerosol sanitizing solutions, approved disinfectants, detergent solutions, hand antiseptics, and hand lotions shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage. These solutions shall be labeled as sanitizing, disinfecting, or detergent solutions. Hand soap other than that which is in bulk containers is not required to be kept inaccessible to children or in locked storage. Bulk soaps shall be kept inaccessible to children. In space #1, the disinfectant solution was observed on the counter behind the sink faucet accessible to children and the sanitizer solution was observed on a shelf less than a vertical distance of five feet from the floor accessible to children. This is a violation of sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(c). 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 violation item number, statement of compliance, date of the visit and license ID number in the letter. I must receive your compliance statement by May 29, 2024. Please send your letter to Kristen.Mauney@dhhs.nc.gov. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. If you state in your violation correction letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed: Storage of Hazardous Products: -Staff moved the hazardous products to locked storage during the visit. 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 must be stored in a locked storage room or cabinet. I suggested that you check all areas of each classroom at the beginning of the day and throughout the day to ensure hazardous products are kept in locked storage. Storage of Sanitizer and Disinfectant Solutions: -Staff moved the sanitizer and disinfectant solutions to a shelf at a vertical distance of five feet from the floor during the visit. Non-aerosol sanitizing solutions, approved disinfectants, detergent solutions, hand antiseptics, and hand lotions shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage. These solutions shall be labeled as sanitizing, disinfecting, or detergent solutions. I suggested that you check all areas of each classroom at the beginning of the day and throughout the day to ensure sanitizing and disinfectant solutions are stored at or above a vertical distance of five feet from the floor. Arrival and Departure Records: -All children must be signed in and out each day including the time of arrival and departure. I suggested that you assign one person to monitor the arrival and departure records at designated times each day to ensure all children have been signed in and signed out. Electric Fan: -The administrator removed the fan from the classroom to a locked closet during the visit. Electric fans shall be mounted out of the reach of children or shall be fitted with a mesh guard to prevent access by children. I suggested that you review this child care requirement with all staff. Rated License Reassessment: -To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility is in cohort one. The preparation year for cohort one ends June 30, 2024. The reassessment year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. You stated you are not interested in requesting the Environment Rating Scale during the preparation year. Consultation: We discussed the following during the visit: -Listing actual names on the Emergency Medical Care Plan. Gitara Robbins was listed on the EMC Plan and you were present at the facility during today’s visit. -We discussed updating your Emergency Preparedness and Response plan as changes occur and annually. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 704-853-9196. Kristen Mauney, Child Care Consultant PO Box 674, Denver, NC 28037 Kristen.Mauney@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: RANKIN II HEAD START Facility ID: 36000174 Consultant: KRISTEN R. MAUNEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/8/2023 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 9/8/2023 Age: From 3 To 3 Total Minutes: 140 Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 02:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety training. The visit was conducted with you, Gitara Robbins, Administrator. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed before the visit and Gaston Community Action, Inc. was current/active as of September 8, 2023. This program currently operates with a Five star rated license effective February 25, 2020. The program’s compliance history was 100 percent prior to today’s visit. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Children and staff were observed during nap and snack. The buses used to transport children were unable to be monitored today due to being parked at another location. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on September 6, 2022. A superior sanitation classification was issued with 4 demerits noted on the grade card. Gary Washington, Gaston Community Action Maintenance, contacted the sanitation inspector to request a sanitation inspection for this facility during the visit. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on October 4, 2022. I recommended that you contact your local fire marshal to request a fire inspection to be conducted at your facility prior to October 4, 2023. The violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in Visit Summary left with you at the conclusion of this visit. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The most recent sanitation inspection was completed on September 6, 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 614 Bed, cribs, playpens, cots or mats were not placed at least 18" apart or separated by partitions when in use. In space #1, seven cots with sleeping children were spaced less than eighteen inches apart, approximately twelve inches between each cot without a partition. In space #3, five cots with sleeping children were spaced less than eighteen inches apart, approximately twelve inches between each cot without a partition. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(e) 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 violation item number, statement of compliance, date of the visit and license ID number in the letter. I must receive your compliance statement by September 22, 2023. Please send your letter to Kristen.Mauney@dhhs.nc.gov. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed: Sanitation Inspection- During the visit, Gaston Community Action maintenance personnel, Gary Washington, contacted the local sanitation inspector to request a sanitation inspection be conducted at this facility. I recommended that you contact local sanitation and fire inspectors prior to summer to ensure inspections are up to date before closing. Cot spacing- Cots or mats must be placed at least 18 inches apart or separated by partitions when in use. I recommended that you use a tape measurer or a pre-cut string to ensure spacing between each cot is at least 18 inches apart. Rated License Reassessment: -To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility is in cohort two. More information will be forthcoming once your cohort year approaches. Consultation: We discussed the following during the visit: -This facility will receive a second Annual Compliance visit this school year due to closing during the summer months. The next Annual Compliance visit will be conducted prior to the last day of operation for the 2023-2024 school year. -Here is a link for current resources and information regarding COVID-19. https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/materials-and-resources/materials-about-covid-19-symptoms-and-treatment -Providers can speak to a Behavior Support Advisor for advice and resources specific to the challenging behaviors in their classroom by calling 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 704-853-9196. Kristen Mauney, Child Care Consultant PO Box 674, Denver, NC 28037 Kristen.Mauney@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: RANKIN II HEAD START Facility ID: 36000174 Consultant: KRISTEN R. MAUNEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/8/2023 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 9/8/2023 Age: From 3 To 3 Total Minutes: 140 Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 02:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety training. The visit was conducted with you, Gitara Robbins, Administrator. The North Carolina Secretary of State website was viewed before the visit and Gaston Community Action, Inc. was current/active as of September 8, 2023. This program currently operates with a Five star rated license effective February 25, 2020. The program’s compliance history was 100 percent prior to today’s visit. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Children and staff were observed during nap and snack. The buses used to transport children were unable to be monitored today due to being parked at another location. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on September 6, 2022. A superior sanitation classification was issued with 4 demerits noted on the grade card. Gary Washington, Gaston Community Action Maintenance, contacted the sanitation inspector to request a sanitation inspection for this facility during the visit. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on October 4, 2022. I recommended that you contact your local fire marshal to request a fire inspection to be conducted at your facility prior to October 4, 2023. The violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in Visit Summary left with you at the conclusion of this visit. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The most recent sanitation inspection was completed on September 6, 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 614 Bed, cribs, playpens, cots or mats were not placed at least 18" apart or separated by partitions when in use. In space #1, seven cots with sleeping children were spaced less than eighteen inches apart, approximately twelve inches between each cot without a partition. In space #3, five cots with sleeping children were spaced less than eighteen inches apart, approximately twelve inches between each cot without a partition. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(e) 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 violation item number, statement of compliance, date of the visit and license ID number in the letter. I must receive your compliance statement by September 22, 2023. Please send your letter to Kristen.Mauney@dhhs.nc.gov. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical Assistance regarding the violations observed: Sanitation Inspection- During the visit, Gaston Community Action maintenance personnel, Gary Washington, contacted the local sanitation inspector to request a sanitation inspection be conducted at this facility. I recommended that you contact local sanitation and fire inspectors prior to summer to ensure inspections are up to date before closing. Cot spacing- Cots or mats must be placed at least 18 inches apart or separated by partitions when in use. I recommended that you use a tape measurer or a pre-cut string to ensure spacing between each cot is at least 18 inches apart. Rated License Reassessment: -To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility is in cohort two. More information will be forthcoming once your cohort year approaches. Consultation: We discussed the following during the visit: -This facility will receive a second Annual Compliance visit this school year due to closing during the summer months. The next Annual Compliance visit will be conducted prior to the last day of operation for the 2023-2024 school year. -Here is a link for current resources and information regarding COVID-19. https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/materials-and-resources/materials-about-covid-19-symptoms-and-treatment -Providers can speak to a Behavior Support Advisor for advice and resources specific to the challenging behaviors in their classroom by calling 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 704-853-9196. Kristen Mauney, Child Care Consultant PO Box 674, Denver, NC 28037 Kristen.Mauney@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