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Home › NC › Gates › Gates County Head Start
448 NC HWY 37 N, Gates NC 27937 · License #37000060 · Center · Child Care Center
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GS 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: GATES COUNTY HEAD START Facility ID: 37000060 Consultant: LESHAUNDA MCCOTTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2026 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 4/16/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 182 Time In: 09:48 AM Time Out: 12:50 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. D. Mallory, administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued February 26, 2026, as a Head Start grantee, meeting enhanced space and Head Start/Early Head Start ratios. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-four percent as of April 14, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on April 14, 2026 and Economic Improvement Council INC. was listed as current- active. The license was posted. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed one group of children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Learning centers provided a variety of items for the children to engage with. Staff were observed moving about the indoor space, engaging with children through conversation and play. Fire and sanitation inspections have not occurred since the last visit and remain current. Lunch was observed and consisted of spaghetti with meat sauce, corn, fruit Jello, corn muffins, and milk. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. The group was observed using the outdoor playground assigned to the elementary school children. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A cabinet near the art center was unlocked and contained 12 bottles of Germicidal Ultra Bleach, 12 canisters of Clorox Disinfectant wipes, 3 Bottles of Fabric Freshener, and 3 aerosol cans of Asepticare Disinfectant Spray. .2820(b) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. A live mouse was observed in the cafeteria. This is a violation of sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831(b). 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 April 30, 2026, 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. Mail or email the information to: LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 397 Grifton, NC 28530 LeShaunda.McCotter@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. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Approved Space-A safe space protects children from physical harm while allowing them to explore and learn freely. Unregulated spaces have not been inspected and can lead to exposures to risks. Upon arrival children enrolled in space #1 were engaged in outdoor play on the playground assigned to the elementary school. It was reported that the children sometimes like to play on the larger playground and you were not informed that you could not use that space. I shared with you what spaces were approved for used by the students enrolled in Head Start based on documentation I have on record. Pest Prevention- Rodents, including rats and mice are known to spread many diseases. These diseases can be transmitted to humans through direct contact, including handling of rodents or exposure to their feces, urine, or saliva or through rodent bites. One live mouse was observed in the cafeteria during meal service. You promptly notified the kitchen staff of the sighting, and an attempt was made to open the door to allow the mouse to exit. After the group left the cafeteria, maintenance staff worked to locate and remove the mouse. You stated that you are not aware of the current pest control measures in place at the school; however, it was reported to you that traps have been set. Facilities should prevent pest infestations by ensuring sanitary conditions. This can be done by eliminating pest breeding areas, filling in cracks and crevices; holes in walls, floors, ceilings and water leads; repairing water damage; and removing clutter and rubbish on the premises. Traps need to be placed in areas where they are inaccessible to children. Please collaborate with the school administration and maintance personnel to develop and implement a pest control plan. Storage of Hazardous Items- Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment to prevent and reduce injuries and promotes all areas of a child's development. Environments should ensure safety, promote health, provide comfort and be convenient for children and caregivers. Today, there was an unlocked cabinet near the art center that contained 12 bottles of Germicidal Ultra Bleach, 12 canisters of Clorox Disinfectant wipes, 3 Bottles of Fabric Freshener, and 3 aerosol cans of Asepticare Disinfectant Spray. You stated that had been in the cabinet but did not lock it when you were done. Upon making you aware of it, you locked the cabinet. Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Adding a visual reminder on the cabinet doors can help you to remember to lock it immediately after use. Consultation: Wait Times/Transitions- There should be no long periods of waiting during transitions. During the transition from outdoor play to the classroom, there were several minutes of the children standing, silently in line. Children lined up, staff completed a head count, and after a few moments called the roll to ensure all children were present. During those down times, children seemed to be restless and moving/wiggling in the line. Singing songs, doing finger play, recall will give children something to focus on and reduce discomfort and restlessness. Additional information: Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflects the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing and one-time lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – Last completed on 4/29/24, due 4/29/27 Lead Paint Testing – Risk Assessment Report 7/14/25; positive for lead; interim control for mitigation listed on Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website Asbestos Testing – Inspection Report 8/6/25-negative *Maintain any paperwork received by mail or email in your Program Records file. *For more information check out the FAQ page at https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. Go to the Contact Us tab if you need assistance or have questions. Resources: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The following resources are available to you: 1. DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov – current laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina, “What’s New” tab, Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. 2. Raise NC Newsletter—Weekly newsletter emailed to facility email including relevant information from the Division, training opportunities, grants, and more. You can sign up to receive Raise NC on the What’s New tab. 3. North Carolina Rate License Assessment Project (NCRLAP)- Check out resources, webinars, and trainings about the Third Editions of the Environment Rating Scales , The Self-Study Process, and Outreach Assessments by visiting https://ncrlap.org/. 4. NCID- If you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro-Tip: Log into at least one DCDEE platform every six to nine months to keep your account active. 5. Sex Offender Notification- North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me, LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant at 252-751-8634, LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, 252-373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from North Carolina's child care licensing agency on Jul 9, 2026 · Report an error
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: GATES COUNTY HEAD START Facility ID: 37000060 Consultant: LESHAUNDA MCCOTTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2026 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 4/16/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 182 Time In: 09:48 AM Time Out: 12:50 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. D. Mallory, administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued February 26, 2026, as a Head Start grantee, meeting enhanced space and Head Start/Early Head Start ratios. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-four percent as of April 14, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on April 14, 2026 and Economic Improvement Council INC. was listed as current- active. The license was posted. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed one group of children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Learning centers provided a variety of items for the children to engage with. Staff were observed moving about the indoor space, engaging with children through conversation and play. Fire and sanitation inspections have not occurred since the last visit and remain current. Lunch was observed and consisted of spaghetti with meat sauce, corn, fruit Jello, corn muffins, and milk. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. The group was observed using the outdoor playground assigned to the elementary school children. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A cabinet near the art center was unlocked and contained 12 bottles of Germicidal Ultra Bleach, 12 canisters of Clorox Disinfectant wipes, 3 Bottles of Fabric Freshener, and 3 aerosol cans of Asepticare Disinfectant Spray. .2820(b) 9995 A violation was found for which there is no item number. A live mouse was observed in the cafeteria. This is a violation of sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2831(b). 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 April 30, 2026, 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. Mail or email the information to: LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 397 Grifton, NC 28530 LeShaunda.McCotter@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. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Approved Space-A safe space protects children from physical harm while allowing them to explore and learn freely. Unregulated spaces have not been inspected and can lead to exposures to risks. Upon arrival children enrolled in space #1 were engaged in outdoor play on the playground assigned to the elementary school. It was reported that the children sometimes like to play on the larger playground and you were not informed that you could not use that space. I shared with you what spaces were approved for used by the students enrolled in Head Start based on documentation I have on record. Pest Prevention- Rodents, including rats and mice are known to spread many diseases. These diseases can be transmitted to humans through direct contact, including handling of rodents or exposure to their feces, urine, or saliva or through rodent bites. One live mouse was observed in the cafeteria during meal service. You promptly notified the kitchen staff of the sighting, and an attempt was made to open the door to allow the mouse to exit. After the group left the cafeteria, maintenance staff worked to locate and remove the mouse. You stated that you are not aware of the current pest control measures in place at the school; however, it was reported to you that traps have been set. Facilities should prevent pest infestations by ensuring sanitary conditions. This can be done by eliminating pest breeding areas, filling in cracks and crevices; holes in walls, floors, ceilings and water leads; repairing water damage; and removing clutter and rubbish on the premises. Traps need to be placed in areas where they are inaccessible to children. Please collaborate with the school administration and maintance personnel to develop and implement a pest control plan. Storage of Hazardous Items- Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment to prevent and reduce injuries and promotes all areas of a child's development. Environments should ensure safety, promote health, provide comfort and be convenient for children and caregivers. Today, there was an unlocked cabinet near the art center that contained 12 bottles of Germicidal Ultra Bleach, 12 canisters of Clorox Disinfectant wipes, 3 Bottles of Fabric Freshener, and 3 aerosol cans of Asepticare Disinfectant Spray. You stated that had been in the cabinet but did not lock it when you were done. Upon making you aware of it, you locked the cabinet. Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Adding a visual reminder on the cabinet doors can help you to remember to lock it immediately after use. Consultation: Wait Times/Transitions- There should be no long periods of waiting during transitions. During the transition from outdoor play to the classroom, there were several minutes of the children standing, silently in line. Children lined up, staff completed a head count, and after a few moments called the roll to ensure all children were present. During those down times, children seemed to be restless and moving/wiggling in the line. Singing songs, doing finger play, recall will give children something to focus on and reduce discomfort and restlessness. Additional information: Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflects the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing and one-time lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – Last completed on 4/29/24, due 4/29/27 Lead Paint Testing – Risk Assessment Report 7/14/25; positive for lead; interim control for mitigation listed on Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website Asbestos Testing – Inspection Report 8/6/25-negative *Maintain any paperwork received by mail or email in your Program Records file. *For more information check out the FAQ page at https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. Go to the Contact Us tab if you need assistance or have questions. Resources: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The following resources are available to you: 1. DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov – current laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina, “What’s New” tab, Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. 2. Raise NC Newsletter—Weekly newsletter emailed to facility email including relevant information from the Division, training opportunities, grants, and more. You can sign up to receive Raise NC on the What’s New tab. 3. North Carolina Rate License Assessment Project (NCRLAP)- Check out resources, webinars, and trainings about the Third Editions of the Environment Rating Scales , The Self-Study Process, and Outreach Assessments by visiting https://ncrlap.org/. 4. NCID- If you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro-Tip: Log into at least one DCDEE platform every six to nine months to keep your account active. 5. Sex Offender Notification- North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me, LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant at 252-751-8634, LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, 252-373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: GATES COUNTY HEAD START Facility ID: 37000060 Consultant: MARJORIE WHITE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/17/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 12/17/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit and to assess the facility for a star-rated license using the new QRIS rated license rules and procedures D. Mallory, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 5/17/22 (increase in education), earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for staff benefits and parent involvement. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 1/16/25. The sanitation inspection was completed 6/16/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 9/26/25; however, two items were marked “no”, and I will need to speak with the fire inspector to confirm correction. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three percent as of 12/5/25. This facility is owned by Economic Improvement Council, Inc. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 12/5/25 and was listed as current- active. License and contact information were current. Contact me to request any changes to your license or contact information. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care and outdoor play areas for applicable child care center requirements using the Child Care Center Requirements, effective 7/1/2025 and Item Numbers Listing, effective 4/2025. I monitored one staff record, two children’s records and all program records. Children enrolled in Room 117 were gathered for group time where they were discussing clothing, the theme of the week. They transitioned to free play with materials in interest areas before washing hands and going to the cafeteria for lunch. When they returned from lunch, they rested on linen covered cots. Lunch was observed and consisted of pepperoni pizza, corn, tater tots, peaches, and milk. I observed and documented the following violation during today’s visit. The violation was corrected during the visit. 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 bottle of Closure Cleaner and Odor Remover was stored out of reach of children in a cabinet locked with a child-safety latch but was not maintained in locked storage. .2820(b) * 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Technical Assistance With Documented Violation: Storage of Hazardous Items - Improper storge of hazardous items and medications results in millions of accidental poisonings in children annually. A bottle of Closure Cleaner and Odor Remover was stored out of reach of children in a cabinet in the classroom that was only locked with a child-proof lock and not locked with an approved lock and key, combination, electronic or magnetic lock. The lead teacher said they must have accidentally put it in that cabinet and immediately moved it to the locked cabinet where other cleaning supplies are stored. Cleaning supplies, other than non-aerosol EPA approved disinfectants, need to be maintained in locked storage. Non-aerosol EPA approved disinfectants (prepared bleach spray bottles, non-aerosol disinfectant sprays and wipes) may be stored out of reach of children. This item has been corrected. Resources: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The following resources are available to you: 1. DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov – current laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina, “What’s New” tab, Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. 2. Raise NC Newsletter – weekly newsletter emailed to facility email including relevant information from the Division, training opportunities, grants, and more. You can sign up to receive Raise NC on the What’s New tab. 3. Your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies and Child Care Health Consultants. *Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families (AACF) and Region 1 Child Care Resource and Referral: Phone – (252) 333-1233; website - www.aacfnc.org . *Child Care Health Consultant – C. Smith - (252) 340-0212 or cindy@aacfnc.org *Healthy Behaviors Specialist: P. White – Phone (252) 333-1233; pam@aacfnc.org Reminders: Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflects the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing and one-time lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – 4/29/24; due again 4/29/27 Lead Paint Testing –Testing completed 7/24/25 - positive for lead; interim control for mitigation listed on Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website Asbestos Testing – Testing completed 8/6/25 - negative *Maintain any paperwork received by mail or email in your Program Records file. *For more information check out the FAQ page at https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. Go to the Contact Us tab if you need assistance or have questions. ABCMS Portal - You have completed the ABCMS Provider Portal Training and are now authorized to log in the ABCMS Provider Portal https://ncabcms.nc.gov/DCDEE/ using your Business NCID. All staff are connected to the license number and hired to the roster but log back into the ABCMS Provider Portal and assign positions to D. Mallory, J. Riddick, and B. Walton. Staff Worksheets – On-going Training Hours – Review Row 18 (# hours to carry over) on the Staff Worksheets to determine how many on-going training hours returning staff will need by 12/17/26, anniversary of today’s Annual Compliance visit. Administrator Requirements – According to information posted in Works, D. Mallory has an AAS-ECE degree but has not completed required administrative or business administration coursework to earn the NC Early Childhood Administrative Credential (NCECAC). Ms. Mallory needs to register for and complete either EDU 261 or 262 or three additional semester hours in business administration. She stated that she is currently finishing her BS-ECE/CD and will add in a course that will help her meet this requirement. Emergency Preparedness – Your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan along with your Ready-to-Go File, Emergency Medical Care Plan (EMCP) and consistent practice of Fire and Emergency Drills are your center’s foundation for emergency preparedness. *EPR Plan – last updated in Portal 8/29/25 and reviewed 9/4/25; update again in August 2026 *Ready-to-Go File – current, included all required documents and supplies *Emergency Medical Care Plan – current *Fire and Emergency Drills – current; you are only required to complete Emergency Drills every three months. If the school does not complete a school-wide emergency drill, you can complete one for your classroom. Medication – I observed one emergency medication. It was accompanied by a current medical action plan and medication permission form. Additional Comments: Annual Licensing Fee - Annual Licensing Fee - Annual License Fee invoices were emailed to the facility email address on November 3, 2025. Online payments were due by December 3, 2025. License fees are paid online only, and paper checks are not accepted for payment. Licensed child care facilities are assessed an annual license fee. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2025, not the number of children enrolled at your facility. For questions regarding license fees, email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov for further assistance Keep Your NCID Active - Did you know that if you do not login on to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. *Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you, your staff and your household members (CLIAR only) every 6 months to log in and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. *For assistance with NCID, contact ncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000. QRIS Assessment: Today you submitted an Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers using Pathway 3. You also submitted the Request to use Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway to Earn a Star Rated License form, and the Head Start Staff/Child Ratio form. I will contact D. Banks to request additional information regarding the verification of Head Start certification and the Staff/Child ratios form. *I also provided Quality Initiatives Form for you to complete and return. This will accompany your license as a way to “show off” the extras your center provides to children, families, and the community. Once all documents are finalized, your center appears to be eligible for Five-Stars based on Pathway 3 - Head Start Accreditation, effective TBA. Permit Information Form: 1. Permit Effective Date – TBA 2. Capacity:1st shift - 20. 2nd shift – 0. 3rd shift – 0 3. Restrictions: Daytime care only. Meets Head Start/Early Head Start ratios Your QRIS three-year rated license reassessment will be based on the three-year deadline of the new license. At the completion of the visit, we discussed the information observed during the visit, including the one violation that was corrected during the visit. However, due to internet connection issues I was not able to complete, print and provide you with a copy of the visit. I provided you with a two-page abbreviated, hand-written visit summary which you signed. I will email an electronic visit summary to you and D. Banks. Please print all documents, review, and respond to the email that you have received the visit summary. Contact me, Marjorie White, by phone at (252) 373-9385 or by e-mail at Marjorie.White@dhhs.nc.gov, or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, at (252) 373-4199 or Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
G.S. 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: GATES COUNTY HEAD START Facility ID: 37000060 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/16/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 1/16/2025 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. D. Mallory, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 5/17/22 earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for: Infrastructure of parent involvement. Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that you do not need to schedule a rated license assessment unless you voluntarily request one. The new QRIS has been approved by the Child Care Commission. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project - NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 1/30/24. The sanitation inspection was completed on 8/19/24. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 9/11/24. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 94% as of 1/13/25. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. The children did not go outside today due to extremely cold weather. Children were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Lunch was observed and consisted of spaghetti with meat sauce, peaches, glazed carrots, a whole wheat roll, and milk. After lunch, the children rested on linen covered cots. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by Economic Improvement Council, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Emergency medications must be stored 5 feet above the floor. The Ready to Go backpack was located on the floor by the door to the room and contained an asthma inhaler. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File monitored today did not include a medical action plan for one child’s asthma inhaler. .0607(d)(10) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. 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 1/30/25, 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 that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@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. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Storage of Emergency Medications – Medications used to respond to asthma attacks or allergic reactions, must be stored where they can be quickly accessed in the event of an emergency. They must also be kept a minimum of 5 feet above the floor to ensure other children cannot reach the medication and become harmed. The Ready to Go backpack was located on the floor by the door to the room and contained an asthma inhaler. You stated that it is usually placed on a hook 5 feet above the floor, but the hook had broken. Technical assistance was given on other locations that would work until the hook could be repaired. The backpack was placed on a shelf 5 feet above the floor during the visit. Ready to Go File – A Ready to Go file ensures that you have all the information you need to provide a safe environment for children in the event of an emergency. The Ready to Go File monitored today did not include a medical action plan for one child’s asthma inhaler. Per our discussion, the medical action plan must be included in the file to ensure that staff and first responders have the information they need to care for the child in the event of an emergency. Additional Information: Requirements for Administrators - Currently you have an AAS in Early Childhood Education. You stated that you have completed EDU 261 and EDU 262 and are working on submitting the information to WORKS to be qualified as an administrator. Natural Learning Initiative has created resources, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience and growth of all children. You can explore and use these resources on their website https://naturalearning.org/resources/. ABCMS New Process - As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by May 2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. Per the information in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Water Testing: Completed 4/29/24 Lead Paint: Waiting for results Asbestos: Waiting for results At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: GATES COUNTY HEAD START Facility ID: 37000060 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/16/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 1/16/2025 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. D. Mallory, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 5/17/22 earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for: Infrastructure of parent involvement. Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that you do not need to schedule a rated license assessment unless you voluntarily request one. The new QRIS has been approved by the Child Care Commission. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project - NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 1/30/24. The sanitation inspection was completed on 8/19/24. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 9/11/24. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 94% as of 1/13/25. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. The children did not go outside today due to extremely cold weather. Children were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Lunch was observed and consisted of spaghetti with meat sauce, peaches, glazed carrots, a whole wheat roll, and milk. After lunch, the children rested on linen covered cots. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by Economic Improvement Council, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Emergency medications must be stored 5 feet above the floor. The Ready to Go backpack was located on the floor by the door to the room and contained an asthma inhaler. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File monitored today did not include a medical action plan for one child’s asthma inhaler. .0607(d)(10) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. 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 1/30/25, 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 that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@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. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Storage of Emergency Medications – Medications used to respond to asthma attacks or allergic reactions, must be stored where they can be quickly accessed in the event of an emergency. They must also be kept a minimum of 5 feet above the floor to ensure other children cannot reach the medication and become harmed. The Ready to Go backpack was located on the floor by the door to the room and contained an asthma inhaler. You stated that it is usually placed on a hook 5 feet above the floor, but the hook had broken. Technical assistance was given on other locations that would work until the hook could be repaired. The backpack was placed on a shelf 5 feet above the floor during the visit. Ready to Go File – A Ready to Go file ensures that you have all the information you need to provide a safe environment for children in the event of an emergency. The Ready to Go File monitored today did not include a medical action plan for one child’s asthma inhaler. Per our discussion, the medical action plan must be included in the file to ensure that staff and first responders have the information they need to care for the child in the event of an emergency. Additional Information: Requirements for Administrators - Currently you have an AAS in Early Childhood Education. You stated that you have completed EDU 261 and EDU 262 and are working on submitting the information to WORKS to be qualified as an administrator. Natural Learning Initiative has created resources, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience and growth of all children. You can explore and use these resources on their website https://naturalearning.org/resources/. ABCMS New Process - As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by May 2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. Per the information in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Water Testing: Completed 4/29/24 Lead Paint: Waiting for results Asbestos: Waiting for results At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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: GATES COUNTY HEAD START Facility ID: 37000060 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/1/2024 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 10/1/2024 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 172 Time In: 09:08 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. The administrator assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 5/17/22 earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for: Staff benefits package . Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that you do not need to schedule a rated license assessment unless you voluntarily request one. The new QRIS has been approved by the Child Care Commission. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 94 % as of 9/30/24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 9/30/24 and Economic Improvement Council, Inc. was listed as current- active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas 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 were participating in group time, transitions, and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. A lock-down drill had occurred before I arrived which put the children off schedule. The children were eating breakfast in the cafeteria when I arrived. Breakfast was observed and consisted of honey nut cheerios, pineapple, and milk. The providers sat with the children while they ate. When they returned to the classroom, they had circle time where they reviewed their previous lessons, sang songs to learn their colors, and talked about the new month. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One therapist, who removed a child from the classroom, did not have documentation of a CBC on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Two (2) therapists, who removed children from the classroom for services, did not have a qualifying letter on file and available for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The EPR plan available for review was last reviewed on 8/24/23. .0607(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. There was grass growing on the sand surfacing on the fenced playground. .0605(k)(1-4) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. 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 10/15/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@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. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Criminal Background Checks (CBC) and Qualifying Letters – Criminal background checks help to ensure children are safe with the adults who provide care for them. Anyone who is left alone with a child, must have a criminal background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education. This includes therapist who work with individual children. Per our discussion, if the therapist works in the classroom with the child, they do not need to have a CBC. They would not count in staff/child ratios and could not be left in charge of a group of children. If they take the child out of the classroom and are alone with the child, they must have a qualifying letter on file. Unlike many criminal background checks completed by other organizations, ours also checks the Child Maltreatment Registry and National Sex Offender Registry. Two (2) people were observed taking children out of the classroom for therapy services. E. Bradley has a CBC completed through the Division on 7/20/22, however, a copy of the qualifying letter was not on file and available for review. Christy Eure did not have documentation of completion of a CBC through the Division. Until Ms. Eure can complete the CBC process, services for the child must be completed in the classroom with the staff who have a current CBC on file. Documentation of a current CBC, for any therapist who serves the children in your classroom, must be kept on file in your classroom and available for review. Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements – Your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan must be reviewed and updated annually. The plan available for review was dated 8/24/23. You stated that you had been working on obtaining the password to complete the review. Per our discussion, consider creating a business NCID that could be used by any administrator working at this cite. If you are unable to find the password, you can contact the NCID unit for help at myncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000. Protective Surfacing - Installation of energy-absorbing surfaces help to reduce both the potential and the severity of injury. Grass was growing in the sand surfacing on the fenced playground. When grass is allowed to grow in the surfacing, the roots change the effectiveness of the energy-absorption and could harm a child. The grass must be removed to ensure the sand surfacing meets requirements. Additional Information: Natural Learning Initiative has created resources, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience and growth of all children. You can explore and use these resources on their website https://naturalearning.org/resources/. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. Provider Access to ABCMS - Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: •See the real-time background check status of staff members. •Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. •See new background check applicants and add them to the staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. All staff must connect their CBC with your license number and the date this was completed listed on your Staff and Training Worksheet. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 1/1/2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. Based on information on the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids, you completed your water testing on 8/29/24 with no problems identified. You are still in the process of enrolling in the Lead Based Paint and Asbestos testing. All testing must be completed by no later than 1/1/25. At the completion of the visit, the visit summary was reviewed with you, however, due to connectivity issues a hard copy could not be printed. An electronic copy will be emailed to you within 24 hours. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
NC GS 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: GATES COUNTY HEAD START Facility ID: 37000060 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/1/2024 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 10/1/2024 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 172 Time In: 09:08 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. The administrator assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 5/17/22 earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for: Staff benefits package . Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that you do not need to schedule a rated license assessment unless you voluntarily request one. The new QRIS has been approved by the Child Care Commission. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 94 % as of 9/30/24. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 9/30/24 and Economic Improvement Council, Inc. was listed as current- active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas 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 were participating in group time, transitions, and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. A lock-down drill had occurred before I arrived which put the children off schedule. The children were eating breakfast in the cafeteria when I arrived. Breakfast was observed and consisted of honey nut cheerios, pineapple, and milk. The providers sat with the children while they ate. When they returned to the classroom, they had circle time where they reviewed their previous lessons, sang songs to learn their colors, and talked about the new month. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. One therapist, who removed a child from the classroom, did not have documentation of a CBC on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Two (2) therapists, who removed children from the classroom for services, did not have a qualifying letter on file and available for review. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The EPR plan available for review was last reviewed on 8/24/23. .0607(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. There was grass growing on the sand surfacing on the fenced playground. .0605(k)(1-4) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. 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 10/15/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@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. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Criminal Background Checks (CBC) and Qualifying Letters – Criminal background checks help to ensure children are safe with the adults who provide care for them. Anyone who is left alone with a child, must have a criminal background check completed through the Division of Child Development and Early Education. This includes therapist who work with individual children. Per our discussion, if the therapist works in the classroom with the child, they do not need to have a CBC. They would not count in staff/child ratios and could not be left in charge of a group of children. If they take the child out of the classroom and are alone with the child, they must have a qualifying letter on file. Unlike many criminal background checks completed by other organizations, ours also checks the Child Maltreatment Registry and National Sex Offender Registry. Two (2) people were observed taking children out of the classroom for therapy services. E. Bradley has a CBC completed through the Division on 7/20/22, however, a copy of the qualifying letter was not on file and available for review. Christy Eure did not have documentation of completion of a CBC through the Division. Until Ms. Eure can complete the CBC process, services for the child must be completed in the classroom with the staff who have a current CBC on file. Documentation of a current CBC, for any therapist who serves the children in your classroom, must be kept on file in your classroom and available for review. Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Requirements – Your Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan must be reviewed and updated annually. The plan available for review was dated 8/24/23. You stated that you had been working on obtaining the password to complete the review. Per our discussion, consider creating a business NCID that could be used by any administrator working at this cite. If you are unable to find the password, you can contact the NCID unit for help at myncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000. Protective Surfacing - Installation of energy-absorbing surfaces help to reduce both the potential and the severity of injury. Grass was growing in the sand surfacing on the fenced playground. When grass is allowed to grow in the surfacing, the roots change the effectiveness of the energy-absorption and could harm a child. The grass must be removed to ensure the sand surfacing meets requirements. Additional Information: Natural Learning Initiative has created resources, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience and growth of all children. You can explore and use these resources on their website https://naturalearning.org/resources/. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. Provider Access to ABCMS - Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: •See the real-time background check status of staff members. •Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. •See new background check applicants and add them to the staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. All staff must connect their CBC with your license number and the date this was completed listed on your Staff and Training Worksheet. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 1/1/2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. Based on information on the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids, you completed your water testing on 8/29/24 with no problems identified. You are still in the process of enrolling in the Lead Based Paint and Asbestos testing. All testing must be completed by no later than 1/1/25. At the completion of the visit, the visit summary was reviewed with you, however, due to connectivity issues a hard copy could not be printed. An electronic copy will be emailed to you within 24 hours. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. 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: GATES COUNTY HEAD START Facility ID: 37000060 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/30/2024 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 1/30/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. D. Mallory, Assistant Teacher, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 5/17/22 earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios and space) and 1 quality point for: Staff benefits package and an infrastructure of parent involvement. Your last ERS assessment was completed on 12/10/19. On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 2, which means your preparation year will be 7/1/24-6/30/25 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. The NC Rated License Assessment Project website also has many resources to assist you in your preparations. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/8/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 7/26/23. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 9/21/23. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 94% as of 1/29/24. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. The children were having circle time when I arrived. The provider and children sang songs, reviewed the days of the week, and read a book about emotions. After circle time, the children transitioned to free play time. All centers were open. The children played with sand, blocks, manipulatives, and dramatic play materials. The children cleaned up toys and washed hands in preparation for lunch. A fire drill occurred before lunch. The children lined up. The provider counted the children before leaving, once they were outside, and again when they returned inside. Lunch was observed and consisted of pepperoni pizza, tropical fruit, green beans, and milk. After lunch, the children brushed teeth and prepared to go outside. A fenced playground is located beside the building. The children had access to climbing structures, tricycles, and digging toys. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by the Economic Improvement Council, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families / Child Care Resource & Referral is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on child care issues and the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 333-1233 or check out their website at www.albemarleafc.org. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 716 All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. The fall zone around the climbing structures had grass growing in the sand. .0605(j) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. The Ready to Go File, available for review, did not contain Emergency Information forms for the staff. .0607(d)(10) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. The EPR plan on file was last updated 8/24/23. Documentation that the current plan was reviewed with staff was not on file. .0607(f) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. The Medical Report, TB Test, and Health Questionnaire for one staff member, hired on 2/27/23, were filed in the staff file binder. .0701(d) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules (updated 7/1/23) and environmental health rules (updated 7/1/23) in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. 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 2/13/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@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. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Emergency Procedures – Creating and reviewing emergency procedures with staff, helps to ensure they can handle any emergency quickly and safely. A Ready to Go file ensures that you have all the information you need to provide a safe environment for children and staff in the event of an emergency. The Ready to Go File, available for review, did not contain Emergency Information forms for the staff. The EPR plan must be reviewed annually, and once updated, must be reviewed with all staff. Documentation must be available for review. The EPR plan on file was last updated 8/24/23. Documentation that the current plan was reviewed with staff was not on file. You have created a form to document the required reviews of emergency procedures. Once you have completed this form with staff, consider placing the signed forms in the Ready to Go File instead of their staff file. This helps you to track and verify that the reviews have been completed as required. Staff Medical Records – Staff medical information is confidential and should not be accessible to everyone who handles the files. All medical information must be kept in a separate file from the staff member’s personnel file. The Medical Report, TB Test, and Health Questionnaire for one staff member, hired on 2/27/23, were filed in the staff file binder. Per our discussion, because you keep all staff files in a binder, you will need to create a separate medical file for each staff member to ensure confidentiality. The only forms that should be kept in this file are the Medical Report form, the annual Health Questionnaire, and the TB test results. Playground Equipment – Checking the playground daily and completing the Outdoor Inspection Checklist at least monthly is important to ensure the safety of the materials being used by the children. The fall zone around the climbing structures had grass growing in the sand. The roots of the grass prevent the sand from being an effective cushion if children fall. Reminders: Sign-in/out Forms – The sign-in/out form is used to track the number of children present on a given day. This information is used to ensure that no child is left unsupervised. It is also used in the event of an emergency to verify that all children have been evacuated safely. On the form observed today, siblings were listed together on the same line and children who were absent were not listed at all. All children should be listed on the form with a single child’s name on each line. This helps providers and emergency personnel to quickly identify who is present, who is absent, and who has already left for the day. Additional Information: Provider Access to ABCMS - Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: •See the real-time background check status of staff members. •Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. •See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Watch for more information in the next Raise NC newsletter. The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. The team is made up of specialists with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. To speak to a Behavior Support Advisor, contact 1-888-600-1685 option 1. New Pathways to the Early Childhood Education Profession – Early educators now have multiple options to achieve higher education. •Staff can earn a no-cost nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) certificate through a free Professional Development Teacher Membership from Teaching Strategies. Courses are offered in English and Spanish. In addition, a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is available to cover the CDA book and assessment fees. •They could also choose take the free online NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam on DCDEE Moodle to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to the EDU 119 college course for star rated license evaluation. •A third options for staff is to turn their training and experience into a degree in Early Childhood Education. Providers can submit a Credit for Prior Learning portfolio to receive up to nine community college ECE credits for your early childhood knowledge and skills from participating NC Community Colleges. Credits can be applied toward the newly created Early Childhood Workforce Certificate, Early Childhood Education Diploma, Certificate and/or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education. See the Raise North Carolina email blast from 9/1/23 for links to more information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.