10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: GATESVILLE ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 37000036 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/11/2024 Number Present: 37 Completed Date: 9/11/2024 Age: From 4 To 4 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:20 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. A Dillard, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 4/22/22 earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and space) and 1 quality point for: 75% of lead teachers have a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. 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 93 % as of 9/9/24. 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 throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. No new staff have been hired since the previous visit. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. Lunch was observed and consisted of a BBQ rib sandwich on a whole wheat bun, corn, broccoli, peaches, and milk. 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 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The last sanitation inspection was completed at the center on 7/28/23 and the current inspection was not completed until 8/19/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 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 did not contain copies of children’s Medical Action Plans. .0607(d)(10) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The sand surfacing at the end of the slide measured seven (7) inches and did not meet the twelve (12) inch depth requirement for sand surfacing. Other areas measured ten 10 inches. .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 9/25/24, 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: Protective Surfacing - Parents/guardians expect that their child will not be exposed to hazardous play environments, yet will have the opportunity for free, creative play. Installation of energy-absorbing surfaces help to reduce both the potential and the severity of injury. The sand surfacing at the end of the slide measured seven (7) inches and did not meet the twelve (12) inch depth requirement for sand surfacing. Other areas measured ten 10 inches. Sand had been added at one end of the playground space and needs to be redistributed to ensure the correct depth on the end of the playground with the stationary climbing structure. Consider getting a measuring tool to frequently check the depth of the sand to ensure is stays the correct depth. Sanitation Inspection – Completing the required safety inspections helps to ensure the children are cared for in a safe and healthy environment. Each operator must schedule a sanitation inspection within 12 months of the center's previous inspection. The last sanitation inspection was completed at the center on 7/28/23 and the current inspection was not completed until 8/19/24. To ensure both Sanitation and Fire Inspections are conducted at least annually a courtesy call or email should be conducted to the Inspectors at least two (2) months before the next inspection is due. 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 did not contain copies of children’s Medical Action Plans. This file should include: EPR Plan Parent Contact Information Staff Emergency Contact Information Each Child’s Application Medication Authorizations/ Instructions Action Plans for children with special health care needs Allergy List Incident Report Forms Area Map Emergency Phone Numbers You have a list of the children who have Medical Action Plans included in the Ready to Go binder. The action plans must be added to the binder to ensure you are ready in the event of an emergency. This should be completed prior to the first day the children attend. You stated that you thought you had already placed the forms in the binder but will make copies and place them in the binder as required. Additional Information: Natural Learning Initiative -Time outdoors is a critical tool for supporting mental and physical health in young children. Some benefits are: “Children who play outside are more likely to be physically healthy. They play harder and more actively, which can help improve their motor skills, coordination, balance, and agility.” “Spending time in nature can help children be less anxious, better adjusted, and more able to focus. It can also help reduce stress and depression. “ The Natural Learning Initiative is working to promote these healthy benefits for children. The four components of this project include: 1. Relaunch a supportive network for outdoor play and learning environments in North Carolina; 2. Research nature-based programs and spaces and develop a plan to embed these in licensed childcare in North Carolina; 3. Motivate and train early educators and specialists to promote best practices and increase time in outdoor play and learning in NC childcare facilities; 4. Increase time outdoors playing and learning in NC family child care homes through professional development and technical assistance. Check out their website for ideas you can use in your space at https://naturalearning.org/. You have added planter boxes around the poles under your shade structure. Per our discussion, consider mixing bright colored flowers with herb plants. The herbs provide a science and sensory experience for the children. They can rub the leaves to smell the different types of seasonings used in their food. 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 have started the process for all three inspections. 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: GATESVILLE ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 37000036 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/11/2024 Number Present: 37 Completed Date: 9/11/2024 Age: From 4 To 4 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:20 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. A Dillard, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 4/22/22 earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and space) and 1 quality point for: 75% of lead teachers have a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. 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 93 % as of 9/9/24. 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 throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. No new staff have been hired since the previous visit. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. Lunch was observed and consisted of a BBQ rib sandwich on a whole wheat bun, corn, broccoli, peaches, and milk. 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 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The last sanitation inspection was completed at the center on 7/28/23 and the current inspection was not completed until 8/19/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 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 did not contain copies of children’s Medical Action Plans. .0607(d)(10) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The sand surfacing at the end of the slide measured seven (7) inches and did not meet the twelve (12) inch depth requirement for sand surfacing. Other areas measured ten 10 inches. .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 9/25/24, 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: Protective Surfacing - Parents/guardians expect that their child will not be exposed to hazardous play environments, yet will have the opportunity for free, creative play. Installation of energy-absorbing surfaces help to reduce both the potential and the severity of injury. The sand surfacing at the end of the slide measured seven (7) inches and did not meet the twelve (12) inch depth requirement for sand surfacing. Other areas measured ten 10 inches. Sand had been added at one end of the playground space and needs to be redistributed to ensure the correct depth on the end of the playground with the stationary climbing structure. Consider getting a measuring tool to frequently check the depth of the sand to ensure is stays the correct depth. Sanitation Inspection – Completing the required safety inspections helps to ensure the children are cared for in a safe and healthy environment. Each operator must schedule a sanitation inspection within 12 months of the center's previous inspection. The last sanitation inspection was completed at the center on 7/28/23 and the current inspection was not completed until 8/19/24. To ensure both Sanitation and Fire Inspections are conducted at least annually a courtesy call or email should be conducted to the Inspectors at least two (2) months before the next inspection is due. 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 did not contain copies of children’s Medical Action Plans. This file should include: EPR Plan Parent Contact Information Staff Emergency Contact Information Each Child’s Application Medication Authorizations/ Instructions Action Plans for children with special health care needs Allergy List Incident Report Forms Area Map Emergency Phone Numbers You have a list of the children who have Medical Action Plans included in the Ready to Go binder. The action plans must be added to the binder to ensure you are ready in the event of an emergency. This should be completed prior to the first day the children attend. You stated that you thought you had already placed the forms in the binder but will make copies and place them in the binder as required. Additional Information: Natural Learning Initiative -Time outdoors is a critical tool for supporting mental and physical health in young children. Some benefits are: “Children who play outside are more likely to be physically healthy. They play harder and more actively, which can help improve their motor skills, coordination, balance, and agility.” “Spending time in nature can help children be less anxious, better adjusted, and more able to focus. It can also help reduce stress and depression. “ The Natural Learning Initiative is working to promote these healthy benefits for children. The four components of this project include: 1. Relaunch a supportive network for outdoor play and learning environments in North Carolina; 2. Research nature-based programs and spaces and develop a plan to embed these in licensed childcare in North Carolina; 3. Motivate and train early educators and specialists to promote best practices and increase time in outdoor play and learning in NC childcare facilities; 4. Increase time outdoors playing and learning in NC family child care homes through professional development and technical assistance. Check out their website for ideas you can use in your space at https://naturalearning.org/. You have added planter boxes around the poles under your shade structure. Per our discussion, consider mixing bright colored flowers with herb plants. The herbs provide a science and sensory experience for the children. They can rub the leaves to smell the different types of seasonings used in their food. 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 have started the process for all three inspections. 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

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: GATESVILLE ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 37000036 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/6/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 3/6/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:30 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, including requirements for NC Pre-Kindergarten and Developmental Day Services. A Dillard, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 4/22/22 earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and space) and 1 quality point for: 75% of lead teachers have a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. 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 3 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/26-6/30/27. 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 North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project also has helpful trainings and information. Together we reviewed the ECERS-R tool and how it is scored. You stated that the partnership has been out to begin doing mock assessments. 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. Your facility currently uses Creative Curriculum. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/28/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 7/28/23. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 10/4/23 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 3/4/24. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. You stated that you will contact C. Jordan to see if she is the person who will continue to be listed as the owner contact. If changes are needed, the owner representative would need to submit a letter requesting to make the change. 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. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. The children were unable to go outside due to heavy rain. Gross motor activities were offered in the gym. Later, the children had lunch in the cafeteria. Lunch was observed and consisted of a cheese burger on a whole wheat bun, baked apples, French fries, and milk. After lunch, the children toileted and washed hands in the hall bathrooms and then transitioned to the classroom for nap. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by Gates County Board of Education. 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 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. One child, in space D11, had a permission form for albuterol that did not include a start date to administer the medicine or the date the form was signed by the parent. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 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. One staff member, hired on 1/3/23, had the Health Questionnaire and the TB test placed in the staff file and not in a separate medical file. .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 3/20/24, 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: Parental Permission to Administer Medication - Administering medication requires skill, knowledge, and careful attention to detail. The parents/guardians must give written authorization to administer medication to the child. One child, in space D11, had a permission form for albuterol that did not include a start date or the date the form was signed by the parent. Before accepting medication from a parent, you must have: 1. The medication in the original pharmacy box with all required information 2. A Medical Action Plan completed by a physician attached to the child’s application 3. Written permission to administer the medication, with complete instructions for how and when the medication is to be administered (never allow a parent to put “as needed”). The form must also be signed and dated by the parent. Staff Medical Records - Maintaining accurate documentation in your center is critical in demonstrating compliance with the child care rules and ensures that your staff meet the requirements to provide a healthy and safe environment for the children in their care. To maintain confidentiality, all medical information must be kept in a separate file from the staff member’s personnel file. The only forms that should be kept in this file are the Medical Report form, the annual Health Questionnaire, and the TB test results. All other items must be kept in the personnel file. Because you are a DPI program, the staff’s medical report and TB test can be kept at the Board of Education office. If you keep them on-site, they must be kept in the separate file. Additional Technical Assistance was given on the following: The Nutrition Opt-Out Form How to calculate on-going training hours and record them on the Staff and Training Worksheet Additional Information: 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. 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. 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) 373-4 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: GATESVILLE ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 37000036 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/6/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 3/6/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:30 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, including requirements for NC Pre-Kindergarten and Developmental Day Services. A Dillard, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 4/22/22 earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios minus one and space) and 1 quality point for: 75% of lead teachers have a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. 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 3 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/26-6/30/27. 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 North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project also has helpful trainings and information. Together we reviewed the ECERS-R tool and how it is scored. You stated that the partnership has been out to begin doing mock assessments. 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. Your facility currently uses Creative Curriculum. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/28/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 7/28/23. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 10/4/23 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 3/4/24. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. You stated that you will contact C. Jordan to see if she is the person who will continue to be listed as the owner contact. If changes are needed, the owner representative would need to submit a letter requesting to make the change. 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. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. The children were unable to go outside due to heavy rain. Gross motor activities were offered in the gym. Later, the children had lunch in the cafeteria. Lunch was observed and consisted of a cheese burger on a whole wheat bun, baked apples, French fries, and milk. After lunch, the children toileted and washed hands in the hall bathrooms and then transitioned to the classroom for nap. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by Gates County Board of Education. 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 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. One child, in space D11, had a permission form for albuterol that did not include a start date to administer the medicine or the date the form was signed by the parent. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 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. One staff member, hired on 1/3/23, had the Health Questionnaire and the TB test placed in the staff file and not in a separate medical file. .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 3/20/24, 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: Parental Permission to Administer Medication - Administering medication requires skill, knowledge, and careful attention to detail. The parents/guardians must give written authorization to administer medication to the child. One child, in space D11, had a permission form for albuterol that did not include a start date or the date the form was signed by the parent. Before accepting medication from a parent, you must have: 1. The medication in the original pharmacy box with all required information 2. A Medical Action Plan completed by a physician attached to the child’s application 3. Written permission to administer the medication, with complete instructions for how and when the medication is to be administered (never allow a parent to put “as needed”). The form must also be signed and dated by the parent. Staff Medical Records - Maintaining accurate documentation in your center is critical in demonstrating compliance with the child care rules and ensures that your staff meet the requirements to provide a healthy and safe environment for the children in their care. To maintain confidentiality, all medical information must be kept in a separate file from the staff member’s personnel file. The only forms that should be kept in this file are the Medical Report form, the annual Health Questionnaire, and the TB test results. All other items must be kept in the personnel file. Because you are a DPI program, the staff’s medical report and TB test can be kept at the Board of Education office. If you keep them on-site, they must be kept in the separate file. Additional Technical Assistance was given on the following: The Nutrition Opt-Out Form How to calculate on-going training hours and record them on the Staff and Training Worksheet Additional Information: 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. 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. 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) 373-4 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: GATESVILLE ELEMENTARY PRESCHOOL Facility ID: 37000036 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/28/2023 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 9/28/2023 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 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. A Dillard, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 4/22/22 earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space) and 1 quality point for: Has reduced staff/child ratios by one in each classroom from the seven point level. 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 3 which means your preparation year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/26-6/30/27. 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 last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/28/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 7/28/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 10/5/22 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 99% as of 9/25/23. 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 throughout the facility were participating in free play time in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Each classroom was equipped with age-appropriate materials available on low open shelving. The children were observed cutting and pasting animal pictures into a picture of their home, painting and gluing to create a farmer’s straw hat, sand play with scoop and pour toys, and learning to write their name. Staff asked open-ended questions and assisted the children as needed. Children were praised when they accomplished a task and encouraged to keep going if they struggled. There continues to be a fenced playground located beside the building. A stationary climbing structure was located over adequate surfacing. The children also had access to a wagon, cooking utensils and a play kitchen, trucks, swings, and buckets. Children washed their hands as required upon re-entering the building and before lunch. The tables in the cafeteria were also cleaned and sanitized as required. Lunch was observed and consisted of a chicken sandwich, baked beans, peaches, and milk. Some children brought lunches from home. The staff assisted the children with their lunches and encouraged them to do things for themselves. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. The top cabinet in space D12 was left unlocked. There was Lysol spray, Febreze air freshener, and disinfectant wipes stored in the cabinet. .2820(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. There was a bottle of generic Zyrtec stored 5 feet above the floor with an unlocked emergency medication. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) As a licensed child care operator, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to maintain compliance with them. The NC General Statutes (Updated September 2020), Child Care Rules (Updated February 2021), and the “What’s New” section of The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website, ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, are excellent resources to help you stay current with the child care requirements. The most current forms and documents needed for your licensed facility are available under the Provider tab. Many of them are now interactive so that you can type right into the form. Many of the forms needed for families are now offered in Spanish too. And of course, I am also available to assist you, should you have questions about the child care requirements. 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 10/12/23, 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: Storage of Hazardous Items- Keeping children safe is your number one priority and that includes making all potentially hazardous items inaccessible. Today, the top cabinet in space D12 was left unlocked. There was Lysol spray, Febreze air freshener, and disinfectant wipes stored in the cabinet. Cleaning supplies, hazardous office supplies (such as White Out), medications, or other items marked with more than “Keep out of reach of children” must be kept in locked storage. Aerosol sprays must be stored in locked storage. Acceptable locks include magnetic safety locks, combination locks, and padlocks. The provider stated that she thought they only had to be 5 feet above the ground. This violation was corrected during the visit as the provider placed all hazardous items in the locked part of the cabinet. Storage of Medications – Medicines can be crucial to the health and wellness of children. They can also be very dangerous if a child ingests a medication that was not prescribed for them. There was a bottle of generic Zyrtec stored with an unlocked emergency medication. The provider stated that the medication was listed as a “first response” on the Medical Action Plan. Per our discussion, only Epi-Pens, Glucagon, Diazepam suppositories or gel, or asthma inhalers are considered emergency response medications. These medications can be stored 5 feet above the floor where they are easily accessible in an emergency. First response medications can also be kept close to the emergency medication by placing it in a small box or cosmetic bag that can be locked with a small lock. Remember to keep the key in a separate location. Placing the first response medication in a small, portable container allows staff to take it with them in the event of an emergency just as they would the emergency medication. Additional Technical Assistance: Medications - Administering medication requires skill, knowledge and careful attention to detail. Remember, before accepting medication from a parent, you must have: 1. The medication in the original pharmacy box with all required information 2. A Medical Action Plan completed by a physician attached to the child’s application in their file and in the Ready to Go file. 3. Written permission to administer the medication, with complete instructions for how and when the medication is to be administered and signed by the parent. You would use the long form for chronic conditions for this type of medication. Make sure the information in the Medical Action Plan, permission form, pharmacy box, and the actual medication all match. If they do not match, return the medication to the parent until they can provide the right forms and medication. Education: Maintaining education standards is an important part of meeting the quality level of your 5 star rated license. Both you and the principal must submit your education to WORKS to be qualified as administrators. J. Brothers must complete the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education Public School Preschool Staff Education Form for Administrators (DCDEE.0172) form and can then upload her principal’s license and the form. You must submit an official transcript. Instructions on how to make the submission were shared with you today. Once all your information is in the WORKS system, you must log in, with your NCID number, and request to be evaluated for the administrator position. Based on the new requirements for NC Pre-K teacher assistants, both K. Knapp and A. Hurdle must show their progress toward either the CDA certificate or an associate degree in early childhood education. In WORKS, K. Knapp had not submitted any education. A. Hurdle has submitted information, but additional information was needed. Each staff member should be able to provide you with a status letter that clearly identifies their education status in WORKS. A copy of this letter should be kept in their file. Additional Information: 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.