First Step Child Care

10A NCAC 09 .0509 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEP CHILD CARE Facility ID: 85000130 Consultant: KELLY HEALY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/5/2025 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 2/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced visit was conducted at this child care today to monitor compliance with all applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Ms. Meagan Taylor, Director. This program currently operates with a Three Star license. Restrictions include daytime care only, building 1 (30), building 2 (24), 10% enrolled use facility up to 3 hours per day, 25% enrolled must be 6 weeks to 2 years, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, children less than 2.5 years old in rooms with direct exits. The license was posted and the restrictions were being followed. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 02/04/2025. The program’s compliance history was 92% prior to today’s visit. Programs are required to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. I have observed indoor and outdoor areas today. I monitored staff/child ratios and space capacity today, as is indicated on the attached worksheet. I observed proper supervision of children. During the visit I observed children playing indoors, eating lunch and napping.. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 02/15/2024. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 12-10-2024. The last fire inspection was conducted on 07-25-2024. A fire drill was documented on 01-08-2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 01-10-2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 01-09-2025. I observed program records and posted items today. I observed staff and children’s records today according to DCDEE procedures. I observed the storage of hazardous items and cleaning supplies. I observed both the storage of medications and the administration of medication paperwork. This program does not provide transportation. I documented the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. There was no paper for children in the art center in space 4. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 716 All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. The yellow swings have between 0 and 3 inches of sand underneath. .0605(j) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The cardboard blocks were in disrepair in space 4. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) I have asked Ms. Taylor to send me written documentation by February 19, 2025 indicating that the violations that were documented today have been corrected. I have asked her to include the center name and license number in her documentation, each violation number and how each was corrected, and to both sign and date the document. The document may be mailed or emailed to me at the address below. I have reminded Ms. Taylor that if the documentation indicates that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information and an Administrative Action may be recommended. In addition, repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date indicated in this visit summary could lead to the recommendation of an Administrative Action. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. I provided the following Technical Assistance during today’s visit: Ms. Taylor stated that she can order sand and have a minimum of nine inches under the yellow swings by the deadline. Consultation: There are many, many papers in the children’s files. Some information has been filled out multiple times by parents, on forms that look different but have the same information. I have suggested that Ms. Taylor clean up the children’s files and only keep the necessary forms. I recommend that all forms that parents use are DCDEE forms. I have reviewed this visit summary with Ms. Taylor at the conclusion of the visit and a copy was given to her. I have appreciated Ms. Taylor time and assistance with this visit and have encouraged her to contact me if she has any questions at 336-317-5601. Kelly Healy PO Box 20423 Winston – Salem, NC 27120 kelly.healy@dhhs.nc.gov My supervisor, Ms. Pamela Hauser, can be reached at Pamela.Hauser@dhhs.nc.gov. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEP CHILD CARE Facility ID: 85000130 Consultant: KELLY HEALY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/5/2025 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 2/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced visit was conducted at this child care today to monitor compliance with all applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Ms. Meagan Taylor, Director. This program currently operates with a Three Star license. Restrictions include daytime care only, building 1 (30), building 2 (24), 10% enrolled use facility up to 3 hours per day, 25% enrolled must be 6 weeks to 2 years, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, children less than 2.5 years old in rooms with direct exits. The license was posted and the restrictions were being followed. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 02/04/2025. The program’s compliance history was 92% prior to today’s visit. Programs are required to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. I have observed indoor and outdoor areas today. I monitored staff/child ratios and space capacity today, as is indicated on the attached worksheet. I observed proper supervision of children. During the visit I observed children playing indoors, eating lunch and napping.. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 02/15/2024. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 12-10-2024. The last fire inspection was conducted on 07-25-2024. A fire drill was documented on 01-08-2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 01-10-2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 01-09-2025. I observed program records and posted items today. I observed staff and children’s records today according to DCDEE procedures. I observed the storage of hazardous items and cleaning supplies. I observed both the storage of medications and the administration of medication paperwork. This program does not provide transportation. I documented the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. There was no paper for children in the art center in space 4. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 716 All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. The yellow swings have between 0 and 3 inches of sand underneath. .0605(j) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The cardboard blocks were in disrepair in space 4. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) I have asked Ms. Taylor to send me written documentation by February 19, 2025 indicating that the violations that were documented today have been corrected. I have asked her to include the center name and license number in her documentation, each violation number and how each was corrected, and to both sign and date the document. The document may be mailed or emailed to me at the address below. I have reminded Ms. Taylor that if the documentation indicates that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information and an Administrative Action may be recommended. In addition, repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date indicated in this visit summary could lead to the recommendation of an Administrative Action. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. I provided the following Technical Assistance during today’s visit: Ms. Taylor stated that she can order sand and have a minimum of nine inches under the yellow swings by the deadline. Consultation: There are many, many papers in the children’s files. Some information has been filled out multiple times by parents, on forms that look different but have the same information. I have suggested that Ms. Taylor clean up the children’s files and only keep the necessary forms. I recommend that all forms that parents use are DCDEE forms. I have reviewed this visit summary with Ms. Taylor at the conclusion of the visit and a copy was given to her. I have appreciated Ms. Taylor time and assistance with this visit and have encouraged her to contact me if she has any questions at 336-317-5601. Kelly Healy PO Box 20423 Winston – Salem, NC 27120 kelly.healy@dhhs.nc.gov My supervisor, Ms. Pamela Hauser, can be reached at Pamela.Hauser@dhhs.nc.gov. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEP CHILD CARE Facility ID: 85000130 Consultant: KELLY HEALY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/5/2025 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 2/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced visit was conducted at this child care today to monitor compliance with all applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Ms. Meagan Taylor, Director. This program currently operates with a Three Star license. Restrictions include daytime care only, building 1 (30), building 2 (24), 10% enrolled use facility up to 3 hours per day, 25% enrolled must be 6 weeks to 2 years, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, children less than 2.5 years old in rooms with direct exits. The license was posted and the restrictions were being followed. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 02/04/2025. The program’s compliance history was 92% prior to today’s visit. Programs are required to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. I have observed indoor and outdoor areas today. I monitored staff/child ratios and space capacity today, as is indicated on the attached worksheet. I observed proper supervision of children. During the visit I observed children playing indoors, eating lunch and napping.. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 02/15/2024. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 12-10-2024. The last fire inspection was conducted on 07-25-2024. A fire drill was documented on 01-08-2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 01-10-2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 01-09-2025. I observed program records and posted items today. I observed staff and children’s records today according to DCDEE procedures. I observed the storage of hazardous items and cleaning supplies. I observed both the storage of medications and the administration of medication paperwork. This program does not provide transportation. I documented the following violations during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. There was no paper for children in the art center in space 4. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 716 All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. The yellow swings have between 0 and 3 inches of sand underneath. .0605(j) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The cardboard blocks were in disrepair in space 4. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) I have asked Ms. Taylor to send me written documentation by February 19, 2025 indicating that the violations that were documented today have been corrected. I have asked her to include the center name and license number in her documentation, each violation number and how each was corrected, and to both sign and date the document. The document may be mailed or emailed to me at the address below. I have reminded Ms. Taylor that if the documentation indicates that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information and an Administrative Action may be recommended. In addition, repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date indicated in this visit summary could lead to the recommendation of an Administrative Action. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. I provided the following Technical Assistance during today’s visit: Ms. Taylor stated that she can order sand and have a minimum of nine inches under the yellow swings by the deadline. Consultation: There are many, many papers in the children’s files. Some information has been filled out multiple times by parents, on forms that look different but have the same information. I have suggested that Ms. Taylor clean up the children’s files and only keep the necessary forms. I recommend that all forms that parents use are DCDEE forms. I have reviewed this visit summary with Ms. Taylor at the conclusion of the visit and a copy was given to her. I have appreciated Ms. Taylor time and assistance with this visit and have encouraged her to contact me if she has any questions at 336-317-5601. Kelly Healy PO Box 20423 Winston – Salem, NC 27120 kelly.healy@dhhs.nc.gov My supervisor, Ms. Pamela Hauser, can be reached at Pamela.Hauser@dhhs.nc.gov. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEP CHILD CARE Facility ID: 85000130 Consultant: KELLY HEALY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/18/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 9/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit is to monitor this program for compliance with applicable requirements for a Routine Unannounced Visit. This visit was conducted with Ms. Meagan Taylor, Director. This program currently operates with a Three Star license. Restrictions include daytime care only, building one capacity 30, building two capacity 24, 10% enrolled use facility 3 hours per day, 25% must be 6 weeks to two years old, meets enhanced space and ratios, children ages 2.5 in rooms with direct exits only. The license was posted and the restrictions were being followed. The program’s compliance history was 97% prior to today’s visit. Programs are required to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least 75%. I have observed indoor and outdoor areas today. I monitored staff/child ratios and space capacity today, as is indicated on the attached worksheet. I observed proper supervision of children. During the visit, the children were playing indoors and outdoors. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • SIDS training • Criminal Background Checks • General health • Administration of medication • Storage of hazardous products • Storage of medication • General safety • General license requirements • Program records • License posted • Fire safety • Sanitation Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted in accordance with DCDEE procedures for the purpose of reviewing CPR and First Aid, EPR, SIDS training, Health and Safety trainings and Criminal Background Checks. The storage and administration of medications was monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. The storage of hazardous items was monitored. A fire drill was documented on 09-04-2024. A shelter in place drill was documented on 09-03-2024. An outdoor inspection was documented on 09-05-2024. This program does not provide transportation. The following violations were documented during this visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. The schedule was not posted in space 3. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan was dated for last week in space 3. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. The center uses styrofoam cups for lunch and snack in the one- and two-year-old classrooms. .0604(q) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. On new staff person did not complete CPR within 90 days of hire. .1102(d) I have asked Ms. Taylor to send me written documentation by October 2, 2024 indicating that the violations that were documented today have been corrected. I have asked her to include the center name and license number in her documentation, each violation number and how each was corrected, and to both sign and date the document. The document may be mailed or emailed to me at the address below. I have reminded Ms. Taylor that if the documentation indicates that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information and an Administrative Action may be recommended. In addition, repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date indicated in this visit summary could lead to the recommendation of an Administrative Action. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance: Ms. Wilson and I have reviewed the Child Care Rule concerning Styrofoam cups today. She has pulled paper cups out of storage and will use these going forward for children under age 3. Consultation: I have asked Ms. Taylor to scrub a dirty ball that is accessible to children outdoors. Ms. Taylor will need to keep an eye on the depth of the sand in the coming months to check if it needs to be tilled. Staff stated that they always empty the tops of the trash cans outdoors that collect water when it rains. Standing water can attract mosquitoes. I have reviewed this visit summary with Ms. Taylor at the conclusion of the visit and a copy was given to her. I appreciated Ms. Taylor’s time and assistance with this visit and have encouraged her to contact me if she has any questions at 336-317-5601. Kelly Healy PO Box 20423 Winston – Salem, NC 27120 Kelly.healy@dhhs.nc.gov My supervisor, Ms. Pamela Hauser, can be reached at Pamela.Hauser@dhhs.nc.gov. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-105 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEP CHILD CARE Facility ID: 85000130 Consultant: RHONDA GRADY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0324-016A Visit Date: 3/6/2024 Number Present: 38 Completed Date: 3/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Meagan Taylor, the administrator accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Taylor and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 494 Caregiver did not make provision for constructive guidance and setting limits that the child can understand and that foster the child's ability to be self-disciplined. A staff member did not recognize, or meet the needs of children's development when a group of one-year-old children were expected to sit down, remain in one specific location, for an extended period of time, while the staff member cleaned the classroom and attended to other classroom tasks. .0511(b)(4) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. The provided failed to complete an incident report when a child was injured while in care. .0802 (e) 904 Child was handled roughly. A staff member grabbed a one-year-old child by the arms in a rough manner, while repeatedly transitioning the child to a designated area, in a seated position that resulted in a child's marks/bruises. A staff member grabbed a group of one-year-old children by their arms, placed children in a seated position, in a rough manner during a transition. .1803(a)(1) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. Staff failed to ensure children's physical needs and a child sustained injuries. GS 110-105.6(a) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week, no later than March 13, 2024, you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me via email at rhonda.m.grady@dhhs.nc.gov. You may contact me, Rhonda Grady, Investigations Consultant at (336) 266-0520 or Elizabeth Nichols, Investigations Supervisor at elizabeth.nicohls@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEP CHILD CARE Facility ID: 85000130 Consultant: KELLY HEALY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/2/2023 Number Present: 34 Completed Date: 8/2/2023 Age: From 0 To 6 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 08:00 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit is to monitor this program for compliance with applicable requirements for a Routine Unannounced Visit. This visit was conducted with Ms. Meagan Taylor, Director. This program currently operates with a three star license. Restrictions include daytime care only, building one capacity 30, building two capacity 24, 10% enrolled use facility 3 hours per day, 25% must be 6 weeks to two years old, meets enhanced space and ratios, children ages 2.5 in rooms with direct exits only. The license was posted and the restrictions were being followed. The program’s compliance history was 88% prior to today’s visit. Programs are required to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least 75%. I have observed indoor and outdoor areas today. I monitored staff/child ratios and space capacity today, as is indicated on the attached worksheet. I observed proper supervision of children. During the visit, the children were playing indoors and outdoors and listening to stories. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Capacity • CPR / First Aid • SIDS training • Criminal Background Checks • General health • Administration of medication • Storage of hazardous products • Storage of medication • General safety • General license requirements • Program records • License posted • Fire safety • Sanitation Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted in accordance with DCDEE procedures for the purpose of reviewing CPR and First Aid, EPR, SIDS training, Health and Safety trainings and Criminal Background Checks. The storage and administration of medications was monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. The storage of hazardous items was monitored. A fire drill was documented on 08-01-2023. A shelter in place drill was documented on 08-01-2023. An outdoor inspection was documented on 07-28-2023. This program does not provide transportation. The following violations were documented during this visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Two children were not signed in after arrival. This was corrected when the teacher signed the children in. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Today I provided Technical Assistance in the following areas: Two outlets in space 4 were covered during the visit. I have asked staff to make sure all outlets are covered or in use. I have asked staff to uncover all posted allergy lists. I have asked the director to move the daily sign-in and sign -out sheet into each classroom. If the parent forgets to sign the child in or out, the teacher can do it with the time and sign her name. Mother and Dad cannot write “mom” and “dad” on the sign in/out sheet. They must put their name or their initials. If a parent does not sign the child in or out and the list is in the front entrance, there is no way for the teacher or staff to catch it. I have asked the staff to unlock the Epi-Pen that is locked in the kitchen and to house it in the classroom with the child who has the allergy, more than five feet off the floor, but unlocked. I have recommended that the rooms be repainted, as the walls look worn. I have talked to the staff about the number of children allowed in each space and asked them to correct the Classroom Staff-Child Ratio sheet posted in each room. I have reviewed this visit summary with Ms. Taylor at the conclusion of the visit and a copy was given to her. I appreciated Ms. Taylor’s time and assistance with this visit and have encouraged her to contact me if she has any questions at 336-317-5601. Kelly Healy PO Box 20423 Winston – Salem, NC 27120 Kelly.healy@dhhs.nc.gov My supervisor, Ms. Pamela Hauser, can be reached at Pamela.Hauser@dhhs.nc.gov. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times