G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: BATON ELEMENTARY PRE-KINDERGARTEN Facility ID: 14000401 Consultant: DINAH BROWN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/15/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 4/15/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 02:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements including health and safety. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Megan Minton, Lead Teacher, who assisted with the visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on April 11, 2024. Your program currently operates with a five-star license issued on October 29, 2024. The restrictions listed on your license include Daytime care only: Enhanced ratios reduced by one; Certified Developmental Day; Meets enhanced ratios; Meets enhanced space. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas used by children enrolled were monitored. I observed children in the indoor and outdoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children were observed during independent center play, teacher lead group time activities, transitions, lunch, rest time, outdoor gross motor activities, and departure. Required Inspections: The fire inspection was completed on March 19, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was completed on February 18, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with Zero (0) demerits noted on the grade card. The last playground inspection was completed on March 19, 2025, and recorded. Emergency Drills: The last fire drill was completed on March 25, 2025, at 8:43am and recorded. The last shelter-in-place was completed on March 11, 2025, and recorded. Curriculum: 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 uses Creative Curriculum. Lead Water Testing: The most recent lead water testing results were completed on February 7, 2024. Lead testing must be completed every three years. Files Reviewed: Two (2) staff files were reviewed today. Four (4) children’s files were reviewed today. NC Pre-K and Developmental Day Requirements were monitored and observed to be in compliance during today’s visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored during today’s visit. I discussed the Staff and Training Worksheets and the Children’s Records forms with you today. There were two violations observed and documented during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1310 The completed, signed application was not on file on the first day each child attends. A child enrolled on August 26, 2024, had an application on file that was not signed by the parent/guardian. .0801(a) Technical Assistance: Children’s Applications: I suggested that staff review each child’s application to ensure that all information is present and accurate including preferred dentist and contact number, hospital preference and contact number, parent/guardian signature, and date in order to maintain compliance with child care rules. Required inspections: I suggested that you contact Environmental Health at least one month prior to the expiration of your current inspection to ensure an inspection is conducted yearly to maintain compliance with child care rules. As a result of Tropical Storm Helene and a declared natural disaster in Western North Carolina, technical assistance is provided to assist the child care provider in achieving compliance regarding an annual sanitation inspection. Contact Information: You confirmed that Jason Teffeteller was your current Administrator, that 1400 Baton School Road Granite Falls, NC 28630 was your current physical address, that jteffeteller@caldwellschools.com was your current email address, and that (828)-728-9531 was your current phone contact. Compliance History: Prior to today’s visit, your compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of April 15, 2025. 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. Lead Testing: Child Care Rule .0601(f)- Safe Environments Child Care Rule Effective January 1, 2024 Rule Amendment- This rule was amended to include the specific requirements that child care centers must be free of asbestos hazards. This is in addition to the existing requirement that they be free of lead poisoning hazards. In addition to the updates to this rule, 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 and 15A NCAC 18A .2816, require all child care facilities (homes and centers) to test for lead in drinking, water, identify lead-based paint hazard, and mitigate or restrict access to identified hazards. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar All licensed child care programs must register by May 1, 2024, at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina and watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars. Child Care Centers have until July 1, 2024, to complete the required lead testing. Moodle Information On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. I shared the flier with you with information on the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. If you have any concerns with today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov If I can be of assistance in the future, please feel free to contact me at 828-231-2311 or e-mail dinah.brown@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: BATON ELEMENTARY PRE-KINDERGARTEN Facility ID: 14000401 Consultant: DINAH BROWN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/15/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 4/15/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 02:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements including health and safety. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Megan Minton, Lead Teacher, who assisted with the visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on April 11, 2024. Your program currently operates with a five-star license issued on October 29, 2024. The restrictions listed on your license include Daytime care only: Enhanced ratios reduced by one; Certified Developmental Day; Meets enhanced ratios; Meets enhanced space. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas used by children enrolled were monitored. I observed children in the indoor and outdoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children were observed during independent center play, teacher lead group time activities, transitions, lunch, rest time, outdoor gross motor activities, and departure. Required Inspections: The fire inspection was completed on March 19, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was completed on February 18, 2025. A “superior” classification was issued with Zero (0) demerits noted on the grade card. The last playground inspection was completed on March 19, 2025, and recorded. Emergency Drills: The last fire drill was completed on March 25, 2025, at 8:43am and recorded. The last shelter-in-place was completed on March 11, 2025, and recorded. Curriculum: 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 uses Creative Curriculum. Lead Water Testing: The most recent lead water testing results were completed on February 7, 2024. Lead testing must be completed every three years. Files Reviewed: Two (2) staff files were reviewed today. Four (4) children’s files were reviewed today. NC Pre-K and Developmental Day Requirements were monitored and observed to be in compliance during today’s visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored during today’s visit. I discussed the Staff and Training Worksheets and the Children’s Records forms with you today. There were two violations observed and documented during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1310 The completed, signed application was not on file on the first day each child attends. A child enrolled on August 26, 2024, had an application on file that was not signed by the parent/guardian. .0801(a) Technical Assistance: Children’s Applications: I suggested that staff review each child’s application to ensure that all information is present and accurate including preferred dentist and contact number, hospital preference and contact number, parent/guardian signature, and date in order to maintain compliance with child care rules. Required inspections: I suggested that you contact Environmental Health at least one month prior to the expiration of your current inspection to ensure an inspection is conducted yearly to maintain compliance with child care rules. As a result of Tropical Storm Helene and a declared natural disaster in Western North Carolina, technical assistance is provided to assist the child care provider in achieving compliance regarding an annual sanitation inspection. Contact Information: You confirmed that Jason Teffeteller was your current Administrator, that 1400 Baton School Road Granite Falls, NC 28630 was your current physical address, that jteffeteller@caldwellschools.com was your current email address, and that (828)-728-9531 was your current phone contact. Compliance History: Prior to today’s visit, your compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of April 15, 2025. 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. Lead Testing: Child Care Rule .0601(f)- Safe Environments Child Care Rule Effective January 1, 2024 Rule Amendment- This rule was amended to include the specific requirements that child care centers must be free of asbestos hazards. This is in addition to the existing requirement that they be free of lead poisoning hazards. In addition to the updates to this rule, 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 and 15A NCAC 18A .2816, require all child care facilities (homes and centers) to test for lead in drinking, water, identify lead-based paint hazard, and mitigate or restrict access to identified hazards. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar All licensed child care programs must register by May 1, 2024, at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina and watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars. Child Care Centers have until July 1, 2024, to complete the required lead testing. Moodle Information On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. I shared the flier with you with information on the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. 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. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. If you have any concerns with today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov If I can be of assistance in the future, please feel free to contact me at 828-231-2311 or e-mail dinah.brown@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: BATON ELEMENTARY PRE-KINDERGARTEN Facility ID: 14000401 Consultant: DINAH BROWN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/2/2024 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 5/2/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 286 Time In: 09:39 AM Time Out: 02:25 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 23, 2023. You, Jennifer Parham, teacher assistant, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license issued on August 23, 2022. The restrictions listed on your license include Daytime care only: Enhanced ratios reduced by one; Certified Developmental Day; Meets enhanced ratios; Meets enhanced space. Your last sanitation inspection was conducted on February 2, 2024, with four (4) demerits and a superior rating. Your last annual fire inspection was conducted on March 18, 2024. The facility was approved for daytime care only. Your last monthly fire drill was conducted on April 22, 2024. Your last emergency shelter-in -place was conducted on March 6, 2024. Your last monthly playground inspection was conducted on April 22, 2024. Children were observed during independent center play, teacher lead group activities, transitions, toileting, handwashing, lunch, gross motor outdoor play, and nap/rest. NC-Pre K requirement and Developmental Day requirements were monitored and in compliance. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The following violations were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 473 Music and rhythm activities were not available weekly to each group. A music and rhythm activity was not listed on the lesson plan in either classroom for this week. .0510(c)(1) 475 Sand and water play activities were not available weekly to each group. A sand and water play activity was not listed on the lesson plan in either classroom for this week. .0510(c)(3) Technical Assistance: Music/Rhythm Activity: Music and Rhythm activities must be made available weekly for each group of children. There was no music activity listed on the lesson plan for this week. I discussed the child care rule for there to be a weekly music and rhythm activity conducted and recorded on the activity plan each week to be in compliance. Sand/Water Activity: Sand and water play activities must be available weekly to each group of children. There was no listed sand and water activity on the lesson plan for this week. I discussed the child care rule for there to be a weekly sand and water activity conducted and recorded on the activity plan each week to be in compliance. Consultation: Prior to today’s visit, your compliance history was ninety-eight (98%) percent as of May 2, 2024. 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. Moodle Information On-going Trainings: Please visit Moodle on the DCDEE website to obtain necessary on-going training hours as required annually. Challenging Behaviors Helpline by Healthy Social Behavior Project The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. I shared the flier with you with information on the Challenging Behaviors Helpline. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting childcare in North Carolina. Compliance Letter: You must correct the violations found during today's visit immediately. Please send me a letter verifying compliance by May 16, 2024. Please include in that letter each item number and explain in detail how you corrected each violation and what plan will be implemented to prevent these violations from occurring again. Please sign the letter, include your facility name, ID number, visit date and mail the letter to my mailing address below or email the letter to me at dinah.brown@dhhs.nc.gov Dinah Brown Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 6373 Hickory, NC 28601 Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above will result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. If you have any concerns with today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor Tammy McGalliard at tammy.mcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov If I can be of assistance in the future, please feel free to contact me at 828-231-2311or e-mail dinah.brown@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.