10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE PEPPERMINT ACADEMY Facility ID: 41001262 Consultant: ELIZABETH CHILDRESS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/23/2025 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 4/23/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 04:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with child care rules during an annual compliance visit. I completed an Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Centers during the visit. The facility has an 18-month compliance history of 98%. The last annual compliance visit was documented on 05/17/2024. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Nora Delgado, Director. Ms. Delgado was present in the infant room and was unable to accompany me during the visit due to staffing concerns. I completed the walkthrough of the facility. There were twenty-one children present today. Children were observed engaged in transition activities, outdoor environment, and playing in centers. Two infants were sitting in chairs, and one infant was in a bounce seat while outdoors. Infants were also observed during mealtimes and transitioning from the outdoors. Three children's records were monitored. All staff members’ files were monitored. I received the staff and training worksheets prior to today’s visit. Required program records were also monitored during today’s visit. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 11/27/24 and the facility received as approved rating with 20 demerits. The last fire inspection occurred on 03/01/2024. Ms. Delgado called the fire inspector during our visit. Emergency drills and inspections were documented monthly. Required items were posted and current. The outdoor space was monitored, and outdoor inspections were documented monthly. A full assessment of applicable child care requirements was conducted during today’s visit as per the attached checklist. There were two items of non-compliance observed today, one item was corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection occurred on 03/01/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Staff members were sitting down and on cell phones. An informative letter was provided to staff with the consequences of using personal phones while responsible for children and signed by staff. .1801(a)(1-5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) During the visit, I provided technical assistance regarding safe sleep charts. I suggested when a mistake is made, and the teacher recognizes the mistake to write it in the comment section to the right. I also suggested that the infant’s personal belongings be stored further apart by adding hooks or moving to other spaces. I reminded Ms. Delgado that when a child is on their tummy a staff member must be sitting with the child. I also encouraged staff to move the infants into a shaded area while in the outdoor environment and providing a blanket to encourage movement activities. Supervision was discussed in detail, along with examples of inadequate supervision. Children shall be adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision means that staff interact with the children while moving about indoor or outdoor areas and are able to always hear and see the children, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. When I arrived at the facility, I called the number provided on the door of the entrance. While waiting for someone to answer the door I heard children outside on the side of the building and walked around. I walked into the fenced area where one staff member was sitting down scrolling on a cell phone. Two children were sitting in infant chairs and one child sat in a bouncy seat. The staff didn’t realize I was there. I asked for the director and explained why I was at the facility. I then walked to the next play area and observed three other staff members who were also sitting down and on cell phones. Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. One classroom which had six children aged three and four were present. Construction work was being completed causing dust and particles from the cutting of sheetrock to fill the air. The room was separated by a petition and the construction work was being completed on the other side of that petition in the same room. The Director stated that work was being completed during the closing for holidays and are in the process of completing work. Ms. Delgado stated that the children will be located in a different approved space until the work is completed. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be emailed to me by 05/08/2025, describing how and when the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Please remember your letter should include facility name, facility ID#, and original signature. You were provided with an opportunity to ask questions regarding the implementation of Child Care Rules. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions or if I may be of further assistance, please contact me at 743-241-0126 or by email at elizabeth.childress@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time and cooperation during the visit today. 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.

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE PEPPERMINT ACADEMY Facility ID: 41001262 Consultant: ELIZABETH CHILDRESS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/23/2025 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 4/23/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 04:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with child care rules during an annual compliance visit. I completed an Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Centers during the visit. The facility has an 18-month compliance history of 98%. The last annual compliance visit was documented on 05/17/2024. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Nora Delgado, Director. Ms. Delgado was present in the infant room and was unable to accompany me during the visit due to staffing concerns. I completed the walkthrough of the facility. There were twenty-one children present today. Children were observed engaged in transition activities, outdoor environment, and playing in centers. Two infants were sitting in chairs, and one infant was in a bounce seat while outdoors. Infants were also observed during mealtimes and transitioning from the outdoors. Three children's records were monitored. All staff members’ files were monitored. I received the staff and training worksheets prior to today’s visit. Required program records were also monitored during today’s visit. The last sanitation inspection was completed on 11/27/24 and the facility received as approved rating with 20 demerits. The last fire inspection occurred on 03/01/2024. Ms. Delgado called the fire inspector during our visit. Emergency drills and inspections were documented monthly. Required items were posted and current. The outdoor space was monitored, and outdoor inspections were documented monthly. A full assessment of applicable child care requirements was conducted during today’s visit as per the attached checklist. There were two items of non-compliance observed today, one item was corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection occurred on 03/01/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. Staff members were sitting down and on cell phones. An informative letter was provided to staff with the consequences of using personal phones while responsible for children and signed by staff. .1801(a)(1-5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) During the visit, I provided technical assistance regarding safe sleep charts. I suggested when a mistake is made, and the teacher recognizes the mistake to write it in the comment section to the right. I also suggested that the infant’s personal belongings be stored further apart by adding hooks or moving to other spaces. I reminded Ms. Delgado that when a child is on their tummy a staff member must be sitting with the child. I also encouraged staff to move the infants into a shaded area while in the outdoor environment and providing a blanket to encourage movement activities. Supervision was discussed in detail, along with examples of inadequate supervision. Children shall be adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision means that staff interact with the children while moving about indoor or outdoor areas and are able to always hear and see the children, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. When I arrived at the facility, I called the number provided on the door of the entrance. While waiting for someone to answer the door I heard children outside on the side of the building and walked around. I walked into the fenced area where one staff member was sitting down scrolling on a cell phone. Two children were sitting in infant chairs and one child sat in a bouncy seat. The staff didn’t realize I was there. I asked for the director and explained why I was at the facility. I then walked to the next play area and observed three other staff members who were also sitting down and on cell phones. Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. One classroom which had six children aged three and four were present. Construction work was being completed causing dust and particles from the cutting of sheetrock to fill the air. The room was separated by a petition and the construction work was being completed on the other side of that petition in the same room. The Director stated that work was being completed during the closing for holidays and are in the process of completing work. Ms. Delgado stated that the children will be located in a different approved space until the work is completed. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be emailed to me by 05/08/2025, describing how and when the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Please remember your letter should include facility name, facility ID#, and original signature. You were provided with an opportunity to ask questions regarding the implementation of Child Care Rules. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions or if I may be of further assistance, please contact me at 743-241-0126 or by email at elizabeth.childress@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time and cooperation during the visit today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE PEPPERMINT ACADEMY Facility ID: 41001262 Consultant: ELIZABETH CHILDRESS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/6/2024 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 2/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 60 Time In: 12:30 PM 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 1/15/2020. N. Delgado, Administrator assisted me with today’s visit. There were twenty-three children present during today’s visit. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. I observed children napping and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Infants were napping, and sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Files for one new member of staff were reviewed. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. The last fire inspection occurred on 6/13/22 and a sanitation inspection has not occurred since the last visit and remains current. One violation was observed during the visit and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection occurred on 6/13/2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) - 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 documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 2/19/2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Please email your compliance letter to my email address below. When you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions or if I may be of further assistance, please contact me at 743-241-0126 or by email at Elizabeth.Childress@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time and cooperation during the visit today. 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: THE PEPPERMINT ACADEMY Facility ID: 41001262 Consultant: ELIZABETH CHILDRESS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/6/2024 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 2/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 60 Time In: 12:30 PM 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 1/15/2020. N. Delgado, Administrator assisted me with today’s visit. There were twenty-three children present during today’s visit. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. I observed children napping and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Infants were napping, and sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Files for one new member of staff were reviewed. Rated license requirements were reviewed to ensure compliance was maintained with current program and education components as well as the quality point. The last fire inspection occurred on 6/13/22 and a sanitation inspection has not occurred since the last visit and remains current. One violation was observed during the visit and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The last fire inspection occurred on 6/13/2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) - 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 documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 2/19/2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Please email your compliance letter to my email address below. When you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions or if I may be of further assistance, please contact me at 743-241-0126 or by email at Elizabeth.Childress@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time and cooperation during the visit today. 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