THE Bear Patch

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE BEAR PATCH Facility ID: 7455114 Consultant: LESHAUNDA MCCOTTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/21/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 5/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 256 Time In: 09:24 AM Time Out: 01:40 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. T. Lewis, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/5/17, earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point for the programmatic option of approved enhanced policies and infrastructure of parent involvement. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety seven percent as of May 18, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on May 18, 2026, and The Bear Patch, Inc was listed as current- active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Today I completed a walk-through of the facility, monitoring all indoor and outdoor environments. Children were observed in the indoor and outdoor environments and supervision and staff/child ratio were found to be in compliance. Children enrolled in spaces #1 and #2 were engaged in indoor free play, including interacting with science, art, and dramatic play materials. Children’s art work were displayed on the classroom walls. Children in space #3 play in the outdoor environment with portable climbers and push and ride on toys. In space #4, children received care according to their individual needs, including napping and bottle feeding. Safe sleep checks were completed and documented as required. Fire and sanitation inspections remain current. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space #4, an authorization form for one tube of Boudreaux's Butt Paste did not include the amount, authorization dates, and where to apply. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 848 Questionable medication instructions from parents were followed without signed written dosage instructions received from physician or authorized health professional. In space #4, the instructions for one tube of Lotrimin were to be used as diaper rash cream without a health professional instructions. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(5) 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 June 4, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is 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: LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant PO Box 397 Grifton, NC 28530 LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Medication Authorizations-While medication is helpful, it can also be harmful is used incorrectly. Clear directions must be provided by a parent or health professional. If the instructions provided are not according to the manufacturer’s instructions, instructions from a physician must be provided. In space #4, an authorization form for one tube of Boudreaux's Butt Paste did not include the amount, authorization dates, and where to apply. In space #4, the instructions for one tube of Lotrimin were to be used as diaper rash cream without a health professional instruction. We discussed the facility process for receiving and monitoring medications. You shared you have not completed checks as often as you once had and classroom staff are also supposed to monitor the medications as they are used. Retrain staff on how to monitor medication and to review the medications and authorization forms when they are received. Consultation: Administrator Requirements- Per Child Care Rule .0714 a child care administrator is responsible for monitoring the program and overseeing administrative duties of the center and must be on-site for a minimum number of hours per week based on the license capacity of the program. While you are on site for at least 25 hours per week, however, we discussed how you are spending your time at the facility. You shared that due to current staffing needs, you tend to spend more time in the classrooms than in the office. We talked about developing a plan to dedicate more time to administrative duties to ensure all documentation is current and accurate and deadlines are met. An example was a “Power Hour” where you dedicate a specific amount of uninterrupted time to a task. Pathways to the Stars-Today we discussed where you are on the rated license timeline. Your staff have updated their WORKS accounts that were reviewed during today’s visit. You are working with staff to have them to complete CEUs. You have plans to reach out to the local QUEST Consultant for additional technical assistance. Please be reminded that all applications must be submitted by September 30, 2026. Additional Comments: For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me, LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant at 252-751-8634, LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, 252-373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE BEAR PATCH Facility ID: 7455114 Consultant: LESHAUNDA MCCOTTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/21/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 5/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 256 Time In: 09:24 AM Time Out: 01:40 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. T. Lewis, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/5/17, earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point for the programmatic option of approved enhanced policies and infrastructure of parent involvement. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety seven percent as of May 18, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on May 18, 2026, and The Bear Patch, Inc was listed as current- active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Today I completed a walk-through of the facility, monitoring all indoor and outdoor environments. Children were observed in the indoor and outdoor environments and supervision and staff/child ratio were found to be in compliance. Children enrolled in spaces #1 and #2 were engaged in indoor free play, including interacting with science, art, and dramatic play materials. Children’s art work were displayed on the classroom walls. Children in space #3 play in the outdoor environment with portable climbers and push and ride on toys. In space #4, children received care according to their individual needs, including napping and bottle feeding. Safe sleep checks were completed and documented as required. Fire and sanitation inspections remain current. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space #4, an authorization form for one tube of Boudreaux's Butt Paste did not include the amount, authorization dates, and where to apply. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 848 Questionable medication instructions from parents were followed without signed written dosage instructions received from physician or authorized health professional. In space #4, the instructions for one tube of Lotrimin were to be used as diaper rash cream without a health professional instructions. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(5) 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 June 4, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is 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: LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant PO Box 397 Grifton, NC 28530 LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Medication Authorizations-While medication is helpful, it can also be harmful is used incorrectly. Clear directions must be provided by a parent or health professional. If the instructions provided are not according to the manufacturer’s instructions, instructions from a physician must be provided. In space #4, an authorization form for one tube of Boudreaux's Butt Paste did not include the amount, authorization dates, and where to apply. In space #4, the instructions for one tube of Lotrimin were to be used as diaper rash cream without a health professional instruction. We discussed the facility process for receiving and monitoring medications. You shared you have not completed checks as often as you once had and classroom staff are also supposed to monitor the medications as they are used. Retrain staff on how to monitor medication and to review the medications and authorization forms when they are received. Consultation: Administrator Requirements- Per Child Care Rule .0714 a child care administrator is responsible for monitoring the program and overseeing administrative duties of the center and must be on-site for a minimum number of hours per week based on the license capacity of the program. While you are on site for at least 25 hours per week, however, we discussed how you are spending your time at the facility. You shared that due to current staffing needs, you tend to spend more time in the classrooms than in the office. We talked about developing a plan to dedicate more time to administrative duties to ensure all documentation is current and accurate and deadlines are met. An example was a “Power Hour” where you dedicate a specific amount of uninterrupted time to a task. Pathways to the Stars-Today we discussed where you are on the rated license timeline. Your staff have updated their WORKS accounts that were reviewed during today’s visit. You are working with staff to have them to complete CEUs. You have plans to reach out to the local QUEST Consultant for additional technical assistance. Please be reminded that all applications must be submitted by September 30, 2026. Additional Comments: For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me, LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant at 252-751-8634, LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, 252-373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE BEAR PATCH Facility ID: 7455114 Consultant: LESHAUNDA MCCOTTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/21/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 5/21/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 256 Time In: 09:24 AM Time Out: 01:40 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. T. Lewis, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/5/17, earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point for the programmatic option of approved enhanced policies and infrastructure of parent involvement. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety seven percent as of May 18, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on May 18, 2026, and The Bear Patch, Inc was listed as current- active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Today I completed a walk-through of the facility, monitoring all indoor and outdoor environments. Children were observed in the indoor and outdoor environments and supervision and staff/child ratio were found to be in compliance. Children enrolled in spaces #1 and #2 were engaged in indoor free play, including interacting with science, art, and dramatic play materials. Children’s art work were displayed on the classroom walls. Children in space #3 play in the outdoor environment with portable climbers and push and ride on toys. In space #4, children received care according to their individual needs, including napping and bottle feeding. Safe sleep checks were completed and documented as required. Fire and sanitation inspections remain current. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In space #4, an authorization form for one tube of Boudreaux's Butt Paste did not include the amount, authorization dates, and where to apply. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 848 Questionable medication instructions from parents were followed without signed written dosage instructions received from physician or authorized health professional. In space #4, the instructions for one tube of Lotrimin were to be used as diaper rash cream without a health professional instructions. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(5) 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 June 4, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is 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: LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant PO Box 397 Grifton, NC 28530 LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Medication Authorizations-While medication is helpful, it can also be harmful is used incorrectly. Clear directions must be provided by a parent or health professional. If the instructions provided are not according to the manufacturer’s instructions, instructions from a physician must be provided. In space #4, an authorization form for one tube of Boudreaux's Butt Paste did not include the amount, authorization dates, and where to apply. In space #4, the instructions for one tube of Lotrimin were to be used as diaper rash cream without a health professional instruction. We discussed the facility process for receiving and monitoring medications. You shared you have not completed checks as often as you once had and classroom staff are also supposed to monitor the medications as they are used. Retrain staff on how to monitor medication and to review the medications and authorization forms when they are received. Consultation: Administrator Requirements- Per Child Care Rule .0714 a child care administrator is responsible for monitoring the program and overseeing administrative duties of the center and must be on-site for a minimum number of hours per week based on the license capacity of the program. While you are on site for at least 25 hours per week, however, we discussed how you are spending your time at the facility. You shared that due to current staffing needs, you tend to spend more time in the classrooms than in the office. We talked about developing a plan to dedicate more time to administrative duties to ensure all documentation is current and accurate and deadlines are met. An example was a “Power Hour” where you dedicate a specific amount of uninterrupted time to a task. Pathways to the Stars-Today we discussed where you are on the rated license timeline. Your staff have updated their WORKS accounts that were reviewed during today’s visit. You are working with staff to have them to complete CEUs. You have plans to reach out to the local QUEST Consultant for additional technical assistance. Please be reminded that all applications must be submitted by September 30, 2026. Additional Comments: For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me, LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant at 252-751-8634, LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, 252-373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE BEAR PATCH Facility ID: 7455114 Consultant: LESHAUNDA MCCOTTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/5/2025 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 11/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 259 Time In: 08:56 AM Time Out: 01:15 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit and to provide technical assistance on section .3200 of the child care rules. T. Lewis, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/5/17, earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced requirements) and 1 quality point for the programmatic option of enhanced policies and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 11/20/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/10/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 4/2/25 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 ninety nine percent as of 11/3/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/19/24 and The Bear Patch, Inc. was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. Four groups of children were observed in the indoor learning spaces. Children throughout the facility were participating in indoor free play activities including linking blocks, pipes, reading books, and music and movement. Children’s Thanksgiving themed artwork hand on the walls of the classroom spaces. Proper hand washing techniques were observed. Lunch was observed and consisted of hotdogs on a bun, green bean, pineapples, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. A child enrolled on 8/26/24 had a signed acknowledgement of receiving the NC Summary of Law dated 10/4/24. A child enrolled on 4/28/25 had a signed acknowledgement of receiving the NC Summary of Law dated 6/25/25. GS 110-102 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child enrolled on 4/28/25 had immunizations on file, dated 6/13/25. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. A child enrolled on 4/28/25 had a signed acknowledgement on file dated 6/25/25. .0608(b)(1-6) 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 11/19/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 397 Grifton, NC 28530 LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Children’s Records- Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with managing a child care business. Maintaining complete and accurate records for children is a vital part of being a licensed child care provider. Setting aside regularly scheduled times each week to review records can assist you in maintaining accurate licensing records. A tracking and reminder system is also essential to keep track of tasks, due dates and expiration dates. Today, there were children’s records that had policies and documented dated beyond their due dates. You reported that you had given the parents a copy of the policies when they came to enroll their children. When you reviewed the children’s files later, you noticed the documents were missing and gave the parents a copy of the documents, the NC Summary of Law and the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Head Trauma Policy and request a copy of the child’s immunizations causing them to be completed after the required deadline. We discussed that although you may send home an enrollment packet and not always receive the entire packet back when the child attends. Reviewing required enrollment documentation with parents may help you notice blank or missing items. Additional Comments: Pathways to the Stars- During the visit an overview of section .3200 of the child care rules was provided. Each of the following pathway options were discussed: Program Assessment Pathway, Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway, and Accreditation and Head Start Pathway. Education requirements were also reviewed. You informed me that your facility will pursue Pathway #1: Program Assessment. -Three- Month Self-Study: Based on the timeline discussed, the three-month self- study must be started no later than March 2026. -Education Standards: Today we reviewed the education standards. All staff need to review and update their education in WORKS by April 2026. -An application for Star Rated License is due to me by July 2026. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflects the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing and one-time lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – Last completed on 2/20/24 Lead Paint Testing – Exempt 3/25/24 Asbestos Testing – Inspection Completed 3/25/24 Annual License Fee – The 2025 Annual License Fee Invoices were emailed to the facility email address by November 3, 2025. Since the invoice number changes each year, you will need to ensure the invoice number you are paying begins with 25. Online payments are due by December 3, 2025. License fees are paid online only, and paper checks are not accepted for payment. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov. The Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on child care issues, and assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 758-8885 or check out their website at mppfc.org. Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules, review the with your center staff, and assist your staff with maintaining compliance with the laws and rules. The most recent version of laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina are available on the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant, 252-751-8634, LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, 252-373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE BEAR PATCH Facility ID: 7455114 Consultant: LESHAUNDA MCCOTTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/5/2025 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 11/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 259 Time In: 08:56 AM Time Out: 01:15 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit and to provide technical assistance on section .3200 of the child care rules. T. Lewis, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/5/17, earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced requirements) and 1 quality point for the programmatic option of enhanced policies and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 11/20/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/10/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 4/2/25 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 ninety nine percent as of 11/3/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/19/24 and The Bear Patch, Inc. was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. Four groups of children were observed in the indoor learning spaces. Children throughout the facility were participating in indoor free play activities including linking blocks, pipes, reading books, and music and movement. Children’s Thanksgiving themed artwork hand on the walls of the classroom spaces. Proper hand washing techniques were observed. Lunch was observed and consisted of hotdogs on a bun, green bean, pineapples, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. A child enrolled on 8/26/24 had a signed acknowledgement of receiving the NC Summary of Law dated 10/4/24. A child enrolled on 4/28/25 had a signed acknowledgement of receiving the NC Summary of Law dated 6/25/25. GS 110-102 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child enrolled on 4/28/25 had immunizations on file, dated 6/13/25. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. A child enrolled on 4/28/25 had a signed acknowledgement on file dated 6/25/25. .0608(b)(1-6) 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 11/19/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 397 Grifton, NC 28530 LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Children’s Records- Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with managing a child care business. Maintaining complete and accurate records for children is a vital part of being a licensed child care provider. Setting aside regularly scheduled times each week to review records can assist you in maintaining accurate licensing records. A tracking and reminder system is also essential to keep track of tasks, due dates and expiration dates. Today, there were children’s records that had policies and documented dated beyond their due dates. You reported that you had given the parents a copy of the policies when they came to enroll their children. When you reviewed the children’s files later, you noticed the documents were missing and gave the parents a copy of the documents, the NC Summary of Law and the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Head Trauma Policy and request a copy of the child’s immunizations causing them to be completed after the required deadline. We discussed that although you may send home an enrollment packet and not always receive the entire packet back when the child attends. Reviewing required enrollment documentation with parents may help you notice blank or missing items. Additional Comments: Pathways to the Stars- During the visit an overview of section .3200 of the child care rules was provided. Each of the following pathway options were discussed: Program Assessment Pathway, Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway, and Accreditation and Head Start Pathway. Education requirements were also reviewed. You informed me that your facility will pursue Pathway #1: Program Assessment. -Three- Month Self-Study: Based on the timeline discussed, the three-month self- study must be started no later than March 2026. -Education Standards: Today we reviewed the education standards. All staff need to review and update their education in WORKS by April 2026. -An application for Star Rated License is due to me by July 2026. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflects the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing and one-time lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – Last completed on 2/20/24 Lead Paint Testing – Exempt 3/25/24 Asbestos Testing – Inspection Completed 3/25/24 Annual License Fee – The 2025 Annual License Fee Invoices were emailed to the facility email address by November 3, 2025. Since the invoice number changes each year, you will need to ensure the invoice number you are paying begins with 25. Online payments are due by December 3, 2025. License fees are paid online only, and paper checks are not accepted for payment. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov. The Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on child care issues, and assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 758-8885 or check out their website at mppfc.org. Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules, review the with your center staff, and assist your staff with maintaining compliance with the laws and rules. The most recent version of laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina are available on the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant, 252-751-8634, LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, 252-373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE BEAR PATCH Facility ID: 7455114 Consultant: LESHAUNDA MCCOTTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/5/2025 Number Present: 22 Completed Date: 11/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 259 Time In: 08:56 AM Time Out: 01:15 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit and to provide technical assistance on section .3200 of the child care rules. T. Lewis, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/5/17, earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced requirements) and 1 quality point for the programmatic option of enhanced policies and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 11/20/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/10/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 4/2/25 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 ninety nine percent as of 11/3/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/19/24 and The Bear Patch, Inc. was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. Four groups of children were observed in the indoor learning spaces. Children throughout the facility were participating in indoor free play activities including linking blocks, pipes, reading books, and music and movement. Children’s Thanksgiving themed artwork hand on the walls of the classroom spaces. Proper hand washing techniques were observed. Lunch was observed and consisted of hotdogs on a bun, green bean, pineapples, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. A child enrolled on 8/26/24 had a signed acknowledgement of receiving the NC Summary of Law dated 10/4/24. A child enrolled on 4/28/25 had a signed acknowledgement of receiving the NC Summary of Law dated 6/25/25. GS 110-102 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child enrolled on 4/28/25 had immunizations on file, dated 6/13/25. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. A child enrolled on 4/28/25 had a signed acknowledgement on file dated 6/25/25. .0608(b)(1-6) 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 11/19/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 397 Grifton, NC 28530 LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Children’s Records- Record keeping is one of the most time-consuming tasks associated with managing a child care business. Maintaining complete and accurate records for children is a vital part of being a licensed child care provider. Setting aside regularly scheduled times each week to review records can assist you in maintaining accurate licensing records. A tracking and reminder system is also essential to keep track of tasks, due dates and expiration dates. Today, there were children’s records that had policies and documented dated beyond their due dates. You reported that you had given the parents a copy of the policies when they came to enroll their children. When you reviewed the children’s files later, you noticed the documents were missing and gave the parents a copy of the documents, the NC Summary of Law and the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Head Trauma Policy and request a copy of the child’s immunizations causing them to be completed after the required deadline. We discussed that although you may send home an enrollment packet and not always receive the entire packet back when the child attends. Reviewing required enrollment documentation with parents may help you notice blank or missing items. Additional Comments: Pathways to the Stars- During the visit an overview of section .3200 of the child care rules was provided. Each of the following pathway options were discussed: Program Assessment Pathway, Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway, and Accreditation and Head Start Pathway. Education requirements were also reviewed. You informed me that your facility will pursue Pathway #1: Program Assessment. -Three- Month Self-Study: Based on the timeline discussed, the three-month self- study must be started no later than March 2026. -Education Standards: Today we reviewed the education standards. All staff need to review and update their education in WORKS by April 2026. -An application for Star Rated License is due to me by July 2026. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflects the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing and one-time lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing – Last completed on 2/20/24 Lead Paint Testing – Exempt 3/25/24 Asbestos Testing – Inspection Completed 3/25/24 Annual License Fee – The 2025 Annual License Fee Invoices were emailed to the facility email address by November 3, 2025. Since the invoice number changes each year, you will need to ensure the invoice number you are paying begins with 25. Online payments are due by December 3, 2025. License fees are paid online only, and paper checks are not accepted for payment. If you have any questions, check the short Frequently Asked Questions on our website for answers or email DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov. The Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children is able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on child care issues, and assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 758-8885 or check out their website at mppfc.org. Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules, review the with your center staff, and assist your staff with maintaining compliance with the laws and rules. The most recent version of laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina are available on the DCDEE website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant, 252-751-8634, LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, 252-373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE BEAR PATCH Facility ID: 7455114 Consultant: LESHAUNDA MCCOTTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/6/2023 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 12/6/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 305 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 02:15 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. T. Lewis, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/5/17, earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced requirements) and 1 quality point for the programmatic option of enhanced policies and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 1/9/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 3/1/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 4/5/23 and your facility was approved for daytime and night care. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was eighty nine percent as of 12/5/23. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 12/5/23 and The Bear Patch, Inc. was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. Today I completed a walk through of the facility, monitoring all indoor and outdoor areas. Children throughout the facility were engaged in indoor free play. Children’s Christmas themed art work hang on the walls of all the classrooms. Learning materials were stored on low lying shelves for easy access. Proper hand washing techniques were observed. Children enrolled in spaces #1 and #2 transitioned outside where they engaged in play with balls, tricycles, ride on toys, a play house and stationary climbing structure. Teachers moved around the spaces, having conversations and playing with the children. Lunch was observed and consisted of chicken sandwiches, green beans, mixed fruit, bread, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Prescription Nystatin cream was stored on an open shelf above five feet in space #4 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The medication authorization for Nystatin in space #4 did not include the medical condition, the manner in which to administer, and a valid 6 month authorization. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Staff employed on 6/6/23 had a signed acknowledgement of Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy dated 6/8/23. .0608(d)(1-4) 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 12/20/23, 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 legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 397 Grifton, NC 28530 LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Medication storage-Diaper rash creams and emergency medication (inhalers and epi-pens) may be stored above five feet in unlocked storage. A tube of prescription Nystatin cream was stored on a open shelf above five feet. Please be reminded that non-emergency medication must be locked storage. Thank you for moving the medication to a locked cabinet during the visit. We discussed getting a lockbox for space #4, for easier access for the staff during diaper changes. Medication Authorization-All medicines require clear, accurate instruction and medical confirmation of the need for the medication to be given while the child is in the facility. Nystatin located in space #4 had an authorization form intended for non-prescription topical creams and lotions. By using the incorrect form, information including the medical condition, manner of being administered and a six-month authorization was missing. You were able to provide the correct form to the staff to be completed by the parents. We discussed your current practices for receiving and monitoring medication. Be sure to check medications and forms upon receiving them from the family. Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome & Abusive Head Trauma Policy - Each child care center licensed to care for children up to five years of age must develop and adopt policies to prevent shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma. The policy must be reviewed with additional caregivers prior to them providing care to the children. Documentation of this review for staff employed on 6/6/23 was dated on 6/8/23. You stated the staff had the policy prior to working with children but signed it later. Today we discussed your onboarding process for new staff and when documents are signed. Documentation of the review of all policies and procedures should be completed at the time of review. Reminders: Rated License-Today we talked about the resuming rated license assessment process. Your program is in cohort #1, and is currently in its prep year. I shared with you the current education initiatives. As you are preparing, you may contact your local Quest Consultant to provide you with resources, technical assistance and assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 758-8885 or check out their website at mppfc.org. 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. 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 or to submit a question visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-4ADUCpoHc9MrxFvD15H12AwsNWbUtWEJRXW38q_41Y3 hzA/viewform. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant, 252-751-8634, LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, 252-373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE BEAR PATCH Facility ID: 7455114 Consultant: LESHAUNDA MCCOTTER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/6/2023 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 12/6/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 305 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 02:15 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. T. Lewis, Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/5/17, earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced requirements) and 1 quality point for the programmatic option of enhanced policies and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 1/9/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 3/1/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 4/5/23 and your facility was approved for daytime and night care. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was eighty nine percent as of 12/5/23. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 12/5/23 and The Bear Patch, Inc. was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. Today I completed a walk through of the facility, monitoring all indoor and outdoor areas. Children throughout the facility were engaged in indoor free play. Children’s Christmas themed art work hang on the walls of all the classrooms. Learning materials were stored on low lying shelves for easy access. Proper hand washing techniques were observed. Children enrolled in spaces #1 and #2 transitioned outside where they engaged in play with balls, tricycles, ride on toys, a play house and stationary climbing structure. Teachers moved around the spaces, having conversations and playing with the children. Lunch was observed and consisted of chicken sandwiches, green beans, mixed fruit, bread, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. Prescription Nystatin cream was stored on an open shelf above five feet in space #4 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. The medication authorization for Nystatin in space #4 did not include the medical condition, the manner in which to administer, and a valid 6 month authorization. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Staff employed on 6/6/23 had a signed acknowledgement of Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy dated 6/8/23. .0608(d)(1-4) 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 12/20/23, 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 legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 397 Grifton, NC 28530 LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Medication storage-Diaper rash creams and emergency medication (inhalers and epi-pens) may be stored above five feet in unlocked storage. A tube of prescription Nystatin cream was stored on a open shelf above five feet. Please be reminded that non-emergency medication must be locked storage. Thank you for moving the medication to a locked cabinet during the visit. We discussed getting a lockbox for space #4, for easier access for the staff during diaper changes. Medication Authorization-All medicines require clear, accurate instruction and medical confirmation of the need for the medication to be given while the child is in the facility. Nystatin located in space #4 had an authorization form intended for non-prescription topical creams and lotions. By using the incorrect form, information including the medical condition, manner of being administered and a six-month authorization was missing. You were able to provide the correct form to the staff to be completed by the parents. We discussed your current practices for receiving and monitoring medication. Be sure to check medications and forms upon receiving them from the family. Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome & Abusive Head Trauma Policy - Each child care center licensed to care for children up to five years of age must develop and adopt policies to prevent shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma. The policy must be reviewed with additional caregivers prior to them providing care to the children. Documentation of this review for staff employed on 6/6/23 was dated on 6/8/23. You stated the staff had the policy prior to working with children but signed it later. Today we discussed your onboarding process for new staff and when documents are signed. Documentation of the review of all policies and procedures should be completed at the time of review. Reminders: Rated License-Today we talked about the resuming rated license assessment process. Your program is in cohort #1, and is currently in its prep year. I shared with you the current education initiatives. As you are preparing, you may contact your local Quest Consultant to provide you with resources, technical assistance and assistance with the Environment Rating Scales. Their phone number is (252) 758-8885 or check out their website at mppfc.org. 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. 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 or to submit a question visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-4ADUCpoHc9MrxFvD15H12AwsNWbUtWEJRXW38q_41Y3 hzA/viewform. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at LeShaunda McCotter, Child Care Consultant, 252-751-8634, LeShaunda.McCotter@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, 252-373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times