Hamilton Early Head Start / Head Start

10A NCAC 09 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAMILTON EARLY HEAD START / HEAD START Facility ID: 58000128 Consultant: KESHIA HAYWARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/13/2026 Number Present: 102 Completed Date: 5/13/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 11:40 AM Time Out: 02:45 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. S. Barnes Administrator assisted with the visit. Your program operates with a Five-star license issued March 5, 2026, as part of the QRIS Pathway #3 – Accreditation/Head Start. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 10, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed May 23, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 6, 2026, 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-six percent as of May 13, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on May 13, 2026, Economic Improvement Council, Inc. was listed as current- active. You visited all indoor and outdoor spaces used by children with me. Children in Space #26 were engaged in free choice play, children in Space #27 were sitting at the table waiting for lunch to be delivered and interacting with teachers, Children in Space #28 were engaged in outdoor play and observed completing toileting and hand washing, Children in Spaces #30, 36 and 37 were napping and children in Space # 34 was eating lunch which consisted of chicken strips, potatoes, mandarin oranges and milk. The following violation was documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. Mandarin oranges served for lunch was not documented as the substitute for pears that were listed on the menu during lunch today. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) The violation was corrected during the visit; therefore, a letter of compliance is not required. The cafeteria staff documented the information and provided the center manager with a form to reflect the change. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the phone number, email address and mailing address listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur in the future, contact me at 252-214-2709 or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure accurate information is updated in our system. NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS: I shared according to the child care requirement, the substituted food item must be recorded on the menu prior to serving the children. I suggest also having teaching staff record changes to the menus posted in their classroom. This will help ensure the compliance is met WAGE$ & STEPS: I provided you with a flyer sharing information regarding two education-based salary supplement programs to help support the early care and education workforce. We talked about the information on the flyer, and you were encouraged to share it with staff who would benefit from it. Instructions regarding applying were also included in the flyer. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES: I shared a flyer with professional development opportunities through your local partnership Albemarle Alliance for Children & Families. Some of the training courses are offered in virtual format. All information including registration and pricing was in the flyer. SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY: All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID CREDENTIALS: Remember to use your NCID credential periodically to prevent your user ID and password from becoming inactive. If your NCID credentials are not used within a twelve (12) to fifteen (15) month period, access to your account may be restricted due to inactivity. To avoid disruption, it is strongly recommended that you schedule regular logins to ensure your credentials remain active and valid. RAISE NC NEWSLETTER: The Raise NC Newsletter, sent directly to providers via email, contains valuable and up-to-date information about important updates and changes within the child care sector in North Carolina. I encourage you to set aside time to read each issue upon receipt to ensure you remain informed and updated on the latest developments, resources and guidance impacting child care programs. Staying connected helps support quality child care and compliance across the state. DCDEE RESOURCES: I recommended you periodically visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the "What's New" tab to stay abreast of updated information provided. Be reminded you are responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable child care requirements whether they have been discussed or reviewed with you in the past. RESOURCES: Martin- Pitt partnership for Children is available to provide your program with training, technical assistance and support. The Agency can be reached at (252) 792-0005 or visit their website at https://mppfc.org/. The address is 415 East Blvd Suite 200, Williamston, NC 27892. At the completion of the visit, a visit summary report was completed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Keshia Hayward, 252-214-2709, or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, 252-373-4199, or email 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 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAMILTON EARLY HEAD START / HEAD START Facility ID: 58000128 Consultant: KESHIA HAYWARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/10/2025 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 9/10/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 12:40 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. S. Barnes, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. This program currently operates with a two-star license, issued August 18, 2019, earning 5 points in the education component, 1 point in the program standards component and 1 quality point for all lead offering a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 2, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed May 23, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 8, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. A walk-through of the facility was conducted. Seven groups of children were observed. Children participated in free-choice play, gross motor play, eating breakfast, completing morning routines, including hand washing and toileting and interacting with staff. Breakfast consisted of French toast sticks with syrup, pineapples and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Arrival times were not recorded for ten children on August 25, 2025. Departure times were not recorded for three children between the dates of August 16, 2025, through August 29, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A bottle of hand soap with the label “keep out of reach of children” was on a cubby below 5ft from the finished floor. A staff member’s bag was on the floor near the teacher’s desk and accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. Emergency and identifying information, did not include photographs for nine children being transported. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1850 Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children. Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco in five vehicles used to transport children. .0604(i) The violations documented must be corrected immediately. Please send a compliance verification letter to me describing how the violations were corrected. You can submit the compliance verification letter by postal mail to Keshia Hayward, PO Box 1504 Greenville NC 27834, or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance verification letter must be received on or before September 24, 2025. The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance verification letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during the visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined the information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's Star Rated License could be issued. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. CORPORATION STATUS: Economic Improvement Council, Inc., is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, Economic Improvement Council, Inc. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes in the ownership status contact me to discuss the change of ownership procedures. Failure to comply could impact the program license status. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-nine percent as of September 9, 2025. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the phone number email address and mailing address listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur in the future, contact me at 252-214-2709 or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure accurate information is updated in our system. SAFE ENVIRONMENT: We discussed encouraging staff to place their personal items in spaces inaccessible to children. I explained although the hand soap is used with children to wash hands, it should be stored appropriately when not in use. Conducting periodic safety checks throughout the day will help ensure potentially hazardous items or materials are inaccessible to children. TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS: You stated bus drivers removed the no smoking signs when windows were cleaned and did not return them. I informed you the no smoking signs must be posted on the vehicles used to transport children. I shared photograph must be added to the emergency information sheets for children riding the bus. I advised you to have all bus drivers to check their transportation notebooks for missing photographs. PATHWAYS TO THE STARS: The Pathways to the Stars transition is now in the implementation stages. Child Care rule roll-out modules have been added to the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform. I advise you to schedule some time to review the modules. I encouraged you to begin reviewing the information and materials available on the QRIS Modernization page as these resources will assist you in determining which pathway your program will select for the Rated Licesne Assessment. I shared that a technical assistant visit will be scheduled soon to discuss the beginning stages and transition process from your program from the Star rated license to the pathways to the stars. In September, child care consultants will host in-person facility operator/administrator meetings within the counties they serve to provide additional guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY: North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID CREDENTIALS: Please remember to use your NCID credential periodically to prevent your user ID and password from becoming inactive. If your NCID credentials are not used within a twelve (12) to fifteen (15) month period, access to your account may be restricted. due to inactivity. To avoid disruption, it is strongly recommended that you schedule regular logins to ensure your credentials remain active and valid. RAISE NC NEWSLETTER: The Raise NC Newsletter, sent directly to providers via email, contains valuable and up-to-date information about important updates and changes within the child care sector in North Carolina. I encourage you to set aside time to read each issue upon receipt to ensure you remain informed and updated on the latest developments, resources and guidance impacting child care programs. Staying connected helps support quality child care and compliance across the state. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS: You stated the center had the water, lead paint and asbestos testing completed; however, it was not completed by clean classrooms for Carolina kids. You shared the testing is completed by Environmental Health. I informed you I would research to determine if the testing had to be completed as part Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. I will also follow up regarding testing results from Environmental Health. You will be notified when further information is obtained. DCDEE RESOURCES: I recommended you periodically visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the "What's New" tab to stay abreast of updated information provided. Be reminded you are responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable child care requirements whether they have been discussed or reviewed with you in the past. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have questions regarding today’s visit, my contact information is listed above. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer Linhardt at 252-373-4199 or email susan.fuller@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

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAMILTON EARLY HEAD START / HEAD START Facility ID: 58000128 Consultant: KESHIA HAYWARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/10/2025 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 9/10/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 12:40 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. S. Barnes, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. This program currently operates with a two-star license, issued August 18, 2019, earning 5 points in the education component, 1 point in the program standards component and 1 quality point for all lead offering a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 2, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed May 23, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 8, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. A walk-through of the facility was conducted. Seven groups of children were observed. Children participated in free-choice play, gross motor play, eating breakfast, completing morning routines, including hand washing and toileting and interacting with staff. Breakfast consisted of French toast sticks with syrup, pineapples and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Arrival times were not recorded for ten children on August 25, 2025. Departure times were not recorded for three children between the dates of August 16, 2025, through August 29, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A bottle of hand soap with the label “keep out of reach of children” was on a cubby below 5ft from the finished floor. A staff member’s bag was on the floor near the teacher’s desk and accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. Emergency and identifying information, did not include photographs for nine children being transported. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1850 Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children. Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco in five vehicles used to transport children. .0604(i) The violations documented must be corrected immediately. Please send a compliance verification letter to me describing how the violations were corrected. You can submit the compliance verification letter by postal mail to Keshia Hayward, PO Box 1504 Greenville NC 27834, or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance verification letter must be received on or before September 24, 2025. The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance verification letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during the visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined the information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's Star Rated License could be issued. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. CORPORATION STATUS: Economic Improvement Council, Inc., is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, Economic Improvement Council, Inc. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes in the ownership status contact me to discuss the change of ownership procedures. Failure to comply could impact the program license status. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-nine percent as of September 9, 2025. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the phone number email address and mailing address listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur in the future, contact me at 252-214-2709 or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure accurate information is updated in our system. SAFE ENVIRONMENT: We discussed encouraging staff to place their personal items in spaces inaccessible to children. I explained although the hand soap is used with children to wash hands, it should be stored appropriately when not in use. Conducting periodic safety checks throughout the day will help ensure potentially hazardous items or materials are inaccessible to children. TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS: You stated bus drivers removed the no smoking signs when windows were cleaned and did not return them. I informed you the no smoking signs must be posted on the vehicles used to transport children. I shared photograph must be added to the emergency information sheets for children riding the bus. I advised you to have all bus drivers to check their transportation notebooks for missing photographs. PATHWAYS TO THE STARS: The Pathways to the Stars transition is now in the implementation stages. Child Care rule roll-out modules have been added to the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform. I advise you to schedule some time to review the modules. I encouraged you to begin reviewing the information and materials available on the QRIS Modernization page as these resources will assist you in determining which pathway your program will select for the Rated Licesne Assessment. I shared that a technical assistant visit will be scheduled soon to discuss the beginning stages and transition process from your program from the Star rated license to the pathways to the stars. In September, child care consultants will host in-person facility operator/administrator meetings within the counties they serve to provide additional guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY: North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID CREDENTIALS: Please remember to use your NCID credential periodically to prevent your user ID and password from becoming inactive. If your NCID credentials are not used within a twelve (12) to fifteen (15) month period, access to your account may be restricted. due to inactivity. To avoid disruption, it is strongly recommended that you schedule regular logins to ensure your credentials remain active and valid. RAISE NC NEWSLETTER: The Raise NC Newsletter, sent directly to providers via email, contains valuable and up-to-date information about important updates and changes within the child care sector in North Carolina. I encourage you to set aside time to read each issue upon receipt to ensure you remain informed and updated on the latest developments, resources and guidance impacting child care programs. Staying connected helps support quality child care and compliance across the state. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS: You stated the center had the water, lead paint and asbestos testing completed; however, it was not completed by clean classrooms for Carolina kids. You shared the testing is completed by Environmental Health. I informed you I would research to determine if the testing had to be completed as part Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. I will also follow up regarding testing results from Environmental Health. You will be notified when further information is obtained. DCDEE RESOURCES: I recommended you periodically visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the "What's New" tab to stay abreast of updated information provided. Be reminded you are responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable child care requirements whether they have been discussed or reviewed with you in the past. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have questions regarding today’s visit, my contact information is listed above. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer Linhardt at 252-373-4199 or email susan.fuller@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

10A NCAC 09 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAMILTON EARLY HEAD START / HEAD START Facility ID: 58000128 Consultant: KESHIA HAYWARD Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/10/2025 Number Present: 84 Completed Date: 9/10/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 08:30 AM Time Out: 12:40 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. S. Barnes, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. This program currently operates with a two-star license, issued August 18, 2019, earning 5 points in the education component, 1 point in the program standards component and 1 quality point for all lead offering a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 2, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed May 23, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 8, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. A walk-through of the facility was conducted. Seven groups of children were observed. Children participated in free-choice play, gross motor play, eating breakfast, completing morning routines, including hand washing and toileting and interacting with staff. Breakfast consisted of French toast sticks with syrup, pineapples and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Arrival times were not recorded for ten children on August 25, 2025. Departure times were not recorded for three children between the dates of August 16, 2025, through August 29, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A bottle of hand soap with the label “keep out of reach of children” was on a cubby below 5ft from the finished floor. A staff member’s bag was on the floor near the teacher’s desk and accessible to children. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. Emergency and identifying information, did not include photographs for nine children being transported. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1850 Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children. Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco in five vehicles used to transport children. .0604(i) The violations documented must be corrected immediately. Please send a compliance verification letter to me describing how the violations were corrected. You can submit the compliance verification letter by postal mail to Keshia Hayward, PO Box 1504 Greenville NC 27834, or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance verification letter must be received on or before September 24, 2025. The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance verification letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during the visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined the information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's Star Rated License could be issued. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. CORPORATION STATUS: Economic Improvement Council, Inc., is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, Economic Improvement Council, Inc. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes in the ownership status contact me to discuss the change of ownership procedures. Failure to comply could impact the program license status. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-nine percent as of September 9, 2025. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the phone number email address and mailing address listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur in the future, contact me at 252-214-2709 or email keshia.hayward@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure accurate information is updated in our system. SAFE ENVIRONMENT: We discussed encouraging staff to place their personal items in spaces inaccessible to children. I explained although the hand soap is used with children to wash hands, it should be stored appropriately when not in use. Conducting periodic safety checks throughout the day will help ensure potentially hazardous items or materials are inaccessible to children. TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS: You stated bus drivers removed the no smoking signs when windows were cleaned and did not return them. I informed you the no smoking signs must be posted on the vehicles used to transport children. I shared photograph must be added to the emergency information sheets for children riding the bus. I advised you to have all bus drivers to check their transportation notebooks for missing photographs. PATHWAYS TO THE STARS: The Pathways to the Stars transition is now in the implementation stages. Child Care rule roll-out modules have been added to the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform. I advise you to schedule some time to review the modules. I encouraged you to begin reviewing the information and materials available on the QRIS Modernization page as these resources will assist you in determining which pathway your program will select for the Rated Licesne Assessment. I shared that a technical assistant visit will be scheduled soon to discuss the beginning stages and transition process from your program from the Star rated license to the pathways to the stars. In September, child care consultants will host in-person facility operator/administrator meetings within the counties they serve to provide additional guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY: North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID CREDENTIALS: Please remember to use your NCID credential periodically to prevent your user ID and password from becoming inactive. If your NCID credentials are not used within a twelve (12) to fifteen (15) month period, access to your account may be restricted. due to inactivity. To avoid disruption, it is strongly recommended that you schedule regular logins to ensure your credentials remain active and valid. RAISE NC NEWSLETTER: The Raise NC Newsletter, sent directly to providers via email, contains valuable and up-to-date information about important updates and changes within the child care sector in North Carolina. I encourage you to set aside time to read each issue upon receipt to ensure you remain informed and updated on the latest developments, resources and guidance impacting child care programs. Staying connected helps support quality child care and compliance across the state. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS: You stated the center had the water, lead paint and asbestos testing completed; however, it was not completed by clean classrooms for Carolina kids. You shared the testing is completed by Environmental Health. I informed you I would research to determine if the testing had to be completed as part Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. I will also follow up regarding testing results from Environmental Health. You will be notified when further information is obtained. DCDEE RESOURCES: I recommended you periodically visit the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ under the "What's New" tab to stay abreast of updated information provided. Be reminded you are responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable child care requirements whether they have been discussed or reviewed with you in the past. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have questions regarding today’s visit, my contact information is listed above. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer Linhardt at 252-373-4199 or email susan.fuller@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: HAMILTON EARLY HEAD START / HEAD START Facility ID: 58000128 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/2/2024 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 10/2/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 355 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 03:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements, including requirements for NC Pre-Kindergarten. The administrator assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a two-star license, issued 8/18/21 earning 1 points in the education component, 2 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced minus one ratios and 1 quality point for: Staff benefits package. Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). This means that you do not need to schedule a rated license assessment unless you voluntarily request one. The new QRIS has been approved by the Child Care Commission. The Division is working on implementation and trainings for the new system. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 10/12/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 5/14/24. with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 1/22/24. 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 95% as of 9/30/24. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Turf grass has been added to the playground for the Head Start children. Both playgrounds had shade structures and climbing structures located over poured impact absorbing surfacing. Files for new staff were reviewed. Lunch was observed and consisted of chili with meat, stewed potatoes, apple sauce, and milk. Staff sat with the children and assisted them as needed. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by the Economic Improvement Council, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The following violation(s) were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In space 37, plastic zip lock bags, which contained crackers, were located inside a computer bag on the counter next to the sink and less than 5 feet above the floor. Children one(1) year of age were in care in the space. .0604(q) Be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and environmental health rules; review them with your staff and assist them with understanding and implementing them to maintain compliance and keep children safe and healthy. The most recent versions of child care laws and rules and environmental health rules in North Carolina, the Items Number Listing (can be used as a detailed checklist of required items) and What’s New information are available on the DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. Check the designated facility email at least weekly to stay current with communication and email blasts from DCDEE. If your email is not the facility email, sign up for email blasts on the What’s New page for general information and communication from DCDEE. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation cited was corrected during the visit, therefore you do not need to submit a compliance verification letter. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. Technical Assistance: Additional Information: Change of Information to ABCMS Unit - All staff are required to list their current place of employment on the Criminal Background Check portal. Hard copy requests are no longer being used. All providers must complete the process through the new ABCMS portal. Beginning February 1, 2024, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS). This access allows providers to: •See the real-time background check status of staff members. •Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. •See new background check applicants and add them to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. All staff must connect their CBC with your license number and the date this was completed listed on your Staff and Training Worksheet. Natural Learning Initiative has created resources, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience and growth of all children. You can explore and use these resources on their website https://naturalearning.org/resources/. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. They collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. Their website, ncrlap.org, offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and help to get ready for the new ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and FCCRS-3 assessment tools that will be used in the new QRIS system. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing - New child care rules require child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water, lead paint, and asbestos. Testing is required by 1/1/2025. Check out the FAQ in the updated Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Currently there is funding to pay for the testing and to mitigate lead paint or asbestos hazards. Depending on the age of your home or building and the information you provide in the enrollment process, testing for lead paint and asbestos may not be required. Water testing will be required every three years. For more information go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ or contact your Environmental Health Specialist. Based on information in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids, you have completed all required testing and are in the process of working through mitigation for lead based paint. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAMILTON EARLY HEAD START / HEAD START Facility ID: 58000128 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. S. Ruffin, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a two-star license, issued 8/18/21 earning 1 point in the education component, 2 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios) and 1 quality point for: Staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 2, which means your preparation year will be 7/1/24-6/30/25 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 10/25/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 6/2/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 2/2/23. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 86% as of 10/9/23. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. The children did not go outside today due to rain. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Water was available for the children in each classroom. A fire truck was present when I arrived. The children had a visit from Smokey the Bear. Staff talked with the children about the bear and that he was a nice bear, not a scary bear. In the Early Head Start classrooms, the staff sat on the floor and talked with children about the pictures, colors, and other materials they were playing with. The staff added vocabulary and assisted the children as needed. In the Head Start classrooms, the children were engaged in free play and had access to many age-appropriate materials. The children later lined up to toilet and wash hands in the hall bathroom. The staff sang songs with them as the walked and while they waited their turn. The tables were cleaned and sanitized as required. Lunch was observed and consisted of barbeque chicken, green beans, mixed fruit, a roll, and milk. Lunch was delivered and served in the classrooms. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by the Economic Improvement Council, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The following violations were cited: Violation Number Comment Rule 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. The playground space used by the Head Start children did not have a shade structure. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. The EPI pen for KB in space 27, was not stored in the original pharmacy box. .0803(2)(a) 1110 Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in the child care center did not comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations. Bus 19091-W did not have verification of registration available for review. .1002(b) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. The medical action plans for an EPI pen and Albuterol for KB in space 27 were not attached to the child's application. .0801(b) As a licensed child care operator, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to maintain compliance with them. The NC General Statutes (Updated September 2020), Child Care Rules (Updated February 2021), and the “What’s New” section of The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website, ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, are excellent resources to help you stay current with the child care requirements. The most current forms and documents needed for your licensed facility are available under the Provider tab. Many of them are now interactive so that you can type right into the form. Many of the forms needed for families are now offered in Spanish too. And of course, I am also available to assist you, should you have questions about the child care requirements. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 10/26/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Medications - Administering medication requires skill, knowledge, and careful attention to detail. According to child care rule, 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(a), prescription medications must be stored in the original containers in which they were dispensed with the pharmacy labels specifying: (i) the child's name; (ii)the name of the medication or the prescription number; (iii)the amount and frequency of dosage; (iv)the name of the prescribing physician or other health professional; and (v)the date the prescription was filled. The EPI pen for KB in space 27, was not stored in the original pharmacy box or labeled with the child’s name. The medication must be returned to the parent until proper documentation is obtained. Before receiving any medication from a parent, you must carefully review the medication, the pharmacy box, the medical action plan, and the permission to administer forms to ensure everything is correct. Consider creating a checklist to complete each time medication is brought to the facility to help staff verify that they have all the required information. Medical action plans must also be attached to the child’s application in their file and in the Ready to Go File. Playground Shade Area -The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children can play freely with peers, expand their imagination, release energy, and explore with their senses. A shade structure has not been replace on the renovated playground. You stated that you have purchased a new one and it should be delivered within 2 weeks. Per our discussion, the shade structure protects the children’s skin and provides a cool space to rest after active play. Even during winter months, children must be provided with a shady place to rest or play. Transportation – Vehicles used to transport children must be safe and meet all state and federal laws. Bus 19091-W did not have verification of registration available for review. You stated that it was posted on the bus but must have fallen off. You stated that you would replace it tomorrow. Additional Information: Child Care Immunization Report 2023-2024 - This year's Child Care Immunization Reports are due by midnight on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and will not be accepted after that date. Failure to submit an annual child care immunization report per G.S. 130A-155 will be reported to the Local Health Director for your county. You must submit a report even if no children are attending your child care center or your child care center has closed. This will ensure your center meets the reporting requirement and is not considered delinquent. See the email sent from the Division on 9/26/23 for links to download instructions and a worksheet to assist in determining the status of each child (Word document) and access the worksheet as a PDF. This worksheet is only an aid and does not need to be submitted. The summary table on the fourth page contains the information required to complete the online report. You can also access a guide to submitting a child care report through the online portal. If you have questions about the Child Care Immunization Report, please email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5595. Self-Service License Fee Coming in November - This fall, DCDEE will use the ABCMS (Automated Background Check Management System) portal to offer a new way to manage the annual license fee*. Instead of watching your mailbox for a paper invoice, you’ll be emailed an invoice directly from ABCMS. You will also be able to download/print invoices and submit online payments all within the same ABCMS portal. Operators and administrators will sign in to ABCMS using their business NCID credentials. If you don’t have a business NCID account, register one at https://ncid.nc.gov/. See the “Raising North Carolina email on 9/12/23 for helpful links and more information on the new ABSCS portal. *Annual license fees do not apply to state or public-school operated child care facilities, or to religious sponsored facilities operated pursuant to a Notice of Compliance. Moodle Support - The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through the online learning platform Moodle. DCDEE has established a new support email address and phone number to help providers navigate Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. New Pathways to the Early Childhood Education Profession – Early educators now have multiple options to achieve higher education. • Staff can earn a no-cost nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) certificate through a free Professional Development Teacher Membership from Teaching Strategies. Courses are offered in English and Spanish. In addition, a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is available to cover the CDA book and assessment fees. • They could also choose take the free online NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam on DCDEE Moodle to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to the EDU 119 college course for star rated license evaluation. • A third options for staff is to turn their training and experience into a degree in Early Childhood Education. Providers can submit a Credit for Prior Learning portfolio to receive up to nine community college ECE credits for your early childhood knowledge and skills from participating NC Community Colleges. Credits can be applied toward the newly created Early Childhood Workforce Certificate, Early Childhood Education Diploma, Certificate and/or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education. See the Raise North Carolina email blast from 9/1/23 for links to more information. Fire and Sanitation Inspections – The State of Emergency due to Covid-19 has been lifted, and flexibility for having fire and sanitation inspections completed is no longer available. Ensure that your inspections are completed at least annually by contacting your Environmental Health Inspector and/or Fire Inspector prior to the expiration of your inspections. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1402 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAMILTON EARLY HEAD START / HEAD START Facility ID: 58000128 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. S. Ruffin, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a two-star license, issued 8/18/21 earning 1 point in the education component, 2 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios) and 1 quality point for: Staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 2, which means your preparation year will be 7/1/24-6/30/25 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 10/25/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 6/2/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 2/2/23. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 86% as of 10/9/23. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. The children did not go outside today due to rain. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Water was available for the children in each classroom. A fire truck was present when I arrived. The children had a visit from Smokey the Bear. Staff talked with the children about the bear and that he was a nice bear, not a scary bear. In the Early Head Start classrooms, the staff sat on the floor and talked with children about the pictures, colors, and other materials they were playing with. The staff added vocabulary and assisted the children as needed. In the Head Start classrooms, the children were engaged in free play and had access to many age-appropriate materials. The children later lined up to toilet and wash hands in the hall bathroom. The staff sang songs with them as the walked and while they waited their turn. The tables were cleaned and sanitized as required. Lunch was observed and consisted of barbeque chicken, green beans, mixed fruit, a roll, and milk. Lunch was delivered and served in the classrooms. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by the Economic Improvement Council, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The following violations were cited: Violation Number Comment Rule 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. The playground space used by the Head Start children did not have a shade structure. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. The EPI pen for KB in space 27, was not stored in the original pharmacy box. .0803(2)(a) 1110 Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in the child care center did not comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations. Bus 19091-W did not have verification of registration available for review. .1002(b) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. The medical action plans for an EPI pen and Albuterol for KB in space 27 were not attached to the child's application. .0801(b) As a licensed child care operator, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to maintain compliance with them. The NC General Statutes (Updated September 2020), Child Care Rules (Updated February 2021), and the “What’s New” section of The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website, ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, are excellent resources to help you stay current with the child care requirements. The most current forms and documents needed for your licensed facility are available under the Provider tab. Many of them are now interactive so that you can type right into the form. Many of the forms needed for families are now offered in Spanish too. And of course, I am also available to assist you, should you have questions about the child care requirements. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 10/26/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Medications - Administering medication requires skill, knowledge, and careful attention to detail. According to child care rule, 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(a), prescription medications must be stored in the original containers in which they were dispensed with the pharmacy labels specifying: (i) the child's name; (ii)the name of the medication or the prescription number; (iii)the amount and frequency of dosage; (iv)the name of the prescribing physician or other health professional; and (v)the date the prescription was filled. The EPI pen for KB in space 27, was not stored in the original pharmacy box or labeled with the child’s name. The medication must be returned to the parent until proper documentation is obtained. Before receiving any medication from a parent, you must carefully review the medication, the pharmacy box, the medical action plan, and the permission to administer forms to ensure everything is correct. Consider creating a checklist to complete each time medication is brought to the facility to help staff verify that they have all the required information. Medical action plans must also be attached to the child’s application in their file and in the Ready to Go File. Playground Shade Area -The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children can play freely with peers, expand their imagination, release energy, and explore with their senses. A shade structure has not been replace on the renovated playground. You stated that you have purchased a new one and it should be delivered within 2 weeks. Per our discussion, the shade structure protects the children’s skin and provides a cool space to rest after active play. Even during winter months, children must be provided with a shady place to rest or play. Transportation – Vehicles used to transport children must be safe and meet all state and federal laws. Bus 19091-W did not have verification of registration available for review. You stated that it was posted on the bus but must have fallen off. You stated that you would replace it tomorrow. Additional Information: Child Care Immunization Report 2023-2024 - This year's Child Care Immunization Reports are due by midnight on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and will not be accepted after that date. Failure to submit an annual child care immunization report per G.S. 130A-155 will be reported to the Local Health Director for your county. You must submit a report even if no children are attending your child care center or your child care center has closed. This will ensure your center meets the reporting requirement and is not considered delinquent. See the email sent from the Division on 9/26/23 for links to download instructions and a worksheet to assist in determining the status of each child (Word document) and access the worksheet as a PDF. This worksheet is only an aid and does not need to be submitted. The summary table on the fourth page contains the information required to complete the online report. You can also access a guide to submitting a child care report through the online portal. If you have questions about the Child Care Immunization Report, please email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5595. Self-Service License Fee Coming in November - This fall, DCDEE will use the ABCMS (Automated Background Check Management System) portal to offer a new way to manage the annual license fee*. Instead of watching your mailbox for a paper invoice, you’ll be emailed an invoice directly from ABCMS. You will also be able to download/print invoices and submit online payments all within the same ABCMS portal. Operators and administrators will sign in to ABCMS using their business NCID credentials. If you don’t have a business NCID account, register one at https://ncid.nc.gov/. See the “Raising North Carolina email on 9/12/23 for helpful links and more information on the new ABSCS portal. *Annual license fees do not apply to state or public-school operated child care facilities, or to religious sponsored facilities operated pursuant to a Notice of Compliance. Moodle Support - The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through the online learning platform Moodle. DCDEE has established a new support email address and phone number to help providers navigate Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. New Pathways to the Early Childhood Education Profession – Early educators now have multiple options to achieve higher education. • Staff can earn a no-cost nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) certificate through a free Professional Development Teacher Membership from Teaching Strategies. Courses are offered in English and Spanish. In addition, a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is available to cover the CDA book and assessment fees. • They could also choose take the free online NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam on DCDEE Moodle to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to the EDU 119 college course for star rated license evaluation. • A third options for staff is to turn their training and experience into a degree in Early Childhood Education. Providers can submit a Credit for Prior Learning portfolio to receive up to nine community college ECE credits for your early childhood knowledge and skills from participating NC Community Colleges. Credits can be applied toward the newly created Early Childhood Workforce Certificate, Early Childhood Education Diploma, Certificate and/or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education. See the Raise North Carolina email blast from 9/1/23 for links to more information. Fire and Sanitation Inspections – The State of Emergency due to Covid-19 has been lifted, and flexibility for having fire and sanitation inspections completed is no longer available. Ensure that your inspections are completed at least annually by contacting your Environmental Health Inspector and/or Fire Inspector prior to the expiration of your inspections. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAMILTON EARLY HEAD START / HEAD START Facility ID: 58000128 Consultant: ANNE BUCK Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 420 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 04:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced Annual Compliance Visit today was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements. S. Ruffin, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a two-star license, issued 8/18/21 earning 1 point in the education component, 2 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced ratios) and 1 quality point for: Staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. On June 27, 2023, the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) introduced a cohort model and timeline for resuming the star rated license reassessments. This cohort model includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility will be in Cohort 2, which means your preparation year will be 7/1/24-6/30/25 and your reassessment year will be 7/1/25-6/30/26. There are opportunities within the preparation year that will help prepare your facility for the reassessment year. Additional information and supports are available on the Division website under Providers, Licensing, Star Rated License, and Resuming Star Rated License. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 10/25/23. The sanitation inspection was completed 6/2/23 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 2/2/23. and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 86% as of 10/9/23. Facility Information: We reviewed your facility information and per your statements, the information is current and accurate. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your information, e.g., phone numbers, email address, mailing address, owner information, or Legal Designee. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. The children did not go outside today due to rain. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Water was available for the children in each classroom. A fire truck was present when I arrived. The children had a visit from Smokey the Bear. Staff talked with the children about the bear and that he was a nice bear, not a scary bear. In the Early Head Start classrooms, the staff sat on the floor and talked with children about the pictures, colors, and other materials they were playing with. The staff added vocabulary and assisted the children as needed. In the Head Start classrooms, the children were engaged in free play and had access to many age-appropriate materials. The children later lined up to toilet and wash hands in the hall bathroom. The staff sang songs with them as the walked and while they waited their turn. The tables were cleaned and sanitized as required. Lunch was observed and consisted of barbeque chicken, green beans, mixed fruit, a roll, and milk. Lunch was delivered and served in the classrooms. Corporation Status: This facility is currently owned by the Economic Improvement Council, Inc. According to the NC Secretary of State's website, this corporation is current and active. Please contact me prior to any information changing regarding the ownership of this facility. The following violations were cited: Violation Number Comment Rule 218 Outdoor play area did not provide an area that is shaded. The playground space used by the Head Start children did not have a shade structure. 10A NCAC 09 .1402(d) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. The EPI pen for KB in space 27, was not stored in the original pharmacy box. .0803(2)(a) 1110 Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in the child care center did not comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations. Bus 19091-W did not have verification of registration available for review. .1002(b) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. The medical action plans for an EPI pen and Albuterol for KB in space 27 were not attached to the child's application. .0801(b) As a licensed child care operator, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to maintain compliance with them. The NC General Statutes (Updated September 2020), Child Care Rules (Updated February 2021), and the “What’s New” section of The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website, ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, are excellent resources to help you stay current with the child care requirements. The most current forms and documents needed for your licensed facility are available under the Provider tab. Many of them are now interactive so that you can type right into the form. Many of the forms needed for families are now offered in Spanish too. And of course, I am also available to assist you, should you have questions about the child care requirements. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 10/26/23, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Anne Buck, Child Care Consultant PO Box 2363 Elizabeth City, NC 27906 Anne.Buck@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Medications - Administering medication requires skill, knowledge, and careful attention to detail. According to child care rule, 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(a), prescription medications must be stored in the original containers in which they were dispensed with the pharmacy labels specifying: (i) the child's name; (ii)the name of the medication or the prescription number; (iii)the amount and frequency of dosage; (iv)the name of the prescribing physician or other health professional; and (v)the date the prescription was filled. The EPI pen for KB in space 27, was not stored in the original pharmacy box or labeled with the child’s name. The medication must be returned to the parent until proper documentation is obtained. Before receiving any medication from a parent, you must carefully review the medication, the pharmacy box, the medical action plan, and the permission to administer forms to ensure everything is correct. Consider creating a checklist to complete each time medication is brought to the facility to help staff verify that they have all the required information. Medical action plans must also be attached to the child’s application in their file and in the Ready to Go File. Playground Shade Area -The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children can play freely with peers, expand their imagination, release energy, and explore with their senses. A shade structure has not been replace on the renovated playground. You stated that you have purchased a new one and it should be delivered within 2 weeks. Per our discussion, the shade structure protects the children’s skin and provides a cool space to rest after active play. Even during winter months, children must be provided with a shady place to rest or play. Transportation – Vehicles used to transport children must be safe and meet all state and federal laws. Bus 19091-W did not have verification of registration available for review. You stated that it was posted on the bus but must have fallen off. You stated that you would replace it tomorrow. Additional Information: Child Care Immunization Report 2023-2024 - This year's Child Care Immunization Reports are due by midnight on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and will not be accepted after that date. Failure to submit an annual child care immunization report per G.S. 130A-155 will be reported to the Local Health Director for your county. You must submit a report even if no children are attending your child care center or your child care center has closed. This will ensure your center meets the reporting requirement and is not considered delinquent. See the email sent from the Division on 9/26/23 for links to download instructions and a worksheet to assist in determining the status of each child (Word document) and access the worksheet as a PDF. This worksheet is only an aid and does not need to be submitted. The summary table on the fourth page contains the information required to complete the online report. You can also access a guide to submitting a child care report through the online portal. If you have questions about the Child Care Immunization Report, please email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5595. Self-Service License Fee Coming in November - This fall, DCDEE will use the ABCMS (Automated Background Check Management System) portal to offer a new way to manage the annual license fee*. Instead of watching your mailbox for a paper invoice, you’ll be emailed an invoice directly from ABCMS. You will also be able to download/print invoices and submit online payments all within the same ABCMS portal. Operators and administrators will sign in to ABCMS using their business NCID credentials. If you don’t have a business NCID account, register one at https://ncid.nc.gov/. See the “Raising North Carolina email on 9/12/23 for helpful links and more information on the new ABSCS portal. *Annual license fees do not apply to state or public-school operated child care facilities, or to religious sponsored facilities operated pursuant to a Notice of Compliance. Moodle Support - The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through the online learning platform Moodle. DCDEE has established a new support email address and phone number to help providers navigate Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. New Pathways to the Early Childhood Education Profession – Early educators now have multiple options to achieve higher education. • Staff can earn a no-cost nationally recognized Child Development Associate® (CDA) certificate through a free Professional Development Teacher Membership from Teaching Strategies. Courses are offered in English and Spanish. In addition, a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is available to cover the CDA book and assessment fees. • They could also choose take the free online NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam on DCDEE Moodle to earn the North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to the EDU 119 college course for star rated license evaluation. • A third options for staff is to turn their training and experience into a degree in Early Childhood Education. Providers can submit a Credit for Prior Learning portfolio to receive up to nine community college ECE credits for your early childhood knowledge and skills from participating NC Community Colleges. Credits can be applied toward the newly created Early Childhood Workforce Certificate, Early Childhood Education Diploma, Certificate and/or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education. See the Raise North Carolina email blast from 9/1/23 for links to more information. Fire and Sanitation Inspections – The State of Emergency due to Covid-19 has been lifted, and flexibility for having fire and sanitation inspections completed is no longer available. Ensure that your inspections are completed at least annually by contacting your Environmental Health Inspector and/or Fire Inspector prior to the expiration of your inspections. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me by phone at 252-333-2084 or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, may also be contacted at (252) 373-4199. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times