NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Hampstead Preschool of the Arts Facility ID: 71000268 Consultant: SHEREEN PICKETT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/16/2025 Number Present: 67 Completed Date: 1/16/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my routine unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This program operates with a Four-Star license, issued on February 15, 2024, earning 4 points in Education, 6 points in Program, and 1 quality point for choosing an Education Option. The last annual compliance visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant Shereen Pickett on August 27, 2024. Prior to this visit, the facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 97%. According to the Secretary of State’s website, the corporation’s status, Premier NC Hampstead LLC is current and active. Fire Inspection – 11/20/2024 – approved for daytime and night care Sanitation Inspection – 01/07/2025 – superior classification All indoor and outdoor spaces approved for use with the children were visited today. Children in spaces 2, 5 and 6 were engaged in free play, accessing a variety of age-appropriate materials. Children in space 3 were seated for morning snack. Children in space 4 were engaged in morning group time. Adequate supervision and positive interactions were observed throughout the spaces. Children bring all snacks and meals from home daily. One violation was observed and must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The mulch underneath and surrounding the stationary climber on all playground used with preschool-aged children was not maintained at the depth of six inches required by the critical height of the equipment. .0605(k)(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 January 28, 2025. 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. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE RELATED TO VIOLATION CITED: The mulch underneath and surrounding the stationary climber on the playground used with preschool-aged children was not maintained at the depth of six inches required by the critical height of the equipment. Please make sure to order additional mulch for the playground as soon as possible to come into compliance. Moving forward, I also encourage you to check surfacing depths of all playgrounds often and replace mulch as needed. REMINDERS: L. Orecchio, hired on December 9, 2024, must complete CPR/FA certification by Mary 09, 2025, to maintain compliance. R. Werner, hired on December 16, 2024, must complete CPR/FA certification by March 16, 2025, to maintain compliance. A. Pierczynski, hired on November 1, 2024, must complete CPR/FA certification by February 1, 2025, to maintain compliance. A playground inspection is due for the month of January. A fire drill is due for the month of January. At the completion of this visit, the visit summary was reviewed, signed and a copy was left with you. Reach me with questions/ concerns at (910) 508-3228 or Shereen.pickett@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: Hampstead Preschool of the Arts Facility ID: 71000268 Consultant: ALLISON DAVIS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0324-292A Visit Date: 3/26/2024 Number Present: 55 Completed Date: 3/26/2024 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 06:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Arlene Shi, Administrator, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Shi and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On March 20, 2024, a staff member threatened multiple children and used inappropriate language. G.S. 110-91(10) 904 Child was handled roughly. On March 20, 2024, a staff member forcefully placed a three-year-old child in a chair repeatedly (approximately five times) while the child cried and yelled "no." In addition, the same staff member pinched this child on the sides of their torso and flicked the child’s ear multiple times. .1803(a)(1) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. Pursuant to its investigation, the Division has confirmed sufficient information to determine child maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) 1877 A child was restrained as a form of discipline and the child's safety or the safety of others was not at risk. On March 20, 2024, a staff member grabbed and restrained a three-year-old child by wrapping their legs around the child while the child was seated on the ground kicking, crying, and yelling "no" for two to three minutes. In addition, the same staff member pinched this child multiple times on the sides of their torso and flicked the child’s ear once. .1803(a)(10) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week, by April 3, 2024, you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at Allison Davis, Investigations Consultant, allison.davis@dhhs.nc.gov, fax# 919-715-1013, 2201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2201. You may contact me at Allison Davis, Investigations Consultant, allison.davis@dhhs.nc.gov, 910-800-0079 or Melissa Loehr, Southeastern Investigations Supervisor, melissa.loehr@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

GS 110-105 · Violation

Name of Operation: Hampstead Preschool of the Arts Facility ID: 71000268 Consultant: ALLISON DAVIS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0324-292A Visit Date: 3/26/2024 Number Present: 55 Completed Date: 3/26/2024 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 345 Time In: 12:30 PM Time Out: 06:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Arlene Shi, Administrator, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Shi and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On March 20, 2024, a staff member threatened multiple children and used inappropriate language. G.S. 110-91(10) 904 Child was handled roughly. On March 20, 2024, a staff member forcefully placed a three-year-old child in a chair repeatedly (approximately five times) while the child cried and yelled "no." In addition, the same staff member pinched this child on the sides of their torso and flicked the child’s ear multiple times. .1803(a)(1) 1810 There was a substantiation of child maltreatment. Pursuant to its investigation, the Division has confirmed sufficient information to determine child maltreatment. GS 110-105.6(a) 1877 A child was restrained as a form of discipline and the child's safety or the safety of others was not at risk. On March 20, 2024, a staff member grabbed and restrained a three-year-old child by wrapping their legs around the child while the child was seated on the ground kicking, crying, and yelling "no" for two to three minutes. In addition, the same staff member pinched this child multiple times on the sides of their torso and flicked the child’s ear once. .1803(a)(10) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one week, by April 3, 2024, you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at Allison Davis, Investigations Consultant, allison.davis@dhhs.nc.gov, fax# 919-715-1013, 2201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2201. You may contact me at Allison Davis, Investigations Consultant, allison.davis@dhhs.nc.gov, 910-800-0079 or Melissa Loehr, Southeastern Investigations Supervisor, melissa.loehr@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: Hampstead Preschool of the Arts Facility ID: 71000268 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/17/2024 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 1/17/2024 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the third temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 14, 2023 and is valid through February 14, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 108 children ages 0 to 12 years old; meeting enhanced space and ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Premier NC WPA LLC is current and active. Child Care Consultant April Bosse was present and assisted with today’s visit. As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and inspections must be completed by February 14, 2024. A superior sanitation inspection with 2 demerits was received October 9, 2023. As of today a building inspection has not been completed. Administrator A. Shi stated a fire inspection has been completed she was unable to locate the completed form. Scan and email each completed inspection as soon you receive it. Failure to obtain the required approved inspections prior to February 14, 2024 may result in administrative action against your license. A. Shi, Administrator was present and available for consultation. Five classrooms are operating with seventy-five children enrolled and sixty-three children present. All children were appropriately supervised. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Two-year-old children in Space 2 were engaged in activity areas with books, dolls, and trucks. Preschool children in Space 3 were sitting at tables with morning snacks provided from home for each child. Preschool aged children in Spaces 5 and 6 were engaged in group time as they read the books “Kindness for Koalas” and “How to Catch a Star”. Lunch for all children is provided from home. Staff files were reviewed today. The administrator attests that all staff files are current and contain all the required information. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 in Space 4 was not in the original labeled container. .0803(2)(a) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. A diaper cream in Space 2 was expired and not returned to the parent within 72 hours. .0803(12) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. A Medication Administration Permission form giving the caregiver standing authorization was not on file for one emergency medication in Space 4. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) The above violations were observed today. Send me your compliance letter by January 26, 2024 stating how the violations have been corrected and your plan to ensure these violations are not cited in the future. 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. Prior to today’s visit your 18 month compliance score was 98%. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant Jennifer Dempsey at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.dempsey@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical assistance: Diaper Cream: Today there were expired diaper creams in Space 2. The permission forms were still in date; however, the diaper cream expiration date stamped on the diaper cream had passed. When diaper cream forms are filled out by parents, you should check that the correct expiration date is noted on the topical ointment permission form and that it matches the expiration date on the medication. If a parent brings in a diaper cream to replace another diaper cream, a new form must be filled out for that diaper cream. Emergency Medication: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803 states prescribed medications shall be stored in the original containers in which they were dispensed with the pharmacy labels. The Epi-Pen in Space 4 was not stored in the prescription box with a pharmacy label on the original container. Today we discussed getting a label for the Epi-Pen at your facility and ensuring that all prescribed medications for children have this label before you accept them. Each emergency medication Action Plan must also have a Permission to Administer form for that medication giving your facility permission to administer the medication. The seizure action plan for a child in Space 4 did not have permission to administer medication form on file today. We discussed the valid dates for both the action plan (1 year) and the permission to administer plan (6 months) and how to track them through a calendar or posted list in the classroom or office. Summary of the Rated License Reassessment Process: This facility was previously licensed as Hampstead Preschool of the Arts, ID# 71000257. An ownership change occurred on August 14, 2023. The facility is now licensed Hampstead Preschool of the Arts, ID# 71000268 with a Temporary License valid from August 14, 2023 through February 14, 2024. All points from the license issued to ID# 71000257 on December 1, 2020, are being carried forward to ID# 6501084 at the conclusion of the Temporary License, as follows: • Program Standards = 6 Points for meeting enhanced requirements and enhanced ratios and an average score of 5.34 on the environment rating scales. • Education = 4 Points based on Admin = 7, LTs = 4, Ts = 4, PC =N/A, GLs = N/A • Quality Point = 1 Point for having a combined turnover rate of less than 20% of staff. The facility will be issued a 4 star license at the expiration of their temporary license provided that all approved inspections have been received. The center can be issued a Rated License based on a previous assessment due to being the change of ownership. A full Rated License Assessment will occur based on the program’s Cohort assignment; the program is in COHORT #2. Your prep year will begin July 1, 2024 and goes through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year is July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. You should begin preparing for the assessment this year as the cohort system includes a planning/preparation period prior to the assessment period. During this planning year I strongly urge you to visit www.ncrlap.org and contact Smart Start of Pender County or Region 4 CCR&R for assistance with completion of the self-study component of the environment rating scales. Your planning year is an opportunity for you to focus on the quality of your program as well as consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. Thinking About ITERS-R and the Thinking About ECERS-R are great resources for classroom staff as they prepare for potential assessments. Ensure all staff have a WORKS account. Staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Hampstead Preschool of the Arts Facility ID: 71000268 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/17/2024 Number Present: 63 Completed Date: 1/17/2024 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the third temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 14, 2023 and is valid through February 14, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 108 children ages 0 to 12 years old; meeting enhanced space and ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Premier NC WPA LLC is current and active. Child Care Consultant April Bosse was present and assisted with today’s visit. As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and inspections must be completed by February 14, 2024. A superior sanitation inspection with 2 demerits was received October 9, 2023. As of today a building inspection has not been completed. Administrator A. Shi stated a fire inspection has been completed she was unable to locate the completed form. Scan and email each completed inspection as soon you receive it. Failure to obtain the required approved inspections prior to February 14, 2024 may result in administrative action against your license. A. Shi, Administrator was present and available for consultation. Five classrooms are operating with seventy-five children enrolled and sixty-three children present. All children were appropriately supervised. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Two-year-old children in Space 2 were engaged in activity areas with books, dolls, and trucks. Preschool children in Space 3 were sitting at tables with morning snacks provided from home for each child. Preschool aged children in Spaces 5 and 6 were engaged in group time as they read the books “Kindness for Koalas” and “How to Catch a Star”. Lunch for all children is provided from home. Staff files were reviewed today. The administrator attests that all staff files are current and contain all the required information. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 in Space 4 was not in the original labeled container. .0803(2)(a) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. A diaper cream in Space 2 was expired and not returned to the parent within 72 hours. .0803(12) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. A Medication Administration Permission form giving the caregiver standing authorization was not on file for one emergency medication in Space 4. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) The above violations were observed today. Send me your compliance letter by January 26, 2024 stating how the violations have been corrected and your plan to ensure these violations are not cited in the future. 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. Prior to today’s visit your 18 month compliance score was 98%. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant Jennifer Dempsey at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.dempsey@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical assistance: Diaper Cream: Today there were expired diaper creams in Space 2. The permission forms were still in date; however, the diaper cream expiration date stamped on the diaper cream had passed. When diaper cream forms are filled out by parents, you should check that the correct expiration date is noted on the topical ointment permission form and that it matches the expiration date on the medication. If a parent brings in a diaper cream to replace another diaper cream, a new form must be filled out for that diaper cream. Emergency Medication: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803 states prescribed medications shall be stored in the original containers in which they were dispensed with the pharmacy labels. The Epi-Pen in Space 4 was not stored in the prescription box with a pharmacy label on the original container. Today we discussed getting a label for the Epi-Pen at your facility and ensuring that all prescribed medications for children have this label before you accept them. Each emergency medication Action Plan must also have a Permission to Administer form for that medication giving your facility permission to administer the medication. The seizure action plan for a child in Space 4 did not have permission to administer medication form on file today. We discussed the valid dates for both the action plan (1 year) and the permission to administer plan (6 months) and how to track them through a calendar or posted list in the classroom or office. Summary of the Rated License Reassessment Process: This facility was previously licensed as Hampstead Preschool of the Arts, ID# 71000257. An ownership change occurred on August 14, 2023. The facility is now licensed Hampstead Preschool of the Arts, ID# 71000268 with a Temporary License valid from August 14, 2023 through February 14, 2024. All points from the license issued to ID# 71000257 on December 1, 2020, are being carried forward to ID# 6501084 at the conclusion of the Temporary License, as follows: • Program Standards = 6 Points for meeting enhanced requirements and enhanced ratios and an average score of 5.34 on the environment rating scales. • Education = 4 Points based on Admin = 7, LTs = 4, Ts = 4, PC =N/A, GLs = N/A • Quality Point = 1 Point for having a combined turnover rate of less than 20% of staff. The facility will be issued a 4 star license at the expiration of their temporary license provided that all approved inspections have been received. The center can be issued a Rated License based on a previous assessment due to being the change of ownership. A full Rated License Assessment will occur based on the program’s Cohort assignment; the program is in COHORT #2. Your prep year will begin July 1, 2024 and goes through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year is July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. You should begin preparing for the assessment this year as the cohort system includes a planning/preparation period prior to the assessment period. During this planning year I strongly urge you to visit www.ncrlap.org and contact Smart Start of Pender County or Region 4 CCR&R for assistance with completion of the self-study component of the environment rating scales. Your planning year is an opportunity for you to focus on the quality of your program as well as consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. Thinking About ITERS-R and the Thinking About ECERS-R are great resources for classroom staff as they prepare for potential assessments. Ensure all staff have a WORKS account. Staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. 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 .0509 · Violation

Name of Operation: Hampstead Preschool of the Arts Facility ID: 71000268 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/5/2023 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 9/5/2023 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 14, 2023 and is valid through February 14, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 108 children ages 0 to 12 years old; meeting enhanced space and ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Premier NC Hampstead LLC is current and active. Child Care Consultant April Bosse was present and assisted with today’s visit. As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and superior inspection must be completed by February 14, 2024. You will need to contact each inspector to request the inspection. Failure to obtain the required approved inspections prior to February 14, 2024 may result in administrative action against your license. All indoor spaces were measured today and a space calculation worksheet was completed and provided for you. The center had the following items posted/located in a prominent place in the center for parents and available for me to review: the Temporary License, Safe Arrival and Departure Procedure, and emergency medical care plan. The operator does not provide transportation nor aquatic activities, thus those requirements were not monitored during this visit. There are seventy-four children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 2-4 were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for children. Activity plans were observed posted in the classroom. Two-year-old children in Space 2 were transitioning to outdoor play as they sat on the carpet and then lined up on the numbers on the floor before walking outside. Preschool children in Space 3 were engaged in activity areas pretending to go to the doctor, talking about pockets and playing with the doll house. Outside children enrolled in Spaces 4 and 5 were engaged playing soccer, swinging on swings, sliding on slides, and digging in the sand. All meals and snacks for all children are provided from home. Violation Number Comment Rule 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Wood mulch was less that one inch in depth under and around the stationary wooden slide structure. .0605(k)(1-4) The above violation was observed today. Send me a compliance letter by Friday September 15, 2023 stating how the violation has been corrected. Your compliance letter is a legal document; be sure to clearly stated how you corrected each item using complete sentences. 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. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant Jennifer Dempsey at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.dempsey@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance for violation cited: Mulch: Today we discussed fall zone surfacing on the preschool playground. The mulch by the tall slide requires six inches of loose surfacing. We discussed adding more mulch to the area to ensure that the depth of the mulch is a resilient six inches. We also discussed tilling or fluffing the mulch by the swings. You do have black resilient mats under the swings for protection. If you are still considering adding a new fall zone, please consult Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS that states your options for protective surfacing shall be either: (1) loose surfacing material, including wood mulch, double shredded bark mulch, uniform wood chips, fine sand, coarse sand, and pea gravel, except that pea gravel shall not be used if the area will be used by children under three years of age. Loose surfacing material shall not be installed over concrete; or (2) other materials that have been certified by the manufacturer to be shock-absorbing protective material in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard F 1292, may be used if installed, maintained, and replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. General technical assistance: Nutrition: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(j) GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS states that staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in this Rule in the presence of children in care. Fast Food or coffee drinks that staff might consume do not follow these requirements and should not be consumed in the classroom or in the presence of children. Hazardous Materials: Today technical assistance was given regarding the storage of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. These products should be stored at least five feet off the floor and out of reach of children. Today I suggested reviewing child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Materials: Today we discussed the materials in Space 5. Minimum materials should be maintained in each activity area that you have available. Classrooms must be equipped with appropriate materials and equipment as required by Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .0509 and .0510 and when preschool children three years old and older are in care , the materials and equipment in an activity area shall be in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. Today we discussed moving the art and manipulative areas closer to a table for children to use the materials. We also discussed room arrangement for this space. We suggest that dramatic play and block areas are closer together as they are typically louder and busier centers. Centers such as manipulatives and art are typically quieter and calmer centers and generally do well as areas that are side by side. RATED LICENSE: Today we discussed the two-component rated license process. I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and program standards were reviewed with you during the visit. If you wish to apply for a 2-5 star rated license and would like an environment rating scale assessment included as a part of your application, your application will need to be received no later than October 1, 2023. Failure to receive your application by October 1, 2023, may result in your application being processed without the results from your ERS assessments. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R and SACERS-U and find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records shall be maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter activity or routine is taking place. A fire drill must occur by September 14, 2023. Document this drill and send me a copy of this documentation with your compliance letter that is required. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0605 · Violation

Name of Operation: Hampstead Preschool of the Arts Facility ID: 71000268 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/5/2023 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 9/5/2023 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 14, 2023 and is valid through February 14, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 108 children ages 0 to 12 years old; meeting enhanced space and ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Premier NC Hampstead LLC is current and active. Child Care Consultant April Bosse was present and assisted with today’s visit. As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and superior inspection must be completed by February 14, 2024. You will need to contact each inspector to request the inspection. Failure to obtain the required approved inspections prior to February 14, 2024 may result in administrative action against your license. All indoor spaces were measured today and a space calculation worksheet was completed and provided for you. The center had the following items posted/located in a prominent place in the center for parents and available for me to review: the Temporary License, Safe Arrival and Departure Procedure, and emergency medical care plan. The operator does not provide transportation nor aquatic activities, thus those requirements were not monitored during this visit. There are seventy-four children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 2-4 were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for children. Activity plans were observed posted in the classroom. Two-year-old children in Space 2 were transitioning to outdoor play as they sat on the carpet and then lined up on the numbers on the floor before walking outside. Preschool children in Space 3 were engaged in activity areas pretending to go to the doctor, talking about pockets and playing with the doll house. Outside children enrolled in Spaces 4 and 5 were engaged playing soccer, swinging on swings, sliding on slides, and digging in the sand. All meals and snacks for all children are provided from home. Violation Number Comment Rule 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Wood mulch was less that one inch in depth under and around the stationary wooden slide structure. .0605(k)(1-4) The above violation was observed today. Send me a compliance letter by Friday September 15, 2023 stating how the violation has been corrected. Your compliance letter is a legal document; be sure to clearly stated how you corrected each item using complete sentences. 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. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant Jennifer Dempsey at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.dempsey@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance for violation cited: Mulch: Today we discussed fall zone surfacing on the preschool playground. The mulch by the tall slide requires six inches of loose surfacing. We discussed adding more mulch to the area to ensure that the depth of the mulch is a resilient six inches. We also discussed tilling or fluffing the mulch by the swings. You do have black resilient mats under the swings for protection. If you are still considering adding a new fall zone, please consult Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS that states your options for protective surfacing shall be either: (1) loose surfacing material, including wood mulch, double shredded bark mulch, uniform wood chips, fine sand, coarse sand, and pea gravel, except that pea gravel shall not be used if the area will be used by children under three years of age. Loose surfacing material shall not be installed over concrete; or (2) other materials that have been certified by the manufacturer to be shock-absorbing protective material in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard F 1292, may be used if installed, maintained, and replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. General technical assistance: Nutrition: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(j) GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS states that staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in this Rule in the presence of children in care. Fast Food or coffee drinks that staff might consume do not follow these requirements and should not be consumed in the classroom or in the presence of children. Hazardous Materials: Today technical assistance was given regarding the storage of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. These products should be stored at least five feet off the floor and out of reach of children. Today I suggested reviewing child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Materials: Today we discussed the materials in Space 5. Minimum materials should be maintained in each activity area that you have available. Classrooms must be equipped with appropriate materials and equipment as required by Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .0509 and .0510 and when preschool children three years old and older are in care , the materials and equipment in an activity area shall be in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. Today we discussed moving the art and manipulative areas closer to a table for children to use the materials. We also discussed room arrangement for this space. We suggest that dramatic play and block areas are closer together as they are typically louder and busier centers. Centers such as manipulatives and art are typically quieter and calmer centers and generally do well as areas that are side by side. RATED LICENSE: Today we discussed the two-component rated license process. I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and program standards were reviewed with you during the visit. If you wish to apply for a 2-5 star rated license and would like an environment rating scale assessment included as a part of your application, your application will need to be received no later than October 1, 2023. Failure to receive your application by October 1, 2023, may result in your application being processed without the results from your ERS assessments. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R and SACERS-U and find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records shall be maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter activity or routine is taking place. A fire drill must occur by September 14, 2023. Document this drill and send me a copy of this documentation with your compliance letter that is required. 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 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: Hampstead Preschool of the Arts Facility ID: 71000268 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/5/2023 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 9/5/2023 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 14, 2023 and is valid through February 14, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 108 children ages 0 to 12 years old; meeting enhanced space and ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Premier NC Hampstead LLC is current and active. Child Care Consultant April Bosse was present and assisted with today’s visit. As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and superior inspection must be completed by February 14, 2024. You will need to contact each inspector to request the inspection. Failure to obtain the required approved inspections prior to February 14, 2024 may result in administrative action against your license. All indoor spaces were measured today and a space calculation worksheet was completed and provided for you. The center had the following items posted/located in a prominent place in the center for parents and available for me to review: the Temporary License, Safe Arrival and Departure Procedure, and emergency medical care plan. The operator does not provide transportation nor aquatic activities, thus those requirements were not monitored during this visit. There are seventy-four children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 2-4 were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for children. Activity plans were observed posted in the classroom. Two-year-old children in Space 2 were transitioning to outdoor play as they sat on the carpet and then lined up on the numbers on the floor before walking outside. Preschool children in Space 3 were engaged in activity areas pretending to go to the doctor, talking about pockets and playing with the doll house. Outside children enrolled in Spaces 4 and 5 were engaged playing soccer, swinging on swings, sliding on slides, and digging in the sand. All meals and snacks for all children are provided from home. Violation Number Comment Rule 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Wood mulch was less that one inch in depth under and around the stationary wooden slide structure. .0605(k)(1-4) The above violation was observed today. Send me a compliance letter by Friday September 15, 2023 stating how the violation has been corrected. Your compliance letter is a legal document; be sure to clearly stated how you corrected each item using complete sentences. 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. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant Jennifer Dempsey at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.dempsey@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance for violation cited: Mulch: Today we discussed fall zone surfacing on the preschool playground. The mulch by the tall slide requires six inches of loose surfacing. We discussed adding more mulch to the area to ensure that the depth of the mulch is a resilient six inches. We also discussed tilling or fluffing the mulch by the swings. You do have black resilient mats under the swings for protection. If you are still considering adding a new fall zone, please consult Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS that states your options for protective surfacing shall be either: (1) loose surfacing material, including wood mulch, double shredded bark mulch, uniform wood chips, fine sand, coarse sand, and pea gravel, except that pea gravel shall not be used if the area will be used by children under three years of age. Loose surfacing material shall not be installed over concrete; or (2) other materials that have been certified by the manufacturer to be shock-absorbing protective material in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard F 1292, may be used if installed, maintained, and replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. General technical assistance: Nutrition: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(j) GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS states that staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in this Rule in the presence of children in care. Fast Food or coffee drinks that staff might consume do not follow these requirements and should not be consumed in the classroom or in the presence of children. Hazardous Materials: Today technical assistance was given regarding the storage of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. These products should be stored at least five feet off the floor and out of reach of children. Today I suggested reviewing child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Materials: Today we discussed the materials in Space 5. Minimum materials should be maintained in each activity area that you have available. Classrooms must be equipped with appropriate materials and equipment as required by Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .0509 and .0510 and when preschool children three years old and older are in care , the materials and equipment in an activity area shall be in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. Today we discussed moving the art and manipulative areas closer to a table for children to use the materials. We also discussed room arrangement for this space. We suggest that dramatic play and block areas are closer together as they are typically louder and busier centers. Centers such as manipulatives and art are typically quieter and calmer centers and generally do well as areas that are side by side. RATED LICENSE: Today we discussed the two-component rated license process. I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and program standards were reviewed with you during the visit. If you wish to apply for a 2-5 star rated license and would like an environment rating scale assessment included as a part of your application, your application will need to be received no later than October 1, 2023. Failure to receive your application by October 1, 2023, may result in your application being processed without the results from your ERS assessments. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R and SACERS-U and find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records shall be maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter activity or routine is taking place. A fire drill must occur by September 14, 2023. Document this drill and send me a copy of this documentation with your compliance letter that is required. 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: Hampstead Preschool of the Arts Facility ID: 71000268 Consultant: JENNIFER DEMPSEY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/5/2023 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 9/5/2023 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Temp Time Period Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for the facility’s the first temporary time period visit. The facility’s Temporary License was issued August 14, 2023 and is valid through February 14, 2024. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 108 children ages 0 to 12 years old; meeting enhanced space and ratios; children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Premier NC Hampstead LLC is current and active. Child Care Consultant April Bosse was present and assisted with today’s visit. As this is a change of ownership a new building, fire and superior inspection must be completed by February 14, 2024. You will need to contact each inspector to request the inspection. Failure to obtain the required approved inspections prior to February 14, 2024 may result in administrative action against your license. All indoor spaces were measured today and a space calculation worksheet was completed and provided for you. The center had the following items posted/located in a prominent place in the center for parents and available for me to review: the Temporary License, Safe Arrival and Departure Procedure, and emergency medical care plan. The operator does not provide transportation nor aquatic activities, thus those requirements were not monitored during this visit. There are seventy-four children enrolled and thirty-nine children ages 2-4 were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for children. Activity plans were observed posted in the classroom. Two-year-old children in Space 2 were transitioning to outdoor play as they sat on the carpet and then lined up on the numbers on the floor before walking outside. Preschool children in Space 3 were engaged in activity areas pretending to go to the doctor, talking about pockets and playing with the doll house. Outside children enrolled in Spaces 4 and 5 were engaged playing soccer, swinging on swings, sliding on slides, and digging in the sand. All meals and snacks for all children are provided from home. Violation Number Comment Rule 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Wood mulch was less that one inch in depth under and around the stationary wooden slide structure. .0605(k)(1-4) The above violation was observed today. Send me a compliance letter by Friday September 15, 2023 stating how the violation has been corrected. Your compliance letter is a legal document; be sure to clearly stated how you corrected each item using complete sentences. 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. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all applicable requirements at all times. If you have any questions, please contact your consultant Jennifer Dempsey at 910-824-1447 or Jennifer.dempsey@dhhs.nc.gov. Technical Assistance for violation cited: Mulch: Today we discussed fall zone surfacing on the preschool playground. The mulch by the tall slide requires six inches of loose surfacing. We discussed adding more mulch to the area to ensure that the depth of the mulch is a resilient six inches. We also discussed tilling or fluffing the mulch by the swings. You do have black resilient mats under the swings for protection. If you are still considering adding a new fall zone, please consult Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0605 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN CHILD CARE CENTERS that states your options for protective surfacing shall be either: (1) loose surfacing material, including wood mulch, double shredded bark mulch, uniform wood chips, fine sand, coarse sand, and pea gravel, except that pea gravel shall not be used if the area will be used by children under three years of age. Loose surfacing material shall not be installed over concrete; or (2) other materials that have been certified by the manufacturer to be shock-absorbing protective material in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard F 1292, may be used if installed, maintained, and replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. General technical assistance: Nutrition: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0901(j) GENERAL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS states that staff shall role model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in this Rule in the presence of children in care. Fast Food or coffee drinks that staff might consume do not follow these requirements and should not be consumed in the classroom or in the presence of children. Hazardous Materials: Today technical assistance was given regarding the storage of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. These products should be stored at least five feet off the floor and out of reach of children. Today I suggested reviewing child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Materials: Today we discussed the materials in Space 5. Minimum materials should be maintained in each activity area that you have available. Classrooms must be equipped with appropriate materials and equipment as required by Child Care Rules 10A NCAC 09 .0509 and .0510 and when preschool children three years old and older are in care , the materials and equipment in an activity area shall be in sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to use the area regardless of whether the children choose the same or different activities. Today we discussed moving the art and manipulative areas closer to a table for children to use the materials. We also discussed room arrangement for this space. We suggest that dramatic play and block areas are closer together as they are typically louder and busier centers. Centers such as manipulatives and art are typically quieter and calmer centers and generally do well as areas that are side by side. RATED LICENSE: Today we discussed the two-component rated license process. I informed you that the enhanced standards are based on two components: education and program standards. The requirements to complete for each point level in both education and program standards were reviewed with you during the visit. If you wish to apply for a 2-5 star rated license and would like an environment rating scale assessment included as a part of your application, your application will need to be received no later than October 1, 2023. Failure to receive your application by October 1, 2023, may result in your application being processed without the results from your ERS assessments. The NCRLAP website has a wealth of information on the Environment Rating Scales and overall quality issues for child care. You can download NC Additional Notes for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R and SACERS-U and find additional information that will assist you with quality environments. Training videos are available on the following topics: Overview of the Assessment Process, Using Materials with Non-Mobile Infants, A Safe Place for Gross Motor Play, Hand washing and Other Basic Health Considerations, and Language for Learning. NCRLAP also offers free webinars to provide training and information about the Environment Rating Scales. Education Standards: WORKS is a self-service applicant portal that will be used by an individual applicant to register and maintain their workforce information to support education requirements. The WORKS portal is available online and requires that the user maintain an individual North Carolina Identity Management (NCID) username and password. Only official unopened transcripts will be submitted to the Workforce Education Unit, all other documents will be uploaded by the applicant. All staff need to ensure current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested the appropriate evaluation for their position. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Your license will not be delayed due to education information not being processed. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records shall be maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter activity or routine is taking place. A fire drill must occur by September 14, 2023. Document this drill and send me a copy of this documentation with your compliance letter that is required. 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