Hickory High School Child Development Center

10A NCAC 09.0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1853095 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/17/2026 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 3/17/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Rated License Assessment Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today's announced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during a Rated License Assessment (RLA) visit. Karen Morrison and Rebecca Ebel, Lead Teachers, assisted me during today’s visit and Timothy Sims, Off-Site Administrator, prepared and sent by email the required documents needed to initiate the rated license reassessment process. This facility currently operates with a five-star license, issued on April 11, 2022 earning seven points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BA or higher in early childhood education or child development. The facility’s license, NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure dated February 2025, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio chart, safe arrival and departure procedures, emergency medical care plan, evacuation plan, daily schedule, activity plan, emergency phone numbers, and first aid information poster were posted in prominent areas of the classrooms. The last monthly fire drill dated February 27, 2026 was documented on the Fire Drill Log. The last emergency drill dated October 4, 2025 was a lockdown drill documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The last monthly playground inspection dated February 27, 2026 was documented on the Playground Inspection Checklist. The current and posted menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the preschool classrooms. The lunch items served today met meal pattern requirements. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor environment. In Space/Room 1, the children were engaged in free play in activity areas upon my arrival. Shortly after my arrival, the children transitioned to a whole group activity with a visiting librarian who read books from the library. In Space/Room 1, the children were engaged in a whole group morning meeting upon my arrival and then transitioned to free play in activity areas. Shortly after my arrival in the classroom, the children transitioned to a whole group activity with a visiting librarian who read books from the library. Children were also engaged in outdoor play, eating lunch, attending to personal care routines including handwashing, preparing for rest time, and quietly resting and/or napping on cots in both classrooms. Positive interactions between the staff and children took place throughout the visit today. I monitored supervision, adequate approved space use, capacity and group size, enhanced reduced staff/child ratios, enhanced space requirements and permit restrictions and observed these maintained during today’s visit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I reviewed staff records for five returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, completion of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, and completion of Playground Safety Training by at least one onsite staff member. I reviewed staff record for five substitute staff members and one volunteer. A current Public School Off-Site Verification Staff form was on file with the five staff members and five substitute staff members listed on the attached roster. A staff and training (S&T) worksheet was available for review today and was included in this visit summary packet. Please keep an S&T worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff during monitoring visits. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. The Administrator, Dr. Timothy Sims, is the Director of Elementary Education, Federal Programs, and CTE for Hickory Public Schools and does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. This program currently uses Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment tool, Ages and Stages as the developmental screening tool, and Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum. This program’s family engagement component includes formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, classroom visits and options for parents and families to participate in classroom activities, parent education, opportunities to participate in activities outside the regular school day, two-way communication with families, and enrollment orientation for families to visit the classrooms. Parents are called or texted on the day a child is absent. After three days of any child’s absence, the contracting agency is contacted so they can contact the parent and inquire about the reason for the absence. Children enrolled in NC Pre-K attend your program from 7:30am to 2:15pm. NC Pre-K staff work from 7:00am to 3:00pm. This NC Pre-K program follows the Hickory Public Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year. RATED LICENSE DISCUSSION – I received the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” on March 13, 2026 prior to today’s announced visit and indicated that this program has chosen the “Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2)” option to complete the rated license reassessment process. RECEIVED, REVIEWED, VERIFIED COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers The application was sent on 03/13/2026, received and reviewed on 03/16/2026, and verified during today’s visit. 2. Staff/Child Ratio and Space Capacity On the application, Dr. Sims indicated that this program would meet enhanced reduced staff/child ratio and enhanced space. Today, I verified that this program is maintaining enhanced reduced staff/child ratio and enhanced space. 3. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers I received the Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers/Centers Located in a Residence document during today’s visit. In addition to the five foundational practices required to meet the family and community engagement standards (CC RULE .3209) at the two-star level, this program has chosen to meet one communication option, two engagement and leadership options and one educational opportunity option. After reviewing a file of ongoing documentation for each foundational practice and additional practice chosen, I verified that the five foundational practices, one communication practice, two engagement and leadership practices, and one educational opportunity practice are in place with plans to maintain these nine family and community engagement standards as an ongoing component of this program’s commitment to quality. 4. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan The Facility CQI Plan was created and shared with me by email on 03/13/2026. I received and reviewed the Facility CQI on 03/16/2026 and verified that the plan was printed and onsite at the facility during today’s visit. After reviewing the plan, I was able to verify today that the Facility CQI Plan was in place and efforts were underway and on target to achieve this goal as evidenced by the ongoing training that had already been completed by the facility staff. 5. Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Professional Development (PD) Plans The staff and administrator had created Individual CQI Plans which I was able to monitor in staff files today. Please continue to keep current and updated copies of the Individual CQI/PD Plans in each staff member’s file so they are readily available for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 6. Approved Curriculum for all ages served On the application, Dr. Sims indicated that the approved curriculum used in the classrooms at this facility was “Creative Curriculum”. I verified that “Creative Curriculum for Preschool, 5th edition” was implemented and continuing to be used as the approved curriculum. 7. Approved Formative Assessment for all ages served On the application, Dr. Sims indicated that the approved formative assessment used in the classrooms at this facility was, “Smart Teach”. Ms. Morrison was able to connect to her account on the Teaching Strategies, LLC website and show me that “GOLD Teaching Strategies” was part of the “Smart Teach” package being used by this facility. I verified that “GOLD Teaching Strategies” was implemented and continuing to be used as the approved formative assessment through access to the “Smart Teach” product package offered by Teaching Strategies, LLC. 8. Plan to share assessments with families Ms. Morrison stated that this facility shares assessments with the families twice annually, in the fall and in the spring. Ms. Morrison stated that assessments were shared with families on 10/17/2025 and again on 03/13/2026. After reviewing the facility’s verification documentation, I verified that this plan to share assessments with families had been implemented during the 2025-2026 school and would continue to be implemented twice annually. 9. Training related to the approved curriculum of choice Today, I verified that the administrator and both lead teachers completed the training related to the approved curriculum, “Creative Curriculum, 5th edition”, on 03/16/2026 and a training certificate was printed and being kept in each staff member’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 10. Training related to the approved formative assessment of choice Today, I verified that the administrator and both lead teachers completed the training related to the approved formative assessment, “GOLD Teaching Strategies”, on 03/16/2026 and a training certificate was printed and being kept in each staff member’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTATION NEEDED to VERIFY COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Staff Education Standards: Please send the Staff Information and Education Worksheet with the Lead Teacher and Other Educator tabs completed to me by email no later than Tuesday, March 31, 2026. 2. Coaching/training options for the administrator and lead teachers Per child care rule .3205(f)(10) pertaining to coaching, mentoring, and training options for the administrator, the administrator should plan to participate in one of the following activities regarding classroom and instructional quality practices: (A) annual completion of five hours of coaching or mentoring by an administrator of another licensed child care center with a star-rating of five stars, or a community resource partner; (B) annual completion of five on-going training hours, in additional to applicable requirements in child care rule .1103 and child care rules .3211, .3212, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218; or (C) annual completion of 0.5 continuing education unit, in addition to applicable requirements in child care rule .1103 and child care rules .3211, .3212, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218. Per child care rule .3205(f)(11) pertaining to coaching, mentoring, and training options for the lead teacher, all lead teachers should plan to participate in one of the following activities regarding classroom and instructional quality practices: (A) annual completion of five hours of coaching or mentoring by the administrator, another lead teacher in the center, a lead teacher in another licensed child care center with a star-rating of five stars, an administrator of another licensed child care center with a star-rating of five stars, or a community resource partner; (B) annual completion of five on-going training hours, in addition to applicable requirements in child care rule .1103 and child care rules .3211, .3212, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218; or (C) annual completion of 0.5 continuing education unit, in addition to applicable requirements in child care rule .1103 and child care rules .3211, .3212, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218. Please choose the option in which the administrator and the lead teacher plan to participate and complete within one year of the effective date on the new star rated license once it is issued. By March 31, 2026, please send me an email stating the chosen option for coaching/training for the administrator and lead teachers. STAR RATED LICENSE DETERMINATION: The star rating of this facility will be determined after March 31, 2026, when I receive the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet”, determine the number of stars the facility earns based on education and experience verified in DCDEE WORKS, and receive the coaching/training option this facility chooses for the administrator and lead teachers. Star Rated License Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent at all times [NC GS 110-90(4)(d)]. Prior to today's visit, this facility's compliance history was 98%. UPDATING THE ERS SCORE to meet the NC PREK REQUIREMENTS in child care rule section .3000: In addition to the star rated license reassessment, we discussed the need to have a current Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS)-3 assessment completed in order to satisfy the child care requirements for NC PreK classrooms. I explained that this facility should decide whether you want to complete the ERS before this school year ends the end of May 2026 or wait and complete the ERS within the first semester of the 2026-2027 school year. When you are ready for me to request the ERS on behalf of this facility, please submit the “Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments Request” form found by accessing the link embedded in the electronic document, “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers”. Please be reminded that the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) is contracted by the Division to complete the ERS assessments and the timing of the ERS assessment is dependent on the availability of the accessors schedule. Therefore, submitting your request no later than April 15, 2026 would be best practice if you wish to complete the ERS before the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The following violation was observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. A lockdown drill was completed on October 4, 2025 which would make the next emergency drill due to be completed in January 2026. No emergency drill was completed and/or documented in January 2026 or since October 4, 2025. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. During today’s visit, I observed a lockdown drill completed on October 4, 2025 which would make the next emergency drill due to be completed in January 2026. No emergency drill was completed and/or documented in January 2026 or since October 4, 2025. To correct this violation, you need to complete an emergency drill no later than March 31, 2026 and log the drill on the record. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phones to remind you to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. CONSULTATION for the ECERS-3 ASSESSMENT: 1. Remember that the ECERS-3 assessment will be completed in three hours with no interview process. If the assessors do not observe an indicator in action or posted as required, there will be no opportunity to explain the omission. 2. If your current classroom schedule and routine allows for outside play after 11am, you may want to revise your classroom schedule to include outside play in the first three hours of the school day. If you choose to make a schedule change, I suggest you make those changes as soon as possible and to begin to train the children and staff in the new routine. 3. Allow bleach water to sit on surfaces at least two minutes before wiping off or using the surface. 4. Ensure that children wash hands upon arrival, before and after water play, after messy art/play dough play, after coming in from outside, before eating, after toileting/diapering and after coughing/sneezing, etc. 5. Ensure that learning centers are accessible a substantial portion of the day and that your daily schedule reflects it. Areas that must be made available for a minimum of 2hrs and 10 minutes to meet the “Substantial Portion of the Day” requirement are: Fine Motor, Art, Blocks, Dramatic Play, Nature/Science/Exploration, Math/Numbers, and Books. 6. Ensure that children go outside every day weather permitting. 7. Ensure that your block centers are protected from foot traffic, large enough for three children to build a sizeable structure and enough blocks for three children to build. 8. Ensure that books and materials are in good repair and no books depict violent images (guns, swords, teeth bearing). 9. Ensure that the majority of direction/redirection is positive instead of negative. 10. Ensure that staff member's pocket books are stored in locked storage since they almost always contain medications or lotions that must be inaccessible to children. 11. Ensure that staff are interacting with children, engaging in meaningful conversations, and helping children work through altercations and conflicts as they occur. RATED LICENSE CONSULTATION: 1. Visit the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s website: ncrlap.org. There are training and resources available for the Environmental Rating Scale-3 (ERS-3) assessments. 2. We encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. ADDITIONAL CONSULTATION: 1. 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. 2 Per NC General Statute 110-102, the current version of Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law should be posted in a prominent place in the facility and included in the enrollment packet to be given to parents prior to the child’s first day of attendance. The most current Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was published in November 2025. Today, I observed the date of the posted Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was February 2025. Please print the updated version, post it in your lobby, and add it to your new enrollment packets. I also suggest you regularly check the DCDEE website for updated versions and especially when you receive notification of child care or sanitation rule updates. 3. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 4. We encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New 7. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 8. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. 1) Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Please send supporting documentation including the emergency drill log for me to use to verify compliance. I must receive your compliance letter no later than March 31, 2026. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1853095 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/17/2026 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 3/17/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Rated License Assessment Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today's announced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during a Rated License Assessment (RLA) visit. Karen Morrison and Rebecca Ebel, Lead Teachers, assisted me during today’s visit and Timothy Sims, Off-Site Administrator, prepared and sent by email the required documents needed to initiate the rated license reassessment process. This facility currently operates with a five-star license, issued on April 11, 2022 earning seven points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BA or higher in early childhood education or child development. The facility’s license, NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure dated February 2025, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio chart, safe arrival and departure procedures, emergency medical care plan, evacuation plan, daily schedule, activity plan, emergency phone numbers, and first aid information poster were posted in prominent areas of the classrooms. The last monthly fire drill dated February 27, 2026 was documented on the Fire Drill Log. The last emergency drill dated October 4, 2025 was a lockdown drill documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The last monthly playground inspection dated February 27, 2026 was documented on the Playground Inspection Checklist. The current and posted menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the preschool classrooms. The lunch items served today met meal pattern requirements. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor environment. In Space/Room 1, the children were engaged in free play in activity areas upon my arrival. Shortly after my arrival, the children transitioned to a whole group activity with a visiting librarian who read books from the library. In Space/Room 1, the children were engaged in a whole group morning meeting upon my arrival and then transitioned to free play in activity areas. Shortly after my arrival in the classroom, the children transitioned to a whole group activity with a visiting librarian who read books from the library. Children were also engaged in outdoor play, eating lunch, attending to personal care routines including handwashing, preparing for rest time, and quietly resting and/or napping on cots in both classrooms. Positive interactions between the staff and children took place throughout the visit today. I monitored supervision, adequate approved space use, capacity and group size, enhanced reduced staff/child ratios, enhanced space requirements and permit restrictions and observed these maintained during today’s visit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I reviewed staff records for five returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, completion of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, and completion of Playground Safety Training by at least one onsite staff member. I reviewed staff record for five substitute staff members and one volunteer. A current Public School Off-Site Verification Staff form was on file with the five staff members and five substitute staff members listed on the attached roster. A staff and training (S&T) worksheet was available for review today and was included in this visit summary packet. Please keep an S&T worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff during monitoring visits. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. The Administrator, Dr. Timothy Sims, is the Director of Elementary Education, Federal Programs, and CTE for Hickory Public Schools and does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. This program currently uses Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment tool, Ages and Stages as the developmental screening tool, and Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum. This program’s family engagement component includes formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, classroom visits and options for parents and families to participate in classroom activities, parent education, opportunities to participate in activities outside the regular school day, two-way communication with families, and enrollment orientation for families to visit the classrooms. Parents are called or texted on the day a child is absent. After three days of any child’s absence, the contracting agency is contacted so they can contact the parent and inquire about the reason for the absence. Children enrolled in NC Pre-K attend your program from 7:30am to 2:15pm. NC Pre-K staff work from 7:00am to 3:00pm. This NC Pre-K program follows the Hickory Public Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year. RATED LICENSE DISCUSSION – I received the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” on March 13, 2026 prior to today’s announced visit and indicated that this program has chosen the “Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2)” option to complete the rated license reassessment process. RECEIVED, REVIEWED, VERIFIED COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers The application was sent on 03/13/2026, received and reviewed on 03/16/2026, and verified during today’s visit. 2. Staff/Child Ratio and Space Capacity On the application, Dr. Sims indicated that this program would meet enhanced reduced staff/child ratio and enhanced space. Today, I verified that this program is maintaining enhanced reduced staff/child ratio and enhanced space. 3. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers I received the Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers/Centers Located in a Residence document during today’s visit. In addition to the five foundational practices required to meet the family and community engagement standards (CC RULE .3209) at the two-star level, this program has chosen to meet one communication option, two engagement and leadership options and one educational opportunity option. After reviewing a file of ongoing documentation for each foundational practice and additional practice chosen, I verified that the five foundational practices, one communication practice, two engagement and leadership practices, and one educational opportunity practice are in place with plans to maintain these nine family and community engagement standards as an ongoing component of this program’s commitment to quality. 4. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan The Facility CQI Plan was created and shared with me by email on 03/13/2026. I received and reviewed the Facility CQI on 03/16/2026 and verified that the plan was printed and onsite at the facility during today’s visit. After reviewing the plan, I was able to verify today that the Facility CQI Plan was in place and efforts were underway and on target to achieve this goal as evidenced by the ongoing training that had already been completed by the facility staff. 5. Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Professional Development (PD) Plans The staff and administrator had created Individual CQI Plans which I was able to monitor in staff files today. Please continue to keep current and updated copies of the Individual CQI/PD Plans in each staff member’s file so they are readily available for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 6. Approved Curriculum for all ages served On the application, Dr. Sims indicated that the approved curriculum used in the classrooms at this facility was “Creative Curriculum”. I verified that “Creative Curriculum for Preschool, 5th edition” was implemented and continuing to be used as the approved curriculum. 7. Approved Formative Assessment for all ages served On the application, Dr. Sims indicated that the approved formative assessment used in the classrooms at this facility was, “Smart Teach”. Ms. Morrison was able to connect to her account on the Teaching Strategies, LLC website and show me that “GOLD Teaching Strategies” was part of the “Smart Teach” package being used by this facility. I verified that “GOLD Teaching Strategies” was implemented and continuing to be used as the approved formative assessment through access to the “Smart Teach” product package offered by Teaching Strategies, LLC. 8. Plan to share assessments with families Ms. Morrison stated that this facility shares assessments with the families twice annually, in the fall and in the spring. Ms. Morrison stated that assessments were shared with families on 10/17/2025 and again on 03/13/2026. After reviewing the facility’s verification documentation, I verified that this plan to share assessments with families had been implemented during the 2025-2026 school and would continue to be implemented twice annually. 9. Training related to the approved curriculum of choice Today, I verified that the administrator and both lead teachers completed the training related to the approved curriculum, “Creative Curriculum, 5th edition”, on 03/16/2026 and a training certificate was printed and being kept in each staff member’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 10. Training related to the approved formative assessment of choice Today, I verified that the administrator and both lead teachers completed the training related to the approved formative assessment, “GOLD Teaching Strategies”, on 03/16/2026 and a training certificate was printed and being kept in each staff member’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTATION NEEDED to VERIFY COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Staff Education Standards: Please send the Staff Information and Education Worksheet with the Lead Teacher and Other Educator tabs completed to me by email no later than Tuesday, March 31, 2026. 2. Coaching/training options for the administrator and lead teachers Per child care rule .3205(f)(10) pertaining to coaching, mentoring, and training options for the administrator, the administrator should plan to participate in one of the following activities regarding classroom and instructional quality practices: (A) annual completion of five hours of coaching or mentoring by an administrator of another licensed child care center with a star-rating of five stars, or a community resource partner; (B) annual completion of five on-going training hours, in additional to applicable requirements in child care rule .1103 and child care rules .3211, .3212, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218; or (C) annual completion of 0.5 continuing education unit, in addition to applicable requirements in child care rule .1103 and child care rules .3211, .3212, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218. Per child care rule .3205(f)(11) pertaining to coaching, mentoring, and training options for the lead teacher, all lead teachers should plan to participate in one of the following activities regarding classroom and instructional quality practices: (A) annual completion of five hours of coaching or mentoring by the administrator, another lead teacher in the center, a lead teacher in another licensed child care center with a star-rating of five stars, an administrator of another licensed child care center with a star-rating of five stars, or a community resource partner; (B) annual completion of five on-going training hours, in addition to applicable requirements in child care rule .1103 and child care rules .3211, .3212, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218; or (C) annual completion of 0.5 continuing education unit, in addition to applicable requirements in child care rule .1103 and child care rules .3211, .3212, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218. Please choose the option in which the administrator and the lead teacher plan to participate and complete within one year of the effective date on the new star rated license once it is issued. By March 31, 2026, please send me an email stating the chosen option for coaching/training for the administrator and lead teachers. STAR RATED LICENSE DETERMINATION: The star rating of this facility will be determined after March 31, 2026, when I receive the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet”, determine the number of stars the facility earns based on education and experience verified in DCDEE WORKS, and receive the coaching/training option this facility chooses for the administrator and lead teachers. Star Rated License Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent at all times [NC GS 110-90(4)(d)]. Prior to today's visit, this facility's compliance history was 98%. UPDATING THE ERS SCORE to meet the NC PREK REQUIREMENTS in child care rule section .3000: In addition to the star rated license reassessment, we discussed the need to have a current Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS)-3 assessment completed in order to satisfy the child care requirements for NC PreK classrooms. I explained that this facility should decide whether you want to complete the ERS before this school year ends the end of May 2026 or wait and complete the ERS within the first semester of the 2026-2027 school year. When you are ready for me to request the ERS on behalf of this facility, please submit the “Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments Request” form found by accessing the link embedded in the electronic document, “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers”. Please be reminded that the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) is contracted by the Division to complete the ERS assessments and the timing of the ERS assessment is dependent on the availability of the accessors schedule. Therefore, submitting your request no later than April 15, 2026 would be best practice if you wish to complete the ERS before the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The following violation was observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. A lockdown drill was completed on October 4, 2025 which would make the next emergency drill due to be completed in January 2026. No emergency drill was completed and/or documented in January 2026 or since October 4, 2025. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. During today’s visit, I observed a lockdown drill completed on October 4, 2025 which would make the next emergency drill due to be completed in January 2026. No emergency drill was completed and/or documented in January 2026 or since October 4, 2025. To correct this violation, you need to complete an emergency drill no later than March 31, 2026 and log the drill on the record. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phones to remind you to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. CONSULTATION for the ECERS-3 ASSESSMENT: 1. Remember that the ECERS-3 assessment will be completed in three hours with no interview process. If the assessors do not observe an indicator in action or posted as required, there will be no opportunity to explain the omission. 2. If your current classroom schedule and routine allows for outside play after 11am, you may want to revise your classroom schedule to include outside play in the first three hours of the school day. If you choose to make a schedule change, I suggest you make those changes as soon as possible and to begin to train the children and staff in the new routine. 3. Allow bleach water to sit on surfaces at least two minutes before wiping off or using the surface. 4. Ensure that children wash hands upon arrival, before and after water play, after messy art/play dough play, after coming in from outside, before eating, after toileting/diapering and after coughing/sneezing, etc. 5. Ensure that learning centers are accessible a substantial portion of the day and that your daily schedule reflects it. Areas that must be made available for a minimum of 2hrs and 10 minutes to meet the “Substantial Portion of the Day” requirement are: Fine Motor, Art, Blocks, Dramatic Play, Nature/Science/Exploration, Math/Numbers, and Books. 6. Ensure that children go outside every day weather permitting. 7. Ensure that your block centers are protected from foot traffic, large enough for three children to build a sizeable structure and enough blocks for three children to build. 8. Ensure that books and materials are in good repair and no books depict violent images (guns, swords, teeth bearing). 9. Ensure that the majority of direction/redirection is positive instead of negative. 10. Ensure that staff member's pocket books are stored in locked storage since they almost always contain medications or lotions that must be inaccessible to children. 11. Ensure that staff are interacting with children, engaging in meaningful conversations, and helping children work through altercations and conflicts as they occur. RATED LICENSE CONSULTATION: 1. Visit the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s website: ncrlap.org. There are training and resources available for the Environmental Rating Scale-3 (ERS-3) assessments. 2. We encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. ADDITIONAL CONSULTATION: 1. 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. 2 Per NC General Statute 110-102, the current version of Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law should be posted in a prominent place in the facility and included in the enrollment packet to be given to parents prior to the child’s first day of attendance. The most current Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was published in November 2025. Today, I observed the date of the posted Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was February 2025. Please print the updated version, post it in your lobby, and add it to your new enrollment packets. I also suggest you regularly check the DCDEE website for updated versions and especially when you receive notification of child care or sanitation rule updates. 3. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 4. We encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 6. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New 7. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 8. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. 1) Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Please send supporting documentation including the emergency drill log for me to use to verify compliance. I must receive your compliance letter no later than March 31, 2026. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1853095 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2025 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 12/9/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 337 Time In: 10:23 AM Time Out: 04:00 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. You, Karen Morrison and Rebecca Ebel, Lead Teachers, assisted me with today’s visit. I reviewed the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained today. This facility’s compliance history was 98% as of December 8, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. This facility currently operates with a five-star license, issued on April 11, 2022 earning seven points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BA or higher in early childhood education or child development. The last sanitation inspection was dated October 20, 2025 with a Superior classification and four demerits. I verified that you completed the process for new lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that the test results dated July 9, 2025 indicated that your facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have started the enrollment process for the lead-based paint testing and the asbestos testing but have not completed the enrollment process which was due by May 31, 2025. Please complete the lead-based paint survey and the asbestos survey to complete the enrollment process. The last fire inspection on file was dated December 11, 2024 and was received in my office on December 12, 2024. You and I completed a walk-through of the classrooms and the outdoor play space today. I monitored the indoor and outdoor licensed spaces. Children throughout the facility were playing in activity areas, transitioning from the classroom to the cafeteria, eating lunch and engaged in personal care routines. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the classrooms. Cold food brought from home and leftover from meals was stored in a residential refrigerator in Space 1 at a temperature of thirty-six degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s lunch met meal pattern requirements. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored NC Pre-K requirements during today’s visit. The Administrator, Dr. Timothy Sims, is the Director of Elementary Education, Federal Programs, and CTE for Hickory Public Schools and does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. This program uses Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment tool, Ages and Stages as the developmental screening tool, and Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum. This program’s family engagement component includes formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, classroom visits and options for parents and families to participate in classroom activities, parent education, opportunities to participate in activities outside the regular school day, two-way communication with families, and enrollment orientation for families to visit the classrooms. Parents are called or texted on the day a child is absent. After three days of any child’s absence, the contracting agency is contacted so they can contact the parent and inquire about the reason for the absence. Children enrolled in NC Pre-K attend your program from 7:30am to 2:15pm. NC Pre-K staff work from 7:00am to 3:00pm. This NC Pre-K program follows the Hickory Public Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I observed and cited the following violation during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1314 Emergency information did not name child's health care professional. One child’s enrollment application which was the document where required emergency information was recorded did not have a health care professional listed for the child. .0802(c)(2) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0802(c)(2), emergency information should include the name of a health care professional for the child. During today’s visit, one child’s enrollment application which was the document where required emergency information was recorded did not have a health care professional listed for the child. To correct this violation, I suggested you have the parent write in the name of a health care professional such as a family physician, a pediatrician, a local urgent care center, or a local health department. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review each child enrollment application upon receipt to ensure all required information has been completed and provided by the parent. To ensure this violation does not occur again in the future, I suggested you review all the child enrollment applications to make sure all required information was provided by each parent for each child enrolled. CONSULTATION 1. During today’s visit, we discussed the three QRIS Pathways to the Stars effective July 1, 2025. We covered enhanced ratios and space expectations, staff education including ensuring all staff have WORKS accounts, understanding the 50% requirement for lead teachers and for other educators, the Family and Community Engagement Foundational Practices, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan for the Facility and Individuals, and the ERS score update required for NC PreK programs. The following steps are how you can begin preparing for the Rated License process: If you choose Pathway 1: • Complete the “Application For Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” electronically and submit to your child care consultant no later than, April 1, 2025. • Complete the “Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) Assessment Request” form electronically and submit to your child care consultant no later than, April 1, 2025. • Confirm all staff have active WORKS accounts. • Complete the QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet electronically. • Begin planning for your three-month self-study using the applicable ITERS-3, ECERS-3, SACERS-U, OR FCCERS-3 books. • Prepare for Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments. o Access resources, trainings, and outreach via ncrlap.org. o Work with CCR&R or Smart Start for support in preparation. • Identify CQI goals and begin planning for implementation. • Develop strategies for Family and Community Engagement. • If four-year-old children are enrolled, select and implement an approved curriculum. If you choose Pathway 2: • Complete the “Application For Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” electronically and submit to your child care consultant no later than, April 1, 2025. • Confirm all staff have active WORKS accounts. • Complete the QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet electronically. • Identify CQI goals and begin planning for implementation. • Develop strategies for Family and Community Engagement. • Select and implement a curriculum. (4- and 5-star centers must use an approved curriculum and formative assessment tool for all ages.) • Arrange coaching or training options for administrators and lead teachers. If you choose Pathway 3: • Complete the “Application For Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” electronically and submit to your child care consultant no later than, April 1, 2025. • Ensure all staff have active WORKS accounts. • If you are accredited through NAFCC, NECPA, AMS, or IMC, you may earn a three star rated license with NO Education standards evaluation. • If you are accredited through NAFCC, NECPA, AMS, or IMC and would like to earn a four or five star rated license, the Education standard evaluation will determine the star rating earned. • If you are accredited through NAEYC, NAC, COGNIA, or your facility is Head Start and/or Early Head Start Education, NO Education standards evaluation is needed. • Documentation of accreditation status and Head Start designation must be submitted to process your star rated license. 2. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 3. We encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 4. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 5. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Healthy Social Behaviors: https://www.childcarerrnc.org/special-projects/healthy-social-behaviors/. Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline: Call at 1-704-376-6697 or toll free at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1 or email at sbrawley@childcareresourcesinc.org or jbyrd@childcareresources.org. Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New 6. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 7. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. 1) Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. 2. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I should receive your compliance letter no later than December 23, 2025. According to the Hickory Public Schools operating calendar, students will have a winter break from December 22, 2025 through January 5, 2026 which includes two optional teacher workdays and one required teacher day. Your compliance letter documentation should be submitted prior to the winter break planned for staff members. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1853095 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/9/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 1/9/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 234 Time In: 08:56 AM Time Out: 12:50 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. You, Karen Morrison and Rebecca Ebel , Lead Teachers, assisted me with today’s visit. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. I reviewed the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained today. Your program’s compliance history was 97% as of January 6, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on April 11, 2022 earning seven points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BA or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your program was monitored for compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. Your last sanitation inspection was dated September 5, 2024 with a Superior classification and zero demerits. I verified that you have begun the process for new lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that the test results dated January 15, 2021 indicated that your facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead-based paint testing and the asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection on file was dated December 11, 2024 and received in my office on December 12, 2024. You and I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored the indoor licensed spaces. Children throughout the facility were eating breakfast, playing in activity areas, clean activity areas, eating lunch and engaged in personal care routines. Due to the extreme cold and the frozen ground, the outdoor play area was monitored from my vehicle upon arrival and will be monitored more closely during the next visit. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a full-size residential refrigerator in Space 1 at a temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s breakfast included donuts, apple juice, and unflavored milk and lunch included a cheeseburger on a bun, potato wedges, oranges, and unflavored milk. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored the NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules. The off-site administrator does not serve as the teacher or teacher assistant in the classroom. A highest staff to child ratio of one staff to nine children was maintained. A maximum group size of no more than eighteen children was maintained. You have time outside the instructional day to participate in professional development, scheduling, and planning. You use Teaching Strategies Gold as your developmental screening tool and formative assessment tool. You stated you use Creative Curriculum as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement opportunities include formal and informal parent/teacher conferences, classroom visits and options for parents and families to participate in classroom activities, parent education, and opportunities to engage families outside the regular school day. You communicate with parents regarding children’s attendance and participation in classroom activities. You call and message parents when three consecutive absences occur. Children enrolled in your classrooms attend from 7:30am to 2:15pm. Your classrooms follow the 2024 – 2025 school calendar for Hickory Public Schools. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violation was observed, cited, and corrected during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. In Space 1, one electrical outlet was left uncovered. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c), each electrical outlet and power strip outlet should be covered or made inaccessible to the children. During today’s visit, one electrical outlet socket in Space 1 was uncovered. The Teacher Assistant placed an outlet cover in the socket during the visit which corrected the violation. Ms. Morrison stated that the custodial staff remove the outlet covers to vacuum the classrooms and occasionally forget to return the outlet cover to the socket. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you complete a safety inspection of each classroom prior to the arrival of the children to be sure electrical outlets are covered or inaccessible and all hazardous materials and items are stored above five feet or locked as required. CONSULTATION 1. The Public School Off-Site Record Verification Staff form should be updated with a current date each time a new employee is hired and added to the attached staff roster. 2. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Click here to submit your report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. 3. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings. 4. On Friday, July 12, 2024, DCDEE sent a “Raise North Carolina” email blast announcing the signing of Senate Bill 425. The email contained a section entitled, “Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization” which provided updated information regarding the Rated License Reassessment process and approved extended stabilization grant funding. What does all this mean for child care in general? 1. The new QRIS Modifications and additional pathways will be added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for ECCERS. ITERS and FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE and the NC Child Care Commission have already begun the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. 2. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Providers in any Cohort may voluntarily request a star rated license reassessment if they wish. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. 3. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a 3- or 5-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers will need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. What does this mean for the Environmental Rating Scales? Please be reminded the ERS-revised editions will continue to be used until January 31, 2025. Any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE PLAN: Since the one violation observed and cited during today’s visit was also corrected during today’s visit, no compliance letter documentation is required after today’s visit. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1853095 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/9/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 1/9/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 234 Time In: 08:56 AM Time Out: 12:50 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. You, Karen Morrison and Rebecca Ebel , Lead Teachers, assisted me with today’s visit. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. I reviewed the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained today. Your program’s compliance history was 97% as of January 6, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on April 11, 2022 earning seven points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BA or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your program was monitored for compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. Your last sanitation inspection was dated September 5, 2024 with a Superior classification and zero demerits. I verified that you have begun the process for new lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that the test results dated January 15, 2021 indicated that your facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead-based paint testing and the asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection on file was dated December 11, 2024 and received in my office on December 12, 2024. You and I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored the indoor licensed spaces. Children throughout the facility were eating breakfast, playing in activity areas, clean activity areas, eating lunch and engaged in personal care routines. Due to the extreme cold and the frozen ground, the outdoor play area was monitored from my vehicle upon arrival and will be monitored more closely during the next visit. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a full-size residential refrigerator in Space 1 at a temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s breakfast included donuts, apple juice, and unflavored milk and lunch included a cheeseburger on a bun, potato wedges, oranges, and unflavored milk. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored the NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules. The off-site administrator does not serve as the teacher or teacher assistant in the classroom. A highest staff to child ratio of one staff to nine children was maintained. A maximum group size of no more than eighteen children was maintained. You have time outside the instructional day to participate in professional development, scheduling, and planning. You use Teaching Strategies Gold as your developmental screening tool and formative assessment tool. You stated you use Creative Curriculum as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement opportunities include formal and informal parent/teacher conferences, classroom visits and options for parents and families to participate in classroom activities, parent education, and opportunities to engage families outside the regular school day. You communicate with parents regarding children’s attendance and participation in classroom activities. You call and message parents when three consecutive absences occur. Children enrolled in your classrooms attend from 7:30am to 2:15pm. Your classrooms follow the 2024 – 2025 school calendar for Hickory Public Schools. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violation was observed, cited, and corrected during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. In Space 1, one electrical outlet was left uncovered. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c), each electrical outlet and power strip outlet should be covered or made inaccessible to the children. During today’s visit, one electrical outlet socket in Space 1 was uncovered. The Teacher Assistant placed an outlet cover in the socket during the visit which corrected the violation. Ms. Morrison stated that the custodial staff remove the outlet covers to vacuum the classrooms and occasionally forget to return the outlet cover to the socket. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you complete a safety inspection of each classroom prior to the arrival of the children to be sure electrical outlets are covered or inaccessible and all hazardous materials and items are stored above five feet or locked as required. CONSULTATION 1. The Public School Off-Site Record Verification Staff form should be updated with a current date each time a new employee is hired and added to the attached staff roster. 2. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Click here to submit your report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. 3. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings. 4. On Friday, July 12, 2024, DCDEE sent a “Raise North Carolina” email blast announcing the signing of Senate Bill 425. The email contained a section entitled, “Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization” which provided updated information regarding the Rated License Reassessment process and approved extended stabilization grant funding. What does all this mean for child care in general? 1. The new QRIS Modifications and additional pathways will be added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for ECCERS. ITERS and FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE and the NC Child Care Commission have already begun the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. 2. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Providers in any Cohort may voluntarily request a star rated license reassessment if they wish. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. 3. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a 3- or 5-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers will need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. What does this mean for the Environmental Rating Scales? Please be reminded the ERS-revised editions will continue to be used until January 31, 2025. Any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE PLAN: Since the one violation observed and cited during today’s visit was also corrected during today’s visit, no compliance letter documentation is required after today’s visit. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1853095 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/9/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 1/9/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 234 Time In: 08:56 AM Time Out: 12:50 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. You, Karen Morrison and Rebecca Ebel , Lead Teachers, assisted me with today’s visit. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. I reviewed the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained today. Your program’s compliance history was 97% as of January 6, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on April 11, 2022 earning seven points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BA or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your program was monitored for compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. Your last sanitation inspection was dated September 5, 2024 with a Superior classification and zero demerits. I verified that you have begun the process for new lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that the test results dated January 15, 2021 indicated that your facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead-based paint testing and the asbestos testing. Your last fire inspection on file was dated December 11, 2024 and received in my office on December 12, 2024. You and I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored the indoor licensed spaces. Children throughout the facility were eating breakfast, playing in activity areas, clean activity areas, eating lunch and engaged in personal care routines. Due to the extreme cold and the frozen ground, the outdoor play area was monitored from my vehicle upon arrival and will be monitored more closely during the next visit. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Meals were prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a full-size residential refrigerator in Space 1 at a temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s breakfast included donuts, apple juice, and unflavored milk and lunch included a cheeseburger on a bun, potato wedges, oranges, and unflavored milk. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored the NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules. The off-site administrator does not serve as the teacher or teacher assistant in the classroom. A highest staff to child ratio of one staff to nine children was maintained. A maximum group size of no more than eighteen children was maintained. You have time outside the instructional day to participate in professional development, scheduling, and planning. You use Teaching Strategies Gold as your developmental screening tool and formative assessment tool. You stated you use Creative Curriculum as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement opportunities include formal and informal parent/teacher conferences, classroom visits and options for parents and families to participate in classroom activities, parent education, and opportunities to engage families outside the regular school day. You communicate with parents regarding children’s attendance and participation in classroom activities. You call and message parents when three consecutive absences occur. Children enrolled in your classrooms attend from 7:30am to 2:15pm. Your classrooms follow the 2024 – 2025 school calendar for Hickory Public Schools. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violation was observed, cited, and corrected during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. In Space 1, one electrical outlet was left uncovered. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c), each electrical outlet and power strip outlet should be covered or made inaccessible to the children. During today’s visit, one electrical outlet socket in Space 1 was uncovered. The Teacher Assistant placed an outlet cover in the socket during the visit which corrected the violation. Ms. Morrison stated that the custodial staff remove the outlet covers to vacuum the classrooms and occasionally forget to return the outlet cover to the socket. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you complete a safety inspection of each classroom prior to the arrival of the children to be sure electrical outlets are covered or inaccessible and all hazardous materials and items are stored above five feet or locked as required. CONSULTATION 1. The Public School Off-Site Record Verification Staff form should be updated with a current date each time a new employee is hired and added to the attached staff roster. 2. The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Click here to submit your report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. 3. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings. 4. On Friday, July 12, 2024, DCDEE sent a “Raise North Carolina” email blast announcing the signing of Senate Bill 425. The email contained a section entitled, “Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) Modernization” which provided updated information regarding the Rated License Reassessment process and approved extended stabilization grant funding. What does all this mean for child care in general? 1. The new QRIS Modifications and additional pathways will be added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for ECCERS. ITERS and FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE and the NC Child Care Commission have already begun the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. 2. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Providers in any Cohort may voluntarily request a star rated license reassessment if they wish. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. 3. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a 3- or 5-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers will need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. What does this mean for the Environmental Rating Scales? Please be reminded the ERS-revised editions will continue to be used until January 31, 2025. Any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 5. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New COMPLIANCE PLAN: Since the one violation observed and cited during today’s visit was also corrected during today’s visit, no compliance letter documentation is required after today’s visit. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1853095 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/24/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 1/24/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 320 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 02:30 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. You, April Icard and Karen Morrison, Lead Teachers, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on March 3, 2023. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on April 11, 2022, earning 7 points in staff education, 7 points in program standards, and one (1) quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BA or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your program was monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Your program was monitored for compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. Your program’s compliance history was 98% as of January 16, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your last sanitation inspection was dated October 3, 2023 with a Superior classification and 5 demerits. Your last fire inspection on file was dated November 7, 2023 and was received in my office on November 8, 2023. I visited each licensed indoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas, participating in teacher directed whole group activities, eating lunch, and napping. Due to the rainy weather, the children did not participate in outdoor activities today and I did not monitor the outdoor play space. I will monitor the outdoor play area during the next monitoring visit. I observed a current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. I observed the current menu posted on a parent information board. I observed lunch prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the classrooms. I observed lunch included chicken tenders, garden salad, pears, breadstick, and unflavored 1% milk. I observed and cited no violations related to nutritional requirements or food preparation. I monitored hazardous product storage. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored medication storage and medication administration. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored general safety. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored discipline practices. I observed and cited no violation. I monitored program records including the emergency medical care plan, Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan, incident log, playground safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and safe arrival and departure procedures. I observed and cited two violations. I reviewed child record files. I observed and cited no violations. I reviewed staff record files. I observed and cited one violation. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I monitored NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, who is the Director of Elementary Education, Federal Programs, and CTE for Hickory Public Schools, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. You use Teaching Strategies as the Formative Assessment tool. You use Ages and Stages as the developmental screening tool and Creative Curriculum as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement component includes formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, visits to the classroom, parent education, opportunities to be involved in the decision making about the early childhood program, and opportunities to participate in activities outside the regular school day. You call or text the parent on the day of absence and at least by the third day of any child’s absence to inquire the reason for the absence. You stated children enrolled in NC PreK attended your program from 7:30am to 2:15pm. You stated your NC PreK program follows the Hickory Public Schools calendar for the 2023 – 2024 school year. I observed children adequately supervised, highest voluntary enhanced staff-child ratios and group sizes maintained, adequate approved enhanced space used and space capacities maintained, and permit restrictions including “Daytime care only”, “Meets enhanced ratios reduced by one in each group”, “Meets enhanced ratios”, and “Meets enhanced space” maintained during today’s visit. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I observed and cited the following violations during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill for May 2023 was not documented on the fire drill log. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A vaild Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter was not file for one uncompensated provider (therapist) who provided services to a child outside the classroom setting. During the visit, the teacher received and printed a copy of the CBC qualification letter. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was not conducted in August/September 2023 or in November/December 2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(t), fire drills should be completed monthly and should be documented on a fire drill log including 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have other staff members review the fire drill log periodically to be sure the fire drill was recorded when completed. 2. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. When the school administration practices a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill or conducts a lockdown for a real-life situation, you may log that drill or situation on your emergency drill log. The next drill would be due three months from the previous drill or real-life situation. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 3. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e), each child care provider should have a valid Criminal Background Check qualification letter on file in their staff records. This includes therapists who visit your facility and are contracted to work with a child enrolled in your facility. When the therapist provides therapy services within the classroom with the teacher present, the therapist does not have to have a CBC qualification letter because the teacher is supervising the child and monitoring the therapy session. However, when the therapist takes the child out of the classroom to another part of the building and is left alone with the child, then the therapist has to have CBC qualification letter on file. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you place a written reminder on your visitor log clipboards requesting each therapist to give you a copy of their CBC qualification letter before removing a child from the classroom to deliver services. CONSULTATION 1. When a therapists takes a child out of a classroom to another area of the building, the therapist should sign the child out and then sign the child back in when returning the child to the classroom. This will allow you to account for the child’s whereabouts and the adult who is responsible for the child. 2. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 3. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. 4. The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. COMPLIANCE PLAN All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. A compliance plan statement for each violation stating how you plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than February 7, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1853095 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/24/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 1/24/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 320 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 02:30 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. You, April Icard and Karen Morrison, Lead Teachers, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on March 3, 2023. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on April 11, 2022, earning 7 points in staff education, 7 points in program standards, and one (1) quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BA or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your program was monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Your program was monitored for compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. Your program’s compliance history was 98% as of January 16, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your last sanitation inspection was dated October 3, 2023 with a Superior classification and 5 demerits. Your last fire inspection on file was dated November 7, 2023 and was received in my office on November 8, 2023. I visited each licensed indoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas, participating in teacher directed whole group activities, eating lunch, and napping. Due to the rainy weather, the children did not participate in outdoor activities today and I did not monitor the outdoor play space. I will monitor the outdoor play area during the next monitoring visit. I observed a current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. I observed the current menu posted on a parent information board. I observed lunch prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the classrooms. I observed lunch included chicken tenders, garden salad, pears, breadstick, and unflavored 1% milk. I observed and cited no violations related to nutritional requirements or food preparation. I monitored hazardous product storage. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored medication storage and medication administration. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored general safety. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored discipline practices. I observed and cited no violation. I monitored program records including the emergency medical care plan, Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan, incident log, playground safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and safe arrival and departure procedures. I observed and cited two violations. I reviewed child record files. I observed and cited no violations. I reviewed staff record files. I observed and cited one violation. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I monitored NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, who is the Director of Elementary Education, Federal Programs, and CTE for Hickory Public Schools, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. You use Teaching Strategies as the Formative Assessment tool. You use Ages and Stages as the developmental screening tool and Creative Curriculum as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement component includes formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, visits to the classroom, parent education, opportunities to be involved in the decision making about the early childhood program, and opportunities to participate in activities outside the regular school day. You call or text the parent on the day of absence and at least by the third day of any child’s absence to inquire the reason for the absence. You stated children enrolled in NC PreK attended your program from 7:30am to 2:15pm. You stated your NC PreK program follows the Hickory Public Schools calendar for the 2023 – 2024 school year. I observed children adequately supervised, highest voluntary enhanced staff-child ratios and group sizes maintained, adequate approved enhanced space used and space capacities maintained, and permit restrictions including “Daytime care only”, “Meets enhanced ratios reduced by one in each group”, “Meets enhanced ratios”, and “Meets enhanced space” maintained during today’s visit. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I observed and cited the following violations during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill for May 2023 was not documented on the fire drill log. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A vaild Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter was not file for one uncompensated provider (therapist) who provided services to a child outside the classroom setting. During the visit, the teacher received and printed a copy of the CBC qualification letter. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was not conducted in August/September 2023 or in November/December 2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(t), fire drills should be completed monthly and should be documented on a fire drill log including 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have other staff members review the fire drill log periodically to be sure the fire drill was recorded when completed. 2. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. When the school administration practices a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill or conducts a lockdown for a real-life situation, you may log that drill or situation on your emergency drill log. The next drill would be due three months from the previous drill or real-life situation. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 3. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e), each child care provider should have a valid Criminal Background Check qualification letter on file in their staff records. This includes therapists who visit your facility and are contracted to work with a child enrolled in your facility. When the therapist provides therapy services within the classroom with the teacher present, the therapist does not have to have a CBC qualification letter because the teacher is supervising the child and monitoring the therapy session. However, when the therapist takes the child out of the classroom to another part of the building and is left alone with the child, then the therapist has to have CBC qualification letter on file. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you place a written reminder on your visitor log clipboards requesting each therapist to give you a copy of their CBC qualification letter before removing a child from the classroom to deliver services. CONSULTATION 1. When a therapists takes a child out of a classroom to another area of the building, the therapist should sign the child out and then sign the child back in when returning the child to the classroom. This will allow you to account for the child’s whereabouts and the adult who is responsible for the child. 2. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 3. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. 4. The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. COMPLIANCE PLAN All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. A compliance plan statement for each violation stating how you plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than February 7, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09.0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1853095 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/24/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 1/24/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 320 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 02:30 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. You, April Icard and Karen Morrison, Lead Teachers, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on March 3, 2023. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on April 11, 2022, earning 7 points in staff education, 7 points in program standards, and one (1) quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BA or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your program was monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Your program was monitored for compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. Your program’s compliance history was 98% as of January 16, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your last sanitation inspection was dated October 3, 2023 with a Superior classification and 5 demerits. Your last fire inspection on file was dated November 7, 2023 and was received in my office on November 8, 2023. I visited each licensed indoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas, participating in teacher directed whole group activities, eating lunch, and napping. Due to the rainy weather, the children did not participate in outdoor activities today and I did not monitor the outdoor play space. I will monitor the outdoor play area during the next monitoring visit. I observed a current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. I observed the current menu posted on a parent information board. I observed lunch prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the classrooms. I observed lunch included chicken tenders, garden salad, pears, breadstick, and unflavored 1% milk. I observed and cited no violations related to nutritional requirements or food preparation. I monitored hazardous product storage. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored medication storage and medication administration. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored general safety. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored discipline practices. I observed and cited no violation. I monitored program records including the emergency medical care plan, Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan, incident log, playground safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and safe arrival and departure procedures. I observed and cited two violations. I reviewed child record files. I observed and cited no violations. I reviewed staff record files. I observed and cited one violation. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I monitored NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, who is the Director of Elementary Education, Federal Programs, and CTE for Hickory Public Schools, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. You use Teaching Strategies as the Formative Assessment tool. You use Ages and Stages as the developmental screening tool and Creative Curriculum as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement component includes formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, visits to the classroom, parent education, opportunities to be involved in the decision making about the early childhood program, and opportunities to participate in activities outside the regular school day. You call or text the parent on the day of absence and at least by the third day of any child’s absence to inquire the reason for the absence. You stated children enrolled in NC PreK attended your program from 7:30am to 2:15pm. You stated your NC PreK program follows the Hickory Public Schools calendar for the 2023 – 2024 school year. I observed children adequately supervised, highest voluntary enhanced staff-child ratios and group sizes maintained, adequate approved enhanced space used and space capacities maintained, and permit restrictions including “Daytime care only”, “Meets enhanced ratios reduced by one in each group”, “Meets enhanced ratios”, and “Meets enhanced space” maintained during today’s visit. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I observed and cited the following violations during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill for May 2023 was not documented on the fire drill log. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A vaild Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter was not file for one uncompensated provider (therapist) who provided services to a child outside the classroom setting. During the visit, the teacher received and printed a copy of the CBC qualification letter. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was not conducted in August/September 2023 or in November/December 2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(t), fire drills should be completed monthly and should be documented on a fire drill log including 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have other staff members review the fire drill log periodically to be sure the fire drill was recorded when completed. 2. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. When the school administration practices a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill or conducts a lockdown for a real-life situation, you may log that drill or situation on your emergency drill log. The next drill would be due three months from the previous drill or real-life situation. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 3. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e), each child care provider should have a valid Criminal Background Check qualification letter on file in their staff records. This includes therapists who visit your facility and are contracted to work with a child enrolled in your facility. When the therapist provides therapy services within the classroom with the teacher present, the therapist does not have to have a CBC qualification letter because the teacher is supervising the child and monitoring the therapy session. However, when the therapist takes the child out of the classroom to another part of the building and is left alone with the child, then the therapist has to have CBC qualification letter on file. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you place a written reminder on your visitor log clipboards requesting each therapist to give you a copy of their CBC qualification letter before removing a child from the classroom to deliver services. CONSULTATION 1. When a therapists takes a child out of a classroom to another area of the building, the therapist should sign the child out and then sign the child back in when returning the child to the classroom. This will allow you to account for the child’s whereabouts and the adult who is responsible for the child. 2. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 3. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. 4. The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. COMPLIANCE PLAN All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. A compliance plan statement for each violation stating how you plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than February 7, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HICKORY HIGH SCHOOL CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1853095 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/24/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 1/24/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 320 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 02:30 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. You, April Icard and Karen Morrison, Lead Teachers, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on March 3, 2023. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on April 11, 2022, earning 7 points in staff education, 7 points in program standards, and one (1) quality point for 75% of lead teachers having a BA/BA or higher in early childhood education or child development. Your program was monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Your program was monitored for compliance with NC Pre-K requirements. Your program’s compliance history was 98% as of January 16, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your last sanitation inspection was dated October 3, 2023 with a Superior classification and 5 demerits. Your last fire inspection on file was dated November 7, 2023 and was received in my office on November 8, 2023. I visited each licensed indoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas, participating in teacher directed whole group activities, eating lunch, and napping. Due to the rainy weather, the children did not participate in outdoor activities today and I did not monitor the outdoor play space. I will monitor the outdoor play area during the next monitoring visit. I observed a current menu documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. I observed the current menu posted on a parent information board. I observed lunch prepared in the school cafeteria and served in the classrooms. I observed lunch included chicken tenders, garden salad, pears, breadstick, and unflavored 1% milk. I observed and cited no violations related to nutritional requirements or food preparation. I monitored hazardous product storage. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored medication storage and medication administration. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored general safety. I observed and cited no violations. I monitored discipline practices. I observed and cited no violation. I monitored program records including the emergency medical care plan, Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan, incident log, playground safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and safe arrival and departure procedures. I observed and cited two violations. I reviewed child record files. I observed and cited no violations. I reviewed staff record files. I observed and cited one violation. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I monitored NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. I observed the Administrator, who is the Director of Elementary Education, Federal Programs, and CTE for Hickory Public Schools, does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. You use Teaching Strategies as the Formative Assessment tool. You use Ages and Stages as the developmental screening tool and Creative Curriculum as your approved curriculum. Your family engagement component includes formal and informal parent-teacher conferences, visits to the classroom, parent education, opportunities to be involved in the decision making about the early childhood program, and opportunities to participate in activities outside the regular school day. You call or text the parent on the day of absence and at least by the third day of any child’s absence to inquire the reason for the absence. You stated children enrolled in NC PreK attended your program from 7:30am to 2:15pm. You stated your NC PreK program follows the Hickory Public Schools calendar for the 2023 – 2024 school year. I observed children adequately supervised, highest voluntary enhanced staff-child ratios and group sizes maintained, adequate approved enhanced space used and space capacities maintained, and permit restrictions including “Daytime care only”, “Meets enhanced ratios reduced by one in each group”, “Meets enhanced ratios”, and “Meets enhanced space” maintained during today’s visit. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. I observed and cited the following violations during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill for May 2023 was not documented on the fire drill log. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A vaild Criminal Background Check (CBC) qualification letter was not file for one uncompensated provider (therapist) who provided services to a child outside the classroom setting. During the visit, the teacher received and printed a copy of the CBC qualification letter. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was not conducted in August/September 2023 or in November/December 2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(t), fire drills should be completed monthly and should be documented on a fire drill log including 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. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you have other staff members review the fire drill log periodically to be sure the fire drill was recorded when completed. 2. Per child care rules 10A NCAC 09.0604(u) and .0302(d)(8), shelter-in-place or lockdown drills should be practiced every three months and recorded on the drill log. When the school administration practices a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill or conducts a lockdown for a real-life situation, you may log that drill or situation on your emergency drill log. The next drill would be due three months from the previous drill or real-life situation. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you set a reminder on your phone to conduct a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months. 3. Per G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & 10A NCAC 09 .2703(e), each child care provider should have a valid Criminal Background Check qualification letter on file in their staff records. This includes therapists who visit your facility and are contracted to work with a child enrolled in your facility. When the therapist provides therapy services within the classroom with the teacher present, the therapist does not have to have a CBC qualification letter because the teacher is supervising the child and monitoring the therapy session. However, when the therapist takes the child out of the classroom to another part of the building and is left alone with the child, then the therapist has to have CBC qualification letter on file. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you place a written reminder on your visitor log clipboards requesting each therapist to give you a copy of their CBC qualification letter before removing a child from the classroom to deliver services. CONSULTATION 1. When a therapists takes a child out of a classroom to another area of the building, the therapist should sign the child out and then sign the child back in when returning the child to the classroom. This will allow you to account for the child’s whereabouts and the adult who is responsible for the child. 2. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 3. Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. 4. The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. COMPLIANCE PLAN All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit written, signed, and dated compliance documentation to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance documentation must include the following: 1) A compliance letter including the following: 1. The name of your facility 2. The ID number of your facility 3. The date you write the letter 4. A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. A compliance plan statement for each violation stating how you plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature 2) Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than February 7, 2024. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times