Quest AT Snow Creek Elementary

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: QUEST AT SNOW CREEK ELEMENTARY Facility ID: 18000514 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/6/2026 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 2/6/2026 Age: From 5 To 12 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 02:20 PM Time Out: 06:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance with rated license assessment visit. Tammy Watson, Program Coordinator, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility currently operates with a four-star license, issued on August 8, 2022, earning seven points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point for having reduced group size decreased by at least one child per age group from the seven-point level as required in Rule .2818(c). The license, NC Summary of Child Care Law poster, Classroom Staff to Child Ratio chart, safe arrival and departure procedures, emergency medical care plan, evacuation plan, daily schedule, activity plan, and emergency phone numbers were posted in a prominent area in the hallway outside the cafeteria. Fire drills were conducted monthly and documented on the Fire Drill Log. Shelter-in-Place and lockdown drills were conducted quarterly and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. This facility’s lead water testing results required to be completed every three years was dated July 4, 2024. Today, I verified those test results indicate that the facility’s water is within acceptable limits. I verified that this facility is exempt from lead-based paint and asbestos testing based on attestation statements and property tax documents submitted on July 2, 2025. A 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 and snacks were prepared and served in the school cafeteria. Today’s “Super Snack” exceeded the meal requirements. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor environment. Students arrived in the cafeteria where they placed their personal belongings in individually labeled laundry baskets. Students then sat at the cafeteria tables assigned to their age group. The students divided into three groups. The three groups took turns washing hands in the hall bathrooms. The three groups returned to cafeteria and went through the cafeteria line where they made choices for their “Super Snack”. Students sat at the cafeteria tables grouped by age. Groups rotated through the gym for structured and unstructured physical play, the cafeteria and stage area for activity areas, and the open field for active play in the snow. I monitored supervision, adequate approved space use, capacity and group size, staff/child ratios and permit restrictions and observed these being maintained during today’s visit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records, children’s records, and staff records. I monitored all health and safety requirements. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers”. The violation was observed and cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member with a date of employment of 07/05/2024 had completed six of the required eight health and safety training requirements to date and some of those were completed in 09/2025. .1102(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102(a), new employee’s should complete the Health & Safety (H&S) Training requirement within the first year of employment. Health and safety training should be in addition to the new staff orientation requirements. Today, I observed one staff member with a date of employment of 07/05/2024 had completed six out of eight health and safety training courses. To correct this violation, the staff member should complete the last two health and training courses. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you require new employees to complete the H&S training requirement within the first ninety days of employment AND print the completion certificates and submit them to you when the training is completed. RATED LICENSE DOCUMNENTATION and DISCUSSION: On October 8, 2025, I met with Ms. Gates and we discussed the , 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, and how work experience may count, the Family and Community Engagement Foundational Practices, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan for the Facility and Individuals, Self-Study and Coaching/Mentoring or Training. While this facility may begin the rated license assessment process at any time by submitting your “Application for Assessment for a Rated License”, I suggest you submit your application as stated below depending on the assessment option you choose. The following steps are how you can begin preparing for the Rated License Assessment 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, 2026. • Complete the “Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) Assessment Request” form electronically and submit to your child care consultant no later than, April 15, 2026 • Confirm all staff have active WORKS accounts and all education evaluations are up to date. • Complete the QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet electronically. • Begin your three-month self-study using the SACERS-U 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 and implement Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) goals for the facility and staff. • Develop strategies for Family and Community Engagement. 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, May 1, 2026. • Confirm all staff have active WORKS accounts and all education evaluations are up to date. • Complete the QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet electronically. • Identify and implement Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) goals for the facility and staff. • Develop strategies for Family and Community Engagement. • Select and implement a curriculum. (4- and 5-star centers must use an approved curriculum for all ages served.) • Arrange coaching or training options for administrators. 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, August 1, 2026. • Confirm all staff have active WORKS accounts and all education evaluations are up to date. • 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. Ms. Gates stated in an email dated February 4, 2026 that she planned to submit the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” for this facility by the end of February 2026. Along with the application please be prepared to submit the following as soon as possible: 1) The completed QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet available through the embedded link on the application. 2) Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers / Centers Located in a Residence document available through the embedded link on the application. In addition to the foundation practices required to meet the family and community engagement standards (CC RULE .3209) at the two-star level, this program may choose additional practices from the communication options, engagement and leadership options and educational opportunity options. Please be prepared to send me documentation to show that you have these practices in place. 3) Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan available through the embedded link on the application. 4) Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Professional Development (PD) Plan Individual available through the embedded link on the application. 5) Approved Curriculum choice from the list of approved curriculums for school-age students available at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/2/2025-26_Approved_Curriculum_11_5_25.pdf?ver=AADs8DL2Wb0HYdO_ER0hHw%3d%3d 6) Coaching/training options for administrators 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. .3211, .3212, .3213, .3214, .3215, .3216 and .3218. 7) Documentation that the administrator has completed or plans to complete training related to the chosen curriculum. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations in this visit summary. 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 must receive your compliance letter no later than February 20, 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 you may contact Erin Pickard, Licensing Supervisor, 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 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: QUEST AT SNOW CREEK ELEMENTARY Facility ID: 18000514 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/2/2024 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 2/2/2024 Age: From 5 To 12 Total Minutes: 171 Time In: 01:54 PM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for applicable child care requirements during a routine announced visit. You, Tammy Watson, Program Coordinator, assisted me Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, with today’s visit. Your program operates with a four-star license that was issued on August 8, 2022. Your program earned 2 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and 1 quality point. Your program operates with the following restrictions: 1st shift (daytime care), school age only, meets enhanced space, playground does not meet child care safety standards and group size reduced by 1 from the 7 point level and age range extended to 14 years old. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 23, 2023. Your compliance history score prior to today’s visit was 93%. The following required postings were posted in your parent information area: License, NC Summary of Child Care Law, first aid information sheet, emergency phone numbers posted, safe arrival and departure procedures, tobacco free signage, emergency medical care plan, activity plan, daily schedule and menu. The menu posted was current for the month of February stating snack for today consisted of whole grain rich cheddar Goldfish and 1% unflavored white milk. The activity plan posted was current and it included 4 activities and one being outside. The daily schedule that was posted was developmentally appropriate for school age children. During today’s visit I observed your emergency drill log to be current with emergency drills conducted quarterly as required. I observed your fire drill log being current fire drills being conducted monthly as required. I observed your incident log to be in compliance and incident reports were logged with children’s records. You stated that your program uses the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan that was dated May 24, 2022. You stated that your program does not provide transportation. During today’s visit I monitored a total of 1 emergency medication and the Medical Action Plan. During today’s visit I observed your most recent fire inspection dated September 7, 2023. I observed your most recent sanitation inspection as being conducted on November 15, 2023, with a grade of Superior and 0 demerits. You stated that your program does not provide screentime. I observed all children to be signed in upon arrival and attendance records to be up to date and accurate. I observed all children being signed in upon arrival and being divided into three groups. One group with one group leader remained in the cafeteria where snack was provided, one group with one group leader went to the playground for outside activities, and the other group with one group leader went outside for outside to a different playground for outside activities. During today’s visit I observed children being cared for and spoken to in a nurturing way. I observed positive interactions between children and group leaders and the program coordinator. I observed a variety of toys and furnishings on the stage to be child size, of sufficient quantity, in good repair and developmentally appropriate. During today’s visit all existing staff files were monitored for criminal background qualification letters, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment, BSAC, First Aid and CPR Certificates and special trainings. There was one new staff file that was monitored during today’s visit. Your playground is exempt from meeting NC child care safety requirements as indicated on your star rated license. The outdoor play area was monitored today for general safety and sufficient materials. The following violations were observed during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incident reports for 12 children were stored with the incident logs and not with the child’s file. .0802(g)(1-6) 1879 Prescribed medicines, that are pharmaceutical samples, was not stored in the manufacturers original packaging, was not labeled with the child's name, and/or written instructions did not include the required information. The medication permission to administer form for one Emergency medication did not list the route and dosage of the medication. One medication was not labeled with the child’s name. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(b)(i-v) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. One teacher with a hire date of 1/8/2024 had a Health Questionnaire stored with their personnel file. .0701(d) Technical Assistance: All violations that were cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. • The medication permission to administer form for one Emergency medication did not list the route and dosage of the medication. As discussed, all medications should be filled out completely without leaving blank spaces. • One medication was not labeled with the child’s name. As discussed, all medications should be labeled with the child’s name. Please check all medications periodically to ensure all rule requirements are being met to avoid noncompliance. • One teacher with a hire date of 1/8/2024 had a Health Questionnaire stored with their personnel file. As discussed, all health and medical information should be stored in a separate file for that staff member. • Incident reports for 12 children were stored with the incident logs and not with the child’s file. As discussed, incident reports are to be stored with the child’s file. Consultation: • As of September 2023, the NC Summary of Child Care Law has been updated, be sure that parents receive, sign and acknowledgement of receipt as well as post the updated information with other required postings in your facility. • Your program is in cohort 1 for the rated license reassessment. Your program’s planning year will be from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Your program’s reassessment year will be 2024 to 2025 and the month of your reassessment will be the month that your current rated license expires. As you plan for the reassessment of the rated license, please be sure that all staff has their most recent education updated and verified in WORKS and that you are in touch with your local Partnership and Resource and Referral agencies to provide technical assistance and help you prepare for reassessment. Any violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 16, 2024, I must receive a written, dated and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If insufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Any observed violations cited during visits will negatively affect the center’s Compliance History Score. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c) in order to be eligible for a star rated license. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting DCDEE new website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/home.asp. You may contact me by phone at (980) 434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or Erin Pickard by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have questions. Thank you for your time and assistance 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: QUEST AT SNOW CREEK ELEMENTARY Facility ID: 18000514 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/2/2024 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 2/2/2024 Age: From 5 To 12 Total Minutes: 171 Time In: 01:54 PM Time Out: 04:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for applicable child care requirements during a routine announced visit. You, Tammy Watson, Program Coordinator, assisted me Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant, with today’s visit. Your program operates with a four-star license that was issued on August 8, 2022. Your program earned 2 points in program standards, 7 points in staff education and 1 quality point. Your program operates with the following restrictions: 1st shift (daytime care), school age only, meets enhanced space, playground does not meet child care safety standards and group size reduced by 1 from the 7 point level and age range extended to 14 years old. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 23, 2023. Your compliance history score prior to today’s visit was 93%. The following required postings were posted in your parent information area: License, NC Summary of Child Care Law, first aid information sheet, emergency phone numbers posted, safe arrival and departure procedures, tobacco free signage, emergency medical care plan, activity plan, daily schedule and menu. The menu posted was current for the month of February stating snack for today consisted of whole grain rich cheddar Goldfish and 1% unflavored white milk. The activity plan posted was current and it included 4 activities and one being outside. The daily schedule that was posted was developmentally appropriate for school age children. During today’s visit I observed your emergency drill log to be current with emergency drills conducted quarterly as required. I observed your fire drill log being current fire drills being conducted monthly as required. I observed your incident log to be in compliance and incident reports were logged with children’s records. You stated that your program uses the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan that was dated May 24, 2022. You stated that your program does not provide transportation. During today’s visit I monitored a total of 1 emergency medication and the Medical Action Plan. During today’s visit I observed your most recent fire inspection dated September 7, 2023. I observed your most recent sanitation inspection as being conducted on November 15, 2023, with a grade of Superior and 0 demerits. You stated that your program does not provide screentime. I observed all children to be signed in upon arrival and attendance records to be up to date and accurate. I observed all children being signed in upon arrival and being divided into three groups. One group with one group leader remained in the cafeteria where snack was provided, one group with one group leader went to the playground for outside activities, and the other group with one group leader went outside for outside to a different playground for outside activities. During today’s visit I observed children being cared for and spoken to in a nurturing way. I observed positive interactions between children and group leaders and the program coordinator. I observed a variety of toys and furnishings on the stage to be child size, of sufficient quantity, in good repair and developmentally appropriate. During today’s visit all existing staff files were monitored for criminal background qualification letters, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment, BSAC, First Aid and CPR Certificates and special trainings. There was one new staff file that was monitored during today’s visit. Your playground is exempt from meeting NC child care safety requirements as indicated on your star rated license. The outdoor play area was monitored today for general safety and sufficient materials. The following violations were observed during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incident reports for 12 children were stored with the incident logs and not with the child’s file. .0802(g)(1-6) 1879 Prescribed medicines, that are pharmaceutical samples, was not stored in the manufacturers original packaging, was not labeled with the child's name, and/or written instructions did not include the required information. The medication permission to administer form for one Emergency medication did not list the route and dosage of the medication. One medication was not labeled with the child’s name. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(2)(b)(i-v) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. One teacher with a hire date of 1/8/2024 had a Health Questionnaire stored with their personnel file. .0701(d) Technical Assistance: All violations that were cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. • The medication permission to administer form for one Emergency medication did not list the route and dosage of the medication. As discussed, all medications should be filled out completely without leaving blank spaces. • One medication was not labeled with the child’s name. As discussed, all medications should be labeled with the child’s name. Please check all medications periodically to ensure all rule requirements are being met to avoid noncompliance. • One teacher with a hire date of 1/8/2024 had a Health Questionnaire stored with their personnel file. As discussed, all health and medical information should be stored in a separate file for that staff member. • Incident reports for 12 children were stored with the incident logs and not with the child’s file. As discussed, incident reports are to be stored with the child’s file. Consultation: • As of September 2023, the NC Summary of Child Care Law has been updated, be sure that parents receive, sign and acknowledgement of receipt as well as post the updated information with other required postings in your facility. • Your program is in cohort 1 for the rated license reassessment. Your program’s planning year will be from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Your program’s reassessment year will be 2024 to 2025 and the month of your reassessment will be the month that your current rated license expires. As you plan for the reassessment of the rated license, please be sure that all staff has their most recent education updated and verified in WORKS and that you are in touch with your local Partnership and Resource and Referral agencies to provide technical assistance and help you prepare for reassessment. Any violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 16, 2024, I must receive a written, dated and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If insufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Any observed violations cited during visits will negatively affect the center’s Compliance History Score. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c) in order to be eligible for a star rated license. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting DCDEE new website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/home.asp. You may contact me by phone at (980) 434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or Erin Pickard by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have questions. Thank you for your time and assistance 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