Tender Care Child Development Center

10A NCAC 09. 601 · Violation

Name of Operation: TENDER CARE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1855145 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/1/2026 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 4/1/2026 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:35 PM Time In: 01:35 PM Time Out: 06:00 PM 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. You, Sue Craig, Administrator, assisted me during today’s visit. We reviewed the facility information in our database. You requested that the facility email address be changed. I made that change for you today. You stated no additional changes were warranted. This facility currently operates with a five-star license, issued on December 18, 2018, earning six points in staff education, six points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. 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 fire drills were completed monthly and documented on the Fire Drill Log. The emergency drills were completed every three months and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The playground inspections were completed monthly and 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 kitchen and served in the classrooms. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor environment. In Space 3, the infant-age children were playing on the floor with the teacher interacting. In Space 4, 5, 6, and 8, the toddler-age and preschool-age children were playing in activity areas. In Space 9, the preschool-age children were engaged in a teacher-directed whole group activity centered around a review of the alphabet letter names using flash cards. Later in the visit, the school-age children arrived from public school, ate snack, and played with activity area materials. I monitored supervision, adequate approved space use, space capacity, group size, enhanced 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 sixteen 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 records for two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 24, 2025. A staff and training (S&T) worksheet was available for review today and was included in this visit summary packet. Please continue to keep an S&T worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff during monitoring visits. I monitored health and safety requirements. RATED LICENSE DISCUSSION – I received the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” on March 30, 2026 prior to today’s announced visit. On the application, you indicated that this program had chosen the “Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2)” option to complete the rated license reassessment process and was hoping to maintain their five star license. RECEIVED, REVIEWED, VERIFIED COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers I received the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. After reviewing the application, I noticed that revisions were necessary. 2. Staff/Child Ratio and Space Capacity On the application, you indicated that this program would meet enhanced reduced staff/child ratio. Today, I verified that enhanced reduced staff/child ratio was being maintained in six out of the nine classrooms. 3. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers I received the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. After reviewing the document, I noticed that revisions were necessary. 4. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan I received the “Facility CQI Plan” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. During today’s visit, we discussed that the facility CQI goal should be programmatic and something that was not a minimal requirement for centers. After our discussion, you requested an opportunity to reconsider the facility CQI plan and resubmit the document to me. 5. Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Professional Development (PD) Plans The staff and administrator had created “Individual CQI Plan” documents which I was able to monitor in staff files during today’s visit. Please continue to keep current and updated copies of the “Individual CQI/PD Plan” documents in each staff member’s file so they are readily available for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 6. Approved Curriculum On the application, you indicated that the approved curriculum used at this facility was “Explorations for Young Children” and “FunnyDaffer School-Age”. Since this facility had been using “Explorations for Young Children” prior to this star rated license reassessment transition to the QRIS Modernization Plan, this facility will be allowed to continue using “Explorations for Young Children” for children zero to five years of age. During today’s visit, I verified that the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”, was available for staff use and was being implemented in the classrooms where four and five year old children were being served. 7. Coaching/training options for the administrator During today’s visit, I verified that you chose for the administrator to participate in the 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. 8. Coaching/training options for the lead teachers During today’s visit, I verified that you chose for lead teachers to participate in the 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. OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTATION NEEDED to VERIFY COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers Today, I sent you an email with the application document attached. Please make the necessary revisions to the application document and submit to me the revised application to me no later that Wednesday, April 15, 2026. 2. Staff/Child Ratio and Space Capacity Please create a plan to achieve enhanced reduced staff/child ratios in Space 5 where two-year-old children are enrolled. Please reminded that the enhanced reduced staff/child ratio for two-year-old children in one staff member to eight two-year-old children. Once this facility has achieved enhanced reduced staff/child ratios, please send me an email with the detailed documentation and supporting documents that I can use to verify that enhanced reduced staff/child ratios are in place, and a plan is in place to maintain these enhanced reduced staff/child ratios across the center. 3. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers Please make the necessary revisions to the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” document by selecting four of the additional family and community engagement standard practices including one additional practice from each of the three categories and one additional practice from any category of your choice. Please submit the revised document to me along with detailed written documentation explaining how each of the five foundational practices and each of the additional practices have been or plan to be implemented. I should be able to use the detailed documentation to verify that the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” foundational and additional practices are in place. 4. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan Please submit the revised/reconsidered “Facility CQI Plan” to me no later than April 20, 2026. 5. Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Professional Development (PD) Plans Please add the coaching/mentoring/training option, “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”, approved curriculum trainings, and approved formative assessment trainings to your “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. Please add the coaching/mentoring/training option, “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”, approved curriculum training, and approved formative assessment training to each lead teacher’s “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. If any staff member must commit to additional CEU training to achieve the desired star level education standard, please add that CEU training commitment to the staff member’s “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. 6. Staff Education Standards: I received the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet” on March 30, 2026. However, the staff members were not reported on the Lead Teacher and Other Educator tabs correctly. Please complete the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet” and send it to me by email no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2026. After reviewing staff files today, I noticed that two staff members (dates of employment of 10/21/2019 and 06/23/2020) assigned to work with school-age children had received Basic School Age Care (BSAC) training, but the training certificates had not been uploaded to DCDEE WORKS, and the staff members had not requested to be evaluated as group leaders. Please assist these staff members with uploading the BSAC certificates to their WORKS accounts and requesting to be evaluated as program coordinators, group leaders and assistant group leaders. Also, the staff members that are lead teacher qualified and have BSAC training may request to be evaluated as program coordinators as well. 7. Approved Curriculum As discussed today, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”, is available to the teachers in the classrooms serving children zero through three years of age and the plan to be implemented by the lead teachers. Please submit this documentation to me as soon as possible. As discussed today, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved curriculum, “FunnyDaffer School Age” has been purchased and the plan to be implemented by the group leaders. 8. Approved Formative Assessment As discussed today, please select a formative assessment tool from the approved list available on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/2/2025_Approved_EC_Formative_Assessments_3_31_26.pdf?ver=PJauAq-Lu2l2M46HtIscNQ%3d%3d. After selecting an approved formative assessment, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved formative assessment has been purchased and the plan for the lead teachers to implement the formative assessment. 9. Plan to share assessments with families Please create a plan to share assessments with the families twice annually. After creating the plan to share assessments with the families, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verified that this plan to share assessments with families is implemented and will continue to be implemented twice annually. 10. Training related to the approved curriculum of choice Please arrange for the administrator to complete training related to the approved curriculums, “Explorations for Young Children” and “FunnyDaffer School-Age”. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificate to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in the administrator’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. Please arrange for the lead teachers to complete training related to the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificates to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in each lead teacher’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 11. Training related to the approved formative assessment of choice Please arrange for the administrator to complete training related to the chosen approved formative assessment. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificate to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in the administrator’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. Please arrange for the lead teachers to complete training related to the chosen approved formative assessment. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificates to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in each lead teacher’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. STAR RATED LICENSE DETERMINATION The star rating of this facility will be determined after April 15, 2026, when I receive and verify the implementation of enhanced reduced staff/child ratios throughout the center, receive the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet”, determine the number of stars the facility earns based on education and experience verified in DCDEE WORKS, receive and verify the “Facility CQI Plan”, receive and verify the “Family and Community Engagement Practices”, receive and verify the purchase and implementation of an approved curriculum for school-age children, receive and verify the choice and implementation of an approved formative assessment, receive and verify the center’s plan to share assessments with families twice annually, and receive and verify that the training related to the approved curriculum and formative assessment have been completed. 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 95%. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. On the playground designated for use by children two through twelve years of age, the rubber coating on the steel steps of composite structure was peeling and cracking. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/08/2025 was not listed on the facility ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of the employment. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Today, I observed a staff roster for the facility established on the ABCMS portal established. However, one staff member with a date of employment of 12/08/2025 was not listed on the facility’s ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment. To correct this violation, the staff member should be added to the facility staff roster in the ABCMS Provider Portal. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, you should update the information in the ABCMS portal regarding new hires and staff members as they separate from employment. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired. 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. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09. 601(b), all equipment and materials both indoors and outdoors should be kept in good repair. During today’s visit, the rubber coating on the steel steps of composite structure on the playground designated for use by children two through twelve years of age was peeling and cracking. You stated that knew an individual that worked with the city parks and recreation and would contact this person for advise as to how to repair the steps on this piece of equipment. To correct this violation, I suggested you consider peeling the deteriorating rubber coating off the steel steps and reapply skid treads or spray on rubber coating available at home improvement box stores. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you make repairs to the facility equipment as soon as deterioration is noticed and replace equipment as needed. RATED LICENSE CONSULTATION: 1. 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 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) 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 April 15, 2025. 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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: TENDER CARE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1855145 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/1/2026 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 4/1/2026 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:35 PM Time In: 01:35 PM Time Out: 06:00 PM 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. You, Sue Craig, Administrator, assisted me during today’s visit. We reviewed the facility information in our database. You requested that the facility email address be changed. I made that change for you today. You stated no additional changes were warranted. This facility currently operates with a five-star license, issued on December 18, 2018, earning six points in staff education, six points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. 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 fire drills were completed monthly and documented on the Fire Drill Log. The emergency drills were completed every three months and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The playground inspections were completed monthly and 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 kitchen and served in the classrooms. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor environment. In Space 3, the infant-age children were playing on the floor with the teacher interacting. In Space 4, 5, 6, and 8, the toddler-age and preschool-age children were playing in activity areas. In Space 9, the preschool-age children were engaged in a teacher-directed whole group activity centered around a review of the alphabet letter names using flash cards. Later in the visit, the school-age children arrived from public school, ate snack, and played with activity area materials. I monitored supervision, adequate approved space use, space capacity, group size, enhanced 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 sixteen 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 records for two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 24, 2025. A staff and training (S&T) worksheet was available for review today and was included in this visit summary packet. Please continue to keep an S&T worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff during monitoring visits. I monitored health and safety requirements. RATED LICENSE DISCUSSION – I received the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” on March 30, 2026 prior to today’s announced visit. On the application, you indicated that this program had chosen the “Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2)” option to complete the rated license reassessment process and was hoping to maintain their five star license. RECEIVED, REVIEWED, VERIFIED COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers I received the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. After reviewing the application, I noticed that revisions were necessary. 2. Staff/Child Ratio and Space Capacity On the application, you indicated that this program would meet enhanced reduced staff/child ratio. Today, I verified that enhanced reduced staff/child ratio was being maintained in six out of the nine classrooms. 3. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers I received the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. After reviewing the document, I noticed that revisions were necessary. 4. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan I received the “Facility CQI Plan” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. During today’s visit, we discussed that the facility CQI goal should be programmatic and something that was not a minimal requirement for centers. After our discussion, you requested an opportunity to reconsider the facility CQI plan and resubmit the document to me. 5. Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Professional Development (PD) Plans The staff and administrator had created “Individual CQI Plan” documents which I was able to monitor in staff files during today’s visit. Please continue to keep current and updated copies of the “Individual CQI/PD Plan” documents in each staff member’s file so they are readily available for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 6. Approved Curriculum On the application, you indicated that the approved curriculum used at this facility was “Explorations for Young Children” and “FunnyDaffer School-Age”. Since this facility had been using “Explorations for Young Children” prior to this star rated license reassessment transition to the QRIS Modernization Plan, this facility will be allowed to continue using “Explorations for Young Children” for children zero to five years of age. During today’s visit, I verified that the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”, was available for staff use and was being implemented in the classrooms where four and five year old children were being served. 7. Coaching/training options for the administrator During today’s visit, I verified that you chose for the administrator to participate in the 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. 8. Coaching/training options for the lead teachers During today’s visit, I verified that you chose for lead teachers to participate in the 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. OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTATION NEEDED to VERIFY COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers Today, I sent you an email with the application document attached. Please make the necessary revisions to the application document and submit to me the revised application to me no later that Wednesday, April 15, 2026. 2. Staff/Child Ratio and Space Capacity Please create a plan to achieve enhanced reduced staff/child ratios in Space 5 where two-year-old children are enrolled. Please reminded that the enhanced reduced staff/child ratio for two-year-old children in one staff member to eight two-year-old children. Once this facility has achieved enhanced reduced staff/child ratios, please send me an email with the detailed documentation and supporting documents that I can use to verify that enhanced reduced staff/child ratios are in place, and a plan is in place to maintain these enhanced reduced staff/child ratios across the center. 3. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers Please make the necessary revisions to the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” document by selecting four of the additional family and community engagement standard practices including one additional practice from each of the three categories and one additional practice from any category of your choice. Please submit the revised document to me along with detailed written documentation explaining how each of the five foundational practices and each of the additional practices have been or plan to be implemented. I should be able to use the detailed documentation to verify that the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” foundational and additional practices are in place. 4. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan Please submit the revised/reconsidered “Facility CQI Plan” to me no later than April 20, 2026. 5. Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Professional Development (PD) Plans Please add the coaching/mentoring/training option, “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”, approved curriculum trainings, and approved formative assessment trainings to your “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. Please add the coaching/mentoring/training option, “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”, approved curriculum training, and approved formative assessment training to each lead teacher’s “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. If any staff member must commit to additional CEU training to achieve the desired star level education standard, please add that CEU training commitment to the staff member’s “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. 6. Staff Education Standards: I received the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet” on March 30, 2026. However, the staff members were not reported on the Lead Teacher and Other Educator tabs correctly. Please complete the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet” and send it to me by email no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2026. After reviewing staff files today, I noticed that two staff members (dates of employment of 10/21/2019 and 06/23/2020) assigned to work with school-age children had received Basic School Age Care (BSAC) training, but the training certificates had not been uploaded to DCDEE WORKS, and the staff members had not requested to be evaluated as group leaders. Please assist these staff members with uploading the BSAC certificates to their WORKS accounts and requesting to be evaluated as program coordinators, group leaders and assistant group leaders. Also, the staff members that are lead teacher qualified and have BSAC training may request to be evaluated as program coordinators as well. 7. Approved Curriculum As discussed today, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”, is available to the teachers in the classrooms serving children zero through three years of age and the plan to be implemented by the lead teachers. Please submit this documentation to me as soon as possible. As discussed today, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved curriculum, “FunnyDaffer School Age” has been purchased and the plan to be implemented by the group leaders. 8. Approved Formative Assessment As discussed today, please select a formative assessment tool from the approved list available on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/2/2025_Approved_EC_Formative_Assessments_3_31_26.pdf?ver=PJauAq-Lu2l2M46HtIscNQ%3d%3d. After selecting an approved formative assessment, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved formative assessment has been purchased and the plan for the lead teachers to implement the formative assessment. 9. Plan to share assessments with families Please create a plan to share assessments with the families twice annually. After creating the plan to share assessments with the families, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verified that this plan to share assessments with families is implemented and will continue to be implemented twice annually. 10. Training related to the approved curriculum of choice Please arrange for the administrator to complete training related to the approved curriculums, “Explorations for Young Children” and “FunnyDaffer School-Age”. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificate to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in the administrator’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. Please arrange for the lead teachers to complete training related to the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificates to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in each lead teacher’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 11. Training related to the approved formative assessment of choice Please arrange for the administrator to complete training related to the chosen approved formative assessment. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificate to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in the administrator’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. Please arrange for the lead teachers to complete training related to the chosen approved formative assessment. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificates to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in each lead teacher’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. STAR RATED LICENSE DETERMINATION The star rating of this facility will be determined after April 15, 2026, when I receive and verify the implementation of enhanced reduced staff/child ratios throughout the center, receive the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet”, determine the number of stars the facility earns based on education and experience verified in DCDEE WORKS, receive and verify the “Facility CQI Plan”, receive and verify the “Family and Community Engagement Practices”, receive and verify the purchase and implementation of an approved curriculum for school-age children, receive and verify the choice and implementation of an approved formative assessment, receive and verify the center’s plan to share assessments with families twice annually, and receive and verify that the training related to the approved curriculum and formative assessment have been completed. 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 95%. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. On the playground designated for use by children two through twelve years of age, the rubber coating on the steel steps of composite structure was peeling and cracking. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/08/2025 was not listed on the facility ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of the employment. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Today, I observed a staff roster for the facility established on the ABCMS portal established. However, one staff member with a date of employment of 12/08/2025 was not listed on the facility’s ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment. To correct this violation, the staff member should be added to the facility staff roster in the ABCMS Provider Portal. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, you should update the information in the ABCMS portal regarding new hires and staff members as they separate from employment. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired. 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. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09. 601(b), all equipment and materials both indoors and outdoors should be kept in good repair. During today’s visit, the rubber coating on the steel steps of composite structure on the playground designated for use by children two through twelve years of age was peeling and cracking. You stated that knew an individual that worked with the city parks and recreation and would contact this person for advise as to how to repair the steps on this piece of equipment. To correct this violation, I suggested you consider peeling the deteriorating rubber coating off the steel steps and reapply skid treads or spray on rubber coating available at home improvement box stores. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you make repairs to the facility equipment as soon as deterioration is noticed and replace equipment as needed. RATED LICENSE CONSULTATION: 1. 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 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) 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 April 15, 2025. 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

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: TENDER CARE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1855145 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/1/2026 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 4/1/2026 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:35 PM Time In: 01:35 PM Time Out: 06:00 PM 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. You, Sue Craig, Administrator, assisted me during today’s visit. We reviewed the facility information in our database. You requested that the facility email address be changed. I made that change for you today. You stated no additional changes were warranted. This facility currently operates with a five-star license, issued on December 18, 2018, earning six points in staff education, six points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. 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 fire drills were completed monthly and documented on the Fire Drill Log. The emergency drills were completed every three months and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The playground inspections were completed monthly and 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 kitchen and served in the classrooms. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor environment. In Space 3, the infant-age children were playing on the floor with the teacher interacting. In Space 4, 5, 6, and 8, the toddler-age and preschool-age children were playing in activity areas. In Space 9, the preschool-age children were engaged in a teacher-directed whole group activity centered around a review of the alphabet letter names using flash cards. Later in the visit, the school-age children arrived from public school, ate snack, and played with activity area materials. I monitored supervision, adequate approved space use, space capacity, group size, enhanced 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 sixteen 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 records for two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 24, 2025. A staff and training (S&T) worksheet was available for review today and was included in this visit summary packet. Please continue to keep an S&T worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff during monitoring visits. I monitored health and safety requirements. RATED LICENSE DISCUSSION – I received the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” on March 30, 2026 prior to today’s announced visit. On the application, you indicated that this program had chosen the “Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2)” option to complete the rated license reassessment process and was hoping to maintain their five star license. RECEIVED, REVIEWED, VERIFIED COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers I received the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. After reviewing the application, I noticed that revisions were necessary. 2. Staff/Child Ratio and Space Capacity On the application, you indicated that this program would meet enhanced reduced staff/child ratio. Today, I verified that enhanced reduced staff/child ratio was being maintained in six out of the nine classrooms. 3. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers I received the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. After reviewing the document, I noticed that revisions were necessary. 4. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan I received the “Facility CQI Plan” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. During today’s visit, we discussed that the facility CQI goal should be programmatic and something that was not a minimal requirement for centers. After our discussion, you requested an opportunity to reconsider the facility CQI plan and resubmit the document to me. 5. Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Professional Development (PD) Plans The staff and administrator had created “Individual CQI Plan” documents which I was able to monitor in staff files during today’s visit. Please continue to keep current and updated copies of the “Individual CQI/PD Plan” documents in each staff member’s file so they are readily available for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 6. Approved Curriculum On the application, you indicated that the approved curriculum used at this facility was “Explorations for Young Children” and “FunnyDaffer School-Age”. Since this facility had been using “Explorations for Young Children” prior to this star rated license reassessment transition to the QRIS Modernization Plan, this facility will be allowed to continue using “Explorations for Young Children” for children zero to five years of age. During today’s visit, I verified that the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”, was available for staff use and was being implemented in the classrooms where four and five year old children were being served. 7. Coaching/training options for the administrator During today’s visit, I verified that you chose for the administrator to participate in the 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. 8. Coaching/training options for the lead teachers During today’s visit, I verified that you chose for lead teachers to participate in the 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. OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTATION NEEDED to VERIFY COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers Today, I sent you an email with the application document attached. Please make the necessary revisions to the application document and submit to me the revised application to me no later that Wednesday, April 15, 2026. 2. Staff/Child Ratio and Space Capacity Please create a plan to achieve enhanced reduced staff/child ratios in Space 5 where two-year-old children are enrolled. Please reminded that the enhanced reduced staff/child ratio for two-year-old children in one staff member to eight two-year-old children. Once this facility has achieved enhanced reduced staff/child ratios, please send me an email with the detailed documentation and supporting documents that I can use to verify that enhanced reduced staff/child ratios are in place, and a plan is in place to maintain these enhanced reduced staff/child ratios across the center. 3. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers Please make the necessary revisions to the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” document by selecting four of the additional family and community engagement standard practices including one additional practice from each of the three categories and one additional practice from any category of your choice. Please submit the revised document to me along with detailed written documentation explaining how each of the five foundational practices and each of the additional practices have been or plan to be implemented. I should be able to use the detailed documentation to verify that the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” foundational and additional practices are in place. 4. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan Please submit the revised/reconsidered “Facility CQI Plan” to me no later than April 20, 2026. 5. Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Professional Development (PD) Plans Please add the coaching/mentoring/training option, “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”, approved curriculum trainings, and approved formative assessment trainings to your “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. Please add the coaching/mentoring/training option, “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”, approved curriculum training, and approved formative assessment training to each lead teacher’s “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. If any staff member must commit to additional CEU training to achieve the desired star level education standard, please add that CEU training commitment to the staff member’s “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. 6. Staff Education Standards: I received the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet” on March 30, 2026. However, the staff members were not reported on the Lead Teacher and Other Educator tabs correctly. Please complete the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet” and send it to me by email no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2026. After reviewing staff files today, I noticed that two staff members (dates of employment of 10/21/2019 and 06/23/2020) assigned to work with school-age children had received Basic School Age Care (BSAC) training, but the training certificates had not been uploaded to DCDEE WORKS, and the staff members had not requested to be evaluated as group leaders. Please assist these staff members with uploading the BSAC certificates to their WORKS accounts and requesting to be evaluated as program coordinators, group leaders and assistant group leaders. Also, the staff members that are lead teacher qualified and have BSAC training may request to be evaluated as program coordinators as well. 7. Approved Curriculum As discussed today, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”, is available to the teachers in the classrooms serving children zero through three years of age and the plan to be implemented by the lead teachers. Please submit this documentation to me as soon as possible. As discussed today, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved curriculum, “FunnyDaffer School Age” has been purchased and the plan to be implemented by the group leaders. 8. Approved Formative Assessment As discussed today, please select a formative assessment tool from the approved list available on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/2/2025_Approved_EC_Formative_Assessments_3_31_26.pdf?ver=PJauAq-Lu2l2M46HtIscNQ%3d%3d. After selecting an approved formative assessment, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved formative assessment has been purchased and the plan for the lead teachers to implement the formative assessment. 9. Plan to share assessments with families Please create a plan to share assessments with the families twice annually. After creating the plan to share assessments with the families, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verified that this plan to share assessments with families is implemented and will continue to be implemented twice annually. 10. Training related to the approved curriculum of choice Please arrange for the administrator to complete training related to the approved curriculums, “Explorations for Young Children” and “FunnyDaffer School-Age”. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificate to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in the administrator’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. Please arrange for the lead teachers to complete training related to the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificates to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in each lead teacher’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 11. Training related to the approved formative assessment of choice Please arrange for the administrator to complete training related to the chosen approved formative assessment. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificate to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in the administrator’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. Please arrange for the lead teachers to complete training related to the chosen approved formative assessment. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificates to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in each lead teacher’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. STAR RATED LICENSE DETERMINATION The star rating of this facility will be determined after April 15, 2026, when I receive and verify the implementation of enhanced reduced staff/child ratios throughout the center, receive the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet”, determine the number of stars the facility earns based on education and experience verified in DCDEE WORKS, receive and verify the “Facility CQI Plan”, receive and verify the “Family and Community Engagement Practices”, receive and verify the purchase and implementation of an approved curriculum for school-age children, receive and verify the choice and implementation of an approved formative assessment, receive and verify the center’s plan to share assessments with families twice annually, and receive and verify that the training related to the approved curriculum and formative assessment have been completed. 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 95%. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. On the playground designated for use by children two through twelve years of age, the rubber coating on the steel steps of composite structure was peeling and cracking. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/08/2025 was not listed on the facility ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of the employment. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Today, I observed a staff roster for the facility established on the ABCMS portal established. However, one staff member with a date of employment of 12/08/2025 was not listed on the facility’s ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment. To correct this violation, the staff member should be added to the facility staff roster in the ABCMS Provider Portal. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, you should update the information in the ABCMS portal regarding new hires and staff members as they separate from employment. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired. 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. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09. 601(b), all equipment and materials both indoors and outdoors should be kept in good repair. During today’s visit, the rubber coating on the steel steps of composite structure on the playground designated for use by children two through twelve years of age was peeling and cracking. You stated that knew an individual that worked with the city parks and recreation and would contact this person for advise as to how to repair the steps on this piece of equipment. To correct this violation, I suggested you consider peeling the deteriorating rubber coating off the steel steps and reapply skid treads or spray on rubber coating available at home improvement box stores. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you make repairs to the facility equipment as soon as deterioration is noticed and replace equipment as needed. RATED LICENSE CONSULTATION: 1. 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 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) 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 April 15, 2025. 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: TENDER CARE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1855145 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/1/2026 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 4/1/2026 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 480 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:35 PM Time In: 01:35 PM Time Out: 06:00 PM 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. You, Sue Craig, Administrator, assisted me during today’s visit. We reviewed the facility information in our database. You requested that the facility email address be changed. I made that change for you today. You stated no additional changes were warranted. This facility currently operates with a five-star license, issued on December 18, 2018, earning six points in staff education, six points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. 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 fire drills were completed monthly and documented on the Fire Drill Log. The emergency drills were completed every three months and documented on the Emergency Drill Log. The playground inspections were completed monthly and 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 kitchen and served in the classrooms. I completed a walkthrough of the indoor environment. In Space 3, the infant-age children were playing on the floor with the teacher interacting. In Space 4, 5, 6, and 8, the toddler-age and preschool-age children were playing in activity areas. In Space 9, the preschool-age children were engaged in a teacher-directed whole group activity centered around a review of the alphabet letter names using flash cards. Later in the visit, the school-age children arrived from public school, ate snack, and played with activity area materials. I monitored supervision, adequate approved space use, space capacity, group size, enhanced 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 sixteen 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 records for two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 24, 2025. A staff and training (S&T) worksheet was available for review today and was included in this visit summary packet. Please continue to keep an S&T worksheet current and available for review by DCDEE staff during monitoring visits. I monitored health and safety requirements. RATED LICENSE DISCUSSION – I received the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” on March 30, 2026 prior to today’s announced visit. On the application, you indicated that this program had chosen the “Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2)” option to complete the rated license reassessment process and was hoping to maintain their five star license. RECEIVED, REVIEWED, VERIFIED COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers I received the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. After reviewing the application, I noticed that revisions were necessary. 2. Staff/Child Ratio and Space Capacity On the application, you indicated that this program would meet enhanced reduced staff/child ratio. Today, I verified that enhanced reduced staff/child ratio was being maintained in six out of the nine classrooms. 3. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers I received the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. After reviewing the document, I noticed that revisions were necessary. 4. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan I received the “Facility CQI Plan” document on March 30, 2026 and reviewed the document on March 31, 2026 prior to today’s visit. During today’s visit, we discussed that the facility CQI goal should be programmatic and something that was not a minimal requirement for centers. After our discussion, you requested an opportunity to reconsider the facility CQI plan and resubmit the document to me. 5. Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Professional Development (PD) Plans The staff and administrator had created “Individual CQI Plan” documents which I was able to monitor in staff files during today’s visit. Please continue to keep current and updated copies of the “Individual CQI/PD Plan” documents in each staff member’s file so they are readily available for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 6. Approved Curriculum On the application, you indicated that the approved curriculum used at this facility was “Explorations for Young Children” and “FunnyDaffer School-Age”. Since this facility had been using “Explorations for Young Children” prior to this star rated license reassessment transition to the QRIS Modernization Plan, this facility will be allowed to continue using “Explorations for Young Children” for children zero to five years of age. During today’s visit, I verified that the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”, was available for staff use and was being implemented in the classrooms where four and five year old children were being served. 7. Coaching/training options for the administrator During today’s visit, I verified that you chose for the administrator to participate in the 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. 8. Coaching/training options for the lead teachers During today’s visit, I verified that you chose for lead teachers to participate in the 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. OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTATION NEEDED to VERIFY COMPONENTS for Classroom and Instructional Quality Assessment (Pathway 2): 1. Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers Today, I sent you an email with the application document attached. Please make the necessary revisions to the application document and submit to me the revised application to me no later that Wednesday, April 15, 2026. 2. Staff/Child Ratio and Space Capacity Please create a plan to achieve enhanced reduced staff/child ratios in Space 5 where two-year-old children are enrolled. Please reminded that the enhanced reduced staff/child ratio for two-year-old children in one staff member to eight two-year-old children. Once this facility has achieved enhanced reduced staff/child ratios, please send me an email with the detailed documentation and supporting documents that I can use to verify that enhanced reduced staff/child ratios are in place, and a plan is in place to maintain these enhanced reduced staff/child ratios across the center. 3. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers Please make the necessary revisions to the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” document by selecting four of the additional family and community engagement standard practices including one additional practice from each of the three categories and one additional practice from any category of your choice. Please submit the revised document to me along with detailed written documentation explaining how each of the five foundational practices and each of the additional practices have been or plan to be implemented. I should be able to use the detailed documentation to verify that the “Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers” foundational and additional practices are in place. 4. Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan Please submit the revised/reconsidered “Facility CQI Plan” to me no later than April 20, 2026. 5. Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Professional Development (PD) Plans Please add the coaching/mentoring/training option, “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”, approved curriculum trainings, and approved formative assessment trainings to your “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. Please add the coaching/mentoring/training option, “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”, approved curriculum training, and approved formative assessment training to each lead teacher’s “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. If any staff member must commit to additional CEU training to achieve the desired star level education standard, please add that CEU training commitment to the staff member’s “Individual CQI/PD Plan” document. 6. Staff Education Standards: I received the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet” on March 30, 2026. However, the staff members were not reported on the Lead Teacher and Other Educator tabs correctly. Please complete the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet” and send it to me by email no later than Wednesday, April 15, 2026. After reviewing staff files today, I noticed that two staff members (dates of employment of 10/21/2019 and 06/23/2020) assigned to work with school-age children had received Basic School Age Care (BSAC) training, but the training certificates had not been uploaded to DCDEE WORKS, and the staff members had not requested to be evaluated as group leaders. Please assist these staff members with uploading the BSAC certificates to their WORKS accounts and requesting to be evaluated as program coordinators, group leaders and assistant group leaders. Also, the staff members that are lead teacher qualified and have BSAC training may request to be evaluated as program coordinators as well. 7. Approved Curriculum As discussed today, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”, is available to the teachers in the classrooms serving children zero through three years of age and the plan to be implemented by the lead teachers. Please submit this documentation to me as soon as possible. As discussed today, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved curriculum, “FunnyDaffer School Age” has been purchased and the plan to be implemented by the group leaders. 8. Approved Formative Assessment As discussed today, please select a formative assessment tool from the approved list available on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Portals/0/documents/pdf/2/2025_Approved_EC_Formative_Assessments_3_31_26.pdf?ver=PJauAq-Lu2l2M46HtIscNQ%3d%3d. After selecting an approved formative assessment, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verify that the approved formative assessment has been purchased and the plan for the lead teachers to implement the formative assessment. 9. Plan to share assessments with families Please create a plan to share assessments with the families twice annually. After creating the plan to share assessments with the families, please submit documentation to me that I can use to verified that this plan to share assessments with families is implemented and will continue to be implemented twice annually. 10. Training related to the approved curriculum of choice Please arrange for the administrator to complete training related to the approved curriculums, “Explorations for Young Children” and “FunnyDaffer School-Age”. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificate to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in the administrator’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. Please arrange for the lead teachers to complete training related to the approved curriculum, “Explorations for Young Children”. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificates to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in each lead teacher’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. 11. Training related to the approved formative assessment of choice Please arrange for the administrator to complete training related to the chosen approved formative assessment. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificate to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in the administrator’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. Please arrange for the lead teachers to complete training related to the chosen approved formative assessment. After the training is completed, send a copy of the printed training certificates to me for verification and keep a copy of the training certificates in each lead teacher’s staff file for review during ongoing monitoring visits. STAR RATED LICENSE DETERMINATION The star rating of this facility will be determined after April 15, 2026, when I receive and verify the implementation of enhanced reduced staff/child ratios throughout the center, receive the “Staff Information and Education Worksheet”, determine the number of stars the facility earns based on education and experience verified in DCDEE WORKS, receive and verify the “Facility CQI Plan”, receive and verify the “Family and Community Engagement Practices”, receive and verify the purchase and implementation of an approved curriculum for school-age children, receive and verify the choice and implementation of an approved formative assessment, receive and verify the center’s plan to share assessments with families twice annually, and receive and verify that the training related to the approved curriculum and formative assessment have been completed. 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 95%. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. On the playground designated for use by children two through twelve years of age, the rubber coating on the steel steps of composite structure was peeling and cracking. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. One staff member with a date of employment of 12/08/2025 was not listed on the facility ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of the employment. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Today, I observed a staff roster for the facility established on the ABCMS portal established. However, one staff member with a date of employment of 12/08/2025 was not listed on the facility’s ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment. To correct this violation, the staff member should be added to the facility staff roster in the ABCMS Provider Portal. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, you should update the information in the ABCMS portal regarding new hires and staff members as they separate from employment. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired. 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. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09. 601(b), all equipment and materials both indoors and outdoors should be kept in good repair. During today’s visit, the rubber coating on the steel steps of composite structure on the playground designated for use by children two through twelve years of age was peeling and cracking. You stated that knew an individual that worked with the city parks and recreation and would contact this person for advise as to how to repair the steps on this piece of equipment. To correct this violation, I suggested you consider peeling the deteriorating rubber coating off the steel steps and reapply skid treads or spray on rubber coating available at home improvement box stores. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you make repairs to the facility equipment as soon as deterioration is noticed and replace equipment as needed. RATED LICENSE CONSULTATION: 1. 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 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) 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 April 15, 2025. 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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: TENDER CARE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1855145 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/17/2025 Number Present: 82 Completed Date: 6/17/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 395 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Sue Craig, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on December 11, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there were no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, or mailing address for the facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Tendercare Child Development Center, Inc., that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on June 16, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 94% as of June 16, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on December 18, 2018, earning six points in staff education, six points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated June 10, 2025 and received in my office by email on June 10, 2025. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 20, 2024 with a superior classification and two demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. The most recent lead water test results dated January 8, 2024 indicated that the facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that lead-based paint testing was completed, and test results dated February 3, 2025 indicated that the facility is free of lead-based paint hazards. I verified that asbestos testing was completed, and test results dated August 14, 2024 indicated that your facility is free of asbestos hazards. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Explorations for Young Children as the approved curriculum for a five-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, eating lunch, and personal care routines. I observed infants engaged in floor play, being comforted by teachers, and being held to be bottle fed. You and I completed a walk-through of the outdoor licensed spaces today. I observed no new equipment installed and no concerns. 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 kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored at forty-three degrees Fahrenheit in a full-size refrigerator located Space 3 (Infants). Today’s lunch included mini corndogs, mixed vegetables, applesauce for children under two years, peaches for children two-years and older, and unflavored milk. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for sixteen returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of Basic School Age Care training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on December 11, 2024. A staff and training worksheet was not provided today. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at routine unannounced visit on June 6, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. n Space 5, multiple opened plastic diaper wipe bags were stored in a dishpan on an open and unlocked shelf in the diaper-changing table and in individual diaper supply cubbies which were both below five feet. .0604(q) 1916 Written permission was not given by parent for child to participate in aquatic activity. The signed and dated written permission statement from parents of thirteen out of sixteen school-age children giving permission for the children to participate in aquatic activities was not updated annually. .1403(i) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing them above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Ziploc bags, grocery bags, opened shrink wrapped or bagged products, diapers in opened plastic shrink wrap, opened diaper wipe refill packets, used and unused trash bags, used zip-loc bags, and opened teacher supply materials are considered plastic bags. In Space 5, I observed opened plastic diaper wipe bags stored in a dishpan on an open and unlocked shelf in the diaper-changing table and in individual diaper supply cubbies which were both below five feet. The teacher moved these open plastic diaper wipe bags to an open shelf located above five feet in the classroom which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review this requirement with your staff, monitor classrooms daily or weekly and remove any plastic bags, place them in your locked storage closet or move them above five feet as required. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1403(i),each child should have written parent permission to participate in any aquatic activity and this permission statement should be updated annually by each parent. Today, thirteen out of sixteen school-age children enrolled in Space 2 participated in an aquatic activity without a signed and dated written permission statement on file. You stated you include the facility’s aquatic policy in each enrollment packet when a child of any age begins attending the facility, but you do not update that aquatic policy permission statement each year and do not include it in your school-age summer enrollment packet. You stated you only offer aquatic activities to school-age children. You stated you have a second aquatic activity planned for Thursday of this week. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you add a signature and date line to the aquatic policy and include the aquatic policy in your school-age enrollment packet. To correct this violation, I recommend you prepare the aquatic policy parent permission statement and have parents sign the document prior to the next planned aquatic activity. CONSULTATION: 1. As discussed today, employees should begin earning and recording on-going training hours after their first year of employment. For that reason, training hours received during the first year of employment should not be carried over to the employee’s second year of employment and counted toward the first year of on-going training. 2. Seasonal employees that have more than a six-month lapse between work periods such as employees that only work during the summer months or during breaks from school should be assigned a new date of hire annually and should be expected to submit all new employment documentation when returning to the work place. Basically, if the employee formally separates from employment or only works seasonally, you will need to treat these employees as new hires if and when they return to employment at your facility. 3. While not an issue today but as discussed, when recording sleep checks in the room for infant age children, it is best practice to record the position and time the child is laid is in the crib and record the position and time the child falls asleep. The facility’s safe sleep policy states that staff will perform a sleep check after every fifteen minutes and record the position and time of each check. If the child does not fall asleep after ten or fifteen minutes, the child should be taken out of the crib and attended to as needed. After reviewing the facility’s sleep check log, I suggested you print the sample sleep check log from the DCDEE website and consider using it since it allows for more child-centered documentation and more space for comments and notes. 4. Please make sure each staff member has established a WORKS account, has requested to be evaluated for meeting the education and/or training requirements for the position to which they are assigned, have submitted the most current education transcript, and have a printed status letter on file. 5. The NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure and poster were both updated in February 2025 and are available on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted in a prominent location in the facility. Please begin include and begin using the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 2. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the ABCMS Provider Portal training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents. Be sure this information is updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and terminated and as FCCH residents move in or reach sixteen years of age. If you are not already using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents, you will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. Once you have created your Business NCID, complete the ABCMS Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff or current FCCH residents 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 and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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. 3. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to Success” is being added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE and the NC Child Care Commission will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. 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 need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. Please be reminded any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 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/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: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item number 858 corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. 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: 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 July 1, 2025. 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. 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 .1403 · Violation

Name of Operation: TENDER CARE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1855145 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/17/2025 Number Present: 82 Completed Date: 6/17/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 395 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Sue Craig, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on December 11, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there were no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, or mailing address for the facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Tendercare Child Development Center, Inc., that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on June 16, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 94% as of June 16, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on December 18, 2018, earning six points in staff education, six points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated June 10, 2025 and received in my office by email on June 10, 2025. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 20, 2024 with a superior classification and two demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. The most recent lead water test results dated January 8, 2024 indicated that the facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that lead-based paint testing was completed, and test results dated February 3, 2025 indicated that the facility is free of lead-based paint hazards. I verified that asbestos testing was completed, and test results dated August 14, 2024 indicated that your facility is free of asbestos hazards. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Explorations for Young Children as the approved curriculum for a five-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, eating lunch, and personal care routines. I observed infants engaged in floor play, being comforted by teachers, and being held to be bottle fed. You and I completed a walk-through of the outdoor licensed spaces today. I observed no new equipment installed and no concerns. 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 kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored at forty-three degrees Fahrenheit in a full-size refrigerator located Space 3 (Infants). Today’s lunch included mini corndogs, mixed vegetables, applesauce for children under two years, peaches for children two-years and older, and unflavored milk. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for sixteen returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of Basic School Age Care training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on December 11, 2024. A staff and training worksheet was not provided today. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at routine unannounced visit on June 6, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. n Space 5, multiple opened plastic diaper wipe bags were stored in a dishpan on an open and unlocked shelf in the diaper-changing table and in individual diaper supply cubbies which were both below five feet. .0604(q) 1916 Written permission was not given by parent for child to participate in aquatic activity. The signed and dated written permission statement from parents of thirteen out of sixteen school-age children giving permission for the children to participate in aquatic activities was not updated annually. .1403(i) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing them above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Ziploc bags, grocery bags, opened shrink wrapped or bagged products, diapers in opened plastic shrink wrap, opened diaper wipe refill packets, used and unused trash bags, used zip-loc bags, and opened teacher supply materials are considered plastic bags. In Space 5, I observed opened plastic diaper wipe bags stored in a dishpan on an open and unlocked shelf in the diaper-changing table and in individual diaper supply cubbies which were both below five feet. The teacher moved these open plastic diaper wipe bags to an open shelf located above five feet in the classroom which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review this requirement with your staff, monitor classrooms daily or weekly and remove any plastic bags, place them in your locked storage closet or move them above five feet as required. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1403(i),each child should have written parent permission to participate in any aquatic activity and this permission statement should be updated annually by each parent. Today, thirteen out of sixteen school-age children enrolled in Space 2 participated in an aquatic activity without a signed and dated written permission statement on file. You stated you include the facility’s aquatic policy in each enrollment packet when a child of any age begins attending the facility, but you do not update that aquatic policy permission statement each year and do not include it in your school-age summer enrollment packet. You stated you only offer aquatic activities to school-age children. You stated you have a second aquatic activity planned for Thursday of this week. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you add a signature and date line to the aquatic policy and include the aquatic policy in your school-age enrollment packet. To correct this violation, I recommend you prepare the aquatic policy parent permission statement and have parents sign the document prior to the next planned aquatic activity. CONSULTATION: 1. As discussed today, employees should begin earning and recording on-going training hours after their first year of employment. For that reason, training hours received during the first year of employment should not be carried over to the employee’s second year of employment and counted toward the first year of on-going training. 2. Seasonal employees that have more than a six-month lapse between work periods such as employees that only work during the summer months or during breaks from school should be assigned a new date of hire annually and should be expected to submit all new employment documentation when returning to the work place. Basically, if the employee formally separates from employment or only works seasonally, you will need to treat these employees as new hires if and when they return to employment at your facility. 3. While not an issue today but as discussed, when recording sleep checks in the room for infant age children, it is best practice to record the position and time the child is laid is in the crib and record the position and time the child falls asleep. The facility’s safe sleep policy states that staff will perform a sleep check after every fifteen minutes and record the position and time of each check. If the child does not fall asleep after ten or fifteen minutes, the child should be taken out of the crib and attended to as needed. After reviewing the facility’s sleep check log, I suggested you print the sample sleep check log from the DCDEE website and consider using it since it allows for more child-centered documentation and more space for comments and notes. 4. Please make sure each staff member has established a WORKS account, has requested to be evaluated for meeting the education and/or training requirements for the position to which they are assigned, have submitted the most current education transcript, and have a printed status letter on file. 5. The NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure and poster were both updated in February 2025 and are available on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted in a prominent location in the facility. Please begin include and begin using the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 2. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the ABCMS Provider Portal training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents. Be sure this information is updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and terminated and as FCCH residents move in or reach sixteen years of age. If you are not already using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents, you will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. Once you have created your Business NCID, complete the ABCMS Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff or current FCCH residents 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 and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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. 3. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to Success” is being added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE and the NC Child Care Commission will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. 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 need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. Please be reminded any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 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/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: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item number 858 corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. 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: 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 July 1, 2025. 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. 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: TENDER CARE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1855145 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/17/2025 Number Present: 82 Completed Date: 6/17/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 395 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Sue Craig, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on December 11, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there were no changes to the facility phone number, fax number, email address, or mailing address for the facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Tendercare Child Development Center, Inc., that owns your facility was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on June 16, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 94% as of June 16, 2025 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on December 18, 2018, earning six points in staff education, six points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your most recent fire inspection was dated June 10, 2025 and received in my office by email on June 10, 2025. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 20, 2024 with a superior classification and two demerits. I verified that the lead water testing required to be completed every three years was completed. The most recent lead water test results dated January 8, 2024 indicated that the facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that lead-based paint testing was completed, and test results dated February 3, 2025 indicated that the facility is free of lead-based paint hazards. I verified that asbestos testing was completed, and test results dated August 14, 2024 indicated that your facility is free of asbestos hazards. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Explorations for Young Children as the approved curriculum for a five-star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, eating lunch, and personal care routines. I observed infants engaged in floor play, being comforted by teachers, and being held to be bottle fed. You and I completed a walk-through of the outdoor licensed spaces today. I observed no new equipment installed and no concerns. 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 kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored at forty-three degrees Fahrenheit in a full-size refrigerator located Space 3 (Infants). Today’s lunch included mini corndogs, mixed vegetables, applesauce for children under two years, peaches for children two-years and older, and unflavored milk. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for sixteen returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of Basic School Age Care training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on December 11, 2024. A staff and training worksheet was not provided today. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at routine unannounced visit on June 6, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. n Space 5, multiple opened plastic diaper wipe bags were stored in a dishpan on an open and unlocked shelf in the diaper-changing table and in individual diaper supply cubbies which were both below five feet. .0604(q) 1916 Written permission was not given by parent for child to participate in aquatic activity. The signed and dated written permission statement from parents of thirteen out of sixteen school-age children giving permission for the children to participate in aquatic activities was not updated annually. .1403(i) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604(q), plastic bags should be stored inaccessible to children under three years of age by placing them above five feet or in a locked cabinet, closet, or drawer. Ziploc bags, grocery bags, opened shrink wrapped or bagged products, diapers in opened plastic shrink wrap, opened diaper wipe refill packets, used and unused trash bags, used zip-loc bags, and opened teacher supply materials are considered plastic bags. In Space 5, I observed opened plastic diaper wipe bags stored in a dishpan on an open and unlocked shelf in the diaper-changing table and in individual diaper supply cubbies which were both below five feet. The teacher moved these open plastic diaper wipe bags to an open shelf located above five feet in the classroom which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review this requirement with your staff, monitor classrooms daily or weekly and remove any plastic bags, place them in your locked storage closet or move them above five feet as required. 2. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .1403(i),each child should have written parent permission to participate in any aquatic activity and this permission statement should be updated annually by each parent. Today, thirteen out of sixteen school-age children enrolled in Space 2 participated in an aquatic activity without a signed and dated written permission statement on file. You stated you include the facility’s aquatic policy in each enrollment packet when a child of any age begins attending the facility, but you do not update that aquatic policy permission statement each year and do not include it in your school-age summer enrollment packet. You stated you only offer aquatic activities to school-age children. You stated you have a second aquatic activity planned for Thursday of this week. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you add a signature and date line to the aquatic policy and include the aquatic policy in your school-age enrollment packet. To correct this violation, I recommend you prepare the aquatic policy parent permission statement and have parents sign the document prior to the next planned aquatic activity. CONSULTATION: 1. As discussed today, employees should begin earning and recording on-going training hours after their first year of employment. For that reason, training hours received during the first year of employment should not be carried over to the employee’s second year of employment and counted toward the first year of on-going training. 2. Seasonal employees that have more than a six-month lapse between work periods such as employees that only work during the summer months or during breaks from school should be assigned a new date of hire annually and should be expected to submit all new employment documentation when returning to the work place. Basically, if the employee formally separates from employment or only works seasonally, you will need to treat these employees as new hires if and when they return to employment at your facility. 3. While not an issue today but as discussed, when recording sleep checks in the room for infant age children, it is best practice to record the position and time the child is laid is in the crib and record the position and time the child falls asleep. The facility’s safe sleep policy states that staff will perform a sleep check after every fifteen minutes and record the position and time of each check. If the child does not fall asleep after ten or fifteen minutes, the child should be taken out of the crib and attended to as needed. After reviewing the facility’s sleep check log, I suggested you print the sample sleep check log from the DCDEE website and consider using it since it allows for more child-centered documentation and more space for comments and notes. 4. Please make sure each staff member has established a WORKS account, has requested to be evaluated for meeting the education and/or training requirements for the position to which they are assigned, have submitted the most current education transcript, and have a printed status letter on file. 5. The NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure and poster were both updated in February 2025 and are available on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. The February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster was posted in a prominent location in the facility. Please begin include and begin using the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 2. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the ABCMS Provider Portal training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents. Be sure this information is updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and terminated and as FCCH residents move in or reach sixteen years of age. If you are not already using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents, you will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. Once you have created your Business NCID, complete the ABCMS Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff or current FCCH residents 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 and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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. 3. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to Success” is being added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE and the NC Child Care Commission will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. 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 need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. Please be reminded any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025 and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 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/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: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item number 858 corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. 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: 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 July 1, 2025. 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. 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 .0510 · Violation

Name of Operation: TENDER CARE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1855145 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 55 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:40 PM Time In: 01:40 PM Time Out: 03:00 PM 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, Sue Craig, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on January 4, 2024. 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 facility’s permit with you today. You stated there has been no change with the corporation, Tendercare Child Development Center, Inc., that owns your facility. I reviewed with you today the restrictions on your license, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Tendercare Child Development Center, Inc., the corporation that owns your facility, was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on December 9, 2024. Your program’s compliance history was 95% as of December 9, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on December 18, 2018, earning six points in staff education, six points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your last sanitation inspection was dated May 30, 2024 with a Superior classification and eight demerits. I verified that on January 8, 2024, you received lead water testing results that are required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results indicate that the facility’s water is within acceptable limits. I verified that you have completed the required lead-based paint testing and are currently working to mitigate the lead-based paint hazards throughout the facility. I verified that you have completed the required asbestos testing and your facility has no asbestos hazards. Your last fire inspection was dated June 11, 2024 and was received in my office on June 11, 2024. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas and eating lunch. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Explorations for Young Children as the approved curriculum for a 5-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. 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 kitchen and served in the classrooms. Today’s lunch included pinto beans, macaroni and cheese, fruit cocktail, and unflavored milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a full-size refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during a routine unannounced visit on August 3, 2022 and June 6, 2024. Today, you stated that your written polices and parent participation plan had not changed. I monitored health and safety requirements. 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 violations were observed and cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 5, one aerosol can of Lysol Disinfecting spray was stored unlocked on a shelf in the classroom. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 2, one emergency medication connected to a medical action plan did not have a permission to administer form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(b), all cleaning supplies, aerosol cans, and items with “Keep out of the reach children” labels with additional warnings such as poison control contact numbers or first aid procedures should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet including in vehicles being used to transport children enrolled in the child care center. During today’s visit, one aerosol can of Lysol Disinfecting spray was stored unlocked on a shelf above five feet in Space 5. Today, the teacher placed the one aerosol can of Lysol Disinfecting spray in a locked cabinet which corrected this violation. To maintain compliance with this sanitation rule, I suggest you review the sanitation requirements for storing hazardous items and medications. 2. All medications including prescription and non-prescription medications for chronic illnesses should be accompanied with a medication permission to administer form. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), on the medication permission to administer form, the parent must include valid dates for the medication to be administered, the amount of medication to be administered, and the manner in which the medication is to be administered. Also, when a parent submits a medical action plan with the child enrollment application and medications are listed, a medication permission to administer form should be completed for the medication listed on the medical action plan. I suggest you and your staff review the medical action plan form when it is received from the parent to be sure all the required information has been provided by the parent. If any information is missing including a medication permission to administer form, I advise you and your staff to have the parents provide the information immediately before leaving the medication with you. CONSULTATION: 1. Per 10A NCAC 09 .0510(d)(1), activity area materials must be made available and accessible daily to the children three years of age and older with enough supplies for three children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. Be reminded books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art materials should be made accessible to children turning three years old in rooms enrolled with two-year and three-year-old children combined. 2. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Invoices will be emailed to the facility addresses on file by November 30, 2024. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. Per North Carolina General Statute § 110-90(1a), licensed child care facilities are assessed an annual license fee. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024. It is not based on the number of children enrolled at your facility. Annual license fees do not apply to state- or public school-operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. For questions regarding license fees, check out these Frequently Asked Questions. For help with the annual license fee, contact DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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 all this mean for facilities in Cohort 1? A facility may voluntarily request to complete the star rated license reassessment at any time but will not be required to complete the star rated license reassessment process this year. What does this mean for the Environmental Rating Scales? Please be reminded that if a facility voluntarily chooses to complete the star rated license reassessment AND chooses to complete one or more Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments, 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. If you wish to VOLUNTARILY move forward with a rated license reassessment, please reach out to me as soon as possible so plans can be made on both our calendars to ensure ease and success with completing the star rated license reassessment process in a timely manner that benefits us both. Over the next few months, I recommend you complete the following tasks and activities that will help you complete your reassessment process when the time comes: 1. Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) 2. Determine whether you wish to have ERS Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted 3. Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners 4. Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) 5. Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities 6. Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). 7. Review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms. 6. 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: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item number 840 corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violation. 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: 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 December 25, 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 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: TENDER CARE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1855145 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 55 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:40 PM Time In: 01:40 PM Time Out: 03:00 PM 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, Sue Craig, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on January 4, 2024. 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 facility’s permit with you today. You stated there has been no change with the corporation, Tendercare Child Development Center, Inc., that owns your facility. I reviewed with you today the restrictions on your license, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Tendercare Child Development Center, Inc., the corporation that owns your facility, was reviewed and listed as current-active on the North Carolina Secretary of State website on December 9, 2024. Your program’s compliance history was 95% as of December 9, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on December 18, 2018, earning six points in staff education, six points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting staff benefits package and infrastructure for parent involvement. Your last sanitation inspection was dated May 30, 2024 with a Superior classification and eight demerits. I verified that on January 8, 2024, you received lead water testing results that are required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results indicate that the facility’s water is within acceptable limits. I verified that you have completed the required lead-based paint testing and are currently working to mitigate the lead-based paint hazards throughout the facility. I verified that you have completed the required asbestos testing and your facility has no asbestos hazards. Your last fire inspection was dated June 11, 2024 and was received in my office on June 11, 2024. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas and eating lunch. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Explorations for Young Children as the approved curriculum for a 5-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. 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 kitchen and served in the classrooms. Today’s lunch included pinto beans, macaroni and cheese, fruit cocktail, and unflavored milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and infant food were stored in a full-size refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit in Space 3. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. Your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan were reviewed during a routine unannounced visit on August 3, 2022 and June 6, 2024. Today, you stated that your written polices and parent participation plan had not changed. I monitored health and safety requirements. 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 violations were observed and cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In Space 5, one aerosol can of Lysol Disinfecting spray was stored unlocked on a shelf in the classroom. .2820(b) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. In Space 2, one emergency medication connected to a medical action plan did not have a permission to administer form on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2820(b), all cleaning supplies, aerosol cans, and items with “Keep out of the reach children” labels with additional warnings such as poison control contact numbers or first aid procedures should be stored in a locked cabinet, drawer, or closet including in vehicles being used to transport children enrolled in the child care center. During today’s visit, one aerosol can of Lysol Disinfecting spray was stored unlocked on a shelf above five feet in Space 5. Today, the teacher placed the one aerosol can of Lysol Disinfecting spray in a locked cabinet which corrected this violation. To maintain compliance with this sanitation rule, I suggest you review the sanitation requirements for storing hazardous items and medications. 2. All medications including prescription and non-prescription medications for chronic illnesses should be accompanied with a medication permission to administer form. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), on the medication permission to administer form, the parent must include valid dates for the medication to be administered, the amount of medication to be administered, and the manner in which the medication is to be administered. Also, when a parent submits a medical action plan with the child enrollment application and medications are listed, a medication permission to administer form should be completed for the medication listed on the medical action plan. I suggest you and your staff review the medical action plan form when it is received from the parent to be sure all the required information has been provided by the parent. If any information is missing including a medication permission to administer form, I advise you and your staff to have the parents provide the information immediately before leaving the medication with you. CONSULTATION: 1. Per 10A NCAC 09 .0510(d)(1), activity area materials must be made available and accessible daily to the children three years of age and older with enough supplies for three children to play with the same or different materials or toys at the same or different time. Be reminded books, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art materials should be made accessible to children turning three years old in rooms enrolled with two-year and three-year-old children combined. 2. Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Invoices will be emailed to the facility addresses on file by November 30, 2024. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. Per North Carolina General Statute § 110-90(1a), licensed child care facilities are assessed an annual license fee. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024. It is not based on the number of children enrolled at your facility. Annual license fees do not apply to state- or public school-operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. For questions regarding license fees, check out these Frequently Asked Questions. For help with the annual license fee, contact DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. 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 all this mean for facilities in Cohort 1? A facility may voluntarily request to complete the star rated license reassessment at any time but will not be required to complete the star rated license reassessment process this year. What does this mean for the Environmental Rating Scales? Please be reminded that if a facility voluntarily chooses to complete the star rated license reassessment AND chooses to complete one or more Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments, 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. If you wish to VOLUNTARILY move forward with a rated license reassessment, please reach out to me as soon as possible so plans can be made on both our calendars to ensure ease and success with completing the star rated license reassessment process in a timely manner that benefits us both. Over the next few months, I recommend you complete the following tasks and activities that will help you complete your reassessment process when the time comes: 1. Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) 2. Determine whether you wish to have ERS Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted 3. Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners 4. Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) 5. Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities 6. Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). 7. Review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms. 6. 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: No compliance documentation is needed for violation item number 840 corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct this violation. 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: 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 December 25, 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 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: TENDER CARE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1855145 Consultant: JULIA ARMSTRONG Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0724-074A Visit Date: 7/10/2024 Number Present: 71 Completed Date: 7/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 09:50 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. Kelsey Bumgarner, Investigator with Catawba County Sheriffs Department, was also present during the visit. Samantha Rector, assistant administrator, accompanied us during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Sue Craig, administrator, and additional staff members. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. The following violations were confirmed during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. A seven-month-old child sustained marks and bruises and staff was unable to provide an explanation. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. A staff member did not complete an incident report when an eight-month-old sustained a red mark and a bruise on the arm. .0802 (e) Violations must be corrected immediately. Within one (1) week July 17, 2024, you must submit documentation of the corrections you made and your plan to maintain compliance with the identified child care requirements to me at Julia Armstrong, Investigations Consultant, 828-228-4614, Julia.armstrong@dhhs.nc.gov. You may contact me at Julia Armstrong, Investigations Consultant, 828-228-4614, Julia.armstrong@dhhs.nc.gov or Natosha Lambeth, Western Investigations Consultant, Natosha.lambeth@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: TENDER CARE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 1855145 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/19/2024 Number Present: 88 Completed Date: 6/19/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:55 AM Time In: 12:55 PM Time Out: 02:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Sue Craig, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on January 4, 2024. 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. You stated there has been no change with the corporation, Tendercare Child Development Center, Inc., that owns your facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Tendercare Child Development Center, Inc., owner of your facility, was viewed as current- active on the NC Secretary of State website today. Your center's compliance history was 96% prior to today’s visit and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on December 18, 2018, earning six points in staff education, six points in program standards, and one quality point for meeting enhanced policies approved and staff benefits package. Your most recent fire inspection was dated June 11, 2024 and received in my office by email on June 11, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated May 30, 2024 with a Superior classification and eight demerits. I verified that you completed the lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that the test results dated January 8, 2024 indicated that your facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. You stated that lead-based paint samples and asbestos samples were collected and submitted on May 29, 2024 and you were waiting on the results of those test samples. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor and outdoor licensed spaces today. Children throughout the facility participated in free play on the floor, in activity areas and outdoors and in teacher-directed activities. One group of school-age children enrolled in Space 1 left the facility for an outing to the bowling alley. All transportation and off-premises activity requirements were monitored prior to the group leaving the building and were observed being maintained today. You stated and I verified that your facility uses Explorations with Young Children: A Curriculum Guide from the Bank Street College of Education as the approved curriculum for a 5-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. 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 kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Infant bottles and food were stored at a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit in a compact refrigerator located in Space 3 (Infants). I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for eighteen returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of Basic School Age Care training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on January 4, 2024. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on August 3, 2022. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In Space 3, one permission to administer form for a topical ointment did not include the information for when to apply the medication. In Space 8, one permission to administer form for a sunscreen did not include the name of the sunscreen and the amount of sunscreen to be administered. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803(7), on the medication permission to administer form, the parent must include valid dates for the medication to be administered, the amount of medication to be administered, and the manner in which the medication is to be administered. I suggest you and your staff review the medication permission slip when it is received from the parent to be sure all the required information has been provided by the parent. If any information is missing, I advise you and your staff to have the parents provide the information immediately before leaving the medication with you. CONSULTATION: 1. When a medication, prescription, or permission to administer form has expired, the medication should be returned to the parent within 72 hours. When an expired medication is brought to the center from home, the expired medication should not be received by the center. 2. Emergency medications for chronic illnesses such as inhalers for asthma and epi-pens for allergies should be stored above five feet in an unlocked cabinet or location that’s easy for the staff member to get to quickly and not in locked storage. During today’s visit, you and staff moved emergency medications from locked storage to unlocked storage and placed the emergency medications above five feet making them inaccessible to the children but easily reached by staff. To maintain compliance with this sanitation requirement, I suggest you review this sanitation rule with your staff. 3. Please keep all vegetation from the fence. Remove any vegetation that has grown through the fence cracks and is exposed on the playground side of the fence. 4. The child-sized chairs in several classrooms need to be deep cleaned to remove buildup. 5. Any chronic illness including eczema severe enough to require prescription or over-the-counter medication for daily use should have a medical action plan on file. 6. 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. 7. 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. 8. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. Your facility is in Cohort 1. The preparation year for Cohort 1 began July 1, 2023 and ends June 30, 2024. The reassessment year for Cohort 1 will begin July 1, 2024 and run through June 30, 2025. Throughout the past year, I recommended you consider completing the following tasks and activities that would help prepare you for your reassessment year: •Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) •Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted •Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners •Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) •Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities •Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. •Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways •ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality •If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment •Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year •Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. 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. Address your 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 July 4, 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