First Steps Childcare & Learning Center - B

10A NCAC 09 .0509 · Violation

Name of Operation: FIRST STEPS CHILDCARE & LEARNING CENTER - B Facility ID: 26001937 Consultant: SANDRA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/18/2026 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 3/18/2026 Age: From 4 To 8 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 01:20 PM Time Out: 04:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license assessment visit, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Spaces #1 and #2, which serve children participating in the NC Pre-K program, and Health and Safety Training. The previous Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 27, 2025, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was 100%. This program currently operates with a five-Star License issued November 8, 2019. The License was based on the program earning seven points in education standards, five points in program standards, and one quality point by choosing to meet the educational option: The child care administrator has at least 10 years of documented early childhood work experience in a licensed program that can be verified by the Division. The information on record with the DCDEE was verified as correct by Penny Sweat, Administrator, and the owner’s corporation status was verified on the Secretary of State’s website as current-active. Current Inspections are as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior completed 3/11/2026. Fire Classification of Approved for Daytime Only completed 7/15/2025. Upon entering the child care space children were observed participating in outdoors play. Children were observed running about space playing tag. There were no additional toys for the children to play with. During the visit Nc Pre-K children were dismissed and at 2:45pm school-age children started to arrive at the facility Snack served today was goldfish and grape juice. At the completion of the visit the visit summary was reviewed with Ms. Sweat. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 434 The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development. Children ages 4 and 5, were outdoors playing tag and running about the outdoor space with nothing else to play with. There was a basketball goal but no balls, there were two small play house but no other items to play with. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. In the outdoor play environment there were two small play houses that were broken and cracked. There was also a large picnic table broken and placed up against the build in the play area where children walk out to the play area. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 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. Violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. The violations observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00pm on April 1, 2026, you must submit a written, dated, and signed statement to me. The statement must describe accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If the letter states that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Sandra Johnson Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64401 Fayetteville, NC 28306 sandra.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, you must include a signature block, which contains your name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 TA: A violation was observed for not having variety of materials and equipment available for children during outdoors play. Refer to child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2). We discussed the following strategies. Ensure that teachers are aware that when children are taken outdoors enough materials must be made available for the number of children that are being care for in the outdoor play area. A violation was observed for broken equipment being used in the outdoor play area and broken equipment being stored in the outdoor play area. Refer to child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(b). We discussed the following strategies. Ensure that when monitoring the outdoor play area that anything that is broken is removed right away. This is for the safety of children and staff. Rated License Assessment: Discussions occurred with P. Sweat regarding the two-component star rated license on October 28, 2025. I reviewed the pathway options, identified facility needs, and answered questions to assist the operator with establishing a plan to achieve compliance with a voluntary 2-5 star rated license by (March)of 2026. The facility chose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway. The following documents were reviewed and monitored for compliance today: • Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers – The facility meets enhanced staff/child ratio. • Family and Community Engagement Standards (Child Care Centers) – Family and Community Engagement Foundational Practices and four additional options: C-1, EL-2 & EL-3, and EO-6. • Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan – Goal/Plan was established; reason for goal, timeframe to achieve goal, and steps to achieve goal were documented and available for review today. • Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Professional Development (PD) Plan (Child Care Center) – Individual PD plans were on file and available for review today. Goals were identified for each employee, time frame to achieve the goal, and steps to achieve the goal were documented on each plan. • Staff Information and Education (Lead Teacher and other Educators) – LT star level is 5, Other Educator Star level is 5, and the final Star Level Education Awarded is 5. • The Creative Curriculum for Preschool and Gold Teaching Strategies formulative assessments are used with children, ages 3-5 years. 4-H Curriculum is used for school-Age children. Coaching and training opportunities for the administrator were provided by Kim Ledesma, Administrator for Heavenly Haven Child Development Center #1. Penny Sweat, Administrator, is in the process of providing coaching /training to all Lead Teachers. Documentation of coaching/training was maintained on-site and available for review The facility’s compliance history is 100% from 9/19/2024 to 3/18/2026. The facility has met all options required for a five-star license under Pathway 2 – Classroom & Instructional Quality. Reminders: Measles Cases: Measles on the rise globally and in North Carolina. As a highly contagious, airborne disease, even one case is a major priority for public health. NCDHHS is taking action by launching new outreach resources for child care providers, families, and community stakeholder to help curb the spread. Child care providers can share information about vaccinations with the families served and be informed with the most current information. For more information and to access tools and resources, visit NCDHHS at dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles. The Child Care Health Consultant provides support in the following areas, but not limited to: oral health, illness, infectious disease, emergency preparedness, health related areas, nutrition, environmental health, and physical activity. For additional information areas, visit the website, https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/child-care-health-consultants/aboutcchc/ Child Care Health Consultant: The Cumberland County Department of Public Health current Child Care Health Consultant is Nicole Richardson. Her contact number is: 910-678-7706 and her email address: nrrichardson@cumberlandcountync.gov Please visit DCDEE’s website for the latest child care updates and information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Please feel free to contact me at sandra.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-408-8985 if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. 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: FIRST STEPS CHILDCARE & LEARNING CENTER - B Facility ID: 26001937 Consultant: SANDRA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/18/2026 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 3/18/2026 Age: From 4 To 8 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 01:20 PM Time Out: 04:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license assessment visit, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Spaces #1 and #2, which serve children participating in the NC Pre-K program, and Health and Safety Training. The previous Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 27, 2025, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was 100%. This program currently operates with a five-Star License issued November 8, 2019. The License was based on the program earning seven points in education standards, five points in program standards, and one quality point by choosing to meet the educational option: The child care administrator has at least 10 years of documented early childhood work experience in a licensed program that can be verified by the Division. The information on record with the DCDEE was verified as correct by Penny Sweat, Administrator, and the owner’s corporation status was verified on the Secretary of State’s website as current-active. Current Inspections are as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior completed 3/11/2026. Fire Classification of Approved for Daytime Only completed 7/15/2025. Upon entering the child care space children were observed participating in outdoors play. Children were observed running about space playing tag. There were no additional toys for the children to play with. During the visit Nc Pre-K children were dismissed and at 2:45pm school-age children started to arrive at the facility Snack served today was goldfish and grape juice. At the completion of the visit the visit summary was reviewed with Ms. Sweat. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 434 The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development. Children ages 4 and 5, were outdoors playing tag and running about the outdoor space with nothing else to play with. There was a basketball goal but no balls, there were two small play house but no other items to play with. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. In the outdoor play environment there were two small play houses that were broken and cracked. There was also a large picnic table broken and placed up against the build in the play area where children walk out to the play area. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 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. Violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. The violations observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00pm on April 1, 2026, you must submit a written, dated, and signed statement to me. The statement must describe accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If the letter states that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Sandra Johnson Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64401 Fayetteville, NC 28306 sandra.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, you must include a signature block, which contains your name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 TA: A violation was observed for not having variety of materials and equipment available for children during outdoors play. Refer to child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2). We discussed the following strategies. Ensure that teachers are aware that when children are taken outdoors enough materials must be made available for the number of children that are being care for in the outdoor play area. A violation was observed for broken equipment being used in the outdoor play area and broken equipment being stored in the outdoor play area. Refer to child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(b). We discussed the following strategies. Ensure that when monitoring the outdoor play area that anything that is broken is removed right away. This is for the safety of children and staff. Rated License Assessment: Discussions occurred with P. Sweat regarding the two-component star rated license on October 28, 2025. I reviewed the pathway options, identified facility needs, and answered questions to assist the operator with establishing a plan to achieve compliance with a voluntary 2-5 star rated license by (March)of 2026. The facility chose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway. The following documents were reviewed and monitored for compliance today: • Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers – The facility meets enhanced staff/child ratio. • Family and Community Engagement Standards (Child Care Centers) – Family and Community Engagement Foundational Practices and four additional options: C-1, EL-2 & EL-3, and EO-6. • Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan – Goal/Plan was established; reason for goal, timeframe to achieve goal, and steps to achieve goal were documented and available for review today. • Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Professional Development (PD) Plan (Child Care Center) – Individual PD plans were on file and available for review today. Goals were identified for each employee, time frame to achieve the goal, and steps to achieve the goal were documented on each plan. • Staff Information and Education (Lead Teacher and other Educators) – LT star level is 5, Other Educator Star level is 5, and the final Star Level Education Awarded is 5. • The Creative Curriculum for Preschool and Gold Teaching Strategies formulative assessments are used with children, ages 3-5 years. 4-H Curriculum is used for school-Age children. Coaching and training opportunities for the administrator were provided by Kim Ledesma, Administrator for Heavenly Haven Child Development Center #1. Penny Sweat, Administrator, is in the process of providing coaching /training to all Lead Teachers. Documentation of coaching/training was maintained on-site and available for review The facility’s compliance history is 100% from 9/19/2024 to 3/18/2026. The facility has met all options required for a five-star license under Pathway 2 – Classroom & Instructional Quality. Reminders: Measles Cases: Measles on the rise globally and in North Carolina. As a highly contagious, airborne disease, even one case is a major priority for public health. NCDHHS is taking action by launching new outreach resources for child care providers, families, and community stakeholder to help curb the spread. Child care providers can share information about vaccinations with the families served and be informed with the most current information. For more information and to access tools and resources, visit NCDHHS at dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles. The Child Care Health Consultant provides support in the following areas, but not limited to: oral health, illness, infectious disease, emergency preparedness, health related areas, nutrition, environmental health, and physical activity. For additional information areas, visit the website, https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/child-care-health-consultants/aboutcchc/ Child Care Health Consultant: The Cumberland County Department of Public Health current Child Care Health Consultant is Nicole Richardson. Her contact number is: 910-678-7706 and her email address: nrrichardson@cumberlandcountync.gov Please visit DCDEE’s website for the latest child care updates and information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Please feel free to contact me at sandra.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-408-8985 if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. 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: FIRST STEPS CHILDCARE & LEARNING CENTER - B Facility ID: 26001937 Consultant: SANDRA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/18/2026 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 3/18/2026 Age: From 4 To 8 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 01:20 PM Time Out: 04:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license assessment visit, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Spaces #1 and #2, which serve children participating in the NC Pre-K program, and Health and Safety Training. The previous Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 27, 2025, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was 100%. This program currently operates with a five-Star License issued November 8, 2019. The License was based on the program earning seven points in education standards, five points in program standards, and one quality point by choosing to meet the educational option: The child care administrator has at least 10 years of documented early childhood work experience in a licensed program that can be verified by the Division. The information on record with the DCDEE was verified as correct by Penny Sweat, Administrator, and the owner’s corporation status was verified on the Secretary of State’s website as current-active. Current Inspections are as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior completed 3/11/2026. Fire Classification of Approved for Daytime Only completed 7/15/2025. Upon entering the child care space children were observed participating in outdoors play. Children were observed running about space playing tag. There were no additional toys for the children to play with. During the visit Nc Pre-K children were dismissed and at 2:45pm school-age children started to arrive at the facility Snack served today was goldfish and grape juice. At the completion of the visit the visit summary was reviewed with Ms. Sweat. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 434 The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development. Children ages 4 and 5, were outdoors playing tag and running about the outdoor space with nothing else to play with. There was a basketball goal but no balls, there were two small play house but no other items to play with. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. In the outdoor play environment there were two small play houses that were broken and cracked. There was also a large picnic table broken and placed up against the build in the play area where children walk out to the play area. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 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. Violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. The violations observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00pm on April 1, 2026, you must submit a written, dated, and signed statement to me. The statement must describe accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If the letter states that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Sandra Johnson Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64401 Fayetteville, NC 28306 sandra.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, you must include a signature block, which contains your name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 TA: A violation was observed for not having variety of materials and equipment available for children during outdoors play. Refer to child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2). We discussed the following strategies. Ensure that teachers are aware that when children are taken outdoors enough materials must be made available for the number of children that are being care for in the outdoor play area. A violation was observed for broken equipment being used in the outdoor play area and broken equipment being stored in the outdoor play area. Refer to child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(b). We discussed the following strategies. Ensure that when monitoring the outdoor play area that anything that is broken is removed right away. This is for the safety of children and staff. Rated License Assessment: Discussions occurred with P. Sweat regarding the two-component star rated license on October 28, 2025. I reviewed the pathway options, identified facility needs, and answered questions to assist the operator with establishing a plan to achieve compliance with a voluntary 2-5 star rated license by (March)of 2026. The facility chose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway. The following documents were reviewed and monitored for compliance today: • Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers – The facility meets enhanced staff/child ratio. • Family and Community Engagement Standards (Child Care Centers) – Family and Community Engagement Foundational Practices and four additional options: C-1, EL-2 & EL-3, and EO-6. • Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan – Goal/Plan was established; reason for goal, timeframe to achieve goal, and steps to achieve goal were documented and available for review today. • Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Professional Development (PD) Plan (Child Care Center) – Individual PD plans were on file and available for review today. Goals were identified for each employee, time frame to achieve the goal, and steps to achieve the goal were documented on each plan. • Staff Information and Education (Lead Teacher and other Educators) – LT star level is 5, Other Educator Star level is 5, and the final Star Level Education Awarded is 5. • The Creative Curriculum for Preschool and Gold Teaching Strategies formulative assessments are used with children, ages 3-5 years. 4-H Curriculum is used for school-Age children. Coaching and training opportunities for the administrator were provided by Kim Ledesma, Administrator for Heavenly Haven Child Development Center #1. Penny Sweat, Administrator, is in the process of providing coaching /training to all Lead Teachers. Documentation of coaching/training was maintained on-site and available for review The facility’s compliance history is 100% from 9/19/2024 to 3/18/2026. The facility has met all options required for a five-star license under Pathway 2 – Classroom & Instructional Quality. Reminders: Measles Cases: Measles on the rise globally and in North Carolina. As a highly contagious, airborne disease, even one case is a major priority for public health. NCDHHS is taking action by launching new outreach resources for child care providers, families, and community stakeholder to help curb the spread. Child care providers can share information about vaccinations with the families served and be informed with the most current information. For more information and to access tools and resources, visit NCDHHS at dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles. The Child Care Health Consultant provides support in the following areas, but not limited to: oral health, illness, infectious disease, emergency preparedness, health related areas, nutrition, environmental health, and physical activity. For additional information areas, visit the website, https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/child-care-health-consultants/aboutcchc/ Child Care Health Consultant: The Cumberland County Department of Public Health current Child Care Health Consultant is Nicole Richardson. Her contact number is: 910-678-7706 and her email address: nrrichardson@cumberlandcountync.gov Please visit DCDEE’s website for the latest child care updates and information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Please feel free to contact me at sandra.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-408-8985 if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. 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: FIRST STEPS CHILDCARE & LEARNING CENTER - B Facility ID: 26001937 Consultant: SANDRA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/18/2026 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 3/18/2026 Age: From 4 To 8 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 01:20 PM Time Out: 04:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license assessment visit, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Spaces #1 and #2, which serve children participating in the NC Pre-K program, and Health and Safety Training. The previous Annual Compliance Visit was completed March 27, 2025, and prior to today’s visit, the eighteen-month compliance history score was 100%. This program currently operates with a five-Star License issued November 8, 2019. The License was based on the program earning seven points in education standards, five points in program standards, and one quality point by choosing to meet the educational option: The child care administrator has at least 10 years of documented early childhood work experience in a licensed program that can be verified by the Division. The information on record with the DCDEE was verified as correct by Penny Sweat, Administrator, and the owner’s corporation status was verified on the Secretary of State’s website as current-active. Current Inspections are as follows: Sanitation Classification of Superior completed 3/11/2026. Fire Classification of Approved for Daytime Only completed 7/15/2025. Upon entering the child care space children were observed participating in outdoors play. Children were observed running about space playing tag. There were no additional toys for the children to play with. During the visit Nc Pre-K children were dismissed and at 2:45pm school-age children started to arrive at the facility Snack served today was goldfish and grape juice. At the completion of the visit the visit summary was reviewed with Ms. Sweat. The following violations were observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 434 The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development. Children ages 4 and 5, were outdoors playing tag and running about the outdoor space with nothing else to play with. There was a basketball goal but no balls, there were two small play house but no other items to play with. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. In the outdoor play environment there were two small play houses that were broken and cracked. There was also a large picnic table broken and placed up against the build in the play area where children walk out to the play area. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 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. Violations observed and documented today may impact the compliance history score. The violations observed and documented today must be corrected immediately. Additionally, by 5:00pm on April 1, 2026, you must submit a written, dated, and signed statement to me. The statement must describe accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. If the letter states that corrections have been made when they have not, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Sandra Johnson Child Care Consultant P.O. Box 64401 Fayetteville, NC 28306 sandra.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, you must include a signature block, which contains your name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 TA: A violation was observed for not having variety of materials and equipment available for children during outdoors play. Refer to child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2). We discussed the following strategies. Ensure that teachers are aware that when children are taken outdoors enough materials must be made available for the number of children that are being care for in the outdoor play area. A violation was observed for broken equipment being used in the outdoor play area and broken equipment being stored in the outdoor play area. Refer to child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(b). We discussed the following strategies. Ensure that when monitoring the outdoor play area that anything that is broken is removed right away. This is for the safety of children and staff. Rated License Assessment: Discussions occurred with P. Sweat regarding the two-component star rated license on October 28, 2025. I reviewed the pathway options, identified facility needs, and answered questions to assist the operator with establishing a plan to achieve compliance with a voluntary 2-5 star rated license by (March)of 2026. The facility chose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway. The following documents were reviewed and monitored for compliance today: • Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers – The facility meets enhanced staff/child ratio. • Family and Community Engagement Standards (Child Care Centers) – Family and Community Engagement Foundational Practices and four additional options: C-1, EL-2 & EL-3, and EO-6. • Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan – Goal/Plan was established; reason for goal, timeframe to achieve goal, and steps to achieve goal were documented and available for review today. • Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Professional Development (PD) Plan (Child Care Center) – Individual PD plans were on file and available for review today. Goals were identified for each employee, time frame to achieve the goal, and steps to achieve the goal were documented on each plan. • Staff Information and Education (Lead Teacher and other Educators) – LT star level is 5, Other Educator Star level is 5, and the final Star Level Education Awarded is 5. • The Creative Curriculum for Preschool and Gold Teaching Strategies formulative assessments are used with children, ages 3-5 years. 4-H Curriculum is used for school-Age children. Coaching and training opportunities for the administrator were provided by Kim Ledesma, Administrator for Heavenly Haven Child Development Center #1. Penny Sweat, Administrator, is in the process of providing coaching /training to all Lead Teachers. Documentation of coaching/training was maintained on-site and available for review The facility’s compliance history is 100% from 9/19/2024 to 3/18/2026. The facility has met all options required for a five-star license under Pathway 2 – Classroom & Instructional Quality. Reminders: Measles Cases: Measles on the rise globally and in North Carolina. As a highly contagious, airborne disease, even one case is a major priority for public health. NCDHHS is taking action by launching new outreach resources for child care providers, families, and community stakeholder to help curb the spread. Child care providers can share information about vaccinations with the families served and be informed with the most current information. For more information and to access tools and resources, visit NCDHHS at dph.ncdhhs.gov/measles. The Child Care Health Consultant provides support in the following areas, but not limited to: oral health, illness, infectious disease, emergency preparedness, health related areas, nutrition, environmental health, and physical activity. For additional information areas, visit the website, https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/child-care-health-consultants/aboutcchc/ Child Care Health Consultant: The Cumberland County Department of Public Health current Child Care Health Consultant is Nicole Richardson. Her contact number is: 910-678-7706 and her email address: nrrichardson@cumberlandcountync.gov Please visit DCDEE’s website for the latest child care updates and information for child care at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Please feel free to contact me at sandra.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-408-8985 if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. 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