THE Learning Experience

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE Facility ID: 60003798 Consultant: MICHELLE CUTHBERTSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/28/2026 Number Present: 109 Completed Date: 4/28/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 213 Time In: 08:57 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor the center for annual compliance. The facility currently has a one-star license and an 18 month compliance history of 93%. The license and NC childcare law summary were prominently posted. The Secretary of State database was monitored, and 7HILLSHUNTERSVILLE LLC. is current and active. I was greeted by C. Helms, director. Ms. Helms accompanied me during the walkthrough of the facility. Staff/child ratio, supervision, capacity, group size and space were observed in compliance today. The center’s Emergency Drill Log and Report was reviewed. Fire drills were documented monthly as required. Shelter in place and/or lockdown drills were documented as required. The playground safety inspections were reviewed and documented. The center last had a sanitation inspection on 11/21/25. The center received 17 demerits and received approved classification. The inspection was completed by the Mecklenburg County Health Department. The center last had a fire inspection on 5/23/25. There were 109 children in attendance today during the walkthrough. I observed the children participating in free play, napping, routines, transitions, and teacher directed activities. The playground was not monitored due to inclement weather. The facility does not provide transportation. I monitored 6 new staff files. Ten percent of existing staff files. Ten percent of children files were monitored. There were 2 violations cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In space #11, there was water leaking from the ceiling. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In space #8, a child's diaper cream had expired permission to give dates. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) Technical Assistance: For today’s visit, Ms. Helms was given a handwritten visit summary due to technical difficulties. I shared with Ms. Helms the regulatory visit summary would be emailed. We revisited the requirements for Pathway 1. The facility is licensed as a 1 star facility. They will let me know when they are ready to apply for a 2 through 5 star license. For more Information regarding the QRIS: Pathways to the Stars requirements, please visit the division’s website, click on the What’s new tab, click on QRIS modernization tab. For the latest updates, please visit the division’s website at nchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and click on the What’s New Tab. Recommend new employees take additional training after completing orientation. Please visit www.childcareresourcesinc.org and click on training catalog. The suggested trainings are: A+ supervision Keep It Clean (Sanitation) Positive Guidance The above listed trainings are offered on-demand. Compliance Plan: All violations cited 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. Your 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 using the item listing in your visit summary, you must state how each violation was corrected and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: Michelle.Cuthbertson@dhhs.nc.gov Your letter may be mailed to me at: Michelle Cuthbertson PO Box 681376 Charlotte, NC 28216 I must receive your compliance letter by 5/11/2026. If a letter is not received by the required date another visit will be conducted to confirm the violation was corrected. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by email or by phone at 704-297-5431. Ebony Duncan, supervisor, Ebony.Duncan@dhhs.nc.gov, 704-594-0043. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0802 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE Facility ID: 60003798 Consultant: MICHELLE CUTHBERTSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/6/2025 Number Present: 115 Completed Date: 5/6/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 255 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor the center for annual compliance. The facility currently has a one-star license and an 18 month compliance history of 92%. The license and NC childcare law summary were prominently posted. The Secretary of State database was monitored, and 7HILLSHUNTERSVILLE LLC. is current and active. I was greeted by C. Helms, director. Ms. Helms accompanied me during the walkthrough of the facility. Staff/child ratio, supervision, capacity, group size and space were observed in compliance today. The center’s Emergency Drill Log and Report was reviewed. Fire drills were documented monthly as required. Shelter in place and/or lockdown drills were documented as required. The playground safety inspections were reviewed and documented. The center last had a sanitation inspection on 3/25/25. The center received 3 demerits and received superior classification. The inspection was completed by the Mecklenburg County Health Department. The center last had a fire inspection on 5/23/2025. There were 115 children in attendance today during the walkthrough. I observed the children participating in free play, feeding, routines, transitions and teacher directed activities. The playground was monitored during today’s visit. The facility does not provide transportation. I monitored all new staff files since my last visit.. Ten percent of existing staff files were monitored today. Ten percent of the enrolled children’s files were monitored at random today. There were 4 violations cited today. 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 #4, there was liquid white out removal on the shelf. .2820(b) 862 The EMC plan was not reviewed with all staff annually and whenever the plan was revised. There was no documentation on file of an annual EMC review for one staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .0802(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. A teacher did not complete the trainings within one year of employment. .1102(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. A staff member has not completed the the medication training for the 5 year mark. A staff member has not completed the Recognizing and Responding to maltreatment training for the 5 year mark. .1103(b) Technical Assistance: -Make sure the children’s names are on the activity plans. -Please use cots for napping only. -Make sure to rake mulch after heavy rainfall. -I discussed the ABCMS Portal with the administrator. For the latest updates, please visit the division’s website at nchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and click on the What’s New Tab. Recommend new employees take additional training after completing orientation. Please visit www.childcareresourcesinc.org and click on training catalog. The suggested trainings are: A+ supervision Keep It Clean (Sanitation) Positive Guidance The above listed trainings are offered on-demand. Compliance Plan: All violations cited 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. Your 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 using the item listing in your visit summary, you must state how each violation was corrected and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: Michelle.Cuthbertson@dhhs.nc.gov Your letter may be mailed to me at: Michelle Cuthbertson PO Box 681376 Charlotte, NC 28216 I must receive your compliance letter by 5/19/2025. If a letter is not received by the required date another visit will be conducted to confirm the violation was corrected. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by email or by phone at 704-297-5431. 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: THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE Facility ID: 60003798 Consultant: MICHELLE CUTHBERTSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-126L Visit Date: 2/18/2025 Number Present: 96 Completed Date: 2/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit is to investigate a complaint allegation. There are concerns that: An infant was not treated in a nurturing and caring manner during feeding. (force fed) Infants are not adequately supervised. (unexplained bruises on forehead) Upon arrival, I was greeted by C. Helms, director. I immediately conducted a walkthrough of the facility. I shared the supervision allegation with Ms. Helms. Towards the end of the visit, Jamie Green, regional director, arrived at the facility. Ms. Helms accompanied me during the walkthrough. After the walkthrough, I shared the remaining allegations with Ms. Helms. Ms. Helms stated that she was not aware of any concerns regarding an infant not treated in a nurturing and caring manner and being forced fed. Ms. Helms stated a former staff member notified P. Norman assistant director regarding a child getting hurt in the infant classroom. She stated that Ms. Norman stated that it was not a bruise but just a pink spot and by the end of the day there was nothing. Ms. Helms stated that an incident report was completed. I interviewed 2 additional staff members. A teacher stated that she was not aware of a child being force fed during a feeding. She denied any issues regarding supervision and unexplained bruises. A staff member stated that she was not aware of an infant being force fed. She stated that we do, however, work with them to eat from a spoon. The staff member stated that she got a call from a teacher who was in another classroom and the teacher stated that a child in another classroom had unexplained bruises. The staff member called the class that the child was in, and the teacher stated that it was another child that just got hurt by a child. The staff member went into the classroom and did not notice any bruises. She stated that an incident report was completed. There were 96 children present during today’s visit. I observed the children participating in routines, free play, feeding, napping, and teacher directed activities. Staff/child ratio, Supervision, group size, capacity and space were observed in compliance today. Based on audio footage the allegation that an infant was not treated in a nurturing and caring manner during feeding. (force fed) is substantiated. Based on audio footage it was determined that the child was not treated in a nurturing and caring manner during feeding. A teacher is feeding a child and told the child “Here, stop, stop being extra keep eating, here, hush, here”. It was not determined that the child was being forced fed. Based on observations, interviews and review of incident reports, the allegation that infants are not adequately supervised. (unexplained bruises on forehead) is unsubstantiated. There was 1 violation cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. A teacher was feeding a child and told the child “Here, stop, stop being extra keep eating, here, hush, here”. G.S. 110-91(10) Technical Assistance: All staff shall attend to any child in a nurturing and appropriate manner and keeping with the child’s developmental needs. A teacher is feeding a child and told the child “Here, stop, stop being extra keep eating, here, hush, here”. During the visit, Ms. Helms and Ms. Green started gathering training materials as it relates to positive interactions with children. An administrative action may be issued. Compliance Plan: All violations cited 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. Your 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 using the item listing in your visit summary, you must state how each violation was corrected and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: Michelle.Cuthbertson@dhhs.nc.gov Your letter may be mailed to me at: Michelle Cuthbertson PO Box 681376 Charlotte, NC 28216 I must receive your compliance letter by 3/3/2025. If a letter is not received by the required date another visit will be conducted to confirm the violation was corrected. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by email or by phone at 704-297-5431. 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: THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE Facility ID: 60003798 Consultant: MICHELLE CUTHBERTSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/8/2024 Number Present: 104 Completed Date: 5/8/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor the center for annual compliance. The facility currently has a one-star license and an 18 month compliance history of 93%. The license and NC childcare law summary were prominently posted. The Secretary of State database was monitored, and 7HILLSHUNTERSVILLE LLC. is current and active. I was greeted by C. Helms, director. Ms. Helms accompanied me during the walkthrough of the facility. Staff/child ratio, supervision, capacity, group size and space were observed in compliance today. The center’s Emergency Drill Log and Report was reviewed. Fire drills were documented monthly as required. Shelter-in-place and Lock-down drills were documented quarterly as required. The playground safety inspections were reviewed and documented. The center last had a sanitation inspection on 2/6/24. The center received 14 demerits and received superior classification. The inspection was completed by the Mecklenburg County Health Department. The center last had a fire inspection on 5/25/23. There were 104 children in attendance today. The children were observed participating in napping, feeding, outdoor play, free play, and teacher directed activities. The playground was monitored during today’s visit. The facility does not provide transportation. There have been 8 new staff since my last visit. Ten percent of existing staff files were monitored. Ten percent of the enrolled children’s files were monitored at random today. There were 5 violations cited during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 716 All stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, was not installed over protective surfacing. The playgrounds do not have the required amount of mulch around stationary equipment. .0605(j) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The matting under the mulch on the preschool playground is lifting up causing a tripping hazard. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 861 Prohibited styrofoam and foam rubber products were accessible to children under 3 years of age and/or approved foam products were used without proper supervision. In space #5, there were foam blocks accessible to children under 3 years of age. .0604(q) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. There was documentation on file that the teacher signed the acknowledgement form after working with children. .0608(d)(1-4) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. A staff member has not completed the health and safety trainings within one year of employment. .1102(a) Technical Assistance: For the latest updates, please visit the divisions website at nchildcare.ncdhhs.gov and click on the What’s New Tab. Recommend new employees take additional training after completing orientation. Please visit www.childcareresourcesinc.org and click on training catalog. The suggested trainings are: A+ supervision Keep It Clean (Sanitation) Positive Guidance The above-listed trainings are offered on-demand. Compliance Plan: All violations cited 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. Your 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 using the item listing in your visit summary, you must state how each violation was corrected and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: Michelle.Cuthbertson@dhhs.nc.gov Your letter may be mailed to me at: Michelle Cuthbertson PO Box 681376 Charlotte, NC 28216 I must receive your compliance letter by 5/21/2024. If a letter is not received by the required date another visit will be conducted to confirm the violation was corrected. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by email or by phone at 704-297-5431. 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