G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: S.T.E.P.'S DEVELOPMENTAL ACADEMY, INC. Facility ID: 90000392 Consultant: ABIGAIL AVALOS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/12/2025 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 6/12/2025 Age: From 2 To 9 Total Minutes: 107 Time In: 09:33 AM Time Out: 11:20 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival I was greeted by Ms. Antigone Lee, Assistant Director. I shared the reason for the visit. Ms. Johnson, Director, accompanied me throughout the walk-through of the facility. Permit Information: The program currently operates with a Four-Star Center License effective 3/13/20. The license was posted, with restrictions to: - 1st shift - meets enhanced ratios - meets enhanced space - meets highest reduced ratios - children over age 12 years may be present I monitored the following items: supervision, staff/child ratio, health, safety, and program records. All classroom spaces, the kitchen, and the outdoor learning environment were monitored. This facility has one (1) NC Pre-K classroom. Ownership: The facility’s corporate owner is S.T.E. P.’s Developmental Academy, Inc. with SoS ID# 0670690 was “current-active” on the SOS website. As a reminder, if any changes to the ownership need to be made, you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location or inherited. Inspections: The last playground inspection was completed on 5/7/25. The program's last fire inspection on file with DCDEE was completed on 6/3/25. As a reminder your fire inspection needs to be completed annually and prior to the previous year’s inspection. The form for the fire inspector to use is located on our website under the provider tab and provider documents. Once the inspection is complete, please send me a copy of the report within seven (7) days. The program's recent sanitation inspection on file with DCDEE was conducted on 6/2/25. The program received nine (9) demerits and received a superior classification. Indoor Learning Environment: I observed children in the indoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children were participating in transitions, gross motor play, free play and art activities. In space #1, I observed a trash can lid that was broken. Outdoor Learning Environment: The outdoor learning environment was monitored, I observed a broken gutter spout on the side of the playground. Program Records: The last fire drill was conducted on 5/30/25 and the last emergency drill was conducted on 3/5/25. I reviewed incident report requirements during the visit. Staff Records: There were no new staff files to review. I reviewed requirements for substitutes during the visit. Medication: There is no emergency medication currently being administered. Weapons: It was reported that the facility was in compliance with child care requirements regarding firearms. Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. In space #1, I observed a broken lid on a trash can. In the outdoor learning environment, I observed a broken gutter spout. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) Corrective Action Plan – Compliance Letter: On or before 6/26/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Please ensure that all these components are in your compliance letter: • Name of your facility • Your facility ID number • Date the visit made • Date that you are submitting the compliance letter • Provide each cited violation number • Describe when and how each violation was corrected • Describe how you will prevent the recurrence of each violation (you need to specify how you will prevent the violation from re-occurring) • Sign with your signature Please email the information to: abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov Compliance History: The program’s compliance history was ninety-eight percent (98%) prior to today’s visit. Rated License: Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) is implemented, this is also known as SB 425 (Senate Bill 425). Providers in Cohort #1 are not required to go any further with a rated license assessment unless requested, and providers in Cohort #2 do not need to start their preparation year unless a rated license assessment is requested. Technical Assistance: Please post a current summary of the law, an updated copy can be found on our website under provider documents. If the cell phones (not functional) in space #2 begin to have large cracks on the screen, please remove/replace them to avoid any injury from the broken screens. Lead in Water, Paint and Asbestos: As of today, your facility has completed the testing of lead in water. For lead-based paint, the survey is under review by RTI and for asbestos you’ve started enrollment. Please continue to get all three (3) sections completed as required. Resources and Reminders: Please ensure that all on-going training hours are being completed and documented as required for yourself and all staff members and that any annual documents are being updated and completed. These items will be monitored for completion at your annual compliance visit: - Staff Development Plans - Annual Evaluations for Staff - Medical Forms (Health Questionnaire/Emergency Info) - Polices (EMC, EPR, and any other policies that are amended) Please ensure to update your Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPR) to reflect all current information regarding your enrollment, contact numbers and any updates to your emergency plans. This will be reviewed at your annual compliance visit. Exit Conference: At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We jointly reviewed the visit summary and documentation of my findings with you, Ms. Johnson. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 704-249-6440 or via email at abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your assistance during today’s visit. Abigail Avalos, M.Ed. Child Care Consultant Division of Child Development and Early Education 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: S.T.E.P.'S DEVELOPMENTAL ACADEMY, INC. Facility ID: 90000392 Consultant: ABIGAIL AVALOS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/17/2024 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 12/17/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 208 Time In: 09:02 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an unannounced annual compliance visit. Upon arrival I was greeted by Ms. Antigone Lee, Assistant Director. I shared the reason for the visit. Ms. Lisa Johnson, director arrived a few minutes after my arrival, and she accompanied me throughout the walk-through of the facility and the outdoor learning environment. Permit Information: The program currently operates with a Four-Star Center License effective 3/13/20. The license was posted, with following restrictions: - 1st shift - Meets enhanced ratios - Meets enhanced space - Meets highest reduced ratios - Children over age 12 years may be present I monitored the following: supervision, staff/child ratio, staff, children, health, safety, and program records. All classroom spaces, the kitchen, and the outdoor learning environment were monitored. This facility has one (1) NC PreK classroom, all requirements were in compliance. Ownership: The facility’s corporate owner is S.T.E. P.’s Developmental Academy, Inc. with SoS ID# 0670690. They are current and active as of 4/3/2003. As a reminder, if any changes to the ownership need to be made, you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location or inherited. Inspections: The program's fire inspection was completed on 6/11/24. As a reminder, please ensure to schedule your annual fire inspection prior to the previous year’s and send your consultant a copy of the completed fire inspection within seven (7) days. The program's recent sanitation inspection was conducted on 10/22/24. The program received nine (9) demerits and received a Superior classification. The last playground inspection was completed on 11/27/24. Indoor Learning Environment: I observed children in the indoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children were participating in free play, small group art activities, transitions, outdoor play and morning drop off. I observed specialists completing sessions with children and I observed appropriate language and interactions amongst the children and staff. Outdoor Learning Environment: The outdoor learning environment was monitored, due to the recent rain the mulch looked compacted, please ensure that you fluff and/or fill the mulch around fall zones to meet the adequate depth. You shared that you will be installing rubber turf near the play structure. Please ensure that during the project children continue to get gross motor play, preferably outdoors if there are no hazards present or workers on the playground. As a reminder, all stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, needs to be installed over protective surfacing. Surfacing needs to extend six (6) feet beyond the external limits of the equipment or, 3 feet for equipment used only by children less than 2 years of age. Program Records: The last fire drill was conducted on 11/27/24 and the last emergency drill was conducted on 10/1/24. The EPR was last updated on 11/21/24. Staff Records: There were five (5) new staff files to review and one (1) existing staff file. Please refer to the staff/training worksheet for an overview of which files were monitored. One (1) staff file did not have the DCDEE medical report on file. Children’s Records: Five (5) children’s files were reviewed, please refer to the children’s worksheet for an overview of files that were monitored. Medication: Reported medication was monitored and in compliance. Nutrition: The facility was in compliance with child care meal pattern requirements. Weapons: You reported that you were in compliance with child care requirements regarding firearms. Transportation: Transportation is not provided at this facility. Violation Number Comment Rule 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One (1) staff file did not have the DCDEE medical report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) Corrective Action Plan: On or before 12/31/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Please ensure that all these components are in your compliance letter: • Name of your facility • Your facility ID number • Date the visit made • Date that you are submitting the compliance letter • Provide each cited violation number • Describe when and how each violation was corrected • Describe how you will prevent the recurrence of each violation (you need to specify how you will prevent the violation from re-occurring) • Sign with your signature Please email the information to: abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov Compliance History: The program’s compliance history was ninety-five percent (95%) prior to today’s visit. Rated License: Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) is implemented, this is also known as SB 425 (Senate Bill 425). Providers in Cohort #1 are not required to go any further with a rated license assessment unless requested, and providers in Cohort #2 do not need to start their preparation year unless a rated license assessment is requested. Lead in Water, Paint and Asbestos: 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 and 15A NCAC 18A .2816 require all child care facilities (homes and centers) to test for lead in drinking water, identify lead based paint hazards, and mitigate or restrict access to identified hazards. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina additional information can be found in the Raise North Carolina Newsletter sent via email on 12/7/23 from DCDEE. As of today, your facility has completed testing lead in water. For lead-based paint, the survey is under review by RTI and for asbestos you’ve started enrollment. Please continue to get all three (3) sections completed as required. Technical Assistance: Please ensure that employment applications are completed to their entirety including signatures and dates on the forms. 10A NCAC 09 .1101 discusses requirements needed for orientation of new staff, please note that these topics are in addition to the health and safety training topics in rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. I observed on the staff’s orientation form that the NC Prevent Child Abuse training was recorded for several areas throughout the form. We reviewed the differences and suggestions, moving forward please ensure you complete orientation and health and safety requirements separately. Exit Conference: At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We jointly reviewed the visit summary and documentation of my findings and violations with you, Ms. Johnson. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 704-249-6440 or via email at abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your assistance during today’s visit. Abigail Avalos, M.Ed. Child Care Consultant Division of Child Development and Early Education 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1101 · Violation

Name of Operation: S.T.E.P.'S DEVELOPMENTAL ACADEMY, INC. Facility ID: 90000392 Consultant: ABIGAIL AVALOS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/17/2024 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 12/17/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 208 Time In: 09:02 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an unannounced annual compliance visit. Upon arrival I was greeted by Ms. Antigone Lee, Assistant Director. I shared the reason for the visit. Ms. Lisa Johnson, director arrived a few minutes after my arrival, and she accompanied me throughout the walk-through of the facility and the outdoor learning environment. Permit Information: The program currently operates with a Four-Star Center License effective 3/13/20. The license was posted, with following restrictions: - 1st shift - Meets enhanced ratios - Meets enhanced space - Meets highest reduced ratios - Children over age 12 years may be present I monitored the following: supervision, staff/child ratio, staff, children, health, safety, and program records. All classroom spaces, the kitchen, and the outdoor learning environment were monitored. This facility has one (1) NC PreK classroom, all requirements were in compliance. Ownership: The facility’s corporate owner is S.T.E. P.’s Developmental Academy, Inc. with SoS ID# 0670690. They are current and active as of 4/3/2003. As a reminder, if any changes to the ownership need to be made, you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location or inherited. Inspections: The program's fire inspection was completed on 6/11/24. As a reminder, please ensure to schedule your annual fire inspection prior to the previous year’s and send your consultant a copy of the completed fire inspection within seven (7) days. The program's recent sanitation inspection was conducted on 10/22/24. The program received nine (9) demerits and received a Superior classification. The last playground inspection was completed on 11/27/24. Indoor Learning Environment: I observed children in the indoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children were participating in free play, small group art activities, transitions, outdoor play and morning drop off. I observed specialists completing sessions with children and I observed appropriate language and interactions amongst the children and staff. Outdoor Learning Environment: The outdoor learning environment was monitored, due to the recent rain the mulch looked compacted, please ensure that you fluff and/or fill the mulch around fall zones to meet the adequate depth. You shared that you will be installing rubber turf near the play structure. Please ensure that during the project children continue to get gross motor play, preferably outdoors if there are no hazards present or workers on the playground. As a reminder, all stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, needs to be installed over protective surfacing. Surfacing needs to extend six (6) feet beyond the external limits of the equipment or, 3 feet for equipment used only by children less than 2 years of age. Program Records: The last fire drill was conducted on 11/27/24 and the last emergency drill was conducted on 10/1/24. The EPR was last updated on 11/21/24. Staff Records: There were five (5) new staff files to review and one (1) existing staff file. Please refer to the staff/training worksheet for an overview of which files were monitored. One (1) staff file did not have the DCDEE medical report on file. Children’s Records: Five (5) children’s files were reviewed, please refer to the children’s worksheet for an overview of files that were monitored. Medication: Reported medication was monitored and in compliance. Nutrition: The facility was in compliance with child care meal pattern requirements. Weapons: You reported that you were in compliance with child care requirements regarding firearms. Transportation: Transportation is not provided at this facility. Violation Number Comment Rule 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One (1) staff file did not have the DCDEE medical report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) Corrective Action Plan: On or before 12/31/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Please ensure that all these components are in your compliance letter: • Name of your facility • Your facility ID number • Date the visit made • Date that you are submitting the compliance letter • Provide each cited violation number • Describe when and how each violation was corrected • Describe how you will prevent the recurrence of each violation (you need to specify how you will prevent the violation from re-occurring) • Sign with your signature Please email the information to: abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov Compliance History: The program’s compliance history was ninety-five percent (95%) prior to today’s visit. Rated License: Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) is implemented, this is also known as SB 425 (Senate Bill 425). Providers in Cohort #1 are not required to go any further with a rated license assessment unless requested, and providers in Cohort #2 do not need to start their preparation year unless a rated license assessment is requested. Lead in Water, Paint and Asbestos: 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 and 15A NCAC 18A .2816 require all child care facilities (homes and centers) to test for lead in drinking water, identify lead based paint hazards, and mitigate or restrict access to identified hazards. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina additional information can be found in the Raise North Carolina Newsletter sent via email on 12/7/23 from DCDEE. As of today, your facility has completed testing lead in water. For lead-based paint, the survey is under review by RTI and for asbestos you’ve started enrollment. Please continue to get all three (3) sections completed as required. Technical Assistance: Please ensure that employment applications are completed to their entirety including signatures and dates on the forms. 10A NCAC 09 .1101 discusses requirements needed for orientation of new staff, please note that these topics are in addition to the health and safety training topics in rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. I observed on the staff’s orientation form that the NC Prevent Child Abuse training was recorded for several areas throughout the form. We reviewed the differences and suggestions, moving forward please ensure you complete orientation and health and safety requirements separately. Exit Conference: At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We jointly reviewed the visit summary and documentation of my findings and violations with you, Ms. Johnson. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 704-249-6440 or via email at abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your assistance during today’s visit. Abigail Avalos, M.Ed. Child Care Consultant Division of Child Development and Early Education 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: S.T.E.P.'S DEVELOPMENTAL ACADEMY, INC. Facility ID: 90000392 Consultant: ABIGAIL AVALOS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/17/2024 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 12/17/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 208 Time In: 09:02 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 visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an unannounced annual compliance visit. Upon arrival I was greeted by Ms. Antigone Lee, Assistant Director. I shared the reason for the visit. Ms. Lisa Johnson, director arrived a few minutes after my arrival, and she accompanied me throughout the walk-through of the facility and the outdoor learning environment. Permit Information: The program currently operates with a Four-Star Center License effective 3/13/20. The license was posted, with following restrictions: - 1st shift - Meets enhanced ratios - Meets enhanced space - Meets highest reduced ratios - Children over age 12 years may be present I monitored the following: supervision, staff/child ratio, staff, children, health, safety, and program records. All classroom spaces, the kitchen, and the outdoor learning environment were monitored. This facility has one (1) NC PreK classroom, all requirements were in compliance. Ownership: The facility’s corporate owner is S.T.E. P.’s Developmental Academy, Inc. with SoS ID# 0670690. They are current and active as of 4/3/2003. As a reminder, if any changes to the ownership need to be made, you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location or inherited. Inspections: The program's fire inspection was completed on 6/11/24. As a reminder, please ensure to schedule your annual fire inspection prior to the previous year’s and send your consultant a copy of the completed fire inspection within seven (7) days. The program's recent sanitation inspection was conducted on 10/22/24. The program received nine (9) demerits and received a Superior classification. The last playground inspection was completed on 11/27/24. Indoor Learning Environment: I observed children in the indoor learning environment and found supervision and staff/child ratios in compliance. Children were participating in free play, small group art activities, transitions, outdoor play and morning drop off. I observed specialists completing sessions with children and I observed appropriate language and interactions amongst the children and staff. Outdoor Learning Environment: The outdoor learning environment was monitored, due to the recent rain the mulch looked compacted, please ensure that you fluff and/or fill the mulch around fall zones to meet the adequate depth. You shared that you will be installing rubber turf near the play structure. Please ensure that during the project children continue to get gross motor play, preferably outdoors if there are no hazards present or workers on the playground. As a reminder, all stationary equipment, more than 18 inches high, needs to be installed over protective surfacing. Surfacing needs to extend six (6) feet beyond the external limits of the equipment or, 3 feet for equipment used only by children less than 2 years of age. Program Records: The last fire drill was conducted on 11/27/24 and the last emergency drill was conducted on 10/1/24. The EPR was last updated on 11/21/24. Staff Records: There were five (5) new staff files to review and one (1) existing staff file. Please refer to the staff/training worksheet for an overview of which files were monitored. One (1) staff file did not have the DCDEE medical report on file. Children’s Records: Five (5) children’s files were reviewed, please refer to the children’s worksheet for an overview of files that were monitored. Medication: Reported medication was monitored and in compliance. Nutrition: The facility was in compliance with child care meal pattern requirements. Weapons: You reported that you were in compliance with child care requirements regarding firearms. Transportation: Transportation is not provided at this facility. Violation Number Comment Rule 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One (1) staff file did not have the DCDEE medical report on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) Corrective Action Plan: On or before 12/31/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Please ensure that all these components are in your compliance letter: • Name of your facility • Your facility ID number • Date the visit made • Date that you are submitting the compliance letter • Provide each cited violation number • Describe when and how each violation was corrected • Describe how you will prevent the recurrence of each violation (you need to specify how you will prevent the violation from re-occurring) • Sign with your signature Please email the information to: abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov Compliance History: The program’s compliance history was ninety-five percent (95%) prior to today’s visit. Rated License: Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS (Quality Rating and Improvement System) is implemented, this is also known as SB 425 (Senate Bill 425). Providers in Cohort #1 are not required to go any further with a rated license assessment unless requested, and providers in Cohort #2 do not need to start their preparation year unless a rated license assessment is requested. Lead in Water, Paint and Asbestos: 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 and 15A NCAC 18A .2816 require all child care facilities (homes and centers) to test for lead in drinking water, identify lead based paint hazards, and mitigate or restrict access to identified hazards. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina additional information can be found in the Raise North Carolina Newsletter sent via email on 12/7/23 from DCDEE. As of today, your facility has completed testing lead in water. For lead-based paint, the survey is under review by RTI and for asbestos you’ve started enrollment. Please continue to get all three (3) sections completed as required. Technical Assistance: Please ensure that employment applications are completed to their entirety including signatures and dates on the forms. 10A NCAC 09 .1101 discusses requirements needed for orientation of new staff, please note that these topics are in addition to the health and safety training topics in rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. I observed on the staff’s orientation form that the NC Prevent Child Abuse training was recorded for several areas throughout the form. We reviewed the differences and suggestions, moving forward please ensure you complete orientation and health and safety requirements separately. Exit Conference: At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We jointly reviewed the visit summary and documentation of my findings and violations with you, Ms. Johnson. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 704-249-6440 or via email at abigail.avalos@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your assistance during today’s visit. Abigail Avalos, M.Ed. Child Care Consultant Division of Child Development and Early Education 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: S.T.E.P.'S DEVELOPMENTAL ACADEMY, INC. Facility ID: 90000392 Consultant: TRACI J. MEYER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/18/2023 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 12/18/2023 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 154 Time In: 08:56 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an unannounced annual compliance visit. Upon arrival I was greeted by Ms. Sanbria and I shared the reason for the visit. Ms. Sanbria began the walkthrough until we were joined by Ms. A Lee, and Ms. L. Johnson, Director/Owner assisted with the walk-through the facility and the outdoor learning environments. Your program currently operates with a Four-Star Center License on 03/13/2020. The license was posted, with restrictions to 1st shift, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, meets highest reduced ratios, and children over twelve may be present. Ownership: The facility owner is S.T.E.P.’S Developmental Academy, Inc SSDI #0670690. If any changes to the ownership need to be made, you must notify your consultant at least thirty (30) days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location or inherited. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable childcare requirements pertinent to this facility and the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers. Creative Curriculum is used in all classrooms including the NC Pre-K and the Brigance is used as the developmental screening tool for all classrooms. I monitored the following items today: supervision, staff/child ratio, staff, health, safety, and program records. All classrooms, kitchen, inside and outside learning spaces. Program Records: We reviewed all the required records. Inspections: All inspections were monitored, and inspection dates are listed below. •Fire drill was conducted on 11/1/2023, this was not listed on the emergency form, but was completed on the date noted. •Emergency drill was conducted on 10/9/2023, this was not listed on the emergency form but was completed on the date noted. •Fire inspection was completed on 6/6/2023. •Playground inspection was completed on 11/1/2023. •Sanitation inspection was conducted on 8/2/2023and received a Superior classification. •The Emergency Preparedness Manual was updated and reviewed by all staff on 10/23/2023. Indoor Learning Environment: I observed children in the indoor learning environment and the following items were posted in the classrooms that were monitored: Daily schedules, activity plans, staff/child ratio worksheets, emergency numbers, emergency procedures, arrival/departure procedures, summary of law, first aid posters, tobacco free room, and menus. Children were observed finishing breakfast, participating in hand washing, preparing to go outside, participating in circle time and teacher directed readings and morning activities. Outdoor Learning Environment: The outdoor learning environment was monitored and in compliance. The mulch under the critical height play area was less than the depth appropriate but the teacher’s were not on the playground yet and were beginning to prepare the area for use including raking the mulch. Staff Records: The staff-training worksheet was completed prior to the visit. There were three (3) new staff files to review today, and two (2) existing staff file. Please refer to the staff/training worksheet to review which files were monitored. Due to internet outages the full Staff and Training Worksheet was viewed but a sheet with all five files was created to review in the interest of time. Children’s Records: There are forty (40) children enrolled in this center. There were nineteen (19) in attendance today. Four (4) children’s files were reviewed today, please refer to the children’s worksheet to review which files was monitored. All files were well organized and had all documentation needed. One NC Pre-K file was reviewed within the over all four (4) files. Medication: All over the counter medication was in compliance, there were no emergency medications to monitor. Nutrition: The facility was in compliance during today’s visit with Child Care Meal Patterns Requirements. The children were finishing breakfast which consisted of Cheerios, bananas, and milk. If substitutions are provided please make sure to update the menus wherever posted before serving. Weapons: Your facility reported that they were in compliance during today’s visit with Child Care Requirements regarding firearms. Transportation: At this time the facility is not providing transportation, please inform your Child Care Consultant if transportation is provided in the future. There were three (3) violations were observed today and all three (3) were corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The monthly fore drill was conducted in the appropriate time frame with documentation but not transferred to the record. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Emergency drills were completed and documented in the appropriate time frame but was not transferred to the record. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Staff Members J.S. and D.O. previous years' health questionnaires were not maintained in a separate folder. .0701(d) 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 (75%). Any violation (s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was eighty-seven percent (87%) prior to today’s visit. The compliance history could be impacted after today’s visit. 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. If you state in your letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. Rated License: Your facility’s rated license cohort is cohort # two (2). The preparation year of the assessment is July 1st, 2024 to June 30th, 2025 and the assessment year is July 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2026. Listed below are some items to do to get ready for the upcoming preparation and assessment years. •Have all staff update their information in the WORKS database. For more information, please go to https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/DCDEE-WORKS. Have all teachers and staff print out their WORKS letter, so you can see if their education is updated. If any teachers have a BSAC certificate have them upload the certificate into their account. •Access the resources for your upcoming assessment at www.ncrlap.org. •Review the materials lists for each classroom. This list is to be used as a resource reminding you of some of the required items to promote quality in programming. •Contact CCRI and The Alliance for Children to have them assist you in providing guidance in preparation for the scales. Technical Assistance: •Please remember to print out the updated Cover Page for the Emergency Preparedness Manual once it has been updated. •An updated Summary of the Law is available on the DCDEE website, please print and take down the previous version. •Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. •The Smart Start Resource Center (SSRC) is funded by and in partnership with the Alliance for Children and is hosted by South Piedmont Community College. The SSRC offers a variety of materials to support children ages 0-5 in their learning and development. The SSRC is a lending library of more than 5,000 resources with a delivery service. If you are interested you can reach the SSRC via email at smartstartresourcecenter@gmail.com or by phone at 704-290-5894. • In the outdoor learning environment, please make sure that under critical height play structures, the appropriate depth of surface coverings present. This will mean "raking" any mulch that has been moved from children's play. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. We jointly reviewed the visit summary and documentation of my findings and violations with you, person I encouraged to ask any questions and you did not have any. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 704-594-0041 or via email at Traci.Meyer@dhhs.nc.gov . Thank you for your assistance during today’s visit. Traci Meyer Carpenter Child Care Consultant Division of Child Development and Early Education 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.