Above AND Beyond Early Learning Center

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2026 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 3/12/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. As of September 9, 2025, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 86%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 10, 2025. Sanitation Inspection – 12/09/2025 - 4 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/21/2025 – Approved for daytime only Chevon Trader, Owner, was present and available for consultation. I conducted a walkthrough and observations of the facility unaccompanied. There are thirty-three and twenty-nine children, ages 0-5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; all activity plans were current. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Toddlers and preschool children were observed napping. All children napped or rested on individual cots with blankets, lights turned off, and soft music played making environment conducive for nap/rest time. Infants received care based on their induvial needs. Infant feeding scheduled was posted. Safe sleep charts are not being maintained for the two infants enrolled and present in space #1. This will be cited as a violation. Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger at least every 15 minutes. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: ·Watching the chest rise and fall ·Note color of skin ·look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature ·note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year and new employees have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff must complete these trainings within the first year of being hired and must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s records were not monitored today. There were eight staff members employed at this facility. There were no staff hired since the last annual compliance visit. Required information and trainings for existing staff were monitored. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. The following violations were observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Safe sleep checks were not maintained for two infants, who were present. Safe sleep checks were last completed on 03/02/2026 and 03/05/2026. .0606(g) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last emergency drill was conducted in October 2025; an emergency drill should have been conducted in January 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 26, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. You may email your letter of compliance to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills should be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. The last emergency drill was conducted October 29, 2025; an emergency drill should have been conducted in January 2026. these drills should be documented on the Emergency Drill Record. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed at least every three months. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility was issued a Four-Star License on April 15, 2020. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is interested in pursuing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by July 2026 and have requested to have the ERS completed in September 2026. The facility had outreach assessment completed on February 9, 2026, and February 19, 2026. the A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4- and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. The facility will need to complete and submit the Staff Information and Education Worksheet to me no later than June 2026. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) The facility will need to complete the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Family and Community Engagement Categories: Educational Opportunity, Engagement & Leadership, and Communication. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): A CQI plan will be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). The application forms are available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms, and the QRIS modernization page. I encourage you to review the information under the QRIS Modernization section of our website for the most up to date information on how stars are achieved. Staff Education - Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is of vital importance as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the number of points that your facility earns in the education component of QRIS. Other Information Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 24, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Risk Assessment Completed – No Lead Based Paint Hazards Identified • Asbestos-Inspection completed – No Asbestos Hazards identified Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Ms. Riddick has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: Qualifying letters expirations - D. Fletcher expire 05/24/2026, C. Riddick expire 07/22/2026, and M. Easley expire 10/01/2026. CPR/FA expirations – D. Fletcher expire 04/2026, J. White expire 05/2026, C. Riddick 08/2026, M. Easley and S. Miles expire 10/2026. Plastic gloves should not be stored on the diaper changing table; plastic gloves should be stored at least 5 ft above floor level. Update EMC Plan to reflect current staff; L. Morrison needs to be removed from the EMC plan. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Administrative Action Discussion During today’s visit, I informed you that an Administrative Action – Written Warning would be issued. I also told you to expect the notice of Administrative Action to be delivered via certified mail in the coming days. I explained the Basis for Action and invited you to call me once you had a chance to review it so I could go over the CAP with you. You stated you could read it and would contact me if you had any questions. I shared that unannounced visits will be conducted more frequently and that I could go over the information with you during the next visit if you preferred. The administrative action is based on a violation of unsafe indoor environment. On February 19, 2026, a Child Care Consultant from the Division of Child Development and Early Education visited Above and Beyond Early Learning Center, regarding alleged violation of child care requirements related to unsafe indoor environment. The allegation was confirmed. The Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and Corrective Action Plan must be posted in a location visible to parents and visitors for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education stating that the Corrective Action Plan has been completed. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. If you have any questions and/or concerns, contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov or (910)824-1143 or my supervisor, Kim Sherry at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov/ 910-824-0470. 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2026 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 3/12/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. As of September 9, 2025, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 86%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 10, 2025. Sanitation Inspection – 12/09/2025 - 4 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/21/2025 – Approved for daytime only Chevon Trader, Owner, was present and available for consultation. I conducted a walkthrough and observations of the facility unaccompanied. There are thirty-three and twenty-nine children, ages 0-5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; all activity plans were current. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Toddlers and preschool children were observed napping. All children napped or rested on individual cots with blankets, lights turned off, and soft music played making environment conducive for nap/rest time. Infants received care based on their induvial needs. Infant feeding scheduled was posted. Safe sleep charts are not being maintained for the two infants enrolled and present in space #1. This will be cited as a violation. Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger at least every 15 minutes. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: ·Watching the chest rise and fall ·Note color of skin ·look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature ·note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year and new employees have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff must complete these trainings within the first year of being hired and must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s records were not monitored today. There were eight staff members employed at this facility. There were no staff hired since the last annual compliance visit. Required information and trainings for existing staff were monitored. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. The following violations were observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Safe sleep checks were not maintained for two infants, who were present. Safe sleep checks were last completed on 03/02/2026 and 03/05/2026. .0606(g) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last emergency drill was conducted in October 2025; an emergency drill should have been conducted in January 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 26, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. You may email your letter of compliance to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills should be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. The last emergency drill was conducted October 29, 2025; an emergency drill should have been conducted in January 2026. these drills should be documented on the Emergency Drill Record. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed at least every three months. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility was issued a Four-Star License on April 15, 2020. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is interested in pursuing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by July 2026 and have requested to have the ERS completed in September 2026. The facility had outreach assessment completed on February 9, 2026, and February 19, 2026. the A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4- and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. The facility will need to complete and submit the Staff Information and Education Worksheet to me no later than June 2026. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) The facility will need to complete the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Family and Community Engagement Categories: Educational Opportunity, Engagement & Leadership, and Communication. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): A CQI plan will be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). The application forms are available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms, and the QRIS modernization page. I encourage you to review the information under the QRIS Modernization section of our website for the most up to date information on how stars are achieved. Staff Education - Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is of vital importance as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the number of points that your facility earns in the education component of QRIS. Other Information Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 24, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Risk Assessment Completed – No Lead Based Paint Hazards Identified • Asbestos-Inspection completed – No Asbestos Hazards identified Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Ms. Riddick has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: Qualifying letters expirations - D. Fletcher expire 05/24/2026, C. Riddick expire 07/22/2026, and M. Easley expire 10/01/2026. CPR/FA expirations – D. Fletcher expire 04/2026, J. White expire 05/2026, C. Riddick 08/2026, M. Easley and S. Miles expire 10/2026. Plastic gloves should not be stored on the diaper changing table; plastic gloves should be stored at least 5 ft above floor level. Update EMC Plan to reflect current staff; L. Morrison needs to be removed from the EMC plan. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ Administrative Action Discussion During today’s visit, I informed you that an Administrative Action – Written Warning would be issued. I also told you to expect the notice of Administrative Action to be delivered via certified mail in the coming days. I explained the Basis for Action and invited you to call me once you had a chance to review it so I could go over the CAP with you. You stated you could read it and would contact me if you had any questions. I shared that unannounced visits will be conducted more frequently and that I could go over the information with you during the next visit if you preferred. The administrative action is based on a violation of unsafe indoor environment. On February 19, 2026, a Child Care Consultant from the Division of Child Development and Early Education visited Above and Beyond Early Learning Center, regarding alleged violation of child care requirements related to unsafe indoor environment. The allegation was confirmed. The Notice of Administrative Action, cover letter, and Corrective Action Plan must be posted in a location visible to parents and visitors for three months and until receipt of a closure letter from the Division of Child Development and Early Education stating that the Corrective Action Plan has been completed. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. If you have any questions and/or concerns, contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov or (910)824-1143 or my supervisor, Kim Sherry at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov/ 910-824-0470. 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-042L Visit Date: 2/19/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 2/19/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 89 during first shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, daytime care only, and meets enhanced ratios. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 10, 2025. As of today, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 86%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 12/09/2025 - 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/21/2025 – Approved for daytime only Upon arrival, Owner, Chevon Riddick, was not present - she arrived approximately 30 minutes into the visit. Lakesha Morrison, Administrator from Above and Beyond Early Learning Center II, which is located next door was present and assisted with this visit. There were thirty-one children enrolled and twenty-three children, aged 0-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were also observed in each classroom. In space #1, one infant was present. Caregiver was observed sitting on the floor holding infant. Infant received care based on individual needs. Infant feeding schedule was available and safe sleep chart is being maintained. One year old children were observing nap/rest time. Preschool children in space #2 and #3 were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots and blankets; the lights were off and nature music, including water sounds played softly. Reminder – when using partitions to separate cots, the partition must extend the length of the entire cot. After children woke up from nap, they completed handwashing routines and had snack. Snack consisted of cheese crackers, applesauce, and water. As I observed each classroom today, all children were adequately supervised. Staff/child ratio were in compliance. All staff interacted with children in a positive and appropriate manner. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for infants/one year old children. The allegation was discussed with Ms. Riddick, Ms. Morrison, and all staff members, including the staff members for the classroom for infants/one year old children, C. Bruckner and S. Miles. The additional staff member for the classroom for infant and one year old children, E. Swinney, was not present. Ms. Swinney was terminated and her last day of employment was February 11, 2026. You were each given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. Allegation There are concerns that children were not cared for in a safe environment. While staff member was moving a feeding chair, an infant fell out of the chair and hit their head on the floor; a knot and bruise was visible on the child’s forehead. Ms. Riddick and Ms. Morrison were cooperative and confirmed the allegation. Staff members recalled an incident that occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 8:54a.m. Staff member, E. Swinney, was moving a feeding chair from space #2 to Space #1 as she was transitioning children to her classroom as they had been grouped together with space #2 for the morning. Infant child was seated in feeding chair. When Ms. Swinney picked the feeding chair up and begin to move it, the tray table of the feeding chair came apart and an eleven-month-old child fell to the floor and hit their head. After the child fell to the floor, child cried briefly; Ms. Swinney immediately picked the child up, comforted the child, and gave child their pacify. This facility does have cameras. Recorded video footage was reviewed and corresponded with the information received from staff members. An incident report was received on February 13, 2026. However, the incident report indicated the child hit their head on the tray table of the feeding chair/high chair, but the video recording verifies the child’s head did not hit the tray table, it hit the floor. Incident report was completed by Ms. Swinney. However, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all forms and documents are completed honestly and that the information provided is accurate and truthful. This helps ensure a clear and reliable picture of what occurs within a child care facility. Accurate record keeping not only supports compliance with licensing requirements, but also protects staff, children and the program as a whole. Documentation serves as formal record of care, supervision, communication, and decision making. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation or information can create confusion, undermine trust, and potentially lead to serious consequences or the potential for a falsification violation. Incident reports must contain true and accurate information. Ms. Swinney did not report the incident to anyone; the incident occurred at 8:54a.m. per video footage. When parent came to pick up the child to go home, parent noticed the knot and bruise on their child’s forehead and began to question staff members as to what happened. The parent was very upset and the owner, Ms. Riddick, was notified of the incident and advised parent that she would review the cameras and conduct her own investigation. During today’s visit, I reviewed the parent handbook for this facility, and it did not state that parent would be notified if child is injured while in their care. It addressed parents being notified if their child become sick or ill while in care. I stated to Ms. Riddick that parents should be notified immediately after an incident involving a bump, bruise, and/or blood, so the parent can help to determine the proper course of action for their child's care. It is possible for a child's injuries to become more serious, if they are not addressed immediately. The center did not follow their emergency medical care (EMC) plan. It is indicated on the EMC plan who is the person in the center responsible for notification of parents or emergency contact in the event of a illness or an accident. Emergency situations can occur quickly and without warning. Having a plan in place and knowing what to do is your best protection. An organized comprehensive approach to injury prevention and control is necessary to ensure a safe environment. This approach requires written plans, policies, procedures and recordkeeping that informs staff and parents about concerns and attention to the safety of children. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise, keep their children safe, and protect their children from physical injury. I advised Ms. Riddick and staff members that effective communication and transparency is key to establishing and maintaining positive partnerships with parents; it builds understanding and trust. When you and parents understand and trust each other, you will all be better able to work together to support children's wellbeing and development. Based on my observations, staff interviews, information received, video footage and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. By staff member moving the feeding chair with child seated in it created an unsafe environment for the child due to the child fell out of the feeding chair onto the floor, received a physical injury(knot and bruise on forehead), and received medical attention at local emergency department. The label feeding chairs/high chairs read “FALL HAZARD: Children have suffered severe head injuries including skull fractures when falling from high chairs. Falls can happen suddenly if child is not restrained properly. Always use restraints and adjust to fit snugly. Stay near and watch child during use.” Children should not be in feeding chairs/high chairs while the chair is being moved. Feeding chairs/high chairs are for stationary use, ideally with a 5-point harness to prevent falls, as children often wiggle or rock while seated. Safety guidelines emphasize supervision, preventing children from standing/climbing in them, and keeping them away from furniture they can push off. Key safety and usage tips: •Never Move a Seated Child: Do not transport a child while they are in a feeding chair/high chair. •Supervision is Mandatory: Constant adult supervision is required. •Use Safety Harnesses: Always use a 5-point harness to secure the child. •Stability Check: Ensure the chair is on a stable, flat surface, away from table edges or furniture the child can push against. •Developmental Readiness: Children should generally sit in a high chair only when they can sit up independently (around 6 months) to ensure proper posture and safety. Safety starts in the classroom. Children should feel and be safe everywhere at your facility. Feeling safe makes learning possible. Infants need "felt" safety, which is a feeling of being protected, loved, and valued, often achieved through gentle, consistent care. Infants and toddlers in thriving relationships with caregivers feel safe, protected, appreciated, and loved. When an infant establishes a relationship with a sensitive and responsive caregiver, the infant learns whom to trust and turn to when needing support. Children use adults as secure bases from which to explore their world and to return to when they need to feel safe or desire food, attention, or a hug. Young children who experience secure relationships are happier, kinder, more social, less anxious, and better learners than those children who do not feel secure. The following violation was documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor environment was not provided for the children. By staff member moving the feeding chair/high chair with child seated in it created an unsafe environment for the child which resulted in the child fell out of the high chair onto the floor, received a physical injury(knot and bruise on forehead), and received medical attention at local emergency department. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 873 Center staff did not follow the EMC plan. A child fell from a feeding chair/high chair onto the floor and hit their head. Parent was not notified of the accident. 10A NCAC 09.0802(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received on or before March 5, 2026, describing how violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, reviewed, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Riddick. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the complaint visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Based on the allegation of this complaint being confirmed, an administrative action may be issued. If you have any questions and/or concerns, contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov or (910)824-1143. 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-042L Visit Date: 2/19/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 2/19/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 89 during first shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, daytime care only, and meets enhanced ratios. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 10, 2025. As of today, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 86%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 12/09/2025 - 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/21/2025 – Approved for daytime only Upon arrival, Owner, Chevon Riddick, was not present - she arrived approximately 30 minutes into the visit. Lakesha Morrison, Administrator from Above and Beyond Early Learning Center II, which is located next door was present and assisted with this visit. There were thirty-one children enrolled and twenty-three children, aged 0-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were also observed in each classroom. In space #1, one infant was present. Caregiver was observed sitting on the floor holding infant. Infant received care based on individual needs. Infant feeding schedule was available and safe sleep chart is being maintained. One year old children were observing nap/rest time. Preschool children in space #2 and #3 were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots and blankets; the lights were off and nature music, including water sounds played softly. Reminder – when using partitions to separate cots, the partition must extend the length of the entire cot. After children woke up from nap, they completed handwashing routines and had snack. Snack consisted of cheese crackers, applesauce, and water. As I observed each classroom today, all children were adequately supervised. Staff/child ratio were in compliance. All staff interacted with children in a positive and appropriate manner. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for infants/one year old children. The allegation was discussed with Ms. Riddick, Ms. Morrison, and all staff members, including the staff members for the classroom for infants/one year old children, C. Bruckner and S. Miles. The additional staff member for the classroom for infant and one year old children, E. Swinney, was not present. Ms. Swinney was terminated and her last day of employment was February 11, 2026. You were each given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. Allegation There are concerns that children were not cared for in a safe environment. While staff member was moving a feeding chair, an infant fell out of the chair and hit their head on the floor; a knot and bruise was visible on the child’s forehead. Ms. Riddick and Ms. Morrison were cooperative and confirmed the allegation. Staff members recalled an incident that occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 8:54a.m. Staff member, E. Swinney, was moving a feeding chair from space #2 to Space #1 as she was transitioning children to her classroom as they had been grouped together with space #2 for the morning. Infant child was seated in feeding chair. When Ms. Swinney picked the feeding chair up and begin to move it, the tray table of the feeding chair came apart and an eleven-month-old child fell to the floor and hit their head. After the child fell to the floor, child cried briefly; Ms. Swinney immediately picked the child up, comforted the child, and gave child their pacify. This facility does have cameras. Recorded video footage was reviewed and corresponded with the information received from staff members. An incident report was received on February 13, 2026. However, the incident report indicated the child hit their head on the tray table of the feeding chair/high chair, but the video recording verifies the child’s head did not hit the tray table, it hit the floor. Incident report was completed by Ms. Swinney. However, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all forms and documents are completed honestly and that the information provided is accurate and truthful. This helps ensure a clear and reliable picture of what occurs within a child care facility. Accurate record keeping not only supports compliance with licensing requirements, but also protects staff, children and the program as a whole. Documentation serves as formal record of care, supervision, communication, and decision making. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation or information can create confusion, undermine trust, and potentially lead to serious consequences or the potential for a falsification violation. Incident reports must contain true and accurate information. Ms. Swinney did not report the incident to anyone; the incident occurred at 8:54a.m. per video footage. When parent came to pick up the child to go home, parent noticed the knot and bruise on their child’s forehead and began to question staff members as to what happened. The parent was very upset and the owner, Ms. Riddick, was notified of the incident and advised parent that she would review the cameras and conduct her own investigation. During today’s visit, I reviewed the parent handbook for this facility, and it did not state that parent would be notified if child is injured while in their care. It addressed parents being notified if their child become sick or ill while in care. I stated to Ms. Riddick that parents should be notified immediately after an incident involving a bump, bruise, and/or blood, so the parent can help to determine the proper course of action for their child's care. It is possible for a child's injuries to become more serious, if they are not addressed immediately. The center did not follow their emergency medical care (EMC) plan. It is indicated on the EMC plan who is the person in the center responsible for notification of parents or emergency contact in the event of a illness or an accident. Emergency situations can occur quickly and without warning. Having a plan in place and knowing what to do is your best protection. An organized comprehensive approach to injury prevention and control is necessary to ensure a safe environment. This approach requires written plans, policies, procedures and recordkeeping that informs staff and parents about concerns and attention to the safety of children. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise, keep their children safe, and protect their children from physical injury. I advised Ms. Riddick and staff members that effective communication and transparency is key to establishing and maintaining positive partnerships with parents; it builds understanding and trust. When you and parents understand and trust each other, you will all be better able to work together to support children's wellbeing and development. Based on my observations, staff interviews, information received, video footage and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. By staff member moving the feeding chair with child seated in it created an unsafe environment for the child due to the child fell out of the feeding chair onto the floor, received a physical injury(knot and bruise on forehead), and received medical attention at local emergency department. The label feeding chairs/high chairs read “FALL HAZARD: Children have suffered severe head injuries including skull fractures when falling from high chairs. Falls can happen suddenly if child is not restrained properly. Always use restraints and adjust to fit snugly. Stay near and watch child during use.” Children should not be in feeding chairs/high chairs while the chair is being moved. Feeding chairs/high chairs are for stationary use, ideally with a 5-point harness to prevent falls, as children often wiggle or rock while seated. Safety guidelines emphasize supervision, preventing children from standing/climbing in them, and keeping them away from furniture they can push off. Key safety and usage tips: •Never Move a Seated Child: Do not transport a child while they are in a feeding chair/high chair. •Supervision is Mandatory: Constant adult supervision is required. •Use Safety Harnesses: Always use a 5-point harness to secure the child. •Stability Check: Ensure the chair is on a stable, flat surface, away from table edges or furniture the child can push against. •Developmental Readiness: Children should generally sit in a high chair only when they can sit up independently (around 6 months) to ensure proper posture and safety. Safety starts in the classroom. Children should feel and be safe everywhere at your facility. Feeling safe makes learning possible. Infants need "felt" safety, which is a feeling of being protected, loved, and valued, often achieved through gentle, consistent care. Infants and toddlers in thriving relationships with caregivers feel safe, protected, appreciated, and loved. When an infant establishes a relationship with a sensitive and responsive caregiver, the infant learns whom to trust and turn to when needing support. Children use adults as secure bases from which to explore their world and to return to when they need to feel safe or desire food, attention, or a hug. Young children who experience secure relationships are happier, kinder, more social, less anxious, and better learners than those children who do not feel secure. The following violation was documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor environment was not provided for the children. By staff member moving the feeding chair/high chair with child seated in it created an unsafe environment for the child which resulted in the child fell out of the high chair onto the floor, received a physical injury(knot and bruise on forehead), and received medical attention at local emergency department. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 873 Center staff did not follow the EMC plan. A child fell from a feeding chair/high chair onto the floor and hit their head. Parent was not notified of the accident. 10A NCAC 09.0802(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received on or before March 5, 2026, describing how violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, reviewed, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Riddick. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the complaint visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Based on the allegation of this complaint being confirmed, an administrative action may be issued. If you have any questions and/or concerns, contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov or (910)824-1143. 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-042L Visit Date: 2/19/2026 Number Present: 23 Completed Date: 2/19/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 89 during first shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, daytime care only, and meets enhanced ratios. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 10, 2025. As of today, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 86%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 12/09/2025 - 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/21/2025 – Approved for daytime only Upon arrival, Owner, Chevon Riddick, was not present - she arrived approximately 30 minutes into the visit. Lakesha Morrison, Administrator from Above and Beyond Early Learning Center II, which is located next door was present and assisted with this visit. There were thirty-one children enrolled and twenty-three children, aged 0-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were also observed in each classroom. In space #1, one infant was present. Caregiver was observed sitting on the floor holding infant. Infant received care based on individual needs. Infant feeding schedule was available and safe sleep chart is being maintained. One year old children were observing nap/rest time. Preschool children in space #2 and #3 were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots and blankets; the lights were off and nature music, including water sounds played softly. Reminder – when using partitions to separate cots, the partition must extend the length of the entire cot. After children woke up from nap, they completed handwashing routines and had snack. Snack consisted of cheese crackers, applesauce, and water. As I observed each classroom today, all children were adequately supervised. Staff/child ratio were in compliance. All staff interacted with children in a positive and appropriate manner. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for infants/one year old children. The allegation was discussed with Ms. Riddick, Ms. Morrison, and all staff members, including the staff members for the classroom for infants/one year old children, C. Bruckner and S. Miles. The additional staff member for the classroom for infant and one year old children, E. Swinney, was not present. Ms. Swinney was terminated and her last day of employment was February 11, 2026. You were each given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. Allegation There are concerns that children were not cared for in a safe environment. While staff member was moving a feeding chair, an infant fell out of the chair and hit their head on the floor; a knot and bruise was visible on the child’s forehead. Ms. Riddick and Ms. Morrison were cooperative and confirmed the allegation. Staff members recalled an incident that occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 8:54a.m. Staff member, E. Swinney, was moving a feeding chair from space #2 to Space #1 as she was transitioning children to her classroom as they had been grouped together with space #2 for the morning. Infant child was seated in feeding chair. When Ms. Swinney picked the feeding chair up and begin to move it, the tray table of the feeding chair came apart and an eleven-month-old child fell to the floor and hit their head. After the child fell to the floor, child cried briefly; Ms. Swinney immediately picked the child up, comforted the child, and gave child their pacify. This facility does have cameras. Recorded video footage was reviewed and corresponded with the information received from staff members. An incident report was received on February 13, 2026. However, the incident report indicated the child hit their head on the tray table of the feeding chair/high chair, but the video recording verifies the child’s head did not hit the tray table, it hit the floor. Incident report was completed by Ms. Swinney. However, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all forms and documents are completed honestly and that the information provided is accurate and truthful. This helps ensure a clear and reliable picture of what occurs within a child care facility. Accurate record keeping not only supports compliance with licensing requirements, but also protects staff, children and the program as a whole. Documentation serves as formal record of care, supervision, communication, and decision making. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation or information can create confusion, undermine trust, and potentially lead to serious consequences or the potential for a falsification violation. Incident reports must contain true and accurate information. Ms. Swinney did not report the incident to anyone; the incident occurred at 8:54a.m. per video footage. When parent came to pick up the child to go home, parent noticed the knot and bruise on their child’s forehead and began to question staff members as to what happened. The parent was very upset and the owner, Ms. Riddick, was notified of the incident and advised parent that she would review the cameras and conduct her own investigation. During today’s visit, I reviewed the parent handbook for this facility, and it did not state that parent would be notified if child is injured while in their care. It addressed parents being notified if their child become sick or ill while in care. I stated to Ms. Riddick that parents should be notified immediately after an incident involving a bump, bruise, and/or blood, so the parent can help to determine the proper course of action for their child's care. It is possible for a child's injuries to become more serious, if they are not addressed immediately. The center did not follow their emergency medical care (EMC) plan. It is indicated on the EMC plan who is the person in the center responsible for notification of parents or emergency contact in the event of a illness or an accident. Emergency situations can occur quickly and without warning. Having a plan in place and knowing what to do is your best protection. An organized comprehensive approach to injury prevention and control is necessary to ensure a safe environment. This approach requires written plans, policies, procedures and recordkeeping that informs staff and parents about concerns and attention to the safety of children. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise, keep their children safe, and protect their children from physical injury. I advised Ms. Riddick and staff members that effective communication and transparency is key to establishing and maintaining positive partnerships with parents; it builds understanding and trust. When you and parents understand and trust each other, you will all be better able to work together to support children's wellbeing and development. Based on my observations, staff interviews, information received, video footage and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. By staff member moving the feeding chair with child seated in it created an unsafe environment for the child due to the child fell out of the feeding chair onto the floor, received a physical injury(knot and bruise on forehead), and received medical attention at local emergency department. The label feeding chairs/high chairs read “FALL HAZARD: Children have suffered severe head injuries including skull fractures when falling from high chairs. Falls can happen suddenly if child is not restrained properly. Always use restraints and adjust to fit snugly. Stay near and watch child during use.” Children should not be in feeding chairs/high chairs while the chair is being moved. Feeding chairs/high chairs are for stationary use, ideally with a 5-point harness to prevent falls, as children often wiggle or rock while seated. Safety guidelines emphasize supervision, preventing children from standing/climbing in them, and keeping them away from furniture they can push off. Key safety and usage tips: •Never Move a Seated Child: Do not transport a child while they are in a feeding chair/high chair. •Supervision is Mandatory: Constant adult supervision is required. •Use Safety Harnesses: Always use a 5-point harness to secure the child. •Stability Check: Ensure the chair is on a stable, flat surface, away from table edges or furniture the child can push against. •Developmental Readiness: Children should generally sit in a high chair only when they can sit up independently (around 6 months) to ensure proper posture and safety. Safety starts in the classroom. Children should feel and be safe everywhere at your facility. Feeling safe makes learning possible. Infants need "felt" safety, which is a feeling of being protected, loved, and valued, often achieved through gentle, consistent care. Infants and toddlers in thriving relationships with caregivers feel safe, protected, appreciated, and loved. When an infant establishes a relationship with a sensitive and responsive caregiver, the infant learns whom to trust and turn to when needing support. Children use adults as secure bases from which to explore their world and to return to when they need to feel safe or desire food, attention, or a hug. Young children who experience secure relationships are happier, kinder, more social, less anxious, and better learners than those children who do not feel secure. The following violation was documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor environment was not provided for the children. By staff member moving the feeding chair/high chair with child seated in it created an unsafe environment for the child which resulted in the child fell out of the high chair onto the floor, received a physical injury(knot and bruise on forehead), and received medical attention at local emergency department. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 873 Center staff did not follow the EMC plan. A child fell from a feeding chair/high chair onto the floor and hit their head. Parent was not notified of the accident. 10A NCAC 09.0802(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received on or before March 5, 2026, describing how violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, reviewed, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Riddick. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the complaint visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Based on the allegation of this complaint being confirmed, an administrative action may be issued. If you have any questions and/or concerns, contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov or (910)824-1143. 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/10/2025 Number Present: 8 Completed Date: 9/10/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:45 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 compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. As of September 9, 2025, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 86%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 18, 2024. Sanitation Inspection – 06/16/2025 - 0 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/02/2024 – Approved for daytime only There are twenty-one children enrolled and thirteen children, ages 1-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; activity plan in space #2 was not current. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. The one-year-old children in space #1 were observed sitting with caregiver as she read a book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” As the caregiver read the book with enthusiasm, she would show the children the pictures and identify the item in the picture. Preschool children in space #2 were observed outside playing. When they returned indoors, they completed handwashing and bathroom routines then participated in free choice activities such as art, dramatic play, and blocks. Children also ate lunch. Lunch consisted of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, carrots, grapes, and milk. After lunch, children had nap/rest time. All children were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots/mats and blankets; the lights were off and soft music played. Reminder -Whole grapes are a serious choking hazard for young children due to their size, shape, and smooth, soft surface. Their size and cylindrical shape allow them to completely plug a small child's airway, and their pliable texture can form a tight seal that is difficult to dislodge with standard first-aid maneuvers. Grapes are ranked among the top food choking hazards for children under five, alongside hot dogs and hard candy. Cut grapes properly: Always cut grapes lengthwise into quarters for young children. Cutting them in half is not enough, as a halved grape can still get lodged in the throat. This applies to other similarly shaped foods like cherry tomatoes. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. The caregivers were actively engaged in play and encouraged conversations by asking open-ended questions. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Routine toileting, handwashing, and food service procedures were monitored and found to be in compliance. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are seven staff members employed at this facility. There were no new staff; all staff files were reviewed. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. The following violations were observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. This information was not current in space #2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. FA expired for one staff member in August 2025 and it has not been renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. FA expired for one staff member in August 2025 and it has not been renewed. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff members have not completed the required number of hours of training. .1103(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before September 24, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. Please be aware any information submitted by you is 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 will be conducted. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violation cited: A current activity plan should be available and posted for each group of children. The activity plan in space #2 was dated September 2-5 (last week). Ongoing Training – All staff must complete on-going training annually based on their education and experience. On-going training must be within the 9 topic areas listed in G.S. 110-91(11) and/or the health and safety training topic areas in rule .1102. CPR & FA - For the health and safety of the children, all staff members are required to obtain CPR and First Aid certification and keep it current. Renewing this certification is crucial for staff to be refreshed in first aid and other lifesaving techniques as well as receive the most up to date information. I suggest you set a reminder on your calendar to keep track of expiration dates and/or seek out training from additional approved agencies when staff cannot attend courses offered locally or at the facility. Floater, C. Bruckner, CPR & FA expired in August 2025. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 4, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Enrollment started; There are no results available for this facility. • Asbestos-Enrollment started; There are no results available for this facility. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. You will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for lead-based paint and asbestos. Your enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs was required to be completed for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. You must ensure that you have completed the webinars and registered for all three testing programs. Remember, centers must have their water tested every three years. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Other Information Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. Ms. Riddick has completed the required training. Information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •In September, child care consultants will host in-person facility operator/administrator meetings within the counties they serve to provide additional guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, 930am-1130am or 12pm-2pm. RSVP with me by September 17, 2025. Space is limited; one person per facility. •Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming informational settings and working with you on your pathway to the stars! Remember! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this printed visit summary was reviewed with you, signed, and a copy left with Mrs. Riddick. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you may contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov or (910)824-1143. 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/10/2025 Number Present: 8 Completed Date: 9/10/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:45 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 compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. As of September 9, 2025, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 86%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 18, 2024. Sanitation Inspection – 06/16/2025 - 0 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/02/2024 – Approved for daytime only There are twenty-one children enrolled and thirteen children, ages 1-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; activity plan in space #2 was not current. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. The one-year-old children in space #1 were observed sitting with caregiver as she read a book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” As the caregiver read the book with enthusiasm, she would show the children the pictures and identify the item in the picture. Preschool children in space #2 were observed outside playing. When they returned indoors, they completed handwashing and bathroom routines then participated in free choice activities such as art, dramatic play, and blocks. Children also ate lunch. Lunch consisted of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, carrots, grapes, and milk. After lunch, children had nap/rest time. All children were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots/mats and blankets; the lights were off and soft music played. Reminder -Whole grapes are a serious choking hazard for young children due to their size, shape, and smooth, soft surface. Their size and cylindrical shape allow them to completely plug a small child's airway, and their pliable texture can form a tight seal that is difficult to dislodge with standard first-aid maneuvers. Grapes are ranked among the top food choking hazards for children under five, alongside hot dogs and hard candy. Cut grapes properly: Always cut grapes lengthwise into quarters for young children. Cutting them in half is not enough, as a halved grape can still get lodged in the throat. This applies to other similarly shaped foods like cherry tomatoes. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. The caregivers were actively engaged in play and encouraged conversations by asking open-ended questions. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Routine toileting, handwashing, and food service procedures were monitored and found to be in compliance. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are seven staff members employed at this facility. There were no new staff; all staff files were reviewed. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. The following violations were observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. This information was not current in space #2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. FA expired for one staff member in August 2025 and it has not been renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. FA expired for one staff member in August 2025 and it has not been renewed. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff members have not completed the required number of hours of training. .1103(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before September 24, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. Please be aware any information submitted by you is 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 will be conducted. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violation cited: A current activity plan should be available and posted for each group of children. The activity plan in space #2 was dated September 2-5 (last week). Ongoing Training – All staff must complete on-going training annually based on their education and experience. On-going training must be within the 9 topic areas listed in G.S. 110-91(11) and/or the health and safety training topic areas in rule .1102. CPR & FA - For the health and safety of the children, all staff members are required to obtain CPR and First Aid certification and keep it current. Renewing this certification is crucial for staff to be refreshed in first aid and other lifesaving techniques as well as receive the most up to date information. I suggest you set a reminder on your calendar to keep track of expiration dates and/or seek out training from additional approved agencies when staff cannot attend courses offered locally or at the facility. Floater, C. Bruckner, CPR & FA expired in August 2025. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 4, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Enrollment started; There are no results available for this facility. • Asbestos-Enrollment started; There are no results available for this facility. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. You will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for lead-based paint and asbestos. Your enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs was required to be completed for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. You must ensure that you have completed the webinars and registered for all three testing programs. Remember, centers must have their water tested every three years. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Other Information Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. Ms. Riddick has completed the required training. Information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •In September, child care consultants will host in-person facility operator/administrator meetings within the counties they serve to provide additional guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, 930am-1130am or 12pm-2pm. RSVP with me by September 17, 2025. Space is limited; one person per facility. •Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming informational settings and working with you on your pathway to the stars! Remember! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this printed visit summary was reviewed with you, signed, and a copy left with Mrs. Riddick. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you may contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov or (910)824-1143. 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/10/2025 Number Present: 8 Completed Date: 9/10/2025 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:45 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 compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. As of September 9, 2025, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 86%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 18, 2024. Sanitation Inspection – 06/16/2025 - 0 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/02/2024 – Approved for daytime only There are twenty-one children enrolled and thirteen children, ages 1-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom; activity plan in space #2 was not current. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. The one-year-old children in space #1 were observed sitting with caregiver as she read a book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” As the caregiver read the book with enthusiasm, she would show the children the pictures and identify the item in the picture. Preschool children in space #2 were observed outside playing. When they returned indoors, they completed handwashing and bathroom routines then participated in free choice activities such as art, dramatic play, and blocks. Children also ate lunch. Lunch consisted of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, carrots, grapes, and milk. After lunch, children had nap/rest time. All children were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots/mats and blankets; the lights were off and soft music played. Reminder -Whole grapes are a serious choking hazard for young children due to their size, shape, and smooth, soft surface. Their size and cylindrical shape allow them to completely plug a small child's airway, and their pliable texture can form a tight seal that is difficult to dislodge with standard first-aid maneuvers. Grapes are ranked among the top food choking hazards for children under five, alongside hot dogs and hard candy. Cut grapes properly: Always cut grapes lengthwise into quarters for young children. Cutting them in half is not enough, as a halved grape can still get lodged in the throat. This applies to other similarly shaped foods like cherry tomatoes. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. The caregivers were actively engaged in play and encouraged conversations by asking open-ended questions. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Routine toileting, handwashing, and food service procedures were monitored and found to be in compliance. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are seven staff members employed at this facility. There were no new staff; all staff files were reviewed. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. The following violations were observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. This information was not current in space #2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. FA expired for one staff member in August 2025 and it has not been renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. FA expired for one staff member in August 2025 and it has not been renewed. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff members have not completed the required number of hours of training. .1103(a) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before September 24, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Email the information to me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. Please be aware any information submitted by you is 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 will be conducted. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance regarding violation cited: A current activity plan should be available and posted for each group of children. The activity plan in space #2 was dated September 2-5 (last week). Ongoing Training – All staff must complete on-going training annually based on their education and experience. On-going training must be within the 9 topic areas listed in G.S. 110-91(11) and/or the health and safety training topic areas in rule .1102. CPR & FA - For the health and safety of the children, all staff members are required to obtain CPR and First Aid certification and keep it current. Renewing this certification is crucial for staff to be refreshed in first aid and other lifesaving techniques as well as receive the most up to date information. I suggest you set a reminder on your calendar to keep track of expiration dates and/or seek out training from additional approved agencies when staff cannot attend courses offered locally or at the facility. Floater, C. Bruckner, CPR & FA expired in August 2025. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 4, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Enrollment started; There are no results available for this facility. • Asbestos-Enrollment started; There are no results available for this facility. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. You will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for lead-based paint and asbestos. Your enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs was required to be completed for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. You must ensure that you have completed the webinars and registered for all three testing programs. Remember, centers must have their water tested every three years. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, as it may be requested to verify compliance. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/faq/ for further guidance and ensure all steps have been completed. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Other Information Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. Ms. Riddick has completed the required training. Information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars The new rules related to the star rated license system (QRIS) have been approved. The DCDEE team looks forward to working with child care facilities across the state to transition to the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. The transition will begin soon with the following informational opportunities: •You can review the rule roll out module in the DCDEE e-learning Moodle platform and •If you were unable to attend the recent webinars regarding Choosing a Pathway to the Stars, the sessions were recorded and will be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •In September, child care consultants will host in-person facility operator/administrator meetings within the counties they serve to provide additional guidance on the changes, the transition plan and timeline. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025, 930am-1130am or 12pm-2pm. RSVP with me by September 17, 2025. Space is limited; one person per facility. •Beginning In October, child care consultants will begin discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license within 12 months based on the pathway chosen. We understand this is a big change and are committed to ensuring all providers have a good understanding of the new opportunities to make informed decisions on which pathway best suits the needs of the facility. We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming informational settings and working with you on your pathway to the stars! Remember! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Click on the “What’s New” tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this printed visit summary was reviewed with you, signed, and a copy left with Mrs. Riddick. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you may contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov or (910)824-1143. 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-110L Visit Date: 8/15/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 8/15/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 89 during first shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, daytime care only, and meets enhanced ratios. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 18, 2024. As of today, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 87%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 06/16/2025 - 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/02/2024 – Approved for daytime only Owner, Chevon Riddick, was not present due to a death in her family. However, she was available for consultation and provided information via telephone during today’s visit. Lakesha Morrison, Administrator from Above and Beyond Early Learning Center II, which is located next door – came over and assisted with today’s visit. There are twenty-five children enrolled and twenty children, ages 1-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were also observed in each classroom. All preschool children were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots and blankets; the lights were off and soft music played. All children were adequately supervised. Reminder – when using partitions to separate cots, the partition must extend the length of the entire cot. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for two-year-old children. The allegations were discussed with Ms. Riddick, Ms. Morrison, and all staff members, including the staff members for the classroom for two-year-old children, D. Fletcher. The additional staff member for the classroom for two-year-old children, J. White, was not present. You were each given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. Allegation #1 There are concerns that inappropriate discipline was used by a staff member approximately two months ago. The allegation included a staff member shoving a child’s head down on the cot. During today’s visit, I did not observe any instances of inappropriate discipline. It appeared that all staff members interacted with children in a nurturing and caring manner. Ms. Riddick stated that no parent or staff had reported any concerns regarding a child’s head being shoved down on the cot; this was the first that she had heard of it. Ms. Fletcher and all other staff members stated they had no knowledge of anything like that happening to any child at the facility. Ms. Riddick stated anytime concerns are brought to her attention, she views video coverage and addresses those concerns with parents and staff. This facility does have cameras. Recorded video footage was requested. Staff members advised that Ms. Riddick is the only one who has access to the cameras, and they were unsure of how long recorded video footage is maintained. Ms. Riddick was not on the premises; therefore, video footage could not be reviewed. Staff members stated that live footage is not available to parents. All staff members stated they would not shove or hit a child in any manner. Staff members also stated that they do not have any concerns with any staff member yelling at children, shoving, or hitting children at this facility. They stated if they had those concerns; they would report them immediately. All staff members are required to complete Recognizing and Reporting Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. Therefore, all staff members are knowledgeable of process to report suspicions of child maltreatment and should be able to make a report independently. Child Care staff are mandatory reporters. Based on observations, staff interviews, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unconfirmed as I was unable to confirm that any inappropriate discipline of a child being handled roughly occurred. The allegations did not include staff members yelling at each other in front of children. However, during my investigation, staff members recalled an incident involving two staff members yelling at each other and using profanity in the classroom for two-year-old children. The two-year-old children witnessed this incident. Ms. Riddick also confirmed that yelling and use of profanity did occur in front of the children. Both staff members are still employed at this facility. Neither of the staff members involved in this incident were present during today’s visit. A violation was cited regarding this incident. G.S. 110 – 91(10) requires that all children be cared for in a nurturing and appropriate manner and in keeping with child’s developmental needs. The conversation between the two staff members involved a disagreement/argument and should not have taken place in front of the children. A loud voice does not make the message clearer. Shouting/yelling will make others tune you out and each time you raise your voice, it lowers their receptivity. Yelling makes children more aggressive, physically and verbally. Yelling in general, no matter what the context, is an expression of anger. It scares children and makes them feel insecure. Calmness, on the other hand, is reassuring, which makes children feel loved and accepted. Children cannot be handled roughly at any time by anyone. You cannot hit, yank, push, and/or grab children. Child care rules not only prohibit the use of inappropriate discipline but require all children be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner. This can only be achieved when staff members recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors and respond in ways consistent with what is developmentally appropriate for each child. Children should be spoken to in a calm, respectful voice always. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child's developmental needs. No form of corporal punishment or rough handling is ever acceptable. No child may be yelled at, threatened, shamed, humiliated, bullied or subjected to sarcastic remarks or profanity. it is important to remember to engage in one-to-one interactions with children, get on the child’s level for face-to-face interactions, use a pleasant, calm voice and simple language, provide warm, responsive physical contact, help children understand classroom expectations, redirect children when they engage in challenging behavior, listen to children and encourage them to listen to others, and acknowledge children for their accomplishments and efforts. Positive interactions between children and the caregiver are fundamental to quality child care. Safety starts in the classroom. Children should feel and be safe everywhere at your facility—in the rest rooms, hallways, on field trips, and on the playground. Feeling safe makes learning possible. Caregivers can help a child feel safe, secure, and supported by acknowledging and responding sensitively to children's cues/signals and supporting children's secure attachment through consistent and warm nurturing relationships. Understanding the stages of children’s development is critical; for example, those that cry may not have the verbal ability to express their needs and/or wants; or, they may not have the skills yet to do so. Recognizing this will minimize staff members’ tendencies to become frustrated and use harsh tones or verbal directives with young children who are simply engaging in age-appropriate behaviors. Once you understand that certain challenging behaviors are “typical,” it should allow you to respond in a nurturing and appropriate manner. You must keep your frustration in check by reminding yourself that children are not born knowing how to control and process their emotions; this is learned through caregiver interactions, guidance, and experience over time. Help toddlers navigate their emotions. Recognize and name feelings, then offer guidance on how to manage them. Suggest jumping up and down or visiting the cozy area. Empathize with their feelings and provide acceptable choices to help them feel in control. Comfort them with warm, physical contact, or give them a safe space to work through their negative emotions. Allegation #2 There was a concern that two-year-old children were left alone and not being adequately supervised during nap time on Monday, August 4, 2025. Child care rules states that the staff/child ratios for children two years and older, during naptime can be maintained by having at least one person in the classroom, visually supervising all the children, and the total number of required staff on the premises within calling distance of the room occupied by children. During today’s visit, naptime was observed. All classrooms were visited, and a staff member was observed in each classroom with the children. All children were adequately supervised, and staff members were able to see the face of each child as they were sleeping. In the classroom for two-year-old children, there were seven children present, including a one-year-old, with one staff member. Therefore, a staff/child ratio violation was cited. Also, during this visit, staff member stated that when she needs to go to the bathroom, she goes to the closest bathroom and staff member from other classroom stands in the door way and watches two groups of children. I explained to staff member this is also a staff/child ratio violation as one staff member cannot stand in the doorway and maintain staff/child ratio for two separate classrooms. On the date in question, August 4, 2025, there were seven children, all age two (2), present in the classroom for two-year-old children, according to the attendance sheet. The work schedule for the staff members for the classroom for two-year-old children is J. White works 730am-1230pm, Monday through Thursday; does not work on Friday and D. Fletcher works 1230pm-530pm, Monday through Thursday and on Friday, she works 730am-530pm. On August 4th, Ms. Fletcher worked but Ms. White did not work. Ms. Riddick states she worked in the classroom for two-year-old children on that day. Both Ms. Fletcher and Ms. Riddick stated that children are never left alone and that one of them or both were always in the classroom on August 4th. During today’s visit, I was unable to view video footage of the classroom for two-year-old children from August 4, 2025, due to Ms. Riddick being the only one having access to the cameras and she was not on site. Based on observations, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unconfirmed. Ensure all children are adequately supervised always. Adequate supervision means that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor and outdoor area and can always hear and/or see the children, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. For pre-school age children, the operator shall be positioned in an indoor and outdoor environment to maximize his or her ability to always hear or see the children and render immediate assistance. Supervision also entails always being aware of children’s activities and positioning themselves in such a way to maximize their ability to always see and hear preschool children. Adequately supervising children is not just for the safety of children, but to ensure children get the attention they need for optimal growth and development. Serious injuries can occur in indoor and outdoor play areas if constant supervision is not maintained. Caregivers who are actively involved, aware, and appreciative of young children’s behaviors are in the best position to keep children safe. Quality child care consists not only of adequate supervision but of interaction, stimulation and engagement of children by their caregivers. Recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors. Understand the stages of development in which the children in your care fall. For example, those that hit may not have the verbal ability to express their needs and/or wants or they may not have the skills yet to do so. The allegations of the complaint were not confirmed. However, there were two violations cited today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. In space #2 (classroom for two year old children, there were seven(7) children, ages 1 and 2, present with one caregiver. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Two staff members raised their voice, yelled, and used profanity at each other in the presence of children. G.S. 110-91(10) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received on or before August 29, 2025, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Due to the nuture care treatment of children and staff/child ratio violations cited, a return visit will be conducted to verify compliance with the violation documented today. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your program. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Documentation was completed electronically, reviewed, printed and signed by Ms. Riddick. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact with any further questions 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-110L Visit Date: 8/15/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 8/15/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 89 during first shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, daytime care only, and meets enhanced ratios. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 18, 2024. As of today, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 87%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 06/16/2025 - 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/02/2024 – Approved for daytime only Owner, Chevon Riddick, was not present due to a death in her family. However, she was available for consultation and provided information via telephone during today’s visit. Lakesha Morrison, Administrator from Above and Beyond Early Learning Center II, which is located next door – came over and assisted with today’s visit. There are twenty-five children enrolled and twenty children, ages 1-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were also observed in each classroom. All preschool children were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots and blankets; the lights were off and soft music played. All children were adequately supervised. Reminder – when using partitions to separate cots, the partition must extend the length of the entire cot. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for two-year-old children. The allegations were discussed with Ms. Riddick, Ms. Morrison, and all staff members, including the staff members for the classroom for two-year-old children, D. Fletcher. The additional staff member for the classroom for two-year-old children, J. White, was not present. You were each given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. Allegation #1 There are concerns that inappropriate discipline was used by a staff member approximately two months ago. The allegation included a staff member shoving a child’s head down on the cot. During today’s visit, I did not observe any instances of inappropriate discipline. It appeared that all staff members interacted with children in a nurturing and caring manner. Ms. Riddick stated that no parent or staff had reported any concerns regarding a child’s head being shoved down on the cot; this was the first that she had heard of it. Ms. Fletcher and all other staff members stated they had no knowledge of anything like that happening to any child at the facility. Ms. Riddick stated anytime concerns are brought to her attention, she views video coverage and addresses those concerns with parents and staff. This facility does have cameras. Recorded video footage was requested. Staff members advised that Ms. Riddick is the only one who has access to the cameras, and they were unsure of how long recorded video footage is maintained. Ms. Riddick was not on the premises; therefore, video footage could not be reviewed. Staff members stated that live footage is not available to parents. All staff members stated they would not shove or hit a child in any manner. Staff members also stated that they do not have any concerns with any staff member yelling at children, shoving, or hitting children at this facility. They stated if they had those concerns; they would report them immediately. All staff members are required to complete Recognizing and Reporting Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. Therefore, all staff members are knowledgeable of process to report suspicions of child maltreatment and should be able to make a report independently. Child Care staff are mandatory reporters. Based on observations, staff interviews, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unconfirmed as I was unable to confirm that any inappropriate discipline of a child being handled roughly occurred. The allegations did not include staff members yelling at each other in front of children. However, during my investigation, staff members recalled an incident involving two staff members yelling at each other and using profanity in the classroom for two-year-old children. The two-year-old children witnessed this incident. Ms. Riddick also confirmed that yelling and use of profanity did occur in front of the children. Both staff members are still employed at this facility. Neither of the staff members involved in this incident were present during today’s visit. A violation was cited regarding this incident. G.S. 110 – 91(10) requires that all children be cared for in a nurturing and appropriate manner and in keeping with child’s developmental needs. The conversation between the two staff members involved a disagreement/argument and should not have taken place in front of the children. A loud voice does not make the message clearer. Shouting/yelling will make others tune you out and each time you raise your voice, it lowers their receptivity. Yelling makes children more aggressive, physically and verbally. Yelling in general, no matter what the context, is an expression of anger. It scares children and makes them feel insecure. Calmness, on the other hand, is reassuring, which makes children feel loved and accepted. Children cannot be handled roughly at any time by anyone. You cannot hit, yank, push, and/or grab children. Child care rules not only prohibit the use of inappropriate discipline but require all children be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner. This can only be achieved when staff members recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors and respond in ways consistent with what is developmentally appropriate for each child. Children should be spoken to in a calm, respectful voice always. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child's developmental needs. No form of corporal punishment or rough handling is ever acceptable. No child may be yelled at, threatened, shamed, humiliated, bullied or subjected to sarcastic remarks or profanity. it is important to remember to engage in one-to-one interactions with children, get on the child’s level for face-to-face interactions, use a pleasant, calm voice and simple language, provide warm, responsive physical contact, help children understand classroom expectations, redirect children when they engage in challenging behavior, listen to children and encourage them to listen to others, and acknowledge children for their accomplishments and efforts. Positive interactions between children and the caregiver are fundamental to quality child care. Safety starts in the classroom. Children should feel and be safe everywhere at your facility—in the rest rooms, hallways, on field trips, and on the playground. Feeling safe makes learning possible. Caregivers can help a child feel safe, secure, and supported by acknowledging and responding sensitively to children's cues/signals and supporting children's secure attachment through consistent and warm nurturing relationships. Understanding the stages of children’s development is critical; for example, those that cry may not have the verbal ability to express their needs and/or wants; or, they may not have the skills yet to do so. Recognizing this will minimize staff members’ tendencies to become frustrated and use harsh tones or verbal directives with young children who are simply engaging in age-appropriate behaviors. Once you understand that certain challenging behaviors are “typical,” it should allow you to respond in a nurturing and appropriate manner. You must keep your frustration in check by reminding yourself that children are not born knowing how to control and process their emotions; this is learned through caregiver interactions, guidance, and experience over time. Help toddlers navigate their emotions. Recognize and name feelings, then offer guidance on how to manage them. Suggest jumping up and down or visiting the cozy area. Empathize with their feelings and provide acceptable choices to help them feel in control. Comfort them with warm, physical contact, or give them a safe space to work through their negative emotions. Allegation #2 There was a concern that two-year-old children were left alone and not being adequately supervised during nap time on Monday, August 4, 2025. Child care rules states that the staff/child ratios for children two years and older, during naptime can be maintained by having at least one person in the classroom, visually supervising all the children, and the total number of required staff on the premises within calling distance of the room occupied by children. During today’s visit, naptime was observed. All classrooms were visited, and a staff member was observed in each classroom with the children. All children were adequately supervised, and staff members were able to see the face of each child as they were sleeping. In the classroom for two-year-old children, there were seven children present, including a one-year-old, with one staff member. Therefore, a staff/child ratio violation was cited. Also, during this visit, staff member stated that when she needs to go to the bathroom, she goes to the closest bathroom and staff member from other classroom stands in the door way and watches two groups of children. I explained to staff member this is also a staff/child ratio violation as one staff member cannot stand in the doorway and maintain staff/child ratio for two separate classrooms. On the date in question, August 4, 2025, there were seven children, all age two (2), present in the classroom for two-year-old children, according to the attendance sheet. The work schedule for the staff members for the classroom for two-year-old children is J. White works 730am-1230pm, Monday through Thursday; does not work on Friday and D. Fletcher works 1230pm-530pm, Monday through Thursday and on Friday, she works 730am-530pm. On August 4th, Ms. Fletcher worked but Ms. White did not work. Ms. Riddick states she worked in the classroom for two-year-old children on that day. Both Ms. Fletcher and Ms. Riddick stated that children are never left alone and that one of them or both were always in the classroom on August 4th. During today’s visit, I was unable to view video footage of the classroom for two-year-old children from August 4, 2025, due to Ms. Riddick being the only one having access to the cameras and she was not on site. Based on observations, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unconfirmed. Ensure all children are adequately supervised always. Adequate supervision means that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor and outdoor area and can always hear and/or see the children, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. For pre-school age children, the operator shall be positioned in an indoor and outdoor environment to maximize his or her ability to always hear or see the children and render immediate assistance. Supervision also entails always being aware of children’s activities and positioning themselves in such a way to maximize their ability to always see and hear preschool children. Adequately supervising children is not just for the safety of children, but to ensure children get the attention they need for optimal growth and development. Serious injuries can occur in indoor and outdoor play areas if constant supervision is not maintained. Caregivers who are actively involved, aware, and appreciative of young children’s behaviors are in the best position to keep children safe. Quality child care consists not only of adequate supervision but of interaction, stimulation and engagement of children by their caregivers. Recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors. Understand the stages of development in which the children in your care fall. For example, those that hit may not have the verbal ability to express their needs and/or wants or they may not have the skills yet to do so. The allegations of the complaint were not confirmed. However, there were two violations cited today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. In space #2 (classroom for two year old children, there were seven(7) children, ages 1 and 2, present with one caregiver. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Two staff members raised their voice, yelled, and used profanity at each other in the presence of children. G.S. 110-91(10) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received on or before August 29, 2025, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Due to the nuture care treatment of children and staff/child ratio violations cited, a return visit will be conducted to verify compliance with the violation documented today. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your program. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Documentation was completed electronically, reviewed, printed and signed by Ms. Riddick. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact with any further questions 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0825-110L Visit Date: 8/15/2025 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 8/15/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 89 during first shift with an age range of 0-12 years old, daytime care only, and meets enhanced ratios. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 18, 2024. As of today, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 87%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 06/16/2025 - 6 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/02/2024 – Approved for daytime only Owner, Chevon Riddick, was not present due to a death in her family. However, she was available for consultation and provided information via telephone during today’s visit. Lakesha Morrison, Administrator from Above and Beyond Early Learning Center II, which is located next door – came over and assisted with today’s visit. There are twenty-five children enrolled and twenty children, ages 1-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were also observed in each classroom. All preschool children were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots and blankets; the lights were off and soft music played. All children were adequately supervised. Reminder – when using partitions to separate cots, the partition must extend the length of the entire cot. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for two-year-old children. The allegations were discussed with Ms. Riddick, Ms. Morrison, and all staff members, including the staff members for the classroom for two-year-old children, D. Fletcher. The additional staff member for the classroom for two-year-old children, J. White, was not present. You were each given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. Allegation #1 There are concerns that inappropriate discipline was used by a staff member approximately two months ago. The allegation included a staff member shoving a child’s head down on the cot. During today’s visit, I did not observe any instances of inappropriate discipline. It appeared that all staff members interacted with children in a nurturing and caring manner. Ms. Riddick stated that no parent or staff had reported any concerns regarding a child’s head being shoved down on the cot; this was the first that she had heard of it. Ms. Fletcher and all other staff members stated they had no knowledge of anything like that happening to any child at the facility. Ms. Riddick stated anytime concerns are brought to her attention, she views video coverage and addresses those concerns with parents and staff. This facility does have cameras. Recorded video footage was requested. Staff members advised that Ms. Riddick is the only one who has access to the cameras, and they were unsure of how long recorded video footage is maintained. Ms. Riddick was not on the premises; therefore, video footage could not be reviewed. Staff members stated that live footage is not available to parents. All staff members stated they would not shove or hit a child in any manner. Staff members also stated that they do not have any concerns with any staff member yelling at children, shoving, or hitting children at this facility. They stated if they had those concerns; they would report them immediately. All staff members are required to complete Recognizing and Reporting Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. Therefore, all staff members are knowledgeable of process to report suspicions of child maltreatment and should be able to make a report independently. Child Care staff are mandatory reporters. Based on observations, staff interviews, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unconfirmed as I was unable to confirm that any inappropriate discipline of a child being handled roughly occurred. The allegations did not include staff members yelling at each other in front of children. However, during my investigation, staff members recalled an incident involving two staff members yelling at each other and using profanity in the classroom for two-year-old children. The two-year-old children witnessed this incident. Ms. Riddick also confirmed that yelling and use of profanity did occur in front of the children. Both staff members are still employed at this facility. Neither of the staff members involved in this incident were present during today’s visit. A violation was cited regarding this incident. G.S. 110 – 91(10) requires that all children be cared for in a nurturing and appropriate manner and in keeping with child’s developmental needs. The conversation between the two staff members involved a disagreement/argument and should not have taken place in front of the children. A loud voice does not make the message clearer. Shouting/yelling will make others tune you out and each time you raise your voice, it lowers their receptivity. Yelling makes children more aggressive, physically and verbally. Yelling in general, no matter what the context, is an expression of anger. It scares children and makes them feel insecure. Calmness, on the other hand, is reassuring, which makes children feel loved and accepted. Children cannot be handled roughly at any time by anyone. You cannot hit, yank, push, and/or grab children. Child care rules not only prohibit the use of inappropriate discipline but require all children be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner. This can only be achieved when staff members recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors and respond in ways consistent with what is developmentally appropriate for each child. Children should be spoken to in a calm, respectful voice always. Each child must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child's developmental needs. No form of corporal punishment or rough handling is ever acceptable. No child may be yelled at, threatened, shamed, humiliated, bullied or subjected to sarcastic remarks or profanity. it is important to remember to engage in one-to-one interactions with children, get on the child’s level for face-to-face interactions, use a pleasant, calm voice and simple language, provide warm, responsive physical contact, help children understand classroom expectations, redirect children when they engage in challenging behavior, listen to children and encourage them to listen to others, and acknowledge children for their accomplishments and efforts. Positive interactions between children and the caregiver are fundamental to quality child care. Safety starts in the classroom. Children should feel and be safe everywhere at your facility—in the rest rooms, hallways, on field trips, and on the playground. Feeling safe makes learning possible. Caregivers can help a child feel safe, secure, and supported by acknowledging and responding sensitively to children's cues/signals and supporting children's secure attachment through consistent and warm nurturing relationships. Understanding the stages of children’s development is critical; for example, those that cry may not have the verbal ability to express their needs and/or wants; or, they may not have the skills yet to do so. Recognizing this will minimize staff members’ tendencies to become frustrated and use harsh tones or verbal directives with young children who are simply engaging in age-appropriate behaviors. Once you understand that certain challenging behaviors are “typical,” it should allow you to respond in a nurturing and appropriate manner. You must keep your frustration in check by reminding yourself that children are not born knowing how to control and process their emotions; this is learned through caregiver interactions, guidance, and experience over time. Help toddlers navigate their emotions. Recognize and name feelings, then offer guidance on how to manage them. Suggest jumping up and down or visiting the cozy area. Empathize with their feelings and provide acceptable choices to help them feel in control. Comfort them with warm, physical contact, or give them a safe space to work through their negative emotions. Allegation #2 There was a concern that two-year-old children were left alone and not being adequately supervised during nap time on Monday, August 4, 2025. Child care rules states that the staff/child ratios for children two years and older, during naptime can be maintained by having at least one person in the classroom, visually supervising all the children, and the total number of required staff on the premises within calling distance of the room occupied by children. During today’s visit, naptime was observed. All classrooms were visited, and a staff member was observed in each classroom with the children. All children were adequately supervised, and staff members were able to see the face of each child as they were sleeping. In the classroom for two-year-old children, there were seven children present, including a one-year-old, with one staff member. Therefore, a staff/child ratio violation was cited. Also, during this visit, staff member stated that when she needs to go to the bathroom, she goes to the closest bathroom and staff member from other classroom stands in the door way and watches two groups of children. I explained to staff member this is also a staff/child ratio violation as one staff member cannot stand in the doorway and maintain staff/child ratio for two separate classrooms. On the date in question, August 4, 2025, there were seven children, all age two (2), present in the classroom for two-year-old children, according to the attendance sheet. The work schedule for the staff members for the classroom for two-year-old children is J. White works 730am-1230pm, Monday through Thursday; does not work on Friday and D. Fletcher works 1230pm-530pm, Monday through Thursday and on Friday, she works 730am-530pm. On August 4th, Ms. Fletcher worked but Ms. White did not work. Ms. Riddick states she worked in the classroom for two-year-old children on that day. Both Ms. Fletcher and Ms. Riddick stated that children are never left alone and that one of them or both were always in the classroom on August 4th. During today’s visit, I was unable to view video footage of the classroom for two-year-old children from August 4, 2025, due to Ms. Riddick being the only one having access to the cameras and she was not on site. Based on observations, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unconfirmed. Ensure all children are adequately supervised always. Adequate supervision means that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor and outdoor area and can always hear and/or see the children, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. For pre-school age children, the operator shall be positioned in an indoor and outdoor environment to maximize his or her ability to always hear or see the children and render immediate assistance. Supervision also entails always being aware of children’s activities and positioning themselves in such a way to maximize their ability to always see and hear preschool children. Adequately supervising children is not just for the safety of children, but to ensure children get the attention they need for optimal growth and development. Serious injuries can occur in indoor and outdoor play areas if constant supervision is not maintained. Caregivers who are actively involved, aware, and appreciative of young children’s behaviors are in the best position to keep children safe. Quality child care consists not only of adequate supervision but of interaction, stimulation and engagement of children by their caregivers. Recognize and accept age-appropriate behaviors. Understand the stages of development in which the children in your care fall. For example, those that hit may not have the verbal ability to express their needs and/or wants or they may not have the skills yet to do so. The allegations of the complaint were not confirmed. However, there were two violations cited today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. In space #2 (classroom for two year old children, there were seven(7) children, ages 1 and 2, present with one caregiver. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Two staff members raised their voice, yelled, and used profanity at each other in the presence of children. G.S. 110-91(10) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received on or before August 29, 2025, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Due to the nuture care treatment of children and staff/child ratio violations cited, a return visit will be conducted to verify compliance with the violation documented today. Violations of this nature directly impact the safety of the children while in your care. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your program. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to always maintain compliance with all the applicable laws and rules whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Documentation was completed electronically, reviewed, printed and signed by Ms. Riddick. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact with any further questions 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/1/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 4/1/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s routine unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. As of February 28, 2025, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 87%. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 18, 2024. Sanitation Inspection – 08/01/2024 - 16 Demerits – Approved Fire Inspection – 10/02/2024 – Approved for daytime only There are twenty-nine children enrolled and twenty-six children, ages 1-5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. All preschool children were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots and blankets; the lights were off and soft music played. Reminder – when using partitions to separate cots, the partition must extend the length of the entire cot. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Routine toileting, handwashing, and food service procedures were monitored and found to be in compliance. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. There were two staff members since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. Files for new staff were monitored today. There was one violation observed today. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill was not conducted for March 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received April 15, 2025 describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violation cited: According to the fire drill log, a fire drill was not conducted in March 2025. Fire drill must be completed every month and documented on the fire drill report. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter activity or routine is taking place. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Outdoor Play Areas - You have divided the previously approved fenced outdoor play area into two sections, one side for older toddlers and preschool children (Playground A) and the other side for the younger toddlers (Playground B). Playground A measures 6503.76 square feet which is 65 children at 100 square feet per child. Playground B measures 1412 square feet which is 14 children at 100 square feet per child. An updated diagram of these playgrounds has been received. Consultation Attendance must be recorded daily in each space to ensure an accurate record is available at all times. I suggest you conduct walk throughs of all indoor spaces each morning after the majority of the children arrive to ensure staff members record attendance as required. Children should be marked present as they arrive. There is some vegetation growing through the back area of the fence – trim it back. A safe outdoor area must be provided for the children in care at all times. Other Information: Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing the required training; it must be completed within one year of hire. All staff must complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. This is a required training that must be completed within the first 90 days of employment, no exceptions. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. ACTION ITEM - A provider meeting and training is scheduled for Thursday, April 10th at the Jacksonville Public Safety Building. The assessors from the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) will be the presenters. From 10am until 12pm, we will offer the ITERS-3 training. We will take a lunch break, and from 1:30 until 3:30pm, we will offer the ECERS-3 training. Bring a pencil, highlighter, and the 3’s book when you attend the training. Look forward to receive registration information via email from One Place soon. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - You must registrar and enrolled for all three testing programs – water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos has started with no results yet. Therefore, you will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for these two items. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are up. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program provides free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket costs. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement and will allow facilities to participate in the funding mechanisms. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Documentation was completed on site, reviewed electronically, signed, and a printed copy left with Ms. Riddick for your records. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/1/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 4/1/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s routine unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. As of February 28, 2025, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 87%. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 18, 2024. Sanitation Inspection – 08/01/2024 - 16 Demerits – Approved Fire Inspection – 10/02/2024 – Approved for daytime only There are twenty-nine children enrolled and twenty-six children, ages 1-5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. All preschool children were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots and blankets; the lights were off and soft music played. Reminder – when using partitions to separate cots, the partition must extend the length of the entire cot. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Routine toileting, handwashing, and food service procedures were monitored and found to be in compliance. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. There were two staff members since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. Files for new staff were monitored today. There was one violation observed today. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill was not conducted for March 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received April 15, 2025 describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violation cited: According to the fire drill log, a fire drill was not conducted in March 2025. Fire drill must be completed every month and documented on the fire drill report. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter activity or routine is taking place. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Outdoor Play Areas - You have divided the previously approved fenced outdoor play area into two sections, one side for older toddlers and preschool children (Playground A) and the other side for the younger toddlers (Playground B). Playground A measures 6503.76 square feet which is 65 children at 100 square feet per child. Playground B measures 1412 square feet which is 14 children at 100 square feet per child. An updated diagram of these playgrounds has been received. Consultation Attendance must be recorded daily in each space to ensure an accurate record is available at all times. I suggest you conduct walk throughs of all indoor spaces each morning after the majority of the children arrive to ensure staff members record attendance as required. Children should be marked present as they arrive. There is some vegetation growing through the back area of the fence – trim it back. A safe outdoor area must be provided for the children in care at all times. Other Information: Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing the required training; it must be completed within one year of hire. All staff must complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. This is a required training that must be completed within the first 90 days of employment, no exceptions. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. ACTION ITEM - A provider meeting and training is scheduled for Thursday, April 10th at the Jacksonville Public Safety Building. The assessors from the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) will be the presenters. From 10am until 12pm, we will offer the ITERS-3 training. We will take a lunch break, and from 1:30 until 3:30pm, we will offer the ECERS-3 training. Bring a pencil, highlighter, and the 3’s book when you attend the training. Look forward to receive registration information via email from One Place soon. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - You must registrar and enrolled for all three testing programs – water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos has started with no results yet. Therefore, you will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for these two items. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are up. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program provides free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket costs. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement and will allow facilities to participate in the funding mechanisms. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Documentation was completed on site, reviewed electronically, signed, and a printed copy left with Ms. Riddick for your records. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/1/2025 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 4/1/2025 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 10:50 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s routine unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. As of February 28, 2025, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 87%. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 18, 2024. Sanitation Inspection – 08/01/2024 - 16 Demerits – Approved Fire Inspection – 10/02/2024 – Approved for daytime only There are twenty-nine children enrolled and twenty-six children, ages 1-5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. All preschool children were observed napping in their assigned space with covered cots and blankets; the lights were off and soft music played. Reminder – when using partitions to separate cots, the partition must extend the length of the entire cot. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Routine toileting, handwashing, and food service procedures were monitored and found to be in compliance. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. There were two staff members since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. Files for new staff were monitored today. There was one violation observed today. Violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. A fire drill was not conducted for March 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received April 15, 2025 describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violation cited: According to the fire drill log, a fire drill was not conducted in March 2025. Fire drill must be completed every month and documented on the fire drill report. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter activity or routine is taking place. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Outdoor Play Areas - You have divided the previously approved fenced outdoor play area into two sections, one side for older toddlers and preschool children (Playground A) and the other side for the younger toddlers (Playground B). Playground A measures 6503.76 square feet which is 65 children at 100 square feet per child. Playground B measures 1412 square feet which is 14 children at 100 square feet per child. An updated diagram of these playgrounds has been received. Consultation Attendance must be recorded daily in each space to ensure an accurate record is available at all times. I suggest you conduct walk throughs of all indoor spaces each morning after the majority of the children arrive to ensure staff members record attendance as required. Children should be marked present as they arrive. There is some vegetation growing through the back area of the fence – trim it back. A safe outdoor area must be provided for the children in care at all times. Other Information: Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing the required training; it must be completed within one year of hire. All staff must complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. This is a required training that must be completed within the first 90 days of employment, no exceptions. Health and Safety training must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. ACTION ITEM - A provider meeting and training is scheduled for Thursday, April 10th at the Jacksonville Public Safety Building. The assessors from the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) will be the presenters. From 10am until 12pm, we will offer the ITERS-3 training. We will take a lunch break, and from 1:30 until 3:30pm, we will offer the ECERS-3 training. Bring a pencil, highlighter, and the 3’s book when you attend the training. Look forward to receive registration information via email from One Place soon. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - You must registrar and enrolled for all three testing programs – water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids that you have completed the lead water test and enrollment for lead-based paint and asbestos has started with no results yet. Therefore, you will need to follow up to ensure you have completed all steps for these two items. To meet requirements, you must enroll your program through Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids in ALL THREE TESTING PROGRAMS. Your facility may be exempt from testing lead-based paint and/or asbestos based on the year built, however it is still required that you enroll in the programs and provide documentation to request exemption. See key points below: -Centers must have water tested for lead every three years. Check the date of your previous testing and ensure you request a new one if your three years are up. -Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program provides free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket costs. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement and will allow facilities to participate in the funding mechanisms. Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within two business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Documentation was completed on site, reviewed electronically, signed, and a printed copy left with Ms. Riddick for your records. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/18/2024 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 9/18/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 232 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 03:07 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 21, 2023. As of September 17, 2024, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 86%. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 05/20/2024 – 10 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/11/2023 – Approved for daytime only There are twenty children enrolled and nineteen, ages 1-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. All toddlers and preschool children were observing nap/rest time. Cots with linen were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played. After nap/rest time, toddlers and preschool children completed bathroom and handwashing routines then snack was served. Snack consisted of crackers with peanut butter, apple slices or apple sauce, and water. After snack was completed, children were observed participating in free choice activities. Free choice activities included blocks, dramatic play, art, books, and puzzles. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers interacted with children in a positive and appropriate manner. There were five violations observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member has not renewed FA; it expired on September 1, 2024. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member has not renewed CPR; it expired on September 1, 2024. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. This information has not been completed/updated for all staff who have been employed for a year or more. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last emergency drill was conducted on April 30, 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. A staff member who was hired on September 18, 2023 has not completed this requirement. .1102(a) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received October 2, 2024, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violations cited: CPR/First Aid Renewal - CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. New employees must successfully complete CPR/FA within the first 90 days of employment. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. A staff member did not renew their CPR and FA on or before the date that it expired; CPR/FA expired on September 1, 2024, and it has not been renewed. This is a repeat violation from the routine unannounced visit conducted on March 20, 2024, and last year’s annual compliance visit conducted on September 21, 2023. Emergency Drills – You will need to complete an emergency drill, either a shelter-in-place or lock -down drill, quarterly and notate this information on the Emergency drill log. It is vital to practice these drills as required to ensure staff and children are prepared in the event of a real emergency. An emergency drill has not been conducted at this facility since April 30, 2024. Staff Records – All staff must have a staff development plan and staff evaluation annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar, so this information is completed in a timely manner. This is a repeat violation from last year’s annual compliance visit conducted on September 21, 2023. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. Certificates will need to be attached to the training record for verification purposes. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. A new staff member is in the process of completing these training courses. A staff member who has been employed since September 18, 2024, has not completed the required Health and Safety training. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Reminder: Ongoing Training – All staff must complete the required number of hours according to their education and experience annually. Please refer to the Staff and Training Worksheets for the number of hours needed for each of these staff members. I suggest you give staff a monthly or quarterly goal to help keep them on track and ensure their annual requirement is met. Encourage staff members to reach out to One Place for yearly training calendar. Staff may also visit the DCDEE website to access several free, online trainings through Moodle using their NCID. Education and Experience required Training: Four-year degree or higher advanced degree in a child care related field of study from a regionally accredited college or university 5 clock Hours Two-year degree in a child care related field of study from a regionally accredited college or university, or persons with a North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential 8 Clock Hours Certificate or diploma in a child care related field of study from a regionally accredited college or university, or persons with a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential 10 clock hours 10 years documented experience as a teacher, director, or caregiver in a licensed child care arrangement 15 clock hours If none of the other criteria in this chart apply 20 clock hours Other Information Rated License Reassessment Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in April 2023. There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you hire new staff or as staff complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Clean Classrooms for Kids Program – All child care programs must have their water tested for lead and your building tested for lead and asbestos hazards. May 1, 2024, was the initial deadline to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the process by November 1, 2024. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years(centers) and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-leadbased-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa The information above is from https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/, which is also where you enroll in the program. Remember, centers must have their water tested every three years. Family child care homes, as of now, are only required to do it once, and the water testing must be completed by January 1, 2025. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Criminal Background Check Information - DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Outdoor play area – You have divided the previously approved fenced outdoor play area into two sections, one side for older toddlers and preschool children and the other side for the younger toddlers. New measurements and a new diagram are needed. Also, ensure the materials and equipment outdoors are 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. When three year old children and older are in care, the materials and equipment must have sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to choose the same or different activities. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/18/2024 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 9/18/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 232 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 03:07 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 21, 2023. As of September 17, 2024, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 86%. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 05/20/2024 – 10 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/11/2023 – Approved for daytime only There are twenty children enrolled and nineteen, ages 1-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. All toddlers and preschool children were observing nap/rest time. Cots with linen were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played. After nap/rest time, toddlers and preschool children completed bathroom and handwashing routines then snack was served. Snack consisted of crackers with peanut butter, apple slices or apple sauce, and water. After snack was completed, children were observed participating in free choice activities. Free choice activities included blocks, dramatic play, art, books, and puzzles. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers interacted with children in a positive and appropriate manner. There were five violations observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member has not renewed FA; it expired on September 1, 2024. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member has not renewed CPR; it expired on September 1, 2024. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. This information has not been completed/updated for all staff who have been employed for a year or more. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last emergency drill was conducted on April 30, 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. A staff member who was hired on September 18, 2023 has not completed this requirement. .1102(a) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received October 2, 2024, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violations cited: CPR/First Aid Renewal - CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. New employees must successfully complete CPR/FA within the first 90 days of employment. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. A staff member did not renew their CPR and FA on or before the date that it expired; CPR/FA expired on September 1, 2024, and it has not been renewed. This is a repeat violation from the routine unannounced visit conducted on March 20, 2024, and last year’s annual compliance visit conducted on September 21, 2023. Emergency Drills – You will need to complete an emergency drill, either a shelter-in-place or lock -down drill, quarterly and notate this information on the Emergency drill log. It is vital to practice these drills as required to ensure staff and children are prepared in the event of a real emergency. An emergency drill has not been conducted at this facility since April 30, 2024. Staff Records – All staff must have a staff development plan and staff evaluation annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar, so this information is completed in a timely manner. This is a repeat violation from last year’s annual compliance visit conducted on September 21, 2023. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. Certificates will need to be attached to the training record for verification purposes. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. A new staff member is in the process of completing these training courses. A staff member who has been employed since September 18, 2024, has not completed the required Health and Safety training. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Reminder: Ongoing Training – All staff must complete the required number of hours according to their education and experience annually. Please refer to the Staff and Training Worksheets for the number of hours needed for each of these staff members. I suggest you give staff a monthly or quarterly goal to help keep them on track and ensure their annual requirement is met. Encourage staff members to reach out to One Place for yearly training calendar. Staff may also visit the DCDEE website to access several free, online trainings through Moodle using their NCID. Education and Experience required Training: Four-year degree or higher advanced degree in a child care related field of study from a regionally accredited college or university 5 clock Hours Two-year degree in a child care related field of study from a regionally accredited college or university, or persons with a North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential 8 Clock Hours Certificate or diploma in a child care related field of study from a regionally accredited college or university, or persons with a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential 10 clock hours 10 years documented experience as a teacher, director, or caregiver in a licensed child care arrangement 15 clock hours If none of the other criteria in this chart apply 20 clock hours Other Information Rated License Reassessment Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in April 2023. There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you hire new staff or as staff complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Clean Classrooms for Kids Program – All child care programs must have their water tested for lead and your building tested for lead and asbestos hazards. May 1, 2024, was the initial deadline to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the process by November 1, 2024. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years(centers) and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-leadbased-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa The information above is from https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/, which is also where you enroll in the program. Remember, centers must have their water tested every three years. Family child care homes, as of now, are only required to do it once, and the water testing must be completed by January 1, 2025. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Criminal Background Check Information - DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Outdoor play area – You have divided the previously approved fenced outdoor play area into two sections, one side for older toddlers and preschool children and the other side for the younger toddlers. New measurements and a new diagram are needed. Also, ensure the materials and equipment outdoors are 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. When three year old children and older are in care, the materials and equipment must have sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to choose the same or different activities. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/18/2024 Number Present: 19 Completed Date: 9/18/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 232 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 03:07 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored today. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020, earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 21, 2023. As of September 17, 2024, your facility had an 18-month compliance history of 86%. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 05/20/2024 – 10 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 10/11/2023 – Approved for daytime only There are twenty children enrolled and nineteen, ages 1-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. All toddlers and preschool children were observing nap/rest time. Cots with linen were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played. After nap/rest time, toddlers and preschool children completed bathroom and handwashing routines then snack was served. Snack consisted of crackers with peanut butter, apple slices or apple sauce, and water. After snack was completed, children were observed participating in free choice activities. Free choice activities included blocks, dramatic play, art, books, and puzzles. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers interacted with children in a positive and appropriate manner. There were five violations observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member has not renewed FA; it expired on September 1, 2024. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. A staff member has not renewed CPR; it expired on September 1, 2024. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. This information has not been completed/updated for all staff who have been employed for a year or more. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last emergency drill was conducted on April 30, 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. A staff member who was hired on September 18, 2023 has not completed this requirement. .1102(a) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received October 2, 2024, describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violations cited: CPR/First Aid Renewal - CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. New employees must successfully complete CPR/FA within the first 90 days of employment. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. A staff member did not renew their CPR and FA on or before the date that it expired; CPR/FA expired on September 1, 2024, and it has not been renewed. This is a repeat violation from the routine unannounced visit conducted on March 20, 2024, and last year’s annual compliance visit conducted on September 21, 2023. Emergency Drills – You will need to complete an emergency drill, either a shelter-in-place or lock -down drill, quarterly and notate this information on the Emergency drill log. It is vital to practice these drills as required to ensure staff and children are prepared in the event of a real emergency. An emergency drill has not been conducted at this facility since April 30, 2024. Staff Records – All staff must have a staff development plan and staff evaluation annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar, so this information is completed in a timely manner. This is a repeat violation from last year’s annual compliance visit conducted on September 21, 2023. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. Certificates will need to be attached to the training record for verification purposes. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. A new staff member is in the process of completing these training courses. A staff member who has been employed since September 18, 2024, has not completed the required Health and Safety training. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Reminder: Ongoing Training – All staff must complete the required number of hours according to their education and experience annually. Please refer to the Staff and Training Worksheets for the number of hours needed for each of these staff members. I suggest you give staff a monthly or quarterly goal to help keep them on track and ensure their annual requirement is met. Encourage staff members to reach out to One Place for yearly training calendar. Staff may also visit the DCDEE website to access several free, online trainings through Moodle using their NCID. Education and Experience required Training: Four-year degree or higher advanced degree in a child care related field of study from a regionally accredited college or university 5 clock Hours Two-year degree in a child care related field of study from a regionally accredited college or university, or persons with a North Carolina Early Childhood Administration Credential 8 Clock Hours Certificate or diploma in a child care related field of study from a regionally accredited college or university, or persons with a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential 10 clock hours 10 years documented experience as a teacher, director, or caregiver in a licensed child care arrangement 15 clock hours If none of the other criteria in this chart apply 20 clock hours Other Information Rated License Reassessment Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in April 2023. There are no longer any cohorts. The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you hire new staff or as staff complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Clean Classrooms for Kids Program – All child care programs must have their water tested for lead and your building tested for lead and asbestos hazards. May 1, 2024, was the initial deadline to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. Facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the process by November 1, 2024. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years(centers) and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-leadbased-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa The information above is from https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/, which is also where you enroll in the program. Remember, centers must have their water tested every three years. Family child care homes, as of now, are only required to do it once, and the water testing must be completed by January 1, 2025. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Criminal Background Check Information - DCDEE launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to see applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster, see the real-time background check status of staff/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position, and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Outdoor play area – You have divided the previously approved fenced outdoor play area into two sections, one side for older toddlers and preschool children and the other side for the younger toddlers. New measurements and a new diagram are needed. Also, ensure the materials and equipment outdoors are 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. When three year old children and older are in care, the materials and equipment must have sufficient quantity to allow at least three children to choose the same or different activities. Documentation was completed and reviewed on site, printed and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/20/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 3/20/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s routine unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020 earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. As of March 18, 2024, facility had an 18-month compliance history of 88%. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 21, 2023. Sanitation Inspection – 04/24/2023 – 12 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 11/10/2022 – Approved for daytime only There are thirty-three children enrolled and thirty children, ages 1-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Preschool children in Space 1 were observed returning indoors from playing outside in fenced area. They completed handwashing and bathroom routines and listened to caregiver read a book entitled, “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Worm,” as they waited for lunch. Children in Space 2 were observed outside in fenced play area playing in the sand box with caregivers. Toddlers in space were seated at the table eating lunch with caregivers within arm’s reach. Lunch consisted of fish sticks, oranges, sweet potato, and milk. All children were adequately supervised. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. Cots with linen were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. There are four new staff members since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. Files for new staff were monitored today. There were two violations observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirement is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three staff members do not have current First Aid; two are new employees who did not receive it within the first 90 days of employment. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three staff members do not have current CPR; two are new employees who did not receive it within the first 90 days of employment. .1102(d) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received April 3, 2024 describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violation cited: CPR/First Aid Renewal - CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. New employees must successfully complete CPR/FA within the first 90 days of employment. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Consultation For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today we discussed the storage of baby wipes in space 2. As kids under the age of three are enrolled in this area, you move all plastic bags above five feet. Staff Records – Staff development plans and annual staff evaluations must be completed for all employees. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Other Information: Rated License Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in April 2023. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in Cohort 2. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. Reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 2.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact One Place of Onslow County for assistance with completion of the self-study component of the environment rating scales. Your planning year is an opportunity for you to focus on the quality of your program as well as consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you hire new staff or as staff complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Rules - Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm, and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. Lead Testing – Important Information - It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Steps: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-leadbased-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa. Refer to email sent to you on March 4, 2024 which has deadline information as well as the website link for “clean water for US kids.” Provider Portal - DCDEE has launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to: •See applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster •See the real-time background check status of staff members •Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Documentation was completed on site, reviewed electronically, printed, and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/20/2024 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 3/20/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s routine unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020 earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. As of March 18, 2024, facility had an 18-month compliance history of 88%. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 21, 2023. Sanitation Inspection – 04/24/2023 – 12 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 11/10/2022 – Approved for daytime only There are thirty-three children enrolled and thirty children, ages 1-4, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Preschool children in Space 1 were observed returning indoors from playing outside in fenced area. They completed handwashing and bathroom routines and listened to caregiver read a book entitled, “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Worm,” as they waited for lunch. Children in Space 2 were observed outside in fenced play area playing in the sand box with caregivers. Toddlers in space were seated at the table eating lunch with caregivers within arm’s reach. Lunch consisted of fish sticks, oranges, sweet potato, and milk. All children were adequately supervised. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. Cots with linen were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. There are four new staff members since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. Files for new staff were monitored today. There were two violations observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirement is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three staff members do not have current First Aid; two are new employees who did not receive it within the first 90 days of employment. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Three staff members do not have current CPR; two are new employees who did not receive it within the first 90 days of employment. .1102(d) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received April 3, 2024 describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Technical assistance regarding violation cited: CPR/First Aid Renewal - CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. New employees must successfully complete CPR/FA within the first 90 days of employment. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Consultation For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. Today we discussed the storage of baby wipes in space 2. As kids under the age of three are enrolled in this area, you move all plastic bags above five feet. Staff Records – Staff development plans and annual staff evaluations must be completed for all employees. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Other Information: Rated License Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in April 2023. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in Cohort 2. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. Reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 2.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact One Place of Onslow County for assistance with completion of the self-study component of the environment rating scales. Your planning year is an opportunity for you to focus on the quality of your program as well as consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you hire new staff or as staff complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is maintained at all times, so you must ensure you monitor staff qualifications and percentages in advance of your upcoming reassessment. Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Rules - Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Sanitation rules were also readopted July 1, 2023. I strongly urge you to review the training information at https://ehs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/hhccehb/cehu/ccs/op-training.htm, and contact Children’s Environmental Health Services with any questions. Lead Testing – Important Information - It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Steps: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-leadbased-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa. Refer to email sent to you on March 4, 2024 which has deadline information as well as the website link for “clean water for US kids.” Provider Portal - DCDEE has launched the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to: •See applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster •See the real-time background check status of staff members •Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. Documentation was completed on site, reviewed electronically, printed, and signed. Remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: CHRISTINA BYNUM Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1223-222A Visit Date: 12/22/2023 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 12/22/2023 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 10 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 11:40 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. When I arrived at the facility, I observed that there were no vehicles parked on the premises, and that there were no lights on inside the facility. The front door was locked, so I made several knocks at the door, but did not get an answer. I did not observe anyone inside of the building, and I did not hear any noise coming from the building. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On December 11, 2023, the staff member unknowingly dropped the vape pen in the classroom. A two-year-old child found the vape pen, placed it in their mouth, and then sucked on it. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 904 Child was handled roughly. A staff member roughly remove a vape pen from a child's mouth. .1803(a)(1) 1849 For centers in a occupied residence, the premises was not smoke free during operating hours. On December 11, 2023, a staff member brought a vape pen containing flavored tobacco to the childcare facility .0604(h) 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/21/2023 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 9/21/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:15 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 annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020 earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. As of September 20, 2023, facility had an 18-month compliance history of 91% as of September 23, 2022. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 26, 2022. Sanitation Inspection – 04/24/2023 – 12 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 11/10/2022 – Approved for daytime only Ensure your annual fire inspection is completed on or before 11/10/2023. An approved fire Inspection must be completed, annually, on or before the date that it expires. All areas, indoors and outdoors, were observed today. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in all classrooms. Toddlers and preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities. Free choice activities including blocks, art activities, manipulatives, magnets, and housekeeping. Toddlers and preschool children were also observed singing songs as they transitioned to clean up and prepared to go outside. Preschool children were observed riding toys, running, sliding, and playing on other portable equipment. After children returned inside, handwashing and bathroom routines were completed, and lunch was served. Lunch consisted of chicken tenders, mixed vegetables, bananas, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. Cots with linen were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played. All children were adequately supervised. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were seven violations observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Specific instructions were not included from parents to administered medication to children; "as needed" were the instructions indicated on permission forms. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Diapers in a plastic bag, wipes stored in plastic containers, and plastic gloves were not inaccessible to children, age 2. Inaccessible means at least 5 ft above floor level. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. First Aid for one staff member expired on 08/05/2023 and has not been renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. CPR for one staff member expired on 08/05/2023 and has not been renewed. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Staff members, who have been employed for a year, should have a staff evaluation and staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last recorded emergency drill was conducted in January 2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. This information was not completed and on file for a one year old child with asthma medication located at the facility. .0801(b) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received September 30, 2023 describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Comments regarding violations cited Medications - All medications, including diaper creams, must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete and specific instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. Medical Action Plans - For any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services, a medical action plan shall be attached to the application. The medical action plan shall be completed by the child's parent or a health care professional and may include the following: (1) a list of the child's diagnosis or diagnoses including dietary, environmental, and activity considerations that are applicable; (2) contact information for the child's health care professional(s); (3) medications to be administered on a scheduled basis; and (4) medications to be administered on an emergency basis with symptoms, and instructions. This plan is only needed for those children with the previously listed conditions. If a medical action plan requires medication to be administered in child care, written authorization is required. The length of time authorization is valid depends on the type of medication; you may review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803 for requirements. When medication for an allergy or chronic condition is administered, you must document details on the Medication Administration Log, available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents. Today I encouraged you to keep copies of medical action plans and authorization forms with the medications so those responsible for administering them have complete instructions. This may protect both children and staff from medication administration errors. Emergency Drills – You will need to complete an emergency drill, either a shelter-in-place or lock -down drill, quarterly and notate this information on the Emergency drill log. It is vital to practice this drills as required to ensure staff and children are prepared in the event of a real emergency. CPR/First Aid Renewal - CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Staff Records - Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Technical Assistance Attendance - It is vital that attendance sheets be accurate and maintained at all times. This ensures the safety of the children in your care at all times. Staff should be marking children present as they arrive and have knowledge of how many children are present in their classroom at any given time should an emergency arise. Staff should be able to give an accurate account of the children they are responsible for daily. Staff/Child Ratios – Staff/Child Ratios forms must be posted and completed accurately for each classroom. In the classroom for one year old children, some of the information on the staff/child ratio form was incorrect; the maximum group size should be 12 not 20. Ensure all posted staff/child ratio forms in each classroom is correct. Outdoor Play Area – Review these rules regarding playground equipment and make any necessary changes to your outdoor fenced play area. All stationary outdoor equipment more than 18 inches high shall be installed over protective surfacing. Footings which anchor equipment shall not be exposed. Protective surfacing shall be either: (1) loose surfacing material, including wood mulch, double shredded bark mulch, uniform wood chips, fine sand, coarse sand, and pea gravel, except that pea gravel shall not be used if the area will be used by children under three years of age. Loose surfacing material shall not be installed over concrete; or (2) other materials that have been certified by the manufacturer to be shock-absorbing protective material in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard F 1292, may be used if installed, maintained, and replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. This standard is incorporated by reference and does include subsequent editions. This standard may be found online at https://www.astm.org/Standards/F1292.htm for a cost of sixty-five dollars ($65.00). (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. (l) Protective surfacing shall cover the area under and around equipment where a child may fall, referred to as the fall zone. The area for fall zones is as follows: (1) for stationary outdoor equipment used by children under two years of age, the protective surfacing shall extend beyond the external limits of the equipment for a minimum of three feet, except that protective surfacing shall be required at all points of entrance and exit for any structure that has a protective barrier; and (2) for stationary outdoor equipment used by children two years of age or older, the protective surfacing shall extend beyond the external limits of the equipment for six feet; (m) Exceptions to Paragraph (l) of this Rule are as follows: (1) Fall zones may overlap around spring rockers, and around equipment that is more than 18, but less than 30 inches in height. If there are two adjacent structures and one is more than 18, but less than 30 inches in height, the protective surfacing shall extend a minimum of nine feet between the two structures. Other Information: On March 13, 2023, the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit https://www.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1703(b) must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. During today visit, all existing staff and some new staff have completed these trainings and trainings are documented on the required form. Other new staff are in the process of completed these trainings within the required timeframe. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Rated License Reassessment Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed by April 15, 2023. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in Cohort 2. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 2.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact One Place for assistance with completion of the self-study component. I am also available to assist you upon request. During today’s visit, Ms. Coston, expressed an interest in the facility having an outreach assessment completed. She stated once she decided to proceed, she would contact me to get NCRLAP information to set that up. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/21/2023 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 9/21/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:15 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 annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020 earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. As of September 20, 2023, facility had an 18-month compliance history of 91% as of September 23, 2022. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 26, 2022. Sanitation Inspection – 04/24/2023 – 12 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 11/10/2022 – Approved for daytime only Ensure your annual fire inspection is completed on or before 11/10/2023. An approved fire Inspection must be completed, annually, on or before the date that it expires. All areas, indoors and outdoors, were observed today. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in all classrooms. Toddlers and preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities. Free choice activities including blocks, art activities, manipulatives, magnets, and housekeeping. Toddlers and preschool children were also observed singing songs as they transitioned to clean up and prepared to go outside. Preschool children were observed riding toys, running, sliding, and playing on other portable equipment. After children returned inside, handwashing and bathroom routines were completed, and lunch was served. Lunch consisted of chicken tenders, mixed vegetables, bananas, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. Cots with linen were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played. All children were adequately supervised. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were seven violations observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Specific instructions were not included from parents to administered medication to children; "as needed" were the instructions indicated on permission forms. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Diapers in a plastic bag, wipes stored in plastic containers, and plastic gloves were not inaccessible to children, age 2. Inaccessible means at least 5 ft above floor level. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. First Aid for one staff member expired on 08/05/2023 and has not been renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. CPR for one staff member expired on 08/05/2023 and has not been renewed. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Staff members, who have been employed for a year, should have a staff evaluation and staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last recorded emergency drill was conducted in January 2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. This information was not completed and on file for a one year old child with asthma medication located at the facility. .0801(b) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received September 30, 2023 describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Comments regarding violations cited Medications - All medications, including diaper creams, must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete and specific instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. Medical Action Plans - For any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services, a medical action plan shall be attached to the application. The medical action plan shall be completed by the child's parent or a health care professional and may include the following: (1) a list of the child's diagnosis or diagnoses including dietary, environmental, and activity considerations that are applicable; (2) contact information for the child's health care professional(s); (3) medications to be administered on a scheduled basis; and (4) medications to be administered on an emergency basis with symptoms, and instructions. This plan is only needed for those children with the previously listed conditions. If a medical action plan requires medication to be administered in child care, written authorization is required. The length of time authorization is valid depends on the type of medication; you may review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803 for requirements. When medication for an allergy or chronic condition is administered, you must document details on the Medication Administration Log, available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents. Today I encouraged you to keep copies of medical action plans and authorization forms with the medications so those responsible for administering them have complete instructions. This may protect both children and staff from medication administration errors. Emergency Drills – You will need to complete an emergency drill, either a shelter-in-place or lock -down drill, quarterly and notate this information on the Emergency drill log. It is vital to practice this drills as required to ensure staff and children are prepared in the event of a real emergency. CPR/First Aid Renewal - CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Staff Records - Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Technical Assistance Attendance - It is vital that attendance sheets be accurate and maintained at all times. This ensures the safety of the children in your care at all times. Staff should be marking children present as they arrive and have knowledge of how many children are present in their classroom at any given time should an emergency arise. Staff should be able to give an accurate account of the children they are responsible for daily. Staff/Child Ratios – Staff/Child Ratios forms must be posted and completed accurately for each classroom. In the classroom for one year old children, some of the information on the staff/child ratio form was incorrect; the maximum group size should be 12 not 20. Ensure all posted staff/child ratio forms in each classroom is correct. Outdoor Play Area – Review these rules regarding playground equipment and make any necessary changes to your outdoor fenced play area. All stationary outdoor equipment more than 18 inches high shall be installed over protective surfacing. Footings which anchor equipment shall not be exposed. Protective surfacing shall be either: (1) loose surfacing material, including wood mulch, double shredded bark mulch, uniform wood chips, fine sand, coarse sand, and pea gravel, except that pea gravel shall not be used if the area will be used by children under three years of age. Loose surfacing material shall not be installed over concrete; or (2) other materials that have been certified by the manufacturer to be shock-absorbing protective material in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard F 1292, may be used if installed, maintained, and replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. This standard is incorporated by reference and does include subsequent editions. This standard may be found online at https://www.astm.org/Standards/F1292.htm for a cost of sixty-five dollars ($65.00). (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. (l) Protective surfacing shall cover the area under and around equipment where a child may fall, referred to as the fall zone. The area for fall zones is as follows: (1) for stationary outdoor equipment used by children under two years of age, the protective surfacing shall extend beyond the external limits of the equipment for a minimum of three feet, except that protective surfacing shall be required at all points of entrance and exit for any structure that has a protective barrier; and (2) for stationary outdoor equipment used by children two years of age or older, the protective surfacing shall extend beyond the external limits of the equipment for six feet; (m) Exceptions to Paragraph (l) of this Rule are as follows: (1) Fall zones may overlap around spring rockers, and around equipment that is more than 18, but less than 30 inches in height. If there are two adjacent structures and one is more than 18, but less than 30 inches in height, the protective surfacing shall extend a minimum of nine feet between the two structures. Other Information: On March 13, 2023, the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit https://www.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1703(b) must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. During today visit, all existing staff and some new staff have completed these trainings and trainings are documented on the required form. Other new staff are in the process of completed these trainings within the required timeframe. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Rated License Reassessment Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed by April 15, 2023. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in Cohort 2. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 2.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact One Place for assistance with completion of the self-study component. I am also available to assist you upon request. During today’s visit, Ms. Coston, expressed an interest in the facility having an outreach assessment completed. She stated once she decided to proceed, she would contact me to get NCRLAP information to set that up. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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 .1703 · Violation

Name of Operation: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/21/2023 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 9/21/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:15 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 annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020 earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. As of September 20, 2023, facility had an 18-month compliance history of 91% as of September 23, 2022. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 26, 2022. Sanitation Inspection – 04/24/2023 – 12 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 11/10/2022 – Approved for daytime only Ensure your annual fire inspection is completed on or before 11/10/2023. An approved fire Inspection must be completed, annually, on or before the date that it expires. All areas, indoors and outdoors, were observed today. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in all classrooms. Toddlers and preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities. Free choice activities including blocks, art activities, manipulatives, magnets, and housekeeping. Toddlers and preschool children were also observed singing songs as they transitioned to clean up and prepared to go outside. Preschool children were observed riding toys, running, sliding, and playing on other portable equipment. After children returned inside, handwashing and bathroom routines were completed, and lunch was served. Lunch consisted of chicken tenders, mixed vegetables, bananas, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. Cots with linen were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played. All children were adequately supervised. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were seven violations observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Specific instructions were not included from parents to administered medication to children; "as needed" were the instructions indicated on permission forms. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Diapers in a plastic bag, wipes stored in plastic containers, and plastic gloves were not inaccessible to children, age 2. Inaccessible means at least 5 ft above floor level. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. First Aid for one staff member expired on 08/05/2023 and has not been renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. CPR for one staff member expired on 08/05/2023 and has not been renewed. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Staff members, who have been employed for a year, should have a staff evaluation and staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last recorded emergency drill was conducted in January 2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. This information was not completed and on file for a one year old child with asthma medication located at the facility. .0801(b) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received September 30, 2023 describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Comments regarding violations cited Medications - All medications, including diaper creams, must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete and specific instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. Medical Action Plans - For any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services, a medical action plan shall be attached to the application. The medical action plan shall be completed by the child's parent or a health care professional and may include the following: (1) a list of the child's diagnosis or diagnoses including dietary, environmental, and activity considerations that are applicable; (2) contact information for the child's health care professional(s); (3) medications to be administered on a scheduled basis; and (4) medications to be administered on an emergency basis with symptoms, and instructions. This plan is only needed for those children with the previously listed conditions. If a medical action plan requires medication to be administered in child care, written authorization is required. The length of time authorization is valid depends on the type of medication; you may review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803 for requirements. When medication for an allergy or chronic condition is administered, you must document details on the Medication Administration Log, available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents. Today I encouraged you to keep copies of medical action plans and authorization forms with the medications so those responsible for administering them have complete instructions. This may protect both children and staff from medication administration errors. Emergency Drills – You will need to complete an emergency drill, either a shelter-in-place or lock -down drill, quarterly and notate this information on the Emergency drill log. It is vital to practice this drills as required to ensure staff and children are prepared in the event of a real emergency. CPR/First Aid Renewal - CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Staff Records - Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Technical Assistance Attendance - It is vital that attendance sheets be accurate and maintained at all times. This ensures the safety of the children in your care at all times. Staff should be marking children present as they arrive and have knowledge of how many children are present in their classroom at any given time should an emergency arise. Staff should be able to give an accurate account of the children they are responsible for daily. Staff/Child Ratios – Staff/Child Ratios forms must be posted and completed accurately for each classroom. In the classroom for one year old children, some of the information on the staff/child ratio form was incorrect; the maximum group size should be 12 not 20. Ensure all posted staff/child ratio forms in each classroom is correct. Outdoor Play Area – Review these rules regarding playground equipment and make any necessary changes to your outdoor fenced play area. All stationary outdoor equipment more than 18 inches high shall be installed over protective surfacing. Footings which anchor equipment shall not be exposed. Protective surfacing shall be either: (1) loose surfacing material, including wood mulch, double shredded bark mulch, uniform wood chips, fine sand, coarse sand, and pea gravel, except that pea gravel shall not be used if the area will be used by children under three years of age. Loose surfacing material shall not be installed over concrete; or (2) other materials that have been certified by the manufacturer to be shock-absorbing protective material in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard F 1292, may be used if installed, maintained, and replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. This standard is incorporated by reference and does include subsequent editions. This standard may be found online at https://www.astm.org/Standards/F1292.htm for a cost of sixty-five dollars ($65.00). (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. (l) Protective surfacing shall cover the area under and around equipment where a child may fall, referred to as the fall zone. The area for fall zones is as follows: (1) for stationary outdoor equipment used by children under two years of age, the protective surfacing shall extend beyond the external limits of the equipment for a minimum of three feet, except that protective surfacing shall be required at all points of entrance and exit for any structure that has a protective barrier; and (2) for stationary outdoor equipment used by children two years of age or older, the protective surfacing shall extend beyond the external limits of the equipment for six feet; (m) Exceptions to Paragraph (l) of this Rule are as follows: (1) Fall zones may overlap around spring rockers, and around equipment that is more than 18, but less than 30 inches in height. If there are two adjacent structures and one is more than 18, but less than 30 inches in height, the protective surfacing shall extend a minimum of nine feet between the two structures. Other Information: On March 13, 2023, the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit https://www.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1703(b) must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. During today visit, all existing staff and some new staff have completed these trainings and trainings are documented on the required form. Other new staff are in the process of completed these trainings within the required timeframe. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Rated License Reassessment Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed by April 15, 2023. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in Cohort 2. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 2.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact One Place for assistance with completion of the self-study component. I am also available to assist you upon request. During today’s visit, Ms. Coston, expressed an interest in the facility having an outreach assessment completed. She stated once she decided to proceed, she would contact me to get NCRLAP information to set that up. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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: ABOVE AND BEYOND EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 67001166 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/21/2023 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 9/21/2023 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:15 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 annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. This facility operates with a Four-Star License issued April 15, 2020 earning two points in program standards, seven points in staff education, and one quality point. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. As of September 20, 2023, facility had an 18-month compliance history of 91% as of September 23, 2022. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 26, 2022. Sanitation Inspection – 04/24/2023 – 12 Demerits – Superior Fire Inspection – 11/10/2022 – Approved for daytime only Ensure your annual fire inspection is completed on or before 11/10/2023. An approved fire Inspection must be completed, annually, on or before the date that it expires. All areas, indoors and outdoors, were observed today. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in all classrooms. Toddlers and preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities. Free choice activities including blocks, art activities, manipulatives, magnets, and housekeeping. Toddlers and preschool children were also observed singing songs as they transitioned to clean up and prepared to go outside. Preschool children were observed riding toys, running, sliding, and playing on other portable equipment. After children returned inside, handwashing and bathroom routines were completed, and lunch was served. Lunch consisted of chicken tenders, mixed vegetables, bananas, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. Cots with linen were appropriately spaced, lights were off, and soft music played. All children were adequately supervised. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. There were seven violations observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Specific instructions were not included from parents to administered medication to children; "as needed" were the instructions indicated on permission forms. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Diapers in a plastic bag, wipes stored in plastic containers, and plastic gloves were not inaccessible to children, age 2. Inaccessible means at least 5 ft above floor level. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. First Aid for one staff member expired on 08/05/2023 and has not been renewed. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. CPR for one staff member expired on 08/05/2023 and has not been renewed. .1102(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Staff members, who have been employed for a year, should have a staff evaluation and staff development plan completed and on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The last recorded emergency drill was conducted in January 2023. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. This information was not completed and on file for a one year old child with asthma medication located at the facility. .0801(b) In order for your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received September 30, 2023 describing how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Comments regarding violations cited Medications - All medications, including diaper creams, must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete and specific instructions for administration. Prescription medications must also be in the original container with the pharmacy label attached. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. Medical Action Plans - For any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services, a medical action plan shall be attached to the application. The medical action plan shall be completed by the child's parent or a health care professional and may include the following: (1) a list of the child's diagnosis or diagnoses including dietary, environmental, and activity considerations that are applicable; (2) contact information for the child's health care professional(s); (3) medications to be administered on a scheduled basis; and (4) medications to be administered on an emergency basis with symptoms, and instructions. This plan is only needed for those children with the previously listed conditions. If a medical action plan requires medication to be administered in child care, written authorization is required. The length of time authorization is valid depends on the type of medication; you may review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0803 for requirements. When medication for an allergy or chronic condition is administered, you must document details on the Medication Administration Log, available on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents. Today I encouraged you to keep copies of medical action plans and authorization forms with the medications so those responsible for administering them have complete instructions. This may protect both children and staff from medication administration errors. Emergency Drills – You will need to complete an emergency drill, either a shelter-in-place or lock -down drill, quarterly and notate this information on the Emergency drill log. It is vital to practice this drills as required to ensure staff and children are prepared in the event of a real emergency. CPR/First Aid Renewal - CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Staff Records - Items such as staff health questionnaires, emergency information, and evaluations must be updated annually. I suggest you select a certain month each year to complete these and set a reminder on your calendar so records will always be current. Technical Assistance Attendance - It is vital that attendance sheets be accurate and maintained at all times. This ensures the safety of the children in your care at all times. Staff should be marking children present as they arrive and have knowledge of how many children are present in their classroom at any given time should an emergency arise. Staff should be able to give an accurate account of the children they are responsible for daily. Staff/Child Ratios – Staff/Child Ratios forms must be posted and completed accurately for each classroom. In the classroom for one year old children, some of the information on the staff/child ratio form was incorrect; the maximum group size should be 12 not 20. Ensure all posted staff/child ratio forms in each classroom is correct. Outdoor Play Area – Review these rules regarding playground equipment and make any necessary changes to your outdoor fenced play area. All stationary outdoor equipment more than 18 inches high shall be installed over protective surfacing. Footings which anchor equipment shall not be exposed. Protective surfacing shall be either: (1) loose surfacing material, including wood mulch, double shredded bark mulch, uniform wood chips, fine sand, coarse sand, and pea gravel, except that pea gravel shall not be used if the area will be used by children under three years of age. Loose surfacing material shall not be installed over concrete; or (2) other materials that have been certified by the manufacturer to be shock-absorbing protective material in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard F 1292, may be used if installed, maintained, and replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions. This standard is incorporated by reference and does include subsequent editions. This standard may be found online at https://www.astm.org/Standards/F1292.htm for a cost of sixty-five dollars ($65.00). (k) The depth of the loose surfacing material shall be based on the critical height of the equipment, which is defined as the maximum height that a child may sit, or stand, as follows: (1) equipment with a critical height of 5 feet or less shall have 6 inches of loose surface materials; (2) equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, but less than 7 feet, shall have 6 inches of loose surfacing material, except for sand; (3) equipment with a critical height of 7 feet to 10 feet shall have 9 inches of any of the loose surfacing material, except for sand; and (4) when sand is used as a surfacing material for equipment with a critical height of more than 5 feet, 12 inches shall be required. (l) Protective surfacing shall cover the area under and around equipment where a child may fall, referred to as the fall zone. The area for fall zones is as follows: (1) for stationary outdoor equipment used by children under two years of age, the protective surfacing shall extend beyond the external limits of the equipment for a minimum of three feet, except that protective surfacing shall be required at all points of entrance and exit for any structure that has a protective barrier; and (2) for stationary outdoor equipment used by children two years of age or older, the protective surfacing shall extend beyond the external limits of the equipment for six feet; (m) Exceptions to Paragraph (l) of this Rule are as follows: (1) Fall zones may overlap around spring rockers, and around equipment that is more than 18, but less than 30 inches in height. If there are two adjacent structures and one is more than 18, but less than 30 inches in height, the protective surfacing shall extend a minimum of nine feet between the two structures. Other Information: On March 13, 2023, the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) initiative launched in North Carolina to make it easier for military families to access and afford quality child care from community providers. Licensed child care facilities are now able to participate in MCCYN-PLUS based on their star rating. If you are interested in participating in the military fee assistance program, please visit https://www.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/feeassistancerespiteproviders/feeassistance/ to review the application process. Health and Safety Training- These training topics outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1703(b) must be completed within the first year of employment for new staff, with the exception of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment – it must be completed within 90 days of hire. After initial completion of Health and Safety Trainings, they must be completed every five years. Use the Health and Safety Training Record which is found on the DCDEE website under Provider Documents and Forms to track the completion of these trainings. During today visit, all existing staff and some new staff have completed these trainings and trainings are documented on the required form. Other new staff are in the process of completed these trainings within the required timeframe. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Rated License Reassessment Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed by April 15, 2023. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in Cohort 2. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. As discussed today, reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 2.” Placement in this cohort means you will have from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. In your planning year, you may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact One Place for assistance with completion of the self-study component. I am also available to assist you upon request. During today’s visit, Ms. Coston, expressed an interest in the facility having an outreach assessment completed. She stated once she decided to proceed, she would contact me to get NCRLAP information to set that up. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions 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