Blending Hearts Academy

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2026 Number Present: 33 Completed Date: 4/14/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 03:00 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 14, 2025. As of today, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 89%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/05/2026 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/22/2025 – 11 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play areas. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility, and all spaces were being utilized; however, no school age children were present during this visit. There are forty-two children enrolled and twenty-three, ages 0-5, 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 observed in each classroom. In space #2, infants and one year old children received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were observed posted and safe sleep charts are being maintained. One infant was being held as other infants and toddlers were observed napping/resting. One year old children from space #5 were combined with infants in space #2 due to a staff member not being at work today. Toddlers and preschool children in spaces #3, #4, and #5 were observing nap/rest time. At nap/rest time, lights were turned off, soft music played, and children were observed sleeping on covered cots with blankets. Preschool children from space #6 were combined with preschool children in space #3 for nap/rest time. After nap/rest time, children had snack. Snack consisted of graham crackers, nectarines, and water. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are seven staff members employed at this facility. There were no new staff hired since the annual compliance visit was conducted in October 2025. Health & Safety Training – All 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. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. The following violation was observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. A set of bottles were dated for 04/10 and one set of bottle were not labeled with name and date. .0902(d) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before April 18, 2026, 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. 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: All bottles must be labeled and dated for each individual infant. Caregivers should check bottles daily to ensure they are labeled and dated correctly daily. Other Information Ms. Marquardt has completed the training and are actively working to enter the information for all staff. 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. Ms. Marquardt pulled up the Portal in her computer for verification purposes. 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. 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 June 28, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Mitigation Pending – No results yet • Asbestos- Mitigation Pending – No results yet 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/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars Ms. Marquardt stated that your facility is choosing Pathway #1, Program Assessment. Outreach assessments were completed at your facility in January 2026, and you will submit your rated license application and all required forms to me by May 31, 2026. Your ERS will be requested as you would like to obtain a July window. We reviewed staff education worksheets today. Ms. Marquardt advised that her daughter, Cecilee Bassett will be the administrator, and she will be her assistant and also work as a lead teacher in the classroom. 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. Family and Community Engagement: – The options have been reviewed included in the following 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 must include 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). 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. 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 Any items, including wipes, with a label that reads, keep out of the reach of children, must be stored at least 5 feet above the floor level. Ensure all items are properly stored. 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. 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/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Marquardt. 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: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/14/2026 Number Present: 33 Completed Date: 4/14/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 03:00 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 14, 2025. As of today, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 89%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/05/2026 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/22/2025 – 11 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play areas. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility, and all spaces were being utilized; however, no school age children were present during this visit. There are forty-two children enrolled and twenty-three, ages 0-5, 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 observed in each classroom. In space #2, infants and one year old children received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were observed posted and safe sleep charts are being maintained. One infant was being held as other infants and toddlers were observed napping/resting. One year old children from space #5 were combined with infants in space #2 due to a staff member not being at work today. Toddlers and preschool children in spaces #3, #4, and #5 were observing nap/rest time. At nap/rest time, lights were turned off, soft music played, and children were observed sleeping on covered cots with blankets. Preschool children from space #6 were combined with preschool children in space #3 for nap/rest time. After nap/rest time, children had snack. Snack consisted of graham crackers, nectarines, and water. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are seven staff members employed at this facility. There were no new staff hired since the annual compliance visit was conducted in October 2025. Health & Safety Training – All 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. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. The following violation was observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. A set of bottles were dated for 04/10 and one set of bottle were not labeled with name and date. .0902(d) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before April 18, 2026, 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. 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: All bottles must be labeled and dated for each individual infant. Caregivers should check bottles daily to ensure they are labeled and dated correctly daily. Other Information Ms. Marquardt has completed the training and are actively working to enter the information for all staff. 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. Ms. Marquardt pulled up the Portal in her computer for verification purposes. 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. 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 June 28, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Mitigation Pending – No results yet • Asbestos- Mitigation Pending – No results yet 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/ Choosing a Pathway to the Stars Ms. Marquardt stated that your facility is choosing Pathway #1, Program Assessment. Outreach assessments were completed at your facility in January 2026, and you will submit your rated license application and all required forms to me by May 31, 2026. Your ERS will be requested as you would like to obtain a July window. We reviewed staff education worksheets today. Ms. Marquardt advised that her daughter, Cecilee Bassett will be the administrator, and she will be her assistant and also work as a lead teacher in the classroom. 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. Family and Community Engagement: – The options have been reviewed included in the following 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 must include 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). 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. 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 Any items, including wipes, with a label that reads, keep out of the reach of children, must be stored at least 5 feet above the floor level. Ensure all items are properly stored. 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. 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/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Marquardt. 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/14/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 10/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 262 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:07 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 16, 2024. As of October 13, 2025, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 90%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/12/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 01/13/2025 – 7 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play areas. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility. There were two spaces closed due to asbestos repair. There were thirty-seven children enrolled and twenty children, ages 0-4, 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 observed in each classroom. In space #5, infants are combined with one year old children. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were observed, and safe sleep charts were being maintained. Caregiver was on the floor with one infant as infant explored their environment, played with toys, and had tummy time. Toddlers and preschool children in spaces #3, #4, and #6 were observing participating in free choice activities, including outdoor play time. Other free choice activities included playing with blocks, reading books, dramatic play, and art. Children were also observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of shepherd’s pie, pineapples, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. At nap/rest time, lights were turned off, soft music played, and covered cots with blankets were appropriately spaced. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were eight staff members employed at this facility. There were two new staff; all new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. Health & Safety Training – All 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. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. 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. An activity plan was not available for classroom for one year old children. Activity plan was completed, printed, and posted in classroom area prior to visit ending. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff development plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before October 28, 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 always posted for each group of children. There was not an activity plan in space #5 for the classroom for one year old children. This was corrected during the visit. Staff Development/Staff Evaluation - Each employee's personnel file shall contain an annual staff evaluation and staff development plan. These are to be completed annually. You should create a way to track these dates to ensure they are completed within the time frame. Other Information 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. This information must be entered on the staff/training worksheet for each staff member. 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. Marquardt has completed the training and are actively working to enter the information for all staff. 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 with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. 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 June 28, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Waiting for On-Site Visit Survey – No results yet • Asbestos- Mitigation Pending – No results yet Ms. Marquardt has closed spaces #1 and #2 as asbestos were found in that building. Ms. Marquardt states the popcorn ceiling has to be removed from the entire building (900 square feet) and she is in the process of getting bids to get the work completed. Children who are usually in these spaces are combined in other approved classrooms. 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/ 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo-Download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo The purpose of this memo is to notify childcare operators/Head Start directors and NC Pre-K classrooms of the 2025 annual immunization reporting requirements. North Carolina immunization law requires all schools providing Pre-K and all licensed childcare facilities (as defined in G.S. 110-86(3)) to file an annual immunization report on children aged newborn through preschool (G.S. 130A155(c)). This report is used to determine the number of children who meet state immunization requirements under 10A NCAC 41A.0401, ensuring that children in attendance at your childcare facility are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. How to Submit your Report • The reporting portal is now open, and reports may be completed at any time prior to the due date but must be submitted electronically via this link. • Instructions and worksheets are available for downloading and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. • Only one current report will be accepted per childcare facility, per report period. • All reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. • Reports will not be accepted after this date. • If your facility has no children enrolled or is closed, you are still required to submit a report. This ensures your facility is counted and not considered delinquent or missing. • For NC Pre-K and Head Start programs, include all children who attend full-time. • Do not include children already reported on the Annual Kindergarten Immunization Report. If you have additional questions about this report or are not able to access the internet to complete the report, email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 877-873-6247. July 2025 Rule Changes: Summary, Training Available The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle(Enroll if you haven’t yet).You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the previous Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. For assistance with Moodle, contact DCDEE_MOODLE_SUPPORT@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is undecided as if they will choose Pathway 1 or Pathway 2, but plans to apply for a rated license by July 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. 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. Reminder 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. 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/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Marquardt. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. 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: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/14/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 10/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 262 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:07 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 16, 2024. As of October 13, 2025, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 90%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/12/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 01/13/2025 – 7 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play areas. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility. There were two spaces closed due to asbestos repair. There were thirty-seven children enrolled and twenty children, ages 0-4, 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 observed in each classroom. In space #5, infants are combined with one year old children. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were observed, and safe sleep charts were being maintained. Caregiver was on the floor with one infant as infant explored their environment, played with toys, and had tummy time. Toddlers and preschool children in spaces #3, #4, and #6 were observing participating in free choice activities, including outdoor play time. Other free choice activities included playing with blocks, reading books, dramatic play, and art. Children were also observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of shepherd’s pie, pineapples, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. At nap/rest time, lights were turned off, soft music played, and covered cots with blankets were appropriately spaced. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were eight staff members employed at this facility. There were two new staff; all new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. Health & Safety Training – All 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. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. 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. An activity plan was not available for classroom for one year old children. Activity plan was completed, printed, and posted in classroom area prior to visit ending. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff development plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before October 28, 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 always posted for each group of children. There was not an activity plan in space #5 for the classroom for one year old children. This was corrected during the visit. Staff Development/Staff Evaluation - Each employee's personnel file shall contain an annual staff evaluation and staff development plan. These are to be completed annually. You should create a way to track these dates to ensure they are completed within the time frame. Other Information 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. This information must be entered on the staff/training worksheet for each staff member. 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. Marquardt has completed the training and are actively working to enter the information for all staff. 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 with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. 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 June 28, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Waiting for On-Site Visit Survey – No results yet • Asbestos- Mitigation Pending – No results yet Ms. Marquardt has closed spaces #1 and #2 as asbestos were found in that building. Ms. Marquardt states the popcorn ceiling has to be removed from the entire building (900 square feet) and she is in the process of getting bids to get the work completed. Children who are usually in these spaces are combined in other approved classrooms. 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/ 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo-Download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo The purpose of this memo is to notify childcare operators/Head Start directors and NC Pre-K classrooms of the 2025 annual immunization reporting requirements. North Carolina immunization law requires all schools providing Pre-K and all licensed childcare facilities (as defined in G.S. 110-86(3)) to file an annual immunization report on children aged newborn through preschool (G.S. 130A155(c)). This report is used to determine the number of children who meet state immunization requirements under 10A NCAC 41A.0401, ensuring that children in attendance at your childcare facility are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. How to Submit your Report • The reporting portal is now open, and reports may be completed at any time prior to the due date but must be submitted electronically via this link. • Instructions and worksheets are available for downloading and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. • Only one current report will be accepted per childcare facility, per report period. • All reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. • Reports will not be accepted after this date. • If your facility has no children enrolled or is closed, you are still required to submit a report. This ensures your facility is counted and not considered delinquent or missing. • For NC Pre-K and Head Start programs, include all children who attend full-time. • Do not include children already reported on the Annual Kindergarten Immunization Report. If you have additional questions about this report or are not able to access the internet to complete the report, email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 877-873-6247. July 2025 Rule Changes: Summary, Training Available The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle(Enroll if you haven’t yet).You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the previous Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. For assistance with Moodle, contact DCDEE_MOODLE_SUPPORT@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is undecided as if they will choose Pathway 1 or Pathway 2, but plans to apply for a rated license by July 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. 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. Reminder 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. 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/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Marquardt. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. 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. 110-86 · Violation

Name of Operation: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/14/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 10/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 262 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:07 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 16, 2024. As of October 13, 2025, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 90%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/12/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 01/13/2025 – 7 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play areas. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility. There were two spaces closed due to asbestos repair. There were thirty-seven children enrolled and twenty children, ages 0-4, 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 observed in each classroom. In space #5, infants are combined with one year old children. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were observed, and safe sleep charts were being maintained. Caregiver was on the floor with one infant as infant explored their environment, played with toys, and had tummy time. Toddlers and preschool children in spaces #3, #4, and #6 were observing participating in free choice activities, including outdoor play time. Other free choice activities included playing with blocks, reading books, dramatic play, and art. Children were also observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of shepherd’s pie, pineapples, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. At nap/rest time, lights were turned off, soft music played, and covered cots with blankets were appropriately spaced. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were eight staff members employed at this facility. There were two new staff; all new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. Health & Safety Training – All 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. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. 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. An activity plan was not available for classroom for one year old children. Activity plan was completed, printed, and posted in classroom area prior to visit ending. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff development plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before October 28, 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 always posted for each group of children. There was not an activity plan in space #5 for the classroom for one year old children. This was corrected during the visit. Staff Development/Staff Evaluation - Each employee's personnel file shall contain an annual staff evaluation and staff development plan. These are to be completed annually. You should create a way to track these dates to ensure they are completed within the time frame. Other Information 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. This information must be entered on the staff/training worksheet for each staff member. 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. Marquardt has completed the training and are actively working to enter the information for all staff. 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 with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. 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 June 28, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Waiting for On-Site Visit Survey – No results yet • Asbestos- Mitigation Pending – No results yet Ms. Marquardt has closed spaces #1 and #2 as asbestos were found in that building. Ms. Marquardt states the popcorn ceiling has to be removed from the entire building (900 square feet) and she is in the process of getting bids to get the work completed. Children who are usually in these spaces are combined in other approved classrooms. 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/ 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo-Download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo The purpose of this memo is to notify childcare operators/Head Start directors and NC Pre-K classrooms of the 2025 annual immunization reporting requirements. North Carolina immunization law requires all schools providing Pre-K and all licensed childcare facilities (as defined in G.S. 110-86(3)) to file an annual immunization report on children aged newborn through preschool (G.S. 130A155(c)). This report is used to determine the number of children who meet state immunization requirements under 10A NCAC 41A.0401, ensuring that children in attendance at your childcare facility are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. How to Submit your Report • The reporting portal is now open, and reports may be completed at any time prior to the due date but must be submitted electronically via this link. • Instructions and worksheets are available for downloading and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. • Only one current report will be accepted per childcare facility, per report period. • All reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. • Reports will not be accepted after this date. • If your facility has no children enrolled or is closed, you are still required to submit a report. This ensures your facility is counted and not considered delinquent or missing. • For NC Pre-K and Head Start programs, include all children who attend full-time. • Do not include children already reported on the Annual Kindergarten Immunization Report. If you have additional questions about this report or are not able to access the internet to complete the report, email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 877-873-6247. July 2025 Rule Changes: Summary, Training Available The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle(Enroll if you haven’t yet).You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the previous Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. For assistance with Moodle, contact DCDEE_MOODLE_SUPPORT@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is undecided as if they will choose Pathway 1 or Pathway 2, but plans to apply for a rated license by July 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. 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. Reminder 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. 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/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Marquardt. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/14/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 10/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 262 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:07 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 16, 2024. As of October 13, 2025, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 90%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/12/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 01/13/2025 – 7 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play areas. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility. There were two spaces closed due to asbestos repair. There were thirty-seven children enrolled and twenty children, ages 0-4, 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 observed in each classroom. In space #5, infants are combined with one year old children. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were observed, and safe sleep charts were being maintained. Caregiver was on the floor with one infant as infant explored their environment, played with toys, and had tummy time. Toddlers and preschool children in spaces #3, #4, and #6 were observing participating in free choice activities, including outdoor play time. Other free choice activities included playing with blocks, reading books, dramatic play, and art. Children were also observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of shepherd’s pie, pineapples, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. At nap/rest time, lights were turned off, soft music played, and covered cots with blankets were appropriately spaced. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were eight staff members employed at this facility. There were two new staff; all new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. Health & Safety Training – All 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. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. 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. An activity plan was not available for classroom for one year old children. Activity plan was completed, printed, and posted in classroom area prior to visit ending. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff development plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before October 28, 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 always posted for each group of children. There was not an activity plan in space #5 for the classroom for one year old children. This was corrected during the visit. Staff Development/Staff Evaluation - Each employee's personnel file shall contain an annual staff evaluation and staff development plan. These are to be completed annually. You should create a way to track these dates to ensure they are completed within the time frame. Other Information 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. This information must be entered on the staff/training worksheet for each staff member. 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. Marquardt has completed the training and are actively working to enter the information for all staff. 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 with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. 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 June 28, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Waiting for On-Site Visit Survey – No results yet • Asbestos- Mitigation Pending – No results yet Ms. Marquardt has closed spaces #1 and #2 as asbestos were found in that building. Ms. Marquardt states the popcorn ceiling has to be removed from the entire building (900 square feet) and she is in the process of getting bids to get the work completed. Children who are usually in these spaces are combined in other approved classrooms. 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/ 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo-Download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo The purpose of this memo is to notify childcare operators/Head Start directors and NC Pre-K classrooms of the 2025 annual immunization reporting requirements. North Carolina immunization law requires all schools providing Pre-K and all licensed childcare facilities (as defined in G.S. 110-86(3)) to file an annual immunization report on children aged newborn through preschool (G.S. 130A155(c)). This report is used to determine the number of children who meet state immunization requirements under 10A NCAC 41A.0401, ensuring that children in attendance at your childcare facility are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. How to Submit your Report • The reporting portal is now open, and reports may be completed at any time prior to the due date but must be submitted electronically via this link. • Instructions and worksheets are available for downloading and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. • Only one current report will be accepted per childcare facility, per report period. • All reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. • Reports will not be accepted after this date. • If your facility has no children enrolled or is closed, you are still required to submit a report. This ensures your facility is counted and not considered delinquent or missing. • For NC Pre-K and Head Start programs, include all children who attend full-time. • Do not include children already reported on the Annual Kindergarten Immunization Report. If you have additional questions about this report or are not able to access the internet to complete the report, email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 877-873-6247. July 2025 Rule Changes: Summary, Training Available The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle(Enroll if you haven’t yet).You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the previous Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. For assistance with Moodle, contact DCDEE_MOODLE_SUPPORT@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is undecided as if they will choose Pathway 1 or Pathway 2, but plans to apply for a rated license by July 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. 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. Reminder 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. 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/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Marquardt. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/14/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 10/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 262 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:07 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 16, 2024. As of October 13, 2025, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 90%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/12/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 01/13/2025 – 7 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play areas. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility. There were two spaces closed due to asbestos repair. There were thirty-seven children enrolled and twenty children, ages 0-4, 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 observed in each classroom. In space #5, infants are combined with one year old children. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were observed, and safe sleep charts were being maintained. Caregiver was on the floor with one infant as infant explored their environment, played with toys, and had tummy time. Toddlers and preschool children in spaces #3, #4, and #6 were observing participating in free choice activities, including outdoor play time. Other free choice activities included playing with blocks, reading books, dramatic play, and art. Children were also observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of shepherd’s pie, pineapples, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. At nap/rest time, lights were turned off, soft music played, and covered cots with blankets were appropriately spaced. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were eight staff members employed at this facility. There were two new staff; all new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. Health & Safety Training – All 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. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. 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. An activity plan was not available for classroom for one year old children. Activity plan was completed, printed, and posted in classroom area prior to visit ending. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff development plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before October 28, 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 always posted for each group of children. There was not an activity plan in space #5 for the classroom for one year old children. This was corrected during the visit. Staff Development/Staff Evaluation - Each employee's personnel file shall contain an annual staff evaluation and staff development plan. These are to be completed annually. You should create a way to track these dates to ensure they are completed within the time frame. Other Information 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. This information must be entered on the staff/training worksheet for each staff member. 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. Marquardt has completed the training and are actively working to enter the information for all staff. 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 with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. 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 June 28, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Waiting for On-Site Visit Survey – No results yet • Asbestos- Mitigation Pending – No results yet Ms. Marquardt has closed spaces #1 and #2 as asbestos were found in that building. Ms. Marquardt states the popcorn ceiling has to be removed from the entire building (900 square feet) and she is in the process of getting bids to get the work completed. Children who are usually in these spaces are combined in other approved classrooms. 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/ 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo-Download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo The purpose of this memo is to notify childcare operators/Head Start directors and NC Pre-K classrooms of the 2025 annual immunization reporting requirements. North Carolina immunization law requires all schools providing Pre-K and all licensed childcare facilities (as defined in G.S. 110-86(3)) to file an annual immunization report on children aged newborn through preschool (G.S. 130A155(c)). This report is used to determine the number of children who meet state immunization requirements under 10A NCAC 41A.0401, ensuring that children in attendance at your childcare facility are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. How to Submit your Report • The reporting portal is now open, and reports may be completed at any time prior to the due date but must be submitted electronically via this link. • Instructions and worksheets are available for downloading and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. • Only one current report will be accepted per childcare facility, per report period. • All reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. • Reports will not be accepted after this date. • If your facility has no children enrolled or is closed, you are still required to submit a report. This ensures your facility is counted and not considered delinquent or missing. • For NC Pre-K and Head Start programs, include all children who attend full-time. • Do not include children already reported on the Annual Kindergarten Immunization Report. If you have additional questions about this report or are not able to access the internet to complete the report, email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 877-873-6247. July 2025 Rule Changes: Summary, Training Available The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle(Enroll if you haven’t yet).You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the previous Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. For assistance with Moodle, contact DCDEE_MOODLE_SUPPORT@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is undecided as if they will choose Pathway 1 or Pathway 2, but plans to apply for a rated license by July 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. 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. Reminder 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. 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/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Marquardt. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. 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: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/14/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 10/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 262 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 02:07 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 16, 2024. As of October 13, 2025, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 90%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/12/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 01/13/2025 – 7 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play areas. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility. There were two spaces closed due to asbestos repair. There were thirty-seven children enrolled and twenty children, ages 0-4, 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 observed in each classroom. In space #5, infants are combined with one year old children. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were observed, and safe sleep charts were being maintained. Caregiver was on the floor with one infant as infant explored their environment, played with toys, and had tummy time. Toddlers and preschool children in spaces #3, #4, and #6 were observing participating in free choice activities, including outdoor play time. Other free choice activities included playing with blocks, reading books, dramatic play, and art. Children were also observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of shepherd’s pie, pineapples, and milk. After lunch, children observed nap/rest time. At nap/rest time, lights were turned off, soft music played, and covered cots with blankets were appropriately spaced. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Staff and Training Worksheets- There were eight staff members employed at this facility. There were two new staff; all new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. Health & Safety Training – All 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. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. 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. An activity plan was not available for classroom for one year old children. Activity plan was completed, printed, and posted in classroom area prior to visit ending. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff development plan. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before October 28, 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 always posted for each group of children. There was not an activity plan in space #5 for the classroom for one year old children. This was corrected during the visit. Staff Development/Staff Evaluation - Each employee's personnel file shall contain an annual staff evaluation and staff development plan. These are to be completed annually. You should create a way to track these dates to ensure they are completed within the time frame. Other Information 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. This information must be entered on the staff/training worksheet for each staff member. 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. Marquardt has completed the training and are actively working to enter the information for all staff. 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 with the portal or the training, please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401and someone will assist you. 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 June 28, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint- Waiting for On-Site Visit Survey – No results yet • Asbestos- Mitigation Pending – No results yet Ms. Marquardt has closed spaces #1 and #2 as asbestos were found in that building. Ms. Marquardt states the popcorn ceiling has to be removed from the entire building (900 square feet) and she is in the process of getting bids to get the work completed. Children who are usually in these spaces are combined in other approved classrooms. 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/ 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo-Download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo The purpose of this memo is to notify childcare operators/Head Start directors and NC Pre-K classrooms of the 2025 annual immunization reporting requirements. North Carolina immunization law requires all schools providing Pre-K and all licensed childcare facilities (as defined in G.S. 110-86(3)) to file an annual immunization report on children aged newborn through preschool (G.S. 130A155(c)). This report is used to determine the number of children who meet state immunization requirements under 10A NCAC 41A.0401, ensuring that children in attendance at your childcare facility are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. How to Submit your Report • The reporting portal is now open, and reports may be completed at any time prior to the due date but must be submitted electronically via this link. • Instructions and worksheets are available for downloading and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. • Only one current report will be accepted per childcare facility, per report period. • All reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. • Reports will not be accepted after this date. • If your facility has no children enrolled or is closed, you are still required to submit a report. This ensures your facility is counted and not considered delinquent or missing. • For NC Pre-K and Head Start programs, include all children who attend full-time. • Do not include children already reported on the Annual Kindergarten Immunization Report. If you have additional questions about this report or are not able to access the internet to complete the report, email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 877-873-6247. July 2025 Rule Changes: Summary, Training Available The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle(Enroll if you haven’t yet).You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the previous Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. For assistance with Moodle, contact DCDEE_MOODLE_SUPPORT@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 are be posted on the QRIS Modernization page. •Follow this link for detailed information: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is undecided as if they will choose Pathway 1 or Pathway 2, but plans to apply for a rated license by July 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. 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. Reminder 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. 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/ At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Marquardt. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. 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: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0625-126L Visit Date: 7/2/2025 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 7/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 105 Time In: 11:10 AM Time Out: 12:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with North Carolina Child Care requirements and verify correction of discipline and staff/child ratio violations cited during a complaint visit conducted on June 24, 2025. Your letter of compliance has not been received; as agreed, it must be received by before July 8, 2025, or a follow-up visit will be conducted. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred today. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 16, 2024. As of today, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 91%. 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. Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt, was present and available for consultation. I visited each classroom, unaccompanied. There were thirty-eight children enrolled and twenty-eight children, aged 0-11, preset today. Due to staff shortage, groups of children were combined in spaces to maintain staff/child ratios. Infants and one year old children in space #2 were receiving routine care based on their individual needs. The classroom for two-year-old children were observed participating in free choice activities. The three-year-old children were also observed participating in free choice activities as teacher, Estra Williams, prepared cots for nap/rest time. The classroom for three/four-year-old children and school age children were combined in space #1; they were observed completing handwashing routines and preparing to eat lunch. Lunch consisted of spaghetti with meatballs, wheat bread, fruit cocktail, and milk. During today’s visit, all children were adequately supervised, and staff/child ratios were in compliance. I did not observe any instances of inappropriate discipline. It appeared that all staff members interacted with children in a nurturing and caring manner with the children in their care. I suggested Ms. Marquardt to continuously monitor the camera in her office so that she can step in and provide breaks when needed or a staff member appears to be frustrated and ensure staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. She states that she constantly is in and out of the classrooms throughout the day to assist/support caregivers and ensure all children are always attended to in a nurturing and caring manner. The following violation was cited today. This violation must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required. Review the applicable child care requirements often. It is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules. Take time daily to review the applicable child care requirements. Remember it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable child care requirements. Violation Number Comment Rule 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. An emergency drill has not been conducted since March 27, 2025. .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 July 16, 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 Comment regarding violation cited Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills should be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. 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. Your last emergency drill was conducted on March 27, 2025; therefore, an emergency drill should have been conducted on or before June 27, 2025. 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 meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Technical Assistance - Continue to ensure staff are handling children and disciplining children in an appropriate age manner. Rough handling children can pose serious dangers, including physical injuries, developmental delays, emotional trauma, and long-term mental health issues, as it can disrupt healthy brain development and create a stressful environment for the child, potentially leading to problems like anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Staff/child ratios must be always maintained. Children two and older can not be grouped with children under one year of age except for the first and last operating hour of the day, provided the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained and when a physician certifies that the developmental age of the child makes this placement appropriate. On days when you are short staffed, you may need to tell parents they cannot drop off their children or ask parents to come pick them up if they are already here, to maintain compliance with staff/child ratio rules. For groups of children aged two years or older, the staff/child ratio rule during nap time is at least one person remains in the room, all children are visible to that person, and the total number of required staff are on the premises and within calling distance of the rooms occupied by children. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, printed, and signed on site. You may continue to contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov or (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 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0625-126L Visit Date: 6/24/2025 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 6/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 16, 2024. As of June 18, 2025, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 94%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/12/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 01/13/2025 – 7 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was not present when I arrived; she arrived approximately an hour later. Cecilee Bassett, daughter of owner/administrator and lead teacher for classroom for two-year-old children, was present and available for consultation. All classrooms were observed and monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were posted in each classroom. Due to staff shortage, groups of children were combined in some spaces to maintain staff/child ratios. The three-year-old children remained in their regular classroom; there was a two-year-old and four-year-old present in this classroom also. The current activity plan for the classrooms for three-year-old children was not posted. However, it was in a red folder and not posted. The activity plan was posted prior to me leaving the classroom for three-year-old children. This violation will be cited as corrected during the visit. In the classroom for infants, one year old children and two-year-old children were present. This will be cited as a violation as two-year-old children cannot be grouped with children under the age of one. In the classroom for three- and four-year-old children, six (6) school age children were also present. Infants received care based on their individual needs. The one-year-old children and two-year-old children were observing nap/rest time. The three-year-old children were observed participating in free choice activities as teacher, Estra Williams, prepared cots for nap/rest time. The classroom for three/four-year-old children and school age children were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of chicken nuggets, French fries, mixed fruit, and milk. After lunch, children completed bathroom routines and prepared for nap/rest time. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for two-year-old children. The allegation was discussed with Ms. Marquardt, and staff member for the classroom for two-year-old children, Ms. Bassett. You were each given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. Ms. Marquardt stated she had no concerns with any staff regarding their interactions with children and no parent or staff member has brought any concerns to her regarding discipline matters. Ms. Marquardt also stated she did not have any concerns with any staff member yelling at children or hitting children at this facility. Ms. Marquardt stated that if she had those concerns, she would confront them regarding her concerns and report them immediately. Allegation There are concerns that inappropriate discipline was used by a staff member during the second week of May. 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 with the children in their care. When discussing However, Ms. Bassett did recall an incident that occurred on the playground. Ms. Bassett stated she was on the playground with her group of children and two children from a different class were trying to come over the fence to the area and she advised the children to go back to the area where their class was located as she could not accept any more children as it would make her out of staff/child ratio. She stated she never yelled at the children and would never tell children to “get away from me.” Ms. Bassett also stated that, “she has never popped or hit a child, and she never would.” This facility does have cameras. Video footage from for the second week of May was not available. However, I randomly viewed video footage for the classroom for two-year-old children for June 2nd and June 7th. On the video footage for June 2nd, Ms. Bassett was walking through the classroom of two-year-old children to get to the classroom for one year old children – there were four – one year old children – with her. Ms. Bassett and all the children except one had entered the classroom for one-year-old children. I observed Ms. Bassett yank up a one-year-old little boy by the arm and took him to the classroom for the one-year-old children. Ms. Marquardt also watched the video footage and stated she had no knowledge that this had occurred. Ms. Marquardt showed the video footage to Ms. Bassett, and she stated, “she would never intentionally hurt a child,” she was just trying to get all the children into the classroom. Based on observations. information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unconfirmed as I was unable to confirm that inappropriate discipline occurred during the second week of May. However, a discipline violation will be cited based on June 2nd video footage that I observed. 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 on campus—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. I suggested Ms. Marquardt to continuously monitor the camera in her office so that she can step in and provide breaks when needed or a staff member appears to be frustrated. She states that she constantly walks the hallways and in and out of the classrooms throughout the day to assist/support caregivers and ensure all children are always attended to in a nurturing and caring manner. The following violations were cited today. These violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required. Remember it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable child care requirements. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. Two year old children were being cared for in the same classroom as infants and one year old children. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The current activity plan was not posted in the classroom for three year old classroom. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. I observed video footage on June 2nd, a one year old child yanked/grabbed by the right arm by a caregiver. .1803(a)(1) 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 July 8, 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 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 meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Due to the discipline 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. Documentation was completed electronically, printed, and signed by Marquardt. 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 me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 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: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0625-126L Visit Date: 6/24/2025 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 6/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 16, 2024. As of June 18, 2025, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 94%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/12/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 01/13/2025 – 7 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was not present when I arrived; she arrived approximately an hour later. Cecilee Bassett, daughter of owner/administrator and lead teacher for classroom for two-year-old children, was present and available for consultation. All classrooms were observed and monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were posted in each classroom. Due to staff shortage, groups of children were combined in some spaces to maintain staff/child ratios. The three-year-old children remained in their regular classroom; there was a two-year-old and four-year-old present in this classroom also. The current activity plan for the classrooms for three-year-old children was not posted. However, it was in a red folder and not posted. The activity plan was posted prior to me leaving the classroom for three-year-old children. This violation will be cited as corrected during the visit. In the classroom for infants, one year old children and two-year-old children were present. This will be cited as a violation as two-year-old children cannot be grouped with children under the age of one. In the classroom for three- and four-year-old children, six (6) school age children were also present. Infants received care based on their individual needs. The one-year-old children and two-year-old children were observing nap/rest time. The three-year-old children were observed participating in free choice activities as teacher, Estra Williams, prepared cots for nap/rest time. The classroom for three/four-year-old children and school age children were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of chicken nuggets, French fries, mixed fruit, and milk. After lunch, children completed bathroom routines and prepared for nap/rest time. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for two-year-old children. The allegation was discussed with Ms. Marquardt, and staff member for the classroom for two-year-old children, Ms. Bassett. You were each given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. Ms. Marquardt stated she had no concerns with any staff regarding their interactions with children and no parent or staff member has brought any concerns to her regarding discipline matters. Ms. Marquardt also stated she did not have any concerns with any staff member yelling at children or hitting children at this facility. Ms. Marquardt stated that if she had those concerns, she would confront them regarding her concerns and report them immediately. Allegation There are concerns that inappropriate discipline was used by a staff member during the second week of May. 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 with the children in their care. When discussing However, Ms. Bassett did recall an incident that occurred on the playground. Ms. Bassett stated she was on the playground with her group of children and two children from a different class were trying to come over the fence to the area and she advised the children to go back to the area where their class was located as she could not accept any more children as it would make her out of staff/child ratio. She stated she never yelled at the children and would never tell children to “get away from me.” Ms. Bassett also stated that, “she has never popped or hit a child, and she never would.” This facility does have cameras. Video footage from for the second week of May was not available. However, I randomly viewed video footage for the classroom for two-year-old children for June 2nd and June 7th. On the video footage for June 2nd, Ms. Bassett was walking through the classroom of two-year-old children to get to the classroom for one year old children – there were four – one year old children – with her. Ms. Bassett and all the children except one had entered the classroom for one-year-old children. I observed Ms. Bassett yank up a one-year-old little boy by the arm and took him to the classroom for the one-year-old children. Ms. Marquardt also watched the video footage and stated she had no knowledge that this had occurred. Ms. Marquardt showed the video footage to Ms. Bassett, and she stated, “she would never intentionally hurt a child,” she was just trying to get all the children into the classroom. Based on observations. information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unconfirmed as I was unable to confirm that inappropriate discipline occurred during the second week of May. However, a discipline violation will be cited based on June 2nd video footage that I observed. 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 on campus—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. I suggested Ms. Marquardt to continuously monitor the camera in her office so that she can step in and provide breaks when needed or a staff member appears to be frustrated. She states that she constantly walks the hallways and in and out of the classrooms throughout the day to assist/support caregivers and ensure all children are always attended to in a nurturing and caring manner. The following violations were cited today. These violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required. Remember it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable child care requirements. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. Two year old children were being cared for in the same classroom as infants and one year old children. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The current activity plan was not posted in the classroom for three year old classroom. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. I observed video footage on June 2nd, a one year old child yanked/grabbed by the right arm by a caregiver. .1803(a)(1) 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 July 8, 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 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 meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Due to the discipline 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. Documentation was completed electronically, printed, and signed by Marquardt. 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 me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 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: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0625-126L Visit Date: 6/24/2025 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 6/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 11:15 AM Time Out: 03:00 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 16, 2024. As of June 18, 2025, your facility has an 18-month compliance history for the facility was 94%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/12/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 01/13/2025 – 7 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was not present when I arrived; she arrived approximately an hour later. Cecilee Bassett, daughter of owner/administrator and lead teacher for classroom for two-year-old children, was present and available for consultation. All classrooms were observed and monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were posted in each classroom. Due to staff shortage, groups of children were combined in some spaces to maintain staff/child ratios. The three-year-old children remained in their regular classroom; there was a two-year-old and four-year-old present in this classroom also. The current activity plan for the classrooms for three-year-old children was not posted. However, it was in a red folder and not posted. The activity plan was posted prior to me leaving the classroom for three-year-old children. This violation will be cited as corrected during the visit. In the classroom for infants, one year old children and two-year-old children were present. This will be cited as a violation as two-year-old children cannot be grouped with children under the age of one. In the classroom for three- and four-year-old children, six (6) school age children were also present. Infants received care based on their individual needs. The one-year-old children and two-year-old children were observing nap/rest time. The three-year-old children were observed participating in free choice activities as teacher, Estra Williams, prepared cots for nap/rest time. The classroom for three/four-year-old children and school age children were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of chicken nuggets, French fries, mixed fruit, and milk. After lunch, children completed bathroom routines and prepared for nap/rest time. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for two-year-old children. The allegation was discussed with Ms. Marquardt, and staff member for the classroom for two-year-old children, Ms. Bassett. You were each given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. Ms. Marquardt stated she had no concerns with any staff regarding their interactions with children and no parent or staff member has brought any concerns to her regarding discipline matters. Ms. Marquardt also stated she did not have any concerns with any staff member yelling at children or hitting children at this facility. Ms. Marquardt stated that if she had those concerns, she would confront them regarding her concerns and report them immediately. Allegation There are concerns that inappropriate discipline was used by a staff member during the second week of May. 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 with the children in their care. When discussing However, Ms. Bassett did recall an incident that occurred on the playground. Ms. Bassett stated she was on the playground with her group of children and two children from a different class were trying to come over the fence to the area and she advised the children to go back to the area where their class was located as she could not accept any more children as it would make her out of staff/child ratio. She stated she never yelled at the children and would never tell children to “get away from me.” Ms. Bassett also stated that, “she has never popped or hit a child, and she never would.” This facility does have cameras. Video footage from for the second week of May was not available. However, I randomly viewed video footage for the classroom for two-year-old children for June 2nd and June 7th. On the video footage for June 2nd, Ms. Bassett was walking through the classroom of two-year-old children to get to the classroom for one year old children – there were four – one year old children – with her. Ms. Bassett and all the children except one had entered the classroom for one-year-old children. I observed Ms. Bassett yank up a one-year-old little boy by the arm and took him to the classroom for the one-year-old children. Ms. Marquardt also watched the video footage and stated she had no knowledge that this had occurred. Ms. Marquardt showed the video footage to Ms. Bassett, and she stated, “she would never intentionally hurt a child,” she was just trying to get all the children into the classroom. Based on observations. information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unconfirmed as I was unable to confirm that inappropriate discipline occurred during the second week of May. However, a discipline violation will be cited based on June 2nd video footage that I observed. 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 on campus—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. I suggested Ms. Marquardt to continuously monitor the camera in her office so that she can step in and provide breaks when needed or a staff member appears to be frustrated. She states that she constantly walks the hallways and in and out of the classrooms throughout the day to assist/support caregivers and ensure all children are always attended to in a nurturing and caring manner. The following violations were cited today. These violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required. Remember it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable child care requirements. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. Two year old children were being cared for in the same classroom as infants and one year old children. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The current activity plan was not posted in the classroom for three year old classroom. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. I observed video footage on June 2nd, a one year old child yanked/grabbed by the right arm by a caregiver. .1803(a)(1) 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 July 8, 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 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 meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Due to the discipline 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. Documentation was completed electronically, printed, and signed by Marquardt. 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 me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 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 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/16/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 10/16/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 25, 2023. As of October 15, 2024, the 18-month compliance history for the facility was 96%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/25/2024 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 06/24/2024 – 13 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Infants and toddlers were combined in indoor space #2. One (1) infant was asleep in a crib, and one (1) toddler was asleep on a cot. Both staff members and the rest of the infants and toddlers were on the floor playing with a variety of toys which included balls, donut rings, puzzles, and manipulatives. Three-year-old children assigned to indoor space #3 were seated on the carpet listening to a staff member read the book, “the Itsy Bitsy Spider”. Two-year-old children assigned to indoor space #4 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included musical sticks, scarves, and building houses with carboard bricks. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #5 were creating spiders with pinecones and pipe cleaners. Handwashing and toileting routines were monitored, and requirements were met. The outdoor space had a variety of gross motor equipment including basketball goals, stationary police cars and tunnels, tricycles, large xylophones, stationary bike merry go rounds, climbing domes, riding cars, and push toys. Picnic tables, dramatic play areas, and a double stroller were also present in the outdoor space. There were four violations observed today. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Children's Tylenol and Hyland's baby Organic Soothing Gel located in indoor space #2 did not have a permission slip with required information giving authorization for the medications. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. . A permission slip to administer Aquaphor Healing Ointment had expired authorization date of May 1, 2024, and a permission slip to administer Orajel Baby had an expired authorization date of August 31, 2024. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. I observed completed health questionnaire forms in staff personnel files during visit. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Staff member was hired on 05/13/2024 and this required training was completed on 10/15/2024; it should have been completed by 08/13/2024. .1102(g) 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 26, 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: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member was employed on May 3, 2024, and did not complete this required training until October 15, 2024; it should have been completed by August 3, 2024. During today’s visit, I observed completed health questionnaire forms maintained in personnel file. Staff member’s required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaire must be maintained in a medical file, separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Medication Administration - Child care programs are not required to administer medication, but there are many situations in which providing that service to families might be the better choice. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that programs make reasonable accommodations for children with special needs, including special health care needs. Children with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, allergies, sickle cell anemia, or seizure disorders may only be able to attend child care if medication can be given on site. If your program chooses to administer medication, it is imperative that staff receive training in medication administration procedures and that policies are established to reassure parents and staff that the program strives to administer medications safely. For licensing, it is required to obtain written parental permission to give prescription and over-the-counter medication. Providers must obtain written permission and instructions for giving OTC and prescription medication from a health care and the child’s parent. Today, I suggested that you, as the administrator, complete all medication permission slips to help ensure they are completed entirely, and as a measure of keeping up with medication expiration dates. 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 meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Reminders: Qualification Letter - A current qualifying letter must be on file for all staff. Qualifying criminal background check letter for Estra Williams expires today, October 16, 2024. Criminal background qualification letters are valid for five (5) years and must be renewed on or before the date of expiration. The criminal background check process can be completed 6 months prior to your qualifying letter expiring. Requalification information has been submitted and Ms. Williams has an appointment with Onslow County Sheriff Department to complete and submit her fingerprints on tomorrow morning. If Ms. Williams does not receive an updated qualification letter within two weeks, she will not be able to be on the premises to work. Other Information 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. All staff members who have been employed for a year have completed Health and Safety training and new staff are in the process of completing 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. Rated License Reassessment Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in January 2025. 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. RECALLED ITEMS Power Adapters Sold with Rest 1st Generation Sound Machines: Power: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Hatch-Baby-Recalls-Power-Adapters-Sold-with-Rest-1st-Generation-Sound-Machines-Due-to-Shock-Hazard Theefun Kids Gardening Tool Sets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Thousandshores-Recalled-Theefun-Kids-Gardening-Tools-Sets-Due-to-Violation-of-the-Federal-Phthalates-Ban-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon Sling Carriers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Sling-Carriers-Recalled-Due-to-Infant-Suffocation-and-Fall-Hazards-Violation-of-the-Federal-Safety-Regulation-for-Sling-Carriers-Sold-on-Walmart-com-through-Joybuy-Marketplace-Express Children’s Pajama Sets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Childrens-Pajama-Sets-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-and-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standards-Sold-Exclusively-on-Temu-com-by-Fashion-Online Children’s Nightgowns: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Childrens-Pajama-Sets-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-and-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standards-Sold-Exclusively-on-Temu-com-by-Fashion-Online 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. Child Care Immunization Report 2024-2025 - This year's Child Care Immunization Reports are due January 15, 2025. This temporary extension is intended to provide additional time for families to meet these requirements in light of potential barriers caused by Hurricane Helene. Pursuant to Executive Order 319, NCDHHS will accept report submissions no later than January 15, 2025, but submissions may be completed at any time prior to that date and are now open. Failure to submit an annual child care immunization report per G.S. 130A-155 will be reported to the Local Health Director for your county. Submit a report even if no children are attending your child care center or your child care center has closed. This will ensure your center meets the reporting requirement and is not considered delinquent. Download instructions and a worksheet to assist in determining the status of each child (Word document). Access the worksheet as a PDF. This worksheet is only an aid and does not need to be submitted. The summary table on the fourth page contains the information required to complete the online report. Access a guide to submitting a child care report through the online portal. If you have questions about the Child Care Immunization Report, please email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5595. Fire Prevention and Safety - October is National Fire Prevention and Safety month and provides an opportunity for everyone to review all NC Child Care Laws and Rules to help PREVENT life-threatening fires at your facility, PREPARE for a potential fire-related emergency, and PROTECT the lives of the children and staff in your care. Outdoor play area – You have divided the previously approved fenced outdoor play areas toddlers, younger preschool children, and older preschool children. 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: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/16/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 10/16/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 25, 2023. As of October 15, 2024, the 18-month compliance history for the facility was 96%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/25/2024 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 06/24/2024 – 13 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Infants and toddlers were combined in indoor space #2. One (1) infant was asleep in a crib, and one (1) toddler was asleep on a cot. Both staff members and the rest of the infants and toddlers were on the floor playing with a variety of toys which included balls, donut rings, puzzles, and manipulatives. Three-year-old children assigned to indoor space #3 were seated on the carpet listening to a staff member read the book, “the Itsy Bitsy Spider”. Two-year-old children assigned to indoor space #4 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included musical sticks, scarves, and building houses with carboard bricks. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #5 were creating spiders with pinecones and pipe cleaners. Handwashing and toileting routines were monitored, and requirements were met. The outdoor space had a variety of gross motor equipment including basketball goals, stationary police cars and tunnels, tricycles, large xylophones, stationary bike merry go rounds, climbing domes, riding cars, and push toys. Picnic tables, dramatic play areas, and a double stroller were also present in the outdoor space. There were four violations observed today. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Children's Tylenol and Hyland's baby Organic Soothing Gel located in indoor space #2 did not have a permission slip with required information giving authorization for the medications. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. . A permission slip to administer Aquaphor Healing Ointment had expired authorization date of May 1, 2024, and a permission slip to administer Orajel Baby had an expired authorization date of August 31, 2024. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. I observed completed health questionnaire forms in staff personnel files during visit. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Staff member was hired on 05/13/2024 and this required training was completed on 10/15/2024; it should have been completed by 08/13/2024. .1102(g) 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 26, 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: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member was employed on May 3, 2024, and did not complete this required training until October 15, 2024; it should have been completed by August 3, 2024. During today’s visit, I observed completed health questionnaire forms maintained in personnel file. Staff member’s required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaire must be maintained in a medical file, separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Medication Administration - Child care programs are not required to administer medication, but there are many situations in which providing that service to families might be the better choice. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that programs make reasonable accommodations for children with special needs, including special health care needs. Children with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, allergies, sickle cell anemia, or seizure disorders may only be able to attend child care if medication can be given on site. If your program chooses to administer medication, it is imperative that staff receive training in medication administration procedures and that policies are established to reassure parents and staff that the program strives to administer medications safely. For licensing, it is required to obtain written parental permission to give prescription and over-the-counter medication. Providers must obtain written permission and instructions for giving OTC and prescription medication from a health care and the child’s parent. Today, I suggested that you, as the administrator, complete all medication permission slips to help ensure they are completed entirely, and as a measure of keeping up with medication expiration dates. 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 meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Reminders: Qualification Letter - A current qualifying letter must be on file for all staff. Qualifying criminal background check letter for Estra Williams expires today, October 16, 2024. Criminal background qualification letters are valid for five (5) years and must be renewed on or before the date of expiration. The criminal background check process can be completed 6 months prior to your qualifying letter expiring. Requalification information has been submitted and Ms. Williams has an appointment with Onslow County Sheriff Department to complete and submit her fingerprints on tomorrow morning. If Ms. Williams does not receive an updated qualification letter within two weeks, she will not be able to be on the premises to work. Other Information 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. All staff members who have been employed for a year have completed Health and Safety training and new staff are in the process of completing 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. Rated License Reassessment Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in January 2025. 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. RECALLED ITEMS Power Adapters Sold with Rest 1st Generation Sound Machines: Power: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Hatch-Baby-Recalls-Power-Adapters-Sold-with-Rest-1st-Generation-Sound-Machines-Due-to-Shock-Hazard Theefun Kids Gardening Tool Sets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Thousandshores-Recalled-Theefun-Kids-Gardening-Tools-Sets-Due-to-Violation-of-the-Federal-Phthalates-Ban-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon Sling Carriers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Sling-Carriers-Recalled-Due-to-Infant-Suffocation-and-Fall-Hazards-Violation-of-the-Federal-Safety-Regulation-for-Sling-Carriers-Sold-on-Walmart-com-through-Joybuy-Marketplace-Express Children’s Pajama Sets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Childrens-Pajama-Sets-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-and-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standards-Sold-Exclusively-on-Temu-com-by-Fashion-Online Children’s Nightgowns: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Childrens-Pajama-Sets-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-and-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standards-Sold-Exclusively-on-Temu-com-by-Fashion-Online 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. Child Care Immunization Report 2024-2025 - This year's Child Care Immunization Reports are due January 15, 2025. This temporary extension is intended to provide additional time for families to meet these requirements in light of potential barriers caused by Hurricane Helene. Pursuant to Executive Order 319, NCDHHS will accept report submissions no later than January 15, 2025, but submissions may be completed at any time prior to that date and are now open. Failure to submit an annual child care immunization report per G.S. 130A-155 will be reported to the Local Health Director for your county. Submit a report even if no children are attending your child care center or your child care center has closed. This will ensure your center meets the reporting requirement and is not considered delinquent. Download instructions and a worksheet to assist in determining the status of each child (Word document). Access the worksheet as a PDF. This worksheet is only an aid and does not need to be submitted. The summary table on the fourth page contains the information required to complete the online report. Access a guide to submitting a child care report through the online portal. If you have questions about the Child Care Immunization Report, please email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5595. Fire Prevention and Safety - October is National Fire Prevention and Safety month and provides an opportunity for everyone to review all NC Child Care Laws and Rules to help PREVENT life-threatening fires at your facility, PREPARE for a potential fire-related emergency, and PROTECT the lives of the children and staff in your care. Outdoor play area – You have divided the previously approved fenced outdoor play areas toddlers, younger preschool children, and older preschool children. 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: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/16/2024 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 10/16/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 145 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM 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. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 25, 2023. As of October 15, 2024, the 18-month compliance history for the facility was 96%. 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. Fire Inspection – 03/25/2024 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 06/24/2024 – 13 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Infants and toddlers were combined in indoor space #2. One (1) infant was asleep in a crib, and one (1) toddler was asleep on a cot. Both staff members and the rest of the infants and toddlers were on the floor playing with a variety of toys which included balls, donut rings, puzzles, and manipulatives. Three-year-old children assigned to indoor space #3 were seated on the carpet listening to a staff member read the book, “the Itsy Bitsy Spider”. Two-year-old children assigned to indoor space #4 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included musical sticks, scarves, and building houses with carboard bricks. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #5 were creating spiders with pinecones and pipe cleaners. Handwashing and toileting routines were monitored, and requirements were met. The outdoor space had a variety of gross motor equipment including basketball goals, stationary police cars and tunnels, tricycles, large xylophones, stationary bike merry go rounds, climbing domes, riding cars, and push toys. Picnic tables, dramatic play areas, and a double stroller were also present in the outdoor space. There were four violations observed today. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. It is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. Children's Tylenol and Hyland's baby Organic Soothing Gel located in indoor space #2 did not have a permission slip with required information giving authorization for the medications. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. . A permission slip to administer Aquaphor Healing Ointment had expired authorization date of May 1, 2024, and a permission slip to administer Orajel Baby had an expired authorization date of August 31, 2024. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. I observed completed health questionnaire forms in staff personnel files during visit. .0701(d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Staff member was hired on 05/13/2024 and this required training was completed on 10/15/2024; it should have been completed by 08/13/2024. .1102(g) 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 26, 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: All staff must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member was employed on May 3, 2024, and did not complete this required training until October 15, 2024; it should have been completed by August 3, 2024. During today’s visit, I observed completed health questionnaire forms maintained in personnel file. Staff member’s required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening, and completed health questionnaire must be maintained in a medical file, separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Medication Administration - Child care programs are not required to administer medication, but there are many situations in which providing that service to families might be the better choice. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that programs make reasonable accommodations for children with special needs, including special health care needs. Children with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, allergies, sickle cell anemia, or seizure disorders may only be able to attend child care if medication can be given on site. If your program chooses to administer medication, it is imperative that staff receive training in medication administration procedures and that policies are established to reassure parents and staff that the program strives to administer medications safely. For licensing, it is required to obtain written parental permission to give prescription and over-the-counter medication. Providers must obtain written permission and instructions for giving OTC and prescription medication from a health care and the child’s parent. Today, I suggested that you, as the administrator, complete all medication permission slips to help ensure they are completed entirely, and as a measure of keeping up with medication expiration dates. 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 meet all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. Reminders: Qualification Letter - A current qualifying letter must be on file for all staff. Qualifying criminal background check letter for Estra Williams expires today, October 16, 2024. Criminal background qualification letters are valid for five (5) years and must be renewed on or before the date of expiration. The criminal background check process can be completed 6 months prior to your qualifying letter expiring. Requalification information has been submitted and Ms. Williams has an appointment with Onslow County Sheriff Department to complete and submit her fingerprints on tomorrow morning. If Ms. Williams does not receive an updated qualification letter within two weeks, she will not be able to be on the premises to work. Other Information 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. All staff members who have been employed for a year have completed Health and Safety training and new staff are in the process of completing 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. Rated License Reassessment Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in January 2025. 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. RECALLED ITEMS Power Adapters Sold with Rest 1st Generation Sound Machines: Power: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Hatch-Baby-Recalls-Power-Adapters-Sold-with-Rest-1st-Generation-Sound-Machines-Due-to-Shock-Hazard Theefun Kids Gardening Tool Sets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Thousandshores-Recalled-Theefun-Kids-Gardening-Tools-Sets-Due-to-Violation-of-the-Federal-Phthalates-Ban-Sold-Exclusively-on-Amazon Sling Carriers: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Sling-Carriers-Recalled-Due-to-Infant-Suffocation-and-Fall-Hazards-Violation-of-the-Federal-Safety-Regulation-for-Sling-Carriers-Sold-on-Walmart-com-through-Joybuy-Marketplace-Express Children’s Pajama Sets: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Childrens-Pajama-Sets-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-and-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standards-Sold-Exclusively-on-Temu-com-by-Fashion-Online Children’s Nightgowns: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2024/Childrens-Pajama-Sets-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-and-Violation-of-Federal-Flammability-Standards-Sold-Exclusively-on-Temu-com-by-Fashion-Online 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. Child Care Immunization Report 2024-2025 - This year's Child Care Immunization Reports are due January 15, 2025. This temporary extension is intended to provide additional time for families to meet these requirements in light of potential barriers caused by Hurricane Helene. Pursuant to Executive Order 319, NCDHHS will accept report submissions no later than January 15, 2025, but submissions may be completed at any time prior to that date and are now open. Failure to submit an annual child care immunization report per G.S. 130A-155 will be reported to the Local Health Director for your county. Submit a report even if no children are attending your child care center or your child care center has closed. This will ensure your center meets the reporting requirement and is not considered delinquent. Download instructions and a worksheet to assist in determining the status of each child (Word document). Access the worksheet as a PDF. This worksheet is only an aid and does not need to be submitted. The summary table on the fourth page contains the information required to complete the online report. Access a guide to submitting a child care report through the online portal. If you have questions about the Child Care Immunization Report, please email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-707-5595. Fire Prevention and Safety - October is National Fire Prevention and Safety month and provides an opportunity for everyone to review all NC Child Care Laws and Rules to help PREVENT life-threatening fires at your facility, PREPARE for a potential fire-related emergency, and PROTECT the lives of the children and staff in your care. Outdoor play area – You have divided the previously approved fenced outdoor play areas toddlers, younger preschool children, and older preschool children. 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 .0508 · Violation

Name of Operation: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/1/2024 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 5/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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. This visit was conducted in conjunction with a complaint visit. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. As of April 26, 2024, the 18-month compliance history for the facility was 97%. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 25, 2023. Fire Inspection – 03/25/2024– Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/04/2023 – 2 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play area. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility, and all are being utilized. Facility is in the process of painting all the classrooms. There were fifty-four children enrolled and twenty-nine children ages 0-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Current activity plans were observed posted in all classrooms except space #1 and space #6. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Space #1 is used for school age children; no school age children were present during today’s visit. Today, infants and one year old children were combined in space #2 due to low attendance. They were observed participating in free choice activities; caregiver was seated on the floor with the one-year-old children and infant was being held by an additional caregiver. Safe sleep charts were being maintained and infant feeding schedules were available. Preschool children in space #3 were observed completing an art activity with cotton balls, paper plates, and construction paper. Toddlers in space #4 and preschool children in space #6 were sitting down on the carpet listening to their caregiver read a book; as she read the book, she showed the children the pictures in the book. I also observed children complete bathroom/handwashing routines and eat lunch. Lunch consisted of hot dogs, mixed vegetables, mixed fruit, and milk. After lunch, children had nap/rest time. Soft music was playing, cots/mats were covered and appropriately spaced, and blankets provided. Caregivers were positioned to see children’s faces as they slept. Staff/child ratios were maintained in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised, and 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 have been two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. Files for new staff were monitored today. There was one violation observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. This information was not available for space #1 and space #6. GS 110-91(12); .0508(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 May 10, 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: Activity Plans - Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0508 ACTIVITY SCHEDULES AND PLANS states (a) All centers shall have a current schedule and activity plan for each group of children posted for reference by parents and by caregivers. The schedule and activity plan may be combined in a single document. (b) For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. 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. Other Information: Rated License Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in May 2020. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and as shared during previous visits, your program was assigned to “Cohort 3” in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. Your “planning/preparation” year July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and your reassessment year is July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. As discussed, new teachers should register for WORKS accounts and apply for teacher positions, even if they do not yet have any early childhood education (ECE) coursework. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Other 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. 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 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.” 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: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/1/2024 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 5/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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. This visit was conducted in conjunction with a complaint visit. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. As of April 26, 2024, the 18-month compliance history for the facility was 97%. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 25, 2023. Fire Inspection – 03/25/2024– Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/04/2023 – 2 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play area. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility, and all are being utilized. Facility is in the process of painting all the classrooms. There were fifty-four children enrolled and twenty-nine children ages 0-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Current activity plans were observed posted in all classrooms except space #1 and space #6. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Space #1 is used for school age children; no school age children were present during today’s visit. Today, infants and one year old children were combined in space #2 due to low attendance. They were observed participating in free choice activities; caregiver was seated on the floor with the one-year-old children and infant was being held by an additional caregiver. Safe sleep charts were being maintained and infant feeding schedules were available. Preschool children in space #3 were observed completing an art activity with cotton balls, paper plates, and construction paper. Toddlers in space #4 and preschool children in space #6 were sitting down on the carpet listening to their caregiver read a book; as she read the book, she showed the children the pictures in the book. I also observed children complete bathroom/handwashing routines and eat lunch. Lunch consisted of hot dogs, mixed vegetables, mixed fruit, and milk. After lunch, children had nap/rest time. Soft music was playing, cots/mats were covered and appropriately spaced, and blankets provided. Caregivers were positioned to see children’s faces as they slept. Staff/child ratios were maintained in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised, and 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 have been two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. Files for new staff were monitored today. There was one violation observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. This information was not available for space #1 and space #6. GS 110-91(12); .0508(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 May 10, 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: Activity Plans - Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0508 ACTIVITY SCHEDULES AND PLANS states (a) All centers shall have a current schedule and activity plan for each group of children posted for reference by parents and by caregivers. The schedule and activity plan may be combined in a single document. (b) For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. 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. Other Information: Rated License Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in May 2020. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and as shared during previous visits, your program was assigned to “Cohort 3” in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. Your “planning/preparation” year July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and your reassessment year is July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. As discussed, new teachers should register for WORKS accounts and apply for teacher positions, even if they do not yet have any early childhood education (ECE) coursework. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Other 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. 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 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.” 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/1/2024 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 5/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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. This visit was conducted in conjunction with a complaint visit. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. As of April 26, 2024, the 18-month compliance history for the facility was 97%. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 25, 2023. Fire Inspection – 03/25/2024– Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/04/2023 – 2 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play area. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility, and all are being utilized. Facility is in the process of painting all the classrooms. There were fifty-four children enrolled and twenty-nine children ages 0-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Current activity plans were observed posted in all classrooms except space #1 and space #6. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Space #1 is used for school age children; no school age children were present during today’s visit. Today, infants and one year old children were combined in space #2 due to low attendance. They were observed participating in free choice activities; caregiver was seated on the floor with the one-year-old children and infant was being held by an additional caregiver. Safe sleep charts were being maintained and infant feeding schedules were available. Preschool children in space #3 were observed completing an art activity with cotton balls, paper plates, and construction paper. Toddlers in space #4 and preschool children in space #6 were sitting down on the carpet listening to their caregiver read a book; as she read the book, she showed the children the pictures in the book. I also observed children complete bathroom/handwashing routines and eat lunch. Lunch consisted of hot dogs, mixed vegetables, mixed fruit, and milk. After lunch, children had nap/rest time. Soft music was playing, cots/mats were covered and appropriately spaced, and blankets provided. Caregivers were positioned to see children’s faces as they slept. Staff/child ratios were maintained in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised, and 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 have been two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. Files for new staff were monitored today. There was one violation observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. This information was not available for space #1 and space #6. GS 110-91(12); .0508(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 May 10, 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: Activity Plans - Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0508 ACTIVITY SCHEDULES AND PLANS states (a) All centers shall have a current schedule and activity plan for each group of children posted for reference by parents and by caregivers. The schedule and activity plan may be combined in a single document. (b) For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. 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. Other Information: Rated License Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in May 2020. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and as shared during previous visits, your program was assigned to “Cohort 3” in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. Your “planning/preparation” year July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and your reassessment year is July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. As discussed, new teachers should register for WORKS accounts and apply for teacher positions, even if they do not yet have any early childhood education (ECE) coursework. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Other 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. 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 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.” 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: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/1/2024 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 5/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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. This visit was conducted in conjunction with a complaint visit. Limited child care requirements pertinent to this visit type were monitored. Your program currently operates with a 3 Star License, issued January 2, 2022, earning 2 points in Education, 4 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Education Option. 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. As of April 26, 2024, the 18-month compliance history for the facility was 97%. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on October 25, 2023. Fire Inspection – 03/25/2024– Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/04/2023 – 2 Demerits – Superior Owner/Administrator, Rebecca Marquardt was present and available for consultation. Ms. Marquardt accompanied me as I visited each classroom and outdoor play area. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today. There are six approved spaces at this facility, and all are being utilized. Facility is in the process of painting all the classrooms. There were fifty-four children enrolled and twenty-nine children ages 0-5, were present today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Current activity plans were observed posted in all classrooms except space #1 and space #6. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Space #1 is used for school age children; no school age children were present during today’s visit. Today, infants and one year old children were combined in space #2 due to low attendance. They were observed participating in free choice activities; caregiver was seated on the floor with the one-year-old children and infant was being held by an additional caregiver. Safe sleep charts were being maintained and infant feeding schedules were available. Preschool children in space #3 were observed completing an art activity with cotton balls, paper plates, and construction paper. Toddlers in space #4 and preschool children in space #6 were sitting down on the carpet listening to their caregiver read a book; as she read the book, she showed the children the pictures in the book. I also observed children complete bathroom/handwashing routines and eat lunch. Lunch consisted of hot dogs, mixed vegetables, mixed fruit, and milk. After lunch, children had nap/rest time. Soft music was playing, cots/mats were covered and appropriately spaced, and blankets provided. Caregivers were positioned to see children’s faces as they slept. Staff/child ratios were maintained in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised, and 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 have been two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit was conducted. Files for new staff were monitored today. There was one violation observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. This information was not available for space #1 and space #6. GS 110-91(12); .0508(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 May 10, 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: Activity Plans - Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0508 ACTIVITY SCHEDULES AND PLANS states (a) All centers shall have a current schedule and activity plan for each group of children posted for reference by parents and by caregivers. The schedule and activity plan may be combined in a single document. (b) For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. 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. Other Information: Rated License Information - Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was due to be completed in May 2020. DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each includes a preparation year and a reassessment year. Reassessments will not become mandatory again until July 1, 2024, and as shared during previous visits, your program was assigned to “Cohort 3” in the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments. Your “planning/preparation” year July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and your reassessment year is July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. As discussed, new teachers should register for WORKS accounts and apply for teacher positions, even if they do not yet have any early childhood education (ECE) coursework. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. Health & Safety Training - Staff members who have been employed for at least one year and some new staff have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. Other 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. 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 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.” 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: BLENDING HEARTS ACADEMY Facility ID: 67001174 Consultant: HEATHER BINDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0823-214A Visit Date: 8/21/2023 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 8/21/2023 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate allegations of violations of child care requirements at this child care facility. LaRonda Holman, Administrator, accompanied me during a walk-through of the facility. During the visit, I discussed the allegations with Ms. Holman, Rebecca Marquardt, Owner, and one additional staff member. Limited monitoring of child care requirements occurred during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On August 15, 2023, a staff member attempted to re-direct a four-year-old child away from playing in the dirt, to a hopscotch activity. When the child showed obvious signs of not wanting to engage in the hopscotch activity, the staff member physically prevented the child from leaving the area. G.S. 110-91(10) You may contact Heather Binder, Investigations Consultant, (252) 617-6237, heather.binder@dhhs.nc.gov or Corrie Davenport, Northeastern Investigations Supervisor, corrie.davenport@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times