Excel Learning Centers #10

10A NCAC 09.1724 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0326-238L Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 02:45 PM Time Out: 05:00 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. The program currently operates with a Five-Star License issued February 20, 2022, earning six (6) points in Staff Education, six (6) points in Program Standards, and one (1) Quality Point for a Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include 1st shift care and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. As of today, your facility has an 18-month compliance history of 94%. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on August 7, 2025. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. As of today, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State. Administrator, Atrayou Griggs was not on site when I arrived; he was picking up school age children from school – he arrived back at 340pm. Assistant Administrator, Daphne Norris and Aubrie McPhaul, District Manager, were present and available for consultation. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, and license restrictions were monitored and found to be in compliance. All classrooms were monitored and observed. There will one hundred thirty-nine children enrolled and fifty-nine children, aged 0- 9, present. Daily schedules, activity plans, and accurate attendance sheets were observed in each classroom. Space #1 is currently closed. Toddlers assigned to indoor spaces #2 were engaged in free play activities which included playing with soft toys on the floor, ball pit, push toys, and stacking cube Legos. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 were lining up to go outside and play. Preschool children assigned to indoor space #4 were combined in space #5; they were observed outside playing. School aged children assigned to indoor spaces #6 and #7 were arriving back from school; they completed bathroom and handwashing routines and had snack. Snack consisted of crackers, cheese, and water. NC PreK students in spaces #7 and #8 were not present; their day ended at 230pm or 3pm. Space #7 serves dual purposes – NC PreK and School Age. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #9 were also observed playing outdoors. Outdoor gross motor activities included running, riding tricycles, playing on stationary equipment, and climbing. Water was available for the children in the outdoor space. Infants assigned to indoor space #10 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts and safe sleep charts are being posted. One infant was observed being fed a bottle and one infant was asleep in the crib. Four infants were on the floor exploring their environment. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers interacted with children in a positive and appropriate manner. The allegation of this report specific to the classroom for four-year-old children. The allegation was discussed with Ms. Norris, and staff member for classroom for four-year-old children, A. Chenot. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information Allegation - There is a concern that a four-year-old child was not being adequately supervised on Monday, March 16, 2026, and child received a finger injury as a result of the child’s finger being smashed in a door. This facility does not have cameras. Ms. Norris did recall this incident. She stated the incident did not occur due to lack of supervision. She also stated that as soon as the incident occurred, staff member notified her and she contacted the parent immediately. Child was left in care, and no medical attention was received. Therefore, an incident report was not completed. Administration staff stated they have no concerns with staff not adequately supervising children. Staff members were interviewed. A. Chenot, teacher for classroom for four-year-old children, reported that on March 16, 2026, she opened the back door to sit a toy outside and as the door was closing, a child ran up to the door and child’s finger was caught in the door. Ms. Chenot stated she tried to catch the door before it smashed the child’s finger but was unable to do so. She immediately check the child’s finger, comforted the child, and contacted Ms. Norris who contacted the parent immediately. An ice pack was placed on the child’s finger. Indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today, and staff members were supervising the children. Based on observations. information received, and my investigation, this allegation unconfirmed. All children must be adequately supervised at all times. Supervision is basic to the safety and prevention of injury while children are in child care. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. Today we discussed what adequate supervision should look like. It entails staff moving about the indoor and outdoor areas – being able to always hear or see the children and render immediate assistance, always being aware of children’s activities, and positioning themselves in such a way to maximize their ability to see or hear preschool children at all times. Children must never be left unattended even if just for a few minutes. These provisions must be always maintained. It is imperative that caregivers always supervise children, not just for the safety of children, but to ensure children get the attention they need for optimal growth and development. Children like to test their skills and abilities. Serious injuries can occur in indoor and outdoor play areas if constant supervision is not maintained. Caregivers who are actively involved, aware, and appreciative of young children’s behaviors are in the best position to keep children safe. During the facility observations and review of documentation, there were two violations observed or documented. One of the violations were corrected during the visit all violations must be corrected immediately. Remember it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Activity plan in space #10 was dated 03/02 - 03/06. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. The safe sleep chart was not completed for a sleeping infant; the last entry was last logged at 2pm; it was 3pm when I observed this classroom. .0606(g) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received April 7, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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 Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Activity Plans - A current activity plan must be posted for each group of children at all times for reference. Safe Sleep Checks 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. The frequency of visual checks should be included in your Safe Sleep Policy and followed. Best practice is to check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. 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 are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Norris. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of this complaint 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0326-238L Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 02:45 PM Time Out: 05:00 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. The program currently operates with a Five-Star License issued February 20, 2022, earning six (6) points in Staff Education, six (6) points in Program Standards, and one (1) Quality Point for a Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include 1st shift care and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. As of today, your facility has an 18-month compliance history of 94%. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on August 7, 2025. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. As of today, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State. Administrator, Atrayou Griggs was not on site when I arrived; he was picking up school age children from school – he arrived back at 340pm. Assistant Administrator, Daphne Norris and Aubrie McPhaul, District Manager, were present and available for consultation. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, and license restrictions were monitored and found to be in compliance. All classrooms were monitored and observed. There will one hundred thirty-nine children enrolled and fifty-nine children, aged 0- 9, present. Daily schedules, activity plans, and accurate attendance sheets were observed in each classroom. Space #1 is currently closed. Toddlers assigned to indoor spaces #2 were engaged in free play activities which included playing with soft toys on the floor, ball pit, push toys, and stacking cube Legos. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 were lining up to go outside and play. Preschool children assigned to indoor space #4 were combined in space #5; they were observed outside playing. School aged children assigned to indoor spaces #6 and #7 were arriving back from school; they completed bathroom and handwashing routines and had snack. Snack consisted of crackers, cheese, and water. NC PreK students in spaces #7 and #8 were not present; their day ended at 230pm or 3pm. Space #7 serves dual purposes – NC PreK and School Age. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #9 were also observed playing outdoors. Outdoor gross motor activities included running, riding tricycles, playing on stationary equipment, and climbing. Water was available for the children in the outdoor space. Infants assigned to indoor space #10 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts and safe sleep charts are being posted. One infant was observed being fed a bottle and one infant was asleep in the crib. Four infants were on the floor exploring their environment. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers interacted with children in a positive and appropriate manner. The allegation of this report specific to the classroom for four-year-old children. The allegation was discussed with Ms. Norris, and staff member for classroom for four-year-old children, A. Chenot. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information Allegation - There is a concern that a four-year-old child was not being adequately supervised on Monday, March 16, 2026, and child received a finger injury as a result of the child’s finger being smashed in a door. This facility does not have cameras. Ms. Norris did recall this incident. She stated the incident did not occur due to lack of supervision. She also stated that as soon as the incident occurred, staff member notified her and she contacted the parent immediately. Child was left in care, and no medical attention was received. Therefore, an incident report was not completed. Administration staff stated they have no concerns with staff not adequately supervising children. Staff members were interviewed. A. Chenot, teacher for classroom for four-year-old children, reported that on March 16, 2026, she opened the back door to sit a toy outside and as the door was closing, a child ran up to the door and child’s finger was caught in the door. Ms. Chenot stated she tried to catch the door before it smashed the child’s finger but was unable to do so. She immediately check the child’s finger, comforted the child, and contacted Ms. Norris who contacted the parent immediately. An ice pack was placed on the child’s finger. Indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today, and staff members were supervising the children. Based on observations. information received, and my investigation, this allegation unconfirmed. All children must be adequately supervised at all times. Supervision is basic to the safety and prevention of injury while children are in child care. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. Today we discussed what adequate supervision should look like. It entails staff moving about the indoor and outdoor areas – being able to always hear or see the children and render immediate assistance, always being aware of children’s activities, and positioning themselves in such a way to maximize their ability to see or hear preschool children at all times. Children must never be left unattended even if just for a few minutes. These provisions must be always maintained. It is imperative that caregivers always supervise children, not just for the safety of children, but to ensure children get the attention they need for optimal growth and development. Children like to test their skills and abilities. Serious injuries can occur in indoor and outdoor play areas if constant supervision is not maintained. Caregivers who are actively involved, aware, and appreciative of young children’s behaviors are in the best position to keep children safe. During the facility observations and review of documentation, there were two violations observed or documented. One of the violations were corrected during the visit all violations must be corrected immediately. Remember it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Activity plan in space #10 was dated 03/02 - 03/06. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. The safe sleep chart was not completed for a sleeping infant; the last entry was last logged at 2pm; it was 3pm when I observed this classroom. .0606(g) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received April 7, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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 Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Activity Plans - A current activity plan must be posted for each group of children at all times for reference. Safe Sleep Checks 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. The frequency of visual checks should be included in your Safe Sleep Policy and followed. Best practice is to check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. 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 are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Norris. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of this complaint 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0326-238L Visit Date: 3/24/2026 Number Present: 59 Completed Date: 3/24/2026 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 02:45 PM Time Out: 05:00 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. The program currently operates with a Five-Star License issued February 20, 2022, earning six (6) points in Staff Education, six (6) points in Program Standards, and one (1) Quality Point for a Programmatic Option. Restrictions on the permit include 1st shift care and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. As of today, your facility has an 18-month compliance history of 94%. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. 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. The last annual compliance visit was conducted at this facility on August 7, 2025. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. As of today, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State. Administrator, Atrayou Griggs was not on site when I arrived; he was picking up school age children from school – he arrived back at 340pm. Assistant Administrator, Daphne Norris and Aubrie McPhaul, District Manager, were present and available for consultation. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, and license restrictions were monitored and found to be in compliance. All classrooms were monitored and observed. There will one hundred thirty-nine children enrolled and fifty-nine children, aged 0- 9, present. Daily schedules, activity plans, and accurate attendance sheets were observed in each classroom. Space #1 is currently closed. Toddlers assigned to indoor spaces #2 were engaged in free play activities which included playing with soft toys on the floor, ball pit, push toys, and stacking cube Legos. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 were lining up to go outside and play. Preschool children assigned to indoor space #4 were combined in space #5; they were observed outside playing. School aged children assigned to indoor spaces #6 and #7 were arriving back from school; they completed bathroom and handwashing routines and had snack. Snack consisted of crackers, cheese, and water. NC PreK students in spaces #7 and #8 were not present; their day ended at 230pm or 3pm. Space #7 serves dual purposes – NC PreK and School Age. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #9 were also observed playing outdoors. Outdoor gross motor activities included running, riding tricycles, playing on stationary equipment, and climbing. Water was available for the children in the outdoor space. Infants assigned to indoor space #10 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts and safe sleep charts are being posted. One infant was observed being fed a bottle and one infant was asleep in the crib. Four infants were on the floor exploring their environment. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers interacted with children in a positive and appropriate manner. The allegation of this report specific to the classroom for four-year-old children. The allegation was discussed with Ms. Norris, and staff member for classroom for four-year-old children, A. Chenot. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information Allegation - There is a concern that a four-year-old child was not being adequately supervised on Monday, March 16, 2026, and child received a finger injury as a result of the child’s finger being smashed in a door. This facility does not have cameras. Ms. Norris did recall this incident. She stated the incident did not occur due to lack of supervision. She also stated that as soon as the incident occurred, staff member notified her and she contacted the parent immediately. Child was left in care, and no medical attention was received. Therefore, an incident report was not completed. Administration staff stated they have no concerns with staff not adequately supervising children. Staff members were interviewed. A. Chenot, teacher for classroom for four-year-old children, reported that on March 16, 2026, she opened the back door to sit a toy outside and as the door was closing, a child ran up to the door and child’s finger was caught in the door. Ms. Chenot stated she tried to catch the door before it smashed the child’s finger but was unable to do so. She immediately check the child’s finger, comforted the child, and contacted Ms. Norris who contacted the parent immediately. An ice pack was placed on the child’s finger. Indoor and outdoor spaces were observed today, and staff members were supervising the children. Based on observations. information received, and my investigation, this allegation unconfirmed. All children must be adequately supervised at all times. Supervision is basic to the safety and prevention of injury while children are in child care. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. Today we discussed what adequate supervision should look like. It entails staff moving about the indoor and outdoor areas – being able to always hear or see the children and render immediate assistance, always being aware of children’s activities, and positioning themselves in such a way to maximize their ability to see or hear preschool children at all times. Children must never be left unattended even if just for a few minutes. These provisions must be always maintained. It is imperative that caregivers always supervise children, not just for the safety of children, but to ensure children get the attention they need for optimal growth and development. Children like to test their skills and abilities. Serious injuries can occur in indoor and outdoor play areas if constant supervision is not maintained. Caregivers who are actively involved, aware, and appreciative of young children’s behaviors are in the best position to keep children safe. During the facility observations and review of documentation, there were two violations observed or documented. One of the violations were corrected during the visit all violations must be corrected immediately. Remember it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with all applicable requirements at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Activity plan in space #10 was dated 03/02 - 03/06. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. The safe sleep chart was not completed for a sleeping infant; the last entry was last logged at 2pm; it was 3pm when I observed this classroom. .0606(g) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received April 7, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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 Technical Assistance regarding violations cited: Activity Plans - A current activity plan must be posted for each group of children at all times for reference. Safe Sleep Checks 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. The frequency of visual checks should be included in your Safe Sleep Policy and followed. Best practice is to check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. 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 are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. At the completion of the visit, documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and a copy left with Ms. Norris. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of this complaint 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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/18/2026 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 2/18/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s 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. Andrea Johnson, Childcare Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 7, 2025. As of February 16, 2026, your facility has an 18-month compliance history, which was 95%. 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. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. As of today, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State. Fire Inspection – 03/20/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/30/2025 – 14 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Atrayou Griggs, and Assistant Administrator, Daphne Norris, were present and assisted with today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were available for each group of children. Ms.Norris accompanied Ms. Johnson as she conducted observations and a walkthrough of approved indoor and outdoor spaces. There are eight out of ten classrooms operating with one hundred and thirty-five children enrolled, and ninety-one, ages 0-5, were present today. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #2 were observed in the outdoor space sliding and riding Little Tikes rocking horses. Water was available for the toddlers in the outdoor space. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 were preparing for lunch. Toileting and handwashing routines were monitored, and requirements were met. Children assigned to indoor spaces #4 and #5 were in the outdoor space running, riding tricycles, climbing, and sliding. NC Pre-K in Spaces #7 and #8 were observed in the outdoor space riding tricycles, climbing, sliding, and playing catch. Preschool children assigned to indoor Space #9 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included cutting paper, coloring with markers, cooking food, and building with foam blocks. Infants assigned to indoor space #10 received routine care based on their individual needs. Five infants were seated in high chairs eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, corn, pineapples, and milk. One staff member was changing the diaper of an infant. One infant was in a crib asleep, and 2 infants were on the carpet playing with soft toys. Food service and diapering procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found not to be incompliance. NC Pre-K Requirements- The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The contractor for NC Pre-K has reviewed the program requirements and the NC PreK Site Monitoring Tool is on site. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The program has two NC Pre-K classrooms; one classroom operates 8am-2:30pm and the other classroom operates 830am-3pm. Monthly newsletters are developed and sent home to parents. A sample of children’s work was reviewed. Current NC Pre-K staff are teachers: Teachers – A.Caldwell & H. Wells and Assistant Teachers- F. Hall and N.Howard. NC PreK children’s files was monitored for complete health assessments and developmental screenings. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year and new employees have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff must complete these trainings within the first year of being hired and must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s records were not monitored today. There are eighteen staff members employed at this facility. There were four new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit. All new staff files were monitored and required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. The following violations 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 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The gate in the outdoor space between the Ducks and School Agers playgrounds is broken at the bottom. The fencing has come apart from the base causing a hazard. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In indoor Space #3, plastic bags were stored under the diaper changing table accessible to children 2 years of age. The diaper changing table was not locked. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In indoor Space # 10, an infant had been placed down on their back to sleep at 10:15am and there was no documentation on the safe sleep chart of checking the baby at 10:50am. .0606(g) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired First Aid certifications and one new staff member has not received First Aid certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired CPR certifications and one new staff member has not received CPR certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch needs to be added and tilled under the large climbing structures on the Ducks and School Agers outdoor spaces. .0605(k)(1-4) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 4, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to 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: Importance of Resilient Surfacing Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). Playground Hazards: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. As you documented on your monthly outdoor inspections, the gate between the Ducks and School Agers playground is broken at the bottom. This is a possible cutting/tripping hazard. This hazard must be addressed before children can enter the area. Safe Sleep Checks 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. . An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. The frequency of visual checks should be included in your Safe Sleep Policy and followed. Best practice is to check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. Plastic Bags Plastic bags pose severe, immediate choking and suffocation risks to children under three due to their thin, clingy material. Around 25 children die from plastic bag suffocation annually in the U.S. They should be kept out of reach, not used for toy storage, and tied in knots before disposal to prevent accidents. Safety and Risks •Suffocation Hazard: Plastic bags can cling to a child’s face, obstructing their nose and mouth. •Choking Hazard: Small pieces of torn plastic can cause choking. •High-Risk Bags: Dry cleaning bags, grocery bags, and trash bags are particularly dangerous. •Age Risk: Children under three are especially vulnerable as they frequently put objects in their mouths. •Prevention Tips: Never leave plastic bags in play areas, bedrooms, or with toys. Tie knots in bags before throwing them away to prevent them from being used for play. First Aid/CPR-Renewal CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Today, you reported the three staff members who need CPR and First Aid certifications are scheduled to take the classes Saturday, February 21, 2026. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility was issued a Five-Star License on December 7, 2018. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is interested in pursuing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by August 2026 and have requested to have the ERS completed in November 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4- and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: Pathway 1, Program Assessment - We reviewed all options included in the following Family and Community Engagement Categories: Educational Opportunity, Engagement & Leadership, and Communication. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): Pathway 1, Program Assessment - A CQI plan will be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). Staff Education - Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is of vital importance as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the number of points that your facility earns in the education component of QRIS. Other Information Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on January 17, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Ms. Norris has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster except for two. She is actively working on getting those two added. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: 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 Mr. Griggs and Ms. Norris. 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. 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 .0605 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/18/2026 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 2/18/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s 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. Andrea Johnson, Childcare Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 7, 2025. As of February 16, 2026, your facility has an 18-month compliance history, which was 95%. 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. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. As of today, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State. Fire Inspection – 03/20/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/30/2025 – 14 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Atrayou Griggs, and Assistant Administrator, Daphne Norris, were present and assisted with today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were available for each group of children. Ms.Norris accompanied Ms. Johnson as she conducted observations and a walkthrough of approved indoor and outdoor spaces. There are eight out of ten classrooms operating with one hundred and thirty-five children enrolled, and ninety-one, ages 0-5, were present today. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #2 were observed in the outdoor space sliding and riding Little Tikes rocking horses. Water was available for the toddlers in the outdoor space. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 were preparing for lunch. Toileting and handwashing routines were monitored, and requirements were met. Children assigned to indoor spaces #4 and #5 were in the outdoor space running, riding tricycles, climbing, and sliding. NC Pre-K in Spaces #7 and #8 were observed in the outdoor space riding tricycles, climbing, sliding, and playing catch. Preschool children assigned to indoor Space #9 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included cutting paper, coloring with markers, cooking food, and building with foam blocks. Infants assigned to indoor space #10 received routine care based on their individual needs. Five infants were seated in high chairs eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, corn, pineapples, and milk. One staff member was changing the diaper of an infant. One infant was in a crib asleep, and 2 infants were on the carpet playing with soft toys. Food service and diapering procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found not to be incompliance. NC Pre-K Requirements- The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The contractor for NC Pre-K has reviewed the program requirements and the NC PreK Site Monitoring Tool is on site. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The program has two NC Pre-K classrooms; one classroom operates 8am-2:30pm and the other classroom operates 830am-3pm. Monthly newsletters are developed and sent home to parents. A sample of children’s work was reviewed. Current NC Pre-K staff are teachers: Teachers – A.Caldwell & H. Wells and Assistant Teachers- F. Hall and N.Howard. NC PreK children’s files was monitored for complete health assessments and developmental screenings. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year and new employees have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff must complete these trainings within the first year of being hired and must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s records were not monitored today. There are eighteen staff members employed at this facility. There were four new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit. All new staff files were monitored and required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. The following violations 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 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The gate in the outdoor space between the Ducks and School Agers playgrounds is broken at the bottom. The fencing has come apart from the base causing a hazard. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In indoor Space #3, plastic bags were stored under the diaper changing table accessible to children 2 years of age. The diaper changing table was not locked. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In indoor Space # 10, an infant had been placed down on their back to sleep at 10:15am and there was no documentation on the safe sleep chart of checking the baby at 10:50am. .0606(g) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired First Aid certifications and one new staff member has not received First Aid certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired CPR certifications and one new staff member has not received CPR certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch needs to be added and tilled under the large climbing structures on the Ducks and School Agers outdoor spaces. .0605(k)(1-4) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 4, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to 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: Importance of Resilient Surfacing Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). Playground Hazards: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. As you documented on your monthly outdoor inspections, the gate between the Ducks and School Agers playground is broken at the bottom. This is a possible cutting/tripping hazard. This hazard must be addressed before children can enter the area. Safe Sleep Checks 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. . An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. The frequency of visual checks should be included in your Safe Sleep Policy and followed. Best practice is to check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. Plastic Bags Plastic bags pose severe, immediate choking and suffocation risks to children under three due to their thin, clingy material. Around 25 children die from plastic bag suffocation annually in the U.S. They should be kept out of reach, not used for toy storage, and tied in knots before disposal to prevent accidents. Safety and Risks •Suffocation Hazard: Plastic bags can cling to a child’s face, obstructing their nose and mouth. •Choking Hazard: Small pieces of torn plastic can cause choking. •High-Risk Bags: Dry cleaning bags, grocery bags, and trash bags are particularly dangerous. •Age Risk: Children under three are especially vulnerable as they frequently put objects in their mouths. •Prevention Tips: Never leave plastic bags in play areas, bedrooms, or with toys. Tie knots in bags before throwing them away to prevent them from being used for play. First Aid/CPR-Renewal CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Today, you reported the three staff members who need CPR and First Aid certifications are scheduled to take the classes Saturday, February 21, 2026. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility was issued a Five-Star License on December 7, 2018. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is interested in pursuing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by August 2026 and have requested to have the ERS completed in November 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4- and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: Pathway 1, Program Assessment - We reviewed all options included in the following Family and Community Engagement Categories: Educational Opportunity, Engagement & Leadership, and Communication. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): Pathway 1, Program Assessment - A CQI plan will be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). Staff Education - Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is of vital importance as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the number of points that your facility earns in the education component of QRIS. Other Information Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on January 17, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Ms. Norris has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster except for two. She is actively working on getting those two added. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: 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 Mr. Griggs and Ms. Norris. 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. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/18/2026 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 2/18/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s 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. Andrea Johnson, Childcare Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 7, 2025. As of February 16, 2026, your facility has an 18-month compliance history, which was 95%. 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. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. As of today, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State. Fire Inspection – 03/20/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/30/2025 – 14 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Atrayou Griggs, and Assistant Administrator, Daphne Norris, were present and assisted with today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were available for each group of children. Ms.Norris accompanied Ms. Johnson as she conducted observations and a walkthrough of approved indoor and outdoor spaces. There are eight out of ten classrooms operating with one hundred and thirty-five children enrolled, and ninety-one, ages 0-5, were present today. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #2 were observed in the outdoor space sliding and riding Little Tikes rocking horses. Water was available for the toddlers in the outdoor space. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 were preparing for lunch. Toileting and handwashing routines were monitored, and requirements were met. Children assigned to indoor spaces #4 and #5 were in the outdoor space running, riding tricycles, climbing, and sliding. NC Pre-K in Spaces #7 and #8 were observed in the outdoor space riding tricycles, climbing, sliding, and playing catch. Preschool children assigned to indoor Space #9 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included cutting paper, coloring with markers, cooking food, and building with foam blocks. Infants assigned to indoor space #10 received routine care based on their individual needs. Five infants were seated in high chairs eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, corn, pineapples, and milk. One staff member was changing the diaper of an infant. One infant was in a crib asleep, and 2 infants were on the carpet playing with soft toys. Food service and diapering procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found not to be incompliance. NC Pre-K Requirements- The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The contractor for NC Pre-K has reviewed the program requirements and the NC PreK Site Monitoring Tool is on site. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The program has two NC Pre-K classrooms; one classroom operates 8am-2:30pm and the other classroom operates 830am-3pm. Monthly newsletters are developed and sent home to parents. A sample of children’s work was reviewed. Current NC Pre-K staff are teachers: Teachers – A.Caldwell & H. Wells and Assistant Teachers- F. Hall and N.Howard. NC PreK children’s files was monitored for complete health assessments and developmental screenings. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year and new employees have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff must complete these trainings within the first year of being hired and must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s records were not monitored today. There are eighteen staff members employed at this facility. There were four new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit. All new staff files were monitored and required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. The following violations 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 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The gate in the outdoor space between the Ducks and School Agers playgrounds is broken at the bottom. The fencing has come apart from the base causing a hazard. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In indoor Space #3, plastic bags were stored under the diaper changing table accessible to children 2 years of age. The diaper changing table was not locked. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In indoor Space # 10, an infant had been placed down on their back to sleep at 10:15am and there was no documentation on the safe sleep chart of checking the baby at 10:50am. .0606(g) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired First Aid certifications and one new staff member has not received First Aid certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired CPR certifications and one new staff member has not received CPR certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch needs to be added and tilled under the large climbing structures on the Ducks and School Agers outdoor spaces. .0605(k)(1-4) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 4, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to 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: Importance of Resilient Surfacing Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). Playground Hazards: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. As you documented on your monthly outdoor inspections, the gate between the Ducks and School Agers playground is broken at the bottom. This is a possible cutting/tripping hazard. This hazard must be addressed before children can enter the area. Safe Sleep Checks 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. . An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. The frequency of visual checks should be included in your Safe Sleep Policy and followed. Best practice is to check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. Plastic Bags Plastic bags pose severe, immediate choking and suffocation risks to children under three due to their thin, clingy material. Around 25 children die from plastic bag suffocation annually in the U.S. They should be kept out of reach, not used for toy storage, and tied in knots before disposal to prevent accidents. Safety and Risks •Suffocation Hazard: Plastic bags can cling to a child’s face, obstructing their nose and mouth. •Choking Hazard: Small pieces of torn plastic can cause choking. •High-Risk Bags: Dry cleaning bags, grocery bags, and trash bags are particularly dangerous. •Age Risk: Children under three are especially vulnerable as they frequently put objects in their mouths. •Prevention Tips: Never leave plastic bags in play areas, bedrooms, or with toys. Tie knots in bags before throwing them away to prevent them from being used for play. First Aid/CPR-Renewal CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Today, you reported the three staff members who need CPR and First Aid certifications are scheduled to take the classes Saturday, February 21, 2026. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility was issued a Five-Star License on December 7, 2018. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is interested in pursuing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by August 2026 and have requested to have the ERS completed in November 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4- and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: Pathway 1, Program Assessment - We reviewed all options included in the following Family and Community Engagement Categories: Educational Opportunity, Engagement & Leadership, and Communication. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): Pathway 1, Program Assessment - A CQI plan will be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). Staff Education - Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is of vital importance as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the number of points that your facility earns in the education component of QRIS. Other Information Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on January 17, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Ms. Norris has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster except for two. She is actively working on getting those two added. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: 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 Mr. Griggs and Ms. Norris. 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. 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 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/18/2026 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 2/18/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s 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. Andrea Johnson, Childcare Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 7, 2025. As of February 16, 2026, your facility has an 18-month compliance history, which was 95%. 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. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. As of today, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State. Fire Inspection – 03/20/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/30/2025 – 14 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Atrayou Griggs, and Assistant Administrator, Daphne Norris, were present and assisted with today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were available for each group of children. Ms.Norris accompanied Ms. Johnson as she conducted observations and a walkthrough of approved indoor and outdoor spaces. There are eight out of ten classrooms operating with one hundred and thirty-five children enrolled, and ninety-one, ages 0-5, were present today. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #2 were observed in the outdoor space sliding and riding Little Tikes rocking horses. Water was available for the toddlers in the outdoor space. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 were preparing for lunch. Toileting and handwashing routines were monitored, and requirements were met. Children assigned to indoor spaces #4 and #5 were in the outdoor space running, riding tricycles, climbing, and sliding. NC Pre-K in Spaces #7 and #8 were observed in the outdoor space riding tricycles, climbing, sliding, and playing catch. Preschool children assigned to indoor Space #9 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included cutting paper, coloring with markers, cooking food, and building with foam blocks. Infants assigned to indoor space #10 received routine care based on their individual needs. Five infants were seated in high chairs eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, corn, pineapples, and milk. One staff member was changing the diaper of an infant. One infant was in a crib asleep, and 2 infants were on the carpet playing with soft toys. Food service and diapering procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found not to be incompliance. NC Pre-K Requirements- The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The contractor for NC Pre-K has reviewed the program requirements and the NC PreK Site Monitoring Tool is on site. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The program has two NC Pre-K classrooms; one classroom operates 8am-2:30pm and the other classroom operates 830am-3pm. Monthly newsletters are developed and sent home to parents. A sample of children’s work was reviewed. Current NC Pre-K staff are teachers: Teachers – A.Caldwell & H. Wells and Assistant Teachers- F. Hall and N.Howard. NC PreK children’s files was monitored for complete health assessments and developmental screenings. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year and new employees have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff must complete these trainings within the first year of being hired and must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s records were not monitored today. There are eighteen staff members employed at this facility. There were four new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit. All new staff files were monitored and required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. The following violations 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 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The gate in the outdoor space between the Ducks and School Agers playgrounds is broken at the bottom. The fencing has come apart from the base causing a hazard. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In indoor Space #3, plastic bags were stored under the diaper changing table accessible to children 2 years of age. The diaper changing table was not locked. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In indoor Space # 10, an infant had been placed down on their back to sleep at 10:15am and there was no documentation on the safe sleep chart of checking the baby at 10:50am. .0606(g) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired First Aid certifications and one new staff member has not received First Aid certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired CPR certifications and one new staff member has not received CPR certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch needs to be added and tilled under the large climbing structures on the Ducks and School Agers outdoor spaces. .0605(k)(1-4) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 4, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to 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: Importance of Resilient Surfacing Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). Playground Hazards: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. As you documented on your monthly outdoor inspections, the gate between the Ducks and School Agers playground is broken at the bottom. This is a possible cutting/tripping hazard. This hazard must be addressed before children can enter the area. Safe Sleep Checks 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. . An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. The frequency of visual checks should be included in your Safe Sleep Policy and followed. Best practice is to check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. Plastic Bags Plastic bags pose severe, immediate choking and suffocation risks to children under three due to their thin, clingy material. Around 25 children die from plastic bag suffocation annually in the U.S. They should be kept out of reach, not used for toy storage, and tied in knots before disposal to prevent accidents. Safety and Risks •Suffocation Hazard: Plastic bags can cling to a child’s face, obstructing their nose and mouth. •Choking Hazard: Small pieces of torn plastic can cause choking. •High-Risk Bags: Dry cleaning bags, grocery bags, and trash bags are particularly dangerous. •Age Risk: Children under three are especially vulnerable as they frequently put objects in their mouths. •Prevention Tips: Never leave plastic bags in play areas, bedrooms, or with toys. Tie knots in bags before throwing them away to prevent them from being used for play. First Aid/CPR-Renewal CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Today, you reported the three staff members who need CPR and First Aid certifications are scheduled to take the classes Saturday, February 21, 2026. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility was issued a Five-Star License on December 7, 2018. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is interested in pursuing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by August 2026 and have requested to have the ERS completed in November 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4- and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: Pathway 1, Program Assessment - We reviewed all options included in the following Family and Community Engagement Categories: Educational Opportunity, Engagement & Leadership, and Communication. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): Pathway 1, Program Assessment - A CQI plan will be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). Staff Education - Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is of vital importance as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the number of points that your facility earns in the education component of QRIS. Other Information Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on January 17, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Ms. Norris has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster except for two. She is actively working on getting those two added. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: 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 Mr. Griggs and Ms. Norris. 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. 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 09.1724 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/18/2026 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 2/18/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s 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. Andrea Johnson, Childcare Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 7, 2025. As of February 16, 2026, your facility has an 18-month compliance history, which was 95%. 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. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. As of today, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State. Fire Inspection – 03/20/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/30/2025 – 14 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Atrayou Griggs, and Assistant Administrator, Daphne Norris, were present and assisted with today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were available for each group of children. Ms.Norris accompanied Ms. Johnson as she conducted observations and a walkthrough of approved indoor and outdoor spaces. There are eight out of ten classrooms operating with one hundred and thirty-five children enrolled, and ninety-one, ages 0-5, were present today. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #2 were observed in the outdoor space sliding and riding Little Tikes rocking horses. Water was available for the toddlers in the outdoor space. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 were preparing for lunch. Toileting and handwashing routines were monitored, and requirements were met. Children assigned to indoor spaces #4 and #5 were in the outdoor space running, riding tricycles, climbing, and sliding. NC Pre-K in Spaces #7 and #8 were observed in the outdoor space riding tricycles, climbing, sliding, and playing catch. Preschool children assigned to indoor Space #9 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included cutting paper, coloring with markers, cooking food, and building with foam blocks. Infants assigned to indoor space #10 received routine care based on their individual needs. Five infants were seated in high chairs eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, corn, pineapples, and milk. One staff member was changing the diaper of an infant. One infant was in a crib asleep, and 2 infants were on the carpet playing with soft toys. Food service and diapering procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found not to be incompliance. NC Pre-K Requirements- The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The contractor for NC Pre-K has reviewed the program requirements and the NC PreK Site Monitoring Tool is on site. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The program has two NC Pre-K classrooms; one classroom operates 8am-2:30pm and the other classroom operates 830am-3pm. Monthly newsletters are developed and sent home to parents. A sample of children’s work was reviewed. Current NC Pre-K staff are teachers: Teachers – A.Caldwell & H. Wells and Assistant Teachers- F. Hall and N.Howard. NC PreK children’s files was monitored for complete health assessments and developmental screenings. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year and new employees have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff must complete these trainings within the first year of being hired and must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s records were not monitored today. There are eighteen staff members employed at this facility. There were four new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit. All new staff files were monitored and required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. The following violations 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 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The gate in the outdoor space between the Ducks and School Agers playgrounds is broken at the bottom. The fencing has come apart from the base causing a hazard. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In indoor Space #3, plastic bags were stored under the diaper changing table accessible to children 2 years of age. The diaper changing table was not locked. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In indoor Space # 10, an infant had been placed down on their back to sleep at 10:15am and there was no documentation on the safe sleep chart of checking the baby at 10:50am. .0606(g) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired First Aid certifications and one new staff member has not received First Aid certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired CPR certifications and one new staff member has not received CPR certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch needs to be added and tilled under the large climbing structures on the Ducks and School Agers outdoor spaces. .0605(k)(1-4) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 4, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to 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: Importance of Resilient Surfacing Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). Playground Hazards: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. As you documented on your monthly outdoor inspections, the gate between the Ducks and School Agers playground is broken at the bottom. This is a possible cutting/tripping hazard. This hazard must be addressed before children can enter the area. Safe Sleep Checks 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. . An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. The frequency of visual checks should be included in your Safe Sleep Policy and followed. Best practice is to check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. Plastic Bags Plastic bags pose severe, immediate choking and suffocation risks to children under three due to their thin, clingy material. Around 25 children die from plastic bag suffocation annually in the U.S. They should be kept out of reach, not used for toy storage, and tied in knots before disposal to prevent accidents. Safety and Risks •Suffocation Hazard: Plastic bags can cling to a child’s face, obstructing their nose and mouth. •Choking Hazard: Small pieces of torn plastic can cause choking. •High-Risk Bags: Dry cleaning bags, grocery bags, and trash bags are particularly dangerous. •Age Risk: Children under three are especially vulnerable as they frequently put objects in their mouths. •Prevention Tips: Never leave plastic bags in play areas, bedrooms, or with toys. Tie knots in bags before throwing them away to prevent them from being used for play. First Aid/CPR-Renewal CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Today, you reported the three staff members who need CPR and First Aid certifications are scheduled to take the classes Saturday, February 21, 2026. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility was issued a Five-Star License on December 7, 2018. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is interested in pursuing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by August 2026 and have requested to have the ERS completed in November 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4- and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: Pathway 1, Program Assessment - We reviewed all options included in the following Family and Community Engagement Categories: Educational Opportunity, Engagement & Leadership, and Communication. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): Pathway 1, Program Assessment - A CQI plan will be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). Staff Education - Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is of vital importance as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the number of points that your facility earns in the education component of QRIS. Other Information Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on January 17, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Ms. Norris has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster except for two. She is actively working on getting those two added. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: 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 Mr. Griggs and Ms. Norris. 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. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/18/2026 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 2/18/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s 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. Andrea Johnson, Childcare Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 7, 2025. As of February 16, 2026, your facility has an 18-month compliance history, which was 95%. 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. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. As of today, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State. Fire Inspection – 03/20/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/30/2025 – 14 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Atrayou Griggs, and Assistant Administrator, Daphne Norris, were present and assisted with today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were available for each group of children. Ms.Norris accompanied Ms. Johnson as she conducted observations and a walkthrough of approved indoor and outdoor spaces. There are eight out of ten classrooms operating with one hundred and thirty-five children enrolled, and ninety-one, ages 0-5, were present today. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #2 were observed in the outdoor space sliding and riding Little Tikes rocking horses. Water was available for the toddlers in the outdoor space. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 were preparing for lunch. Toileting and handwashing routines were monitored, and requirements were met. Children assigned to indoor spaces #4 and #5 were in the outdoor space running, riding tricycles, climbing, and sliding. NC Pre-K in Spaces #7 and #8 were observed in the outdoor space riding tricycles, climbing, sliding, and playing catch. Preschool children assigned to indoor Space #9 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included cutting paper, coloring with markers, cooking food, and building with foam blocks. Infants assigned to indoor space #10 received routine care based on their individual needs. Five infants were seated in high chairs eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, corn, pineapples, and milk. One staff member was changing the diaper of an infant. One infant was in a crib asleep, and 2 infants were on the carpet playing with soft toys. Food service and diapering procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found not to be incompliance. NC Pre-K Requirements- The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The contractor for NC Pre-K has reviewed the program requirements and the NC PreK Site Monitoring Tool is on site. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The program has two NC Pre-K classrooms; one classroom operates 8am-2:30pm and the other classroom operates 830am-3pm. Monthly newsletters are developed and sent home to parents. A sample of children’s work was reviewed. Current NC Pre-K staff are teachers: Teachers – A.Caldwell & H. Wells and Assistant Teachers- F. Hall and N.Howard. NC PreK children’s files was monitored for complete health assessments and developmental screenings. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year and new employees have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff must complete these trainings within the first year of being hired and must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s records were not monitored today. There are eighteen staff members employed at this facility. There were four new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit. All new staff files were monitored and required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. The following violations 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 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The gate in the outdoor space between the Ducks and School Agers playgrounds is broken at the bottom. The fencing has come apart from the base causing a hazard. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In indoor Space #3, plastic bags were stored under the diaper changing table accessible to children 2 years of age. The diaper changing table was not locked. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In indoor Space # 10, an infant had been placed down on their back to sleep at 10:15am and there was no documentation on the safe sleep chart of checking the baby at 10:50am. .0606(g) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired First Aid certifications and one new staff member has not received First Aid certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired CPR certifications and one new staff member has not received CPR certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch needs to be added and tilled under the large climbing structures on the Ducks and School Agers outdoor spaces. .0605(k)(1-4) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 4, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to 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: Importance of Resilient Surfacing Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). Playground Hazards: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. As you documented on your monthly outdoor inspections, the gate between the Ducks and School Agers playground is broken at the bottom. This is a possible cutting/tripping hazard. This hazard must be addressed before children can enter the area. Safe Sleep Checks 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. . An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. The frequency of visual checks should be included in your Safe Sleep Policy and followed. Best practice is to check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. Plastic Bags Plastic bags pose severe, immediate choking and suffocation risks to children under three due to their thin, clingy material. Around 25 children die from plastic bag suffocation annually in the U.S. They should be kept out of reach, not used for toy storage, and tied in knots before disposal to prevent accidents. Safety and Risks •Suffocation Hazard: Plastic bags can cling to a child’s face, obstructing their nose and mouth. •Choking Hazard: Small pieces of torn plastic can cause choking. •High-Risk Bags: Dry cleaning bags, grocery bags, and trash bags are particularly dangerous. •Age Risk: Children under three are especially vulnerable as they frequently put objects in their mouths. •Prevention Tips: Never leave plastic bags in play areas, bedrooms, or with toys. Tie knots in bags before throwing them away to prevent them from being used for play. First Aid/CPR-Renewal CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Today, you reported the three staff members who need CPR and First Aid certifications are scheduled to take the classes Saturday, February 21, 2026. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility was issued a Five-Star License on December 7, 2018. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is interested in pursuing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by August 2026 and have requested to have the ERS completed in November 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4- and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: Pathway 1, Program Assessment - We reviewed all options included in the following Family and Community Engagement Categories: Educational Opportunity, Engagement & Leadership, and Communication. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): Pathway 1, Program Assessment - A CQI plan will be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). Staff Education - Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is of vital importance as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the number of points that your facility earns in the education component of QRIS. Other Information Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on January 17, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Ms. Norris has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster except for two. She is actively working on getting those two added. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: 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 Mr. Griggs and Ms. Norris. 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. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/18/2026 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 2/18/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s 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. Andrea Johnson, Childcare Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 7, 2025. As of February 16, 2026, your facility has an 18-month compliance history, which was 95%. 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. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. As of today, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State. Fire Inspection – 03/20/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 12/30/2025 – 14 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Atrayou Griggs, and Assistant Administrator, Daphne Norris, were present and assisted with today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Daily schedules and activity plans were available for each group of children. Ms.Norris accompanied Ms. Johnson as she conducted observations and a walkthrough of approved indoor and outdoor spaces. There are eight out of ten classrooms operating with one hundred and thirty-five children enrolled, and ninety-one, ages 0-5, were present today. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #2 were observed in the outdoor space sliding and riding Little Tikes rocking horses. Water was available for the toddlers in the outdoor space. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 were preparing for lunch. Toileting and handwashing routines were monitored, and requirements were met. Children assigned to indoor spaces #4 and #5 were in the outdoor space running, riding tricycles, climbing, and sliding. NC Pre-K in Spaces #7 and #8 were observed in the outdoor space riding tricycles, climbing, sliding, and playing catch. Preschool children assigned to indoor Space #9 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included cutting paper, coloring with markers, cooking food, and building with foam blocks. Infants assigned to indoor space #10 received routine care based on their individual needs. Five infants were seated in high chairs eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, corn, pineapples, and milk. One staff member was changing the diaper of an infant. One infant was in a crib asleep, and 2 infants were on the carpet playing with soft toys. Food service and diapering procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found not to be incompliance. NC Pre-K Requirements- The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The contractor for NC Pre-K has reviewed the program requirements and the NC PreK Site Monitoring Tool is on site. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The program has two NC Pre-K classrooms; one classroom operates 8am-2:30pm and the other classroom operates 830am-3pm. Monthly newsletters are developed and sent home to parents. A sample of children’s work was reviewed. Current NC Pre-K staff are teachers: Teachers – A.Caldwell & H. Wells and Assistant Teachers- F. Hall and N.Howard. NC PreK children’s files was monitored for complete health assessments and developmental screenings. Staff/child ratios were in compliance. All children were adequately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner Health & Safety Training - Staff members, who have been employed for at least one year and new employees have completed Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Ensure this information is maintained on file. New staff must complete these trainings within the first year of being hired and must be renewed every five years. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Children’s records were not monitored today. There are eighteen staff members employed at this facility. There were four new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit. All new staff files were monitored and required information and trainings for all existing staff were also monitored. During today's visit child care requirements monitored for compliance included supervision, staff/child ratio, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Record Checks, storage of hazardous substances and medications, approved space, posting of the license, and other applicable requirements. The following violations 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 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The gate in the outdoor space between the Ducks and School Agers playgrounds is broken at the bottom. The fencing has come apart from the base causing a hazard. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In indoor Space #3, plastic bags were stored under the diaper changing table accessible to children 2 years of age. The diaper changing table was not locked. .0604(q) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. In indoor Space # 10, an infant had been placed down on their back to sleep at 10:15am and there was no documentation on the safe sleep chart of checking the baby at 10:50am. .0606(g) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired First Aid certifications and one new staff member has not received First Aid certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members had expired CPR certifications and one new staff member has not received CPR certification within 90 days. The staff member was hired on September 18, 2025. .1102(d) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch needs to be added and tilled under the large climbing structures on the Ducks and School Agers outdoor spaces. .0605(k)(1-4) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received March 4, 2026, describing how the violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. A time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at (910)824-1143 or you can email me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov. You may email me with your verification or mail it to me at: Tammy Ross, Child Care Licensing Consultant, P.O. Box 278, Jacksonville, NC 28541 Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to 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: Importance of Resilient Surfacing Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). Playground Hazards: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. As you documented on your monthly outdoor inspections, the gate between the Ducks and School Agers playground is broken at the bottom. This is a possible cutting/tripping hazard. This hazard must be addressed before children can enter the area. Safe Sleep Checks 10A NCAC 09.1724(a) (6- 8) requires all providers to visually check sleeping infants. The more often an infant is visually checked, the more likely it is that the caregiver will identify a problem before it becomes life threatening. The goal of creating a safe sleep environment for infants is to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths such as accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Signs to monitor include: • Watching the chest rise and fall • Note color of skin • look for flushing, restlessness and increased body temperature • note the child’s position and whether he or she is awake or asleep. . An infant’s first few weeks in child care can be the time of higher risk for SIDS, especially if the infant enrolls during the critical developmental period of 2-4 months of age. Remember, for the health, well-being, and safety of the infants in care, safe sleep checks should be conducted regularly. The frequency of visual checks should be included in your Safe Sleep Policy and followed. Best practice is to check on sleeping infants every 15 minutes. Visual checks must be documented. Various sample sleeping charts are available to you on the DCDEE website, under the “provider documents” tab. Safe sleep checks must be kept for each child and kept on file for a minimum of one month. Plastic Bags Plastic bags pose severe, immediate choking and suffocation risks to children under three due to their thin, clingy material. Around 25 children die from plastic bag suffocation annually in the U.S. They should be kept out of reach, not used for toy storage, and tied in knots before disposal to prevent accidents. Safety and Risks •Suffocation Hazard: Plastic bags can cling to a child’s face, obstructing their nose and mouth. •Choking Hazard: Small pieces of torn plastic can cause choking. •High-Risk Bags: Dry cleaning bags, grocery bags, and trash bags are particularly dangerous. •Age Risk: Children under three are especially vulnerable as they frequently put objects in their mouths. •Prevention Tips: Never leave plastic bags in play areas, bedrooms, or with toys. Tie knots in bags before throwing them away to prevent them from being used for play. First Aid/CPR-Renewal CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Today, you reported the three staff members who need CPR and First Aid certifications are scheduled to take the classes Saturday, February 21, 2026. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility was issued a Five-Star License on December 7, 2018. Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is interested in pursuing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by August 2026 and have requested to have the ERS completed in November 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4- and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: Pathway 1, Program Assessment - We reviewed all options included in the following Family and Community Engagement Categories: Educational Opportunity, Engagement & Leadership, and Communication. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): Pathway 1, Program Assessment - A CQI plan will be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). Staff Education - Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS for all staff members as you hire new staff or as existing staff complete additional coursework. This is of vital importance as the information in WORKS for your staff will determine the number of points that your facility earns in the education component of QRIS. Other Information Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on January 17, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): Ms. Norris has completed the required training, and access has been given, and current staff are noted on the roster except for two. She is actively working on getting those two added. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: 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 Mr. Griggs and Ms. Norris. 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. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/7/2025 Number Present: 68 Completed Date: 8/7/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 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. Child Care Licensing Consultant, Andrea Johnson, assisted with today’s visit. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on August 14, 2024. As of August 6, 2025, your facility has an 18-month compliance history was 95%. 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. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. As of today, the corporation is current and active with the NC Secretary of State. Fire Inspection – 03/20/2025 – Approved for day time care only - Satisfactory Sanitation – 03/04/2025 – 13 Demerits – Superior Administrator, Atrayou Griggs, and Assistant Administrator, Daphne Norris, were present and assisted with today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Toddlers assigned to indoor spaces #1 and #2 were engaged in free play activities which included playing with soft toys on the floor, ball pit, push toys, and stacking cube Legos. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 were having a group book reading. Preschool children assigned to indoor space #4 were combined in space #5. Free play activities for these children included coloring with markers, cooking food for baby dolls, magnetic shapes, insects, and building tracks for cars. School aged children assigned to indoor space #7 were combined with school aged children in indoor space #6. Free play activities included board games, sensory bottles, shopping/cash register sales, and cutting yarn. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #8 were combined with preschool children in space #9 and were observed in the outdoor space. Gross motor activities included running, riding tricycles, and climbing. Water was available for the children in the outdoor space. Infants assigned to indoor space #10 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted and safe sleep charts are being maintained. One infant was observed being fed a bottle and two infants were asleep in cribs. Three infants were seated in highchairs eating lunch. Today’s lunch consisted of pizza, corn, mandarin oranges, and milk. Routine toileting, diaper changes, handwashing, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers interacted with children in a positive and appropriate manner. Due to the NC Pre-K program being closed for the summer, NC Pre-K Monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are twenty-one staff members employed at this facility. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. There was one violation observed today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. 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 was not practiced every three months. According to your emergency drill record, a shelter in place was conducted on 01/28/2025 and an lock down drill was conducted on 07/09/2025 which exceeds the required three months. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before August 21, 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. 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 violations cited Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills must 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. Other Information CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on January 17, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Criminal Background Check Information – Ms. Norris has completed the required training, and access has been given, and she is currently working to ensure all staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Summer 2025: Is it Medicine? We think you’ll enjoy the Summer 2025 edition of the NC Child Care Health and Safety E-Newsletter. It includes in-depth information about health and safety concerns in early care and education settings, as well as information for child care programs to share with families. Check it out! Remember! You can contact the NC Resource Center for information, resources, and referrals on topics related to child health and health and safety in child care. Anyone in the greater early care and education community is welcome to call 1(800) 367-2229 (choose 1 then 2). 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, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you may contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov or (910)824-1143. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-056L Visit Date: 10/16/2024 Number Present: 86 Completed Date: 10/16/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: There is a concern that a child was left unsupervised on the playground and concern that incident reports are no prepared as required. Limited monitoring occurred. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. 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. This visit was conducted in conjunction with another complaint investigation visit and an AAFU visit. You, Carrie Smay, administrator, was present and assisted with the visit. Later, Aubrey McPhaul, district manager and Nia Grace, regional manager arrived and provided additional information regarding the investigation and visit. There were eight classrooms operating, eighty-six children present and children ranged in age from infants to four-year-olds. A walk-through and observations were conducted, and all areas were monitored. Children were engaged in age-appropriate free play activities indoors or outdoors. Infants were being held or engaged in exploratory floor play. Later, children were served lunch consisting of turkey and cheese sandwich, sweet potatoes, sliced apples, and milk. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you and seven other staff members. All were given an opportunity to provide your perceptions of the incident. The facility does not have camera system. Findings- Allegation 1: There is a concern that a child was left unsupervised on the playground. You stated it is true, a 2-year-old child was left on playground space #2 for approximately 8 minutes. You explained, on October 3, 2024, at approximately 10am, a 2-year-old was found by another staff member alone on the playground riding his bike. The staff member called for you to come to the playground. You took the child back to the classroom to join the group. In the afternoon after the incident, the two classroom staff members were terminated, and they were escorted off the premises. Administration called an emergency center-wide staff meeting for that night. All staff attended and the Supervision policy, staff child ratios, and Child Staff Ratio worksheets (CSR) were reviewed with staff. The child’s parent was notified that afternoon of the incident. On October 9, 2024, you stated a previous staff member shared that a second incident occurred with the same child where the child was left outside for a few seconds. You discussed the incident with staff members. It was determined the child was not left outside alone. The 2-year-old child was in line as the group was transitioning indoors. The child ran off, and as the staff member was counting the children walking in she heard a staff member in playground space #1 yell to the child for him to go with his class. She turned around and the child was at her door. Staff interviewed, all agreed, on October 3, 2024, a 2-year-old child was left outside alone. With regards to the incident on October 9, 2024, the staff members agreed the door was never closed on the child. One of staff member was standing in the door jamb, with the door open, counting children walking in and joining the other children at the circle time rug. They other staff member was sitting on the floor with children transitioning them from the rug to handwashing routines. Since the incident, they ensure this child is the line leader- he is the first out and the first in. Today, a walk through and observations were conducted, and all children were visually supervised. I observed children being counted as they transitioned from the outdoor area into the classroom. Staff present on the day of the incident are no longer employed at the center. Based on the reporters’ information, your information, staff member’s information, and our investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #2: There is a concern that incident reports are not prepared as required. You stated incident reports are completed as required. Staff members document every injury using Boo-Boo & Incident report form. Any injury shoulder up, or more severe that may require medical attention, you always contact parents immediately. If a child receives medical attention from an injury, it is recorded on the Incident Report form and mailed to the DCDEE consultant. All these reports are entered into an Excel injury tracking document. I reviewed the incident report log, tracking document, and the specific Boo Boo and Incident Reports. Since July 2024, there were one-hundred and six Boo-Boo and Incident Reports, but none required medical attention. In addition, nine of the Boo Boo and Incident Reports reviewed were for the child that was left alone, and eight of the nine reports were signed by the child’s parent. Based on the reporters’ information, your information, staff member’s information, and our investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On October 3, 2024, at approximately 10am, a 2-year-old was found by another staff member alone on the playground. The child had been left alone for approximately 8 minutes riding his bike. .1801(a)(1-5) Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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. A violation was documented and must be corrected immediately. On or before October 26, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Based on a Substantiated allegation in addition to a current Administrative Action, Written Warning, a more stringent action may be issued. A follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance: A violation related to supervision was documented. Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On October 3, 2024, at approximately 10am, a 2-year-old was found by another staff member alone on the playground for approximately 8 minutes riding his bike. As discussed, supervision is paramount to quality child care as it is basic to the safety of children and the prevention of injury while maintaining quality child care. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed, or inappropriate behavior. It is the responsibility of staff to regularly count children (name to face recognition) on a routine basis, at every transition, and whenever leaving one area and arriving at another. Incident Reports-General-As we discussed, an incident report should be completed and logged each time a child is injured, regardless of whether medical care is needed. It is helpful to remember the “three B’s”: bumps, bruises and blood, as a reminder of when to complete incident reports. You may access and use the incident report form by visiting the DCDEE website ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov, looking under the Provider tab for Provider Documents and Forms, and then selecting Incident Report. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and signed by the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, at 910-824-1143 or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0924-100L Visit Date: 9/10/2024 Number Present: 83 Completed Date: 9/13/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: Concern that staff child ratios are not being followed and concern that sanitation guidelines are not being followed. Limited monitoring occurred. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. 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. You, Gail Norris, assistant administrator, was present and assisted with the visit. Later, Aubrey McPhaul, district manager arrived and provided additional information regarding the investigation and visit. There were eight classrooms operating, eighty-three children present and children ranged in age from infants to four-year-olds. A walk-through and observations were conducted, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children were engaged in age-appropriate free play activities indoors or outdoors. Infants were being held or engaged in exploratory floor play. Later, children were served a colorful nutritious lunch consisting of meatballs, rice, green peas, pears and milk. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you and four other staff members. All were given an opportunity to provide their perceptions of the allegations. The facility does not have camera systems. Findings- Allegation 1: There is a concern that staff child ratios are not being followed and You stated the goal is to always stay in ratio. You along with the other two administrators use Line Leader to monitor ratios. You explained LineLeader is a child care software the center uses to track children’s arrivals and departures and classroom attendance. The staff members track arrivals and departures on CSR forms. There have been many challenges since the school-agers have returned to public school, as the center has three vans that transport children to seven elementary schools and children’s arrival times have varied. You have been adjusting staff members’ morning schedules to ensure the classroom is in ratio. Currently, one staff member opens the classroom for school-agers and a second staff member arrives around 7:30am. The opening administrator should monitor LineLeader so her or another administrative staff member can step in to cover ratios if needed. Based on all staff interviews, it was confirmed the opening classroom for school-agers has been out of ratio on several days last week and this week. Specifically, on Friday, September 6, 2024, at approximately 7:15am, there were twenty-three children present with one staff member and today, September 10, 2024, at approximately 7:15am, there were eighteen children present, with the youngest being a 5-year-old, with one staff member. Ms. McPhaul stated they are adjusting staff members’ schedules, which will include adding a second staff member earlier to arrive at 7am to ensure ratios are in compliance. Today, a walk through and observations were conducted, and all classrooms were in staff child ratio. Based on the reporters’ information, your information, staff member’s information, and our investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation 2- There is a concern that sanitation guidelines are not being followed. You stated the administration is aware the center needs cleaning. You explained the administration hired an outside company to complete detailed cleaning. The cleaning company came to the center on Saturday, September 7, 2024, left early, and stated they were not equipped to clean the facility. Ms. McPhaul stated they will hire another company to conduct a detail cleaning by September 23, 2024. A walk through and observations were conducted in the indoor and outdoor spaces. It was apparent that the left side of the center, classroom spaces # 1-5 were dirty. For example, in classroom spaces 1, 3, 4, and 5, there were food, drink, and dirt stains on the floors. The walls and baseboards were dirty. The trash cans had dried food and other stains collected and running down the outside. In space 1, used by the one-year-olds, there was a collection of dirt and grime on the floor around the bottom of the diaper changing table, and in the corners near the exterior exit doors. Outdoors, a dirty wipe was lying on the ground, two large plastic bins had standing dirty water, flowerpots were stacked up, vines were growing through the fence, and the wooden sand box inside was covered with spider webs. The one-year-olds on playground space #1, were playing in the dirt. They had dirt on their hands, feet, legs and their faces. Two children had mucus running from their noses. You provided wipes so the staff members could clean the children. You accompanied me during the walk through and all these concerns were observed and discussed. Based on the reporters’ information, staff member’s information, and our investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. On Friday, September 6, 2024, at approximately 7:15am, there were twenty-three school-age children present with one staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 9999 I15A NCAC 18A .2825 (a)In child care centers, the walls and ceilings, including doors and windows, of all rooms and areas shall be kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. All walls and ceilings shall be free of peeling, flaking, chalking, or otherwise deteriorating paint. In classroom spaces 1, 3, 4, and 5, the floors in the classrooms and in the bathrooms were stained with food, drink or dirt. The walls and baseboards were dirty. The trash cans had dried food and other stains collected and running down the outside. In space 1, used by the one-year-olds, there was a collection of dirt and grime on the floor around the bottom of the diaper changing table, and in the corners near the exterior exit doors. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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. Violation(s) documented will impact the compliance history score. Violations were documented and must be corrected immediately. On or before September 22, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Include how to plan to ensure these violations do not reoccur. Email the information to me at: Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance letter must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Based on the ratio substantiated allegation, a return visit will be conducted, and an Administrative Action may be issued. Technical Assistance: Enhanced staff/child ratios were not met. On Friday, September 6, 2024, at approximately 7:15am, there were twenty-three children present with one staff member. It is critical that you adjust staff members’ schedules today to ensure all classrooms are in staff child ratios at all times. Remind all administrative staff they have to be available and must respond if a staff member requests their assistance. Maintaining staff-child ratios is critical because it helps staff provide better supervision and care, and provides children with more opportunities to develop social skills by allowing them to consistently interact with a smaller group of children and staff. A violation was documented related to sanitation in the sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2825 (a) In classroom spaces 1, 3, 4, and 5, the floors in the classrooms and in the bathrooms were stained with food, drink or dirt. The trash cans were dirty and had dried food or drink on the outside. Technical assistance was provided today regarding cleaning procedures. Maintaining impeccable hygiene and cleanliness in childcare centers is not just a matter of appearance — it's a critical factor in safeguarding children's and staff's health. A clean environment helps prevent the spread of germs and illnesses, ensuring that staff members and children remain healthy and safe. This is especially important given the common challenges faced in settings where children’s natural curiosity often leads to increased exposure to potential contaminants. Beyond health, a well-maintained childcare facility creates a positive impression on parents, reinforcing their trust in your ability to care for their children. This trust is essential for building a strong reputation in the childcare sector. Corrections Needed: The playground space used by the one-year-olds has a hole and needs to be filled. Cover the area with the outdoor rug (right of the door) or a vinyl mat to prevent the children from playing in the dirt. Remind the therapist they may not leave their personal bags, drinks, etc. accessible to the children. Space #6 needs to be set up immediately if used by children. Due to computer failure, the visit summary was not completed at the closure of today’s visit, rather was emailed to you. Contact me at Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-1143, or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0924-100L Visit Date: 9/10/2024 Number Present: 83 Completed Date: 9/13/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: Concern that staff child ratios are not being followed and concern that sanitation guidelines are not being followed. Limited monitoring occurred. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. 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. You, Gail Norris, assistant administrator, was present and assisted with the visit. Later, Aubrey McPhaul, district manager arrived and provided additional information regarding the investigation and visit. There were eight classrooms operating, eighty-three children present and children ranged in age from infants to four-year-olds. A walk-through and observations were conducted, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Children were engaged in age-appropriate free play activities indoors or outdoors. Infants were being held or engaged in exploratory floor play. Later, children were served a colorful nutritious lunch consisting of meatballs, rice, green peas, pears and milk. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you and four other staff members. All were given an opportunity to provide their perceptions of the allegations. The facility does not have camera systems. Findings- Allegation 1: There is a concern that staff child ratios are not being followed and You stated the goal is to always stay in ratio. You along with the other two administrators use Line Leader to monitor ratios. You explained LineLeader is a child care software the center uses to track children’s arrivals and departures and classroom attendance. The staff members track arrivals and departures on CSR forms. There have been many challenges since the school-agers have returned to public school, as the center has three vans that transport children to seven elementary schools and children’s arrival times have varied. You have been adjusting staff members’ morning schedules to ensure the classroom is in ratio. Currently, one staff member opens the classroom for school-agers and a second staff member arrives around 7:30am. The opening administrator should monitor LineLeader so her or another administrative staff member can step in to cover ratios if needed. Based on all staff interviews, it was confirmed the opening classroom for school-agers has been out of ratio on several days last week and this week. Specifically, on Friday, September 6, 2024, at approximately 7:15am, there were twenty-three children present with one staff member and today, September 10, 2024, at approximately 7:15am, there were eighteen children present, with the youngest being a 5-year-old, with one staff member. Ms. McPhaul stated they are adjusting staff members’ schedules, which will include adding a second staff member earlier to arrive at 7am to ensure ratios are in compliance. Today, a walk through and observations were conducted, and all classrooms were in staff child ratio. Based on the reporters’ information, your information, staff member’s information, and our investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation 2- There is a concern that sanitation guidelines are not being followed. You stated the administration is aware the center needs cleaning. You explained the administration hired an outside company to complete detailed cleaning. The cleaning company came to the center on Saturday, September 7, 2024, left early, and stated they were not equipped to clean the facility. Ms. McPhaul stated they will hire another company to conduct a detail cleaning by September 23, 2024. A walk through and observations were conducted in the indoor and outdoor spaces. It was apparent that the left side of the center, classroom spaces # 1-5 were dirty. For example, in classroom spaces 1, 3, 4, and 5, there were food, drink, and dirt stains on the floors. The walls and baseboards were dirty. The trash cans had dried food and other stains collected and running down the outside. In space 1, used by the one-year-olds, there was a collection of dirt and grime on the floor around the bottom of the diaper changing table, and in the corners near the exterior exit doors. Outdoors, a dirty wipe was lying on the ground, two large plastic bins had standing dirty water, flowerpots were stacked up, vines were growing through the fence, and the wooden sand box inside was covered with spider webs. The one-year-olds on playground space #1, were playing in the dirt. They had dirt on their hands, feet, legs and their faces. Two children had mucus running from their noses. You provided wipes so the staff members could clean the children. You accompanied me during the walk through and all these concerns were observed and discussed. Based on the reporters’ information, staff member’s information, and our investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. On Friday, September 6, 2024, at approximately 7:15am, there were twenty-three school-age children present with one staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 9999 I15A NCAC 18A .2825 (a)In child care centers, the walls and ceilings, including doors and windows, of all rooms and areas shall be kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. All walls and ceilings shall be free of peeling, flaking, chalking, or otherwise deteriorating paint. In classroom spaces 1, 3, 4, and 5, the floors in the classrooms and in the bathrooms were stained with food, drink or dirt. The walls and baseboards were dirty. The trash cans had dried food and other stains collected and running down the outside. In space 1, used by the one-year-olds, there was a collection of dirt and grime on the floor around the bottom of the diaper changing table, and in the corners near the exterior exit doors. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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. Violation(s) documented will impact the compliance history score. Violations were documented and must be corrected immediately. On or before September 22, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Include how to plan to ensure these violations do not reoccur. Email the information to me at: Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. The compliance letter must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Based on the ratio substantiated allegation, a return visit will be conducted, and an Administrative Action may be issued. Technical Assistance: Enhanced staff/child ratios were not met. On Friday, September 6, 2024, at approximately 7:15am, there were twenty-three children present with one staff member. It is critical that you adjust staff members’ schedules today to ensure all classrooms are in staff child ratios at all times. Remind all administrative staff they have to be available and must respond if a staff member requests their assistance. Maintaining staff-child ratios is critical because it helps staff provide better supervision and care, and provides children with more opportunities to develop social skills by allowing them to consistently interact with a smaller group of children and staff. A violation was documented related to sanitation in the sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A .2825 (a) In classroom spaces 1, 3, 4, and 5, the floors in the classrooms and in the bathrooms were stained with food, drink or dirt. The trash cans were dirty and had dried food or drink on the outside. Technical assistance was provided today regarding cleaning procedures. Maintaining impeccable hygiene and cleanliness in childcare centers is not just a matter of appearance — it's a critical factor in safeguarding children's and staff's health. A clean environment helps prevent the spread of germs and illnesses, ensuring that staff members and children remain healthy and safe. This is especially important given the common challenges faced in settings where children’s natural curiosity often leads to increased exposure to potential contaminants. Beyond health, a well-maintained childcare facility creates a positive impression on parents, reinforcing their trust in your ability to care for their children. This trust is essential for building a strong reputation in the childcare sector. Corrections Needed: The playground space used by the one-year-olds has a hole and needs to be filled. Cover the area with the outdoor rug (right of the door) or a vinyl mat to prevent the children from playing in the dirt. Remind the therapist they may not leave their personal bags, drinks, etc. accessible to the children. Space #6 needs to be set up immediately if used by children. Due to computer failure, the visit summary was not completed at the closure of today’s visit, rather was emailed to you. Contact me at Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-1143, or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/14/2024 Number Present: 75 Completed Date: 8/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 335 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 02:25 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. As of August 12, 2024, your facility has an 18-month compliance history was 91%. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. The corporation was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State. The center completed the last Fire Inspection on March 26, 2024. The center was approved for daytime care only. The latest approved Sanitation inspection was completed on March 27, 2024. You, Carrie Smay, administrator was present and accompanied during the walk through. Gail Norris, assistant administrator, was present and assisted with the staff and training worksheets and record keeping. There were seven classroom operating, eighty-six children enrolled, and seventy-five children were present. The two NC Pre-K classrooms were closed today as school starts in September. Monitoring will occur after that date. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials was observed in each classroom. Infants were observed playing on the carpeted area with soft toys, lying under the activity mat, or sitting in an activity seat. One-year-old children were completing breakfast routines, having free play, and later went out to play. The other groups of children were observed in age-appropriate activities such as free art, building with blocks, dressing up in housekeeping, playing in the sand table, and many other activities. There were four groups playing outside. They were playing in water tables, riding trikes, climbing, sliding, running around, and many other age-appropriate activities. Today’s lunch consisted of grilled chicken patty, rice, black beans, corn, and milk. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On playground (Space #3) the wood plank used as a fall zone has popped up on one end causing a tripping hazard. On playground space #4, there was a plastic toy near the slide in the fall zone. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff member completed 2.5 of the required 8 on-going training hours. .1103(a) Two violations were documented and must be corrected immediately. On or before August 25, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Technical Assistance: A violation was documented related to training in child care rule .0601. A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On playground (Space #3) the wood plank used as a fall zone has popped up on one end causing a tripping hazard. Ensure no items/toys are in the fall zones. Outdoor play-As discussed, ensure children go out daily, weather permitting. Emerging research tells us that children need to spend time outdoors to be healthy as they grow and develop. They will be smarter, better able to get along with others, healthier and happier when they have regular opportunities for free and unstructured play outdoors. Outdoor play is beneficial to children as well as caregivers. Research tells us that spending time outdoors, exposed to fresh air, sunlight, and natural elements such as trees and grass provides many health benefits. The outdoor learning environment offers a sense of freedom for children. Children are able to play freely with peers, expand their imagination beyond restraints of indoor activities, release energy and explore their sense of touch, smell, taste, and their sense of motion. Caregivers are in a unique position to utilize the outdoor environment to promote development and learning. In saying that, it is important the area is safe. With the recent tropical storm and excess flooding, it has caused an increase in ants and mosquitoes. Fire ants are a destructive pest that increasingly threaten native species of ants and, as their name implies, can leave painful, itchy "stings." Although more common in the southeastern United States, fire ants are spreading northward encouraged by climate change. The presence of fire ants in childcare center outdoor spaces can disrupt lawn activities, limit play and learning, and increase anxiety about extended time outdoors. To kill the ants, you may want to try the hot water method- The hot water method does not use chemicals but can still severely disrupt fire ant activity; however, it requires persistence to treat "satellite mounds" that may appear around the original nest. This method has been reported to work nearly 60% of the time with repeated applications. Attempt with caution. To reduce risk, avoid carrying hot water over uneven terrain. Recognize that hot water may damage surrounding vegetation and lawn grasses. Never try this while children are around. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are twenty-five staff members employed at this facility. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. Health and Safety training- Two staff member out of the twenty-five have not completed all the trainings. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at www.ncchildcare.net. The "hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is implemented (SB 425). This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. I encourage you to review information about the new standards as they become available and to plan on training your staff on the new assessment tools if you are interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. I will share more information as it becomes available. Encourage you to install cameras to ensure staff are always providing visual supervision and appropriate caregiving interactions. Cameras contribute to real-time visual interactions, as well as serving as a teaching tool, as staff can observe themselves. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, 910-824-1143, or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0324-210L Visit Date: 3/20/2024 Number Present: 112 Completed Date: 3/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 10:15 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegation is as follows: There is a concern that a child was left unsupervised. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses the Creative Curriculum for Preschool, Fifth Edition. As of March 18, 2024, your facility has an 18-month compliance history was 88%. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. The corporation was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State. You, Alisa King, administrator, was present and accompanied me during the walk through and observations. There was nine classroom operating, 112 children were present. Today, children were engaged indoor and outdoor free play activities. This visit was conducted in conjunction with a Routine Unannounced visit. Investigation- The allegation was discussed with you and three other staff members. The facility does not have a camera system. On Friday, March 15, 2024, Aubrie McPhaul, District Manager with Excel Learning Centers made a self-report regarding a supervision issue. Allegation: There is a concern that a child was left unsupervised. Findings: You, Alisa King, administrator explained, on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at approximately 3:35pm you were notified by the assistant director that a parent came to pick up their child and located a 3-year old child alone in the classroom. The parent took the child outdoors to join their class. You contacted the child’s parent to inform them of the incident. You explained to the parent the steps you would put in place to ensure there isn’t a reoccurrence. The child is still enrolled and was present today. The staff were identified as T. Edwards and H. Wells. The day after the incident, you explained you met with both staff members to discuss the incident. Each staff member was given a written Employee Counseling/Corrective Action, which is a warning in writing. In addition, a staff meeting was scheduled for Friday, March 15, 2024, where you discussed Playground Management, Ratios, Head Count, Supervision, etc. A Playground Supervision Policy was reviewed with staff during the meeting, and each signed acknowledging their understanding of the policy. Sharalyn Rice, assistant administrator shared on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, she was notified by walkie talkie and was asked by staff to come to the Ducks, who were currently on the playground. The staff members informed Ms. Rice one child in their classroom was left in the classroom while they transitioned outdoors. The child was located by another parent who guided the child to the playground to join their group. Staff interviewed concurred with the statements from both administrators. One staff member added the child was in line and counted as they lined up to transition outdoors for free play. Today, based on the investigation, it was determined a face to name count was not conducted once the group had transitioned outdoors. During the today’s walkthrough and observations, staff members were visually supervised. Staff members were engaged in play with the children, feeding the children, diapering the children, or were walking around the child care spaces watching and observing the children. Based on the self-report, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is substantiated. One violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On March 13, 2024, a 3-year-old child was left alone in classroom space #5 for approximately 2 minutes while the other children and staff transitioned outdoors for play. .1801(a)(1-5) Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, 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. A violation was documented today. On or before March 30, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Based on a Substantiated allegation, a follow-up visit will be conducted and potentially an administrative action may be issued. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Technical Assistance: A violation related to supervision was documented in child care rule .1801. On March 13, 2024, a 3-year-old child was left alone in classroom space #5 for approximately 2 minutes while the other children and staff transitioned outdoors for play. Children were not adequately supervised at all times. During transitions, staff must account for all children with name-to-face recognition by visually identifying each child. Staff also use their knowledge of each child's development and abilities to anticipate what they will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. Supervision is basic to the safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed or inappropriate behavior. Active and positive supervision involves knowing each child’s abilities, establishing clear and simple safety rules, being aware of potential hazards, standing in strategic positions, and scanning play areas and circulating around the space. It is the responsibility of staff to regularly count children (name to face recognition) on a routine basis, at every transition, and whenever leaving one area and arriving at another. On top of check-in and check-out procedures, centers need a system tracking children throughout the day. This is done by simply performing a name to face count at regular intervals. Teachers must actually see and match each child’s face to their name on their check-in sheet in order to make sure this count is accurate. These counts should be performed at regular intervals but are especially important during transitions such as going outside or to the cafeteria. The importance of child tracking procedures should be emphasized during onboarding and during continuing education for teachers. By implementing and following these simple procedures childcare staff can keep track of all the children in their care throughout the day. Encourage you to install cameras to ensure staff are providing visual supervision at all times. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, printed, and signed by the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, at 910-824-1143 or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1023-044L Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 112 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 12:15 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. Observations and a walk through were conducted throughout the indoor facility. Administrator, Alisa King and Assistant Administrator, Sharalyn Rice were present and available for consultation. Ms. King accompanied me as I visited each classroom. There are ten classrooms operating at this facility. Staff/child ratios for all spaces were monitored and found to be in compliance. There are one hundred sixty three children enrolled and one hundred twelve children, ages 0 – 5, were present today. Infants and toddlers in spaces #1 and #10 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were available and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements met. Infants were observed sleeping, appropriately being fed, and playing on the floor with toys. Early Head Start (EHS) children in spaces #6 and #7 were observed participating in free choice activities. NC PreK students in spaces #2 and #8 were also observed engaged in free choice activities. Free choice activities included magnetic squares, cars, musical instruments, dancing, dramatic play, art, puzzles, blocks, and books. Other toddlers and preschool children were observed completing handwashing routines and preparing to eat lunch. Lunch consisted of ham and cheese sandwich, green beans, mandarin oranges, and milk. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The following allegation was discussed today. Allegation There are concerns that a children were not adequately supervised. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for two year old children. The allegation of this report was discussed with Ms. King, Ms. Rice, and Nia Grace – Regional Operations Manager for Excel Learning Academies. You were all given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegations and to share any pertinent information. Ms. King and Ms. Rice stated they do not have any supervision concerns, and no one, including parents, has brought any concerns to their attention regarding supervision. Staff/child ratio for two year old children: Space #3 - 2 caregivers: 11 children, ages 2-3, Space #4 – 2 caregivers: 16 children, ages 2-4, Space #6 - 2 caregivers: 6 children, ages 2-3 (EHS), and Space #7 - 2 caregivers: 8 children, age 2 (EHS) Ms. King, Ms. Rice, and Ms. Grace did recall an incident that occurred on the playground on September 28, 2023 involving a staff member becoming ill while outside with the classroom for two year old children. On the day in question, there were five staff members in the fenced playground area with two classrooms when the incident occurred. A staff member notified administration immediately regarding the incident, and they immediately came to assist with the emergency situation. EMS was called to transport staff member, who was ill, to the hospital to receive medical attention. Ms. Grace assisted caregivers to get all children back in the classroom prior to ambulance arriving and also cleared out a classroom in order for EMS to quickly access the playground area to transport staff member out of building without the children observing. Based on observations, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Ms. King stated children are not left unsupervised at any time, indoors or outdoors. Being transparent, Ms. King also stated parents were notified of the incident to alleviate any possible distress or misconceptions. Staff member was medically cleared and returned to work on Monday, October 2, 2023. Ensure all children are adequately supervised at all times. Supervision is basic to the safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed or inappropriate behavior. Active and positive supervision involves knowing each child’s abilities, establishing clear and simple safety rules, being aware of potential hazards, standing in strategic positions, and scanning play areas and circulating around the space. For pre-school age children, the operator shall always be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize his or her ability to hear and see the children and render immediate assistance. For school-age children, the operator shall be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize his or her ability to hear or see the children at all times and render immediate assistance. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. Adequate supervision means that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor and outdoor area and are able to hear and/or see the children at all times, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. During today’s visit, all children were adequately supervised. There were no issues related to supervision of children observed. There were two violations observed today; the violations were corrected during the visit. Therefore, a letter of compliance is not required. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.This information was not available in space #8. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 533 Breast milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In space #10, bottles for one child were dated incorrectly; caregiver corrected date during the visit. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) Comments regarding violations cited: 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. 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. An activity plan was not available for space #8. Activity plans should be current and posted each week in a timely manner. Caregiver stated it was on her laptop but had not been printed. Prior to visit being completed, current activity plan was posted and available for review. Bottles – All bottles must be labeled and dated correctly. Bottles for one child were labeled for 10/11/2023 instead of 10/12/2023. Caregiver corrected date on bottles during the visit. Moving forward, caregivers should check bottles prior to placing them in the refrigerator to ensure they are labeled and dated correctly. 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. As of today, your facility has an 18 month compliance history of 89%. 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 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 childcare law and rules. Other Information Ms. King stated she recognizes that the classrooms for two year old children have some children with challenging behaviors and developmental issues and makes extra effort to place additional staff in those classrooms when available. Ms. King advised she is in the process of hiring a third person for each classroom for two year old children. During today’s visit, as I was observing the classrooms for two year old children, there were two therapists present working with two separate children. Any child that was experiencing a challenging emotional/behavioral moment, caregivers calm them down by talking to them, soothing them by getting down on his level as they listened and responded to their needs. Caregivers responded to challenging emotional/behavioral moments in a positive and appropriate manner. You can also contact Kimberly Peele, Birth-3 Specialist at Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children, at (252)758-8885 or email at kpeele@mppfc.org. She provides coaching in our county and is available for assistance. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1023-044L Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 112 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 12:15 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. Observations and a walk through were conducted throughout the indoor facility. Administrator, Alisa King and Assistant Administrator, Sharalyn Rice were present and available for consultation. Ms. King accompanied me as I visited each classroom. There are ten classrooms operating at this facility. Staff/child ratios for all spaces were monitored and found to be in compliance. There are one hundred sixty three children enrolled and one hundred twelve children, ages 0 – 5, were present today. Infants and toddlers in spaces #1 and #10 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were available and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements met. Infants were observed sleeping, appropriately being fed, and playing on the floor with toys. Early Head Start (EHS) children in spaces #6 and #7 were observed participating in free choice activities. NC PreK students in spaces #2 and #8 were also observed engaged in free choice activities. Free choice activities included magnetic squares, cars, musical instruments, dancing, dramatic play, art, puzzles, blocks, and books. Other toddlers and preschool children were observed completing handwashing routines and preparing to eat lunch. Lunch consisted of ham and cheese sandwich, green beans, mandarin oranges, and milk. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The following allegation was discussed today. Allegation There are concerns that a children were not adequately supervised. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for two year old children. The allegation of this report was discussed with Ms. King, Ms. Rice, and Nia Grace – Regional Operations Manager for Excel Learning Academies. You were all given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegations and to share any pertinent information. Ms. King and Ms. Rice stated they do not have any supervision concerns, and no one, including parents, has brought any concerns to their attention regarding supervision. Staff/child ratio for two year old children: Space #3 - 2 caregivers: 11 children, ages 2-3, Space #4 – 2 caregivers: 16 children, ages 2-4, Space #6 - 2 caregivers: 6 children, ages 2-3 (EHS), and Space #7 - 2 caregivers: 8 children, age 2 (EHS) Ms. King, Ms. Rice, and Ms. Grace did recall an incident that occurred on the playground on September 28, 2023 involving a staff member becoming ill while outside with the classroom for two year old children. On the day in question, there were five staff members in the fenced playground area with two classrooms when the incident occurred. A staff member notified administration immediately regarding the incident, and they immediately came to assist with the emergency situation. EMS was called to transport staff member, who was ill, to the hospital to receive medical attention. Ms. Grace assisted caregivers to get all children back in the classroom prior to ambulance arriving and also cleared out a classroom in order for EMS to quickly access the playground area to transport staff member out of building without the children observing. Based on observations, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Ms. King stated children are not left unsupervised at any time, indoors or outdoors. Being transparent, Ms. King also stated parents were notified of the incident to alleviate any possible distress or misconceptions. Staff member was medically cleared and returned to work on Monday, October 2, 2023. Ensure all children are adequately supervised at all times. Supervision is basic to the safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed or inappropriate behavior. Active and positive supervision involves knowing each child’s abilities, establishing clear and simple safety rules, being aware of potential hazards, standing in strategic positions, and scanning play areas and circulating around the space. For pre-school age children, the operator shall always be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize his or her ability to hear and see the children and render immediate assistance. For school-age children, the operator shall be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize his or her ability to hear or see the children at all times and render immediate assistance. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. Adequate supervision means that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor and outdoor area and are able to hear and/or see the children at all times, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. During today’s visit, all children were adequately supervised. There were no issues related to supervision of children observed. There were two violations observed today; the violations were corrected during the visit. Therefore, a letter of compliance is not required. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.This information was not available in space #8. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 533 Breast milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In space #10, bottles for one child were dated incorrectly; caregiver corrected date during the visit. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) Comments regarding violations cited: 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. 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. An activity plan was not available for space #8. Activity plans should be current and posted each week in a timely manner. Caregiver stated it was on her laptop but had not been printed. Prior to visit being completed, current activity plan was posted and available for review. Bottles – All bottles must be labeled and dated correctly. Bottles for one child were labeled for 10/11/2023 instead of 10/12/2023. Caregiver corrected date on bottles during the visit. Moving forward, caregivers should check bottles prior to placing them in the refrigerator to ensure they are labeled and dated correctly. 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. As of today, your facility has an 18 month compliance history of 89%. 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 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 childcare law and rules. Other Information Ms. King stated she recognizes that the classrooms for two year old children have some children with challenging behaviors and developmental issues and makes extra effort to place additional staff in those classrooms when available. Ms. King advised she is in the process of hiring a third person for each classroom for two year old children. During today’s visit, as I was observing the classrooms for two year old children, there were two therapists present working with two separate children. Any child that was experiencing a challenging emotional/behavioral moment, caregivers calm them down by talking to them, soothing them by getting down on his level as they listened and responded to their needs. Caregivers responded to challenging emotional/behavioral moments in a positive and appropriate manner. You can also contact Kimberly Peele, Birth-3 Specialist at Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children, at (252)758-8885 or email at kpeele@mppfc.org. She provides coaching in our county and is available for assistance. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #10 Facility ID: 67001182 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1023-044L Visit Date: 10/12/2023 Number Present: 112 Completed Date: 10/12/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 12:15 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. Observations and a walk through were conducted throughout the indoor facility. Administrator, Alisa King and Assistant Administrator, Sharalyn Rice were present and available for consultation. Ms. King accompanied me as I visited each classroom. There are ten classrooms operating at this facility. Staff/child ratios for all spaces were monitored and found to be in compliance. There are one hundred sixty three children enrolled and one hundred twelve children, ages 0 – 5, were present today. Infants and toddlers in spaces #1 and #10 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were available and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements met. Infants were observed sleeping, appropriately being fed, and playing on the floor with toys. Early Head Start (EHS) children in spaces #6 and #7 were observed participating in free choice activities. NC PreK students in spaces #2 and #8 were also observed engaged in free choice activities. Free choice activities included magnetic squares, cars, musical instruments, dancing, dramatic play, art, puzzles, blocks, and books. Other toddlers and preschool children were observed completing handwashing routines and preparing to eat lunch. Lunch consisted of ham and cheese sandwich, green beans, mandarin oranges, and milk. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. The following allegation was discussed today. Allegation There are concerns that a children were not adequately supervised. The allegation of this report was specific to the classroom for two year old children. The allegation of this report was discussed with Ms. King, Ms. Rice, and Nia Grace – Regional Operations Manager for Excel Learning Academies. You were all given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegations and to share any pertinent information. Ms. King and Ms. Rice stated they do not have any supervision concerns, and no one, including parents, has brought any concerns to their attention regarding supervision. Staff/child ratio for two year old children: Space #3 - 2 caregivers: 11 children, ages 2-3, Space #4 – 2 caregivers: 16 children, ages 2-4, Space #6 - 2 caregivers: 6 children, ages 2-3 (EHS), and Space #7 - 2 caregivers: 8 children, age 2 (EHS) Ms. King, Ms. Rice, and Ms. Grace did recall an incident that occurred on the playground on September 28, 2023 involving a staff member becoming ill while outside with the classroom for two year old children. On the day in question, there were five staff members in the fenced playground area with two classrooms when the incident occurred. A staff member notified administration immediately regarding the incident, and they immediately came to assist with the emergency situation. EMS was called to transport staff member, who was ill, to the hospital to receive medical attention. Ms. Grace assisted caregivers to get all children back in the classroom prior to ambulance arriving and also cleared out a classroom in order for EMS to quickly access the playground area to transport staff member out of building without the children observing. Based on observations, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Ms. King stated children are not left unsupervised at any time, indoors or outdoors. Being transparent, Ms. King also stated parents were notified of the incident to alleviate any possible distress or misconceptions. Staff member was medically cleared and returned to work on Monday, October 2, 2023. Ensure all children are adequately supervised at all times. Supervision is basic to the safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed or inappropriate behavior. Active and positive supervision involves knowing each child’s abilities, establishing clear and simple safety rules, being aware of potential hazards, standing in strategic positions, and scanning play areas and circulating around the space. For pre-school age children, the operator shall always be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize his or her ability to hear and see the children and render immediate assistance. For school-age children, the operator shall be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize his or her ability to hear or see the children at all times and render immediate assistance. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. Adequate supervision means that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor and outdoor area and are able to hear and/or see the children at all times, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. During today’s visit, all children were adequately supervised. There were no issues related to supervision of children observed. There were two violations observed today; the violations were corrected during the visit. Therefore, a letter of compliance is not required. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is required at all times. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference.This information was not available in space #8. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 533 Breast milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In space #10, bottles for one child were dated incorrectly; caregiver corrected date during the visit. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) Comments regarding violations cited: 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. 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. An activity plan was not available for space #8. Activity plans should be current and posted each week in a timely manner. Caregiver stated it was on her laptop but had not been printed. Prior to visit being completed, current activity plan was posted and available for review. Bottles – All bottles must be labeled and dated correctly. Bottles for one child were labeled for 10/11/2023 instead of 10/12/2023. Caregiver corrected date on bottles during the visit. Moving forward, caregivers should check bottles prior to placing them in the refrigerator to ensure they are labeled and dated correctly. 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. As of today, your facility has an 18 month compliance history of 89%. 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 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 childcare law and rules. Other Information Ms. King stated she recognizes that the classrooms for two year old children have some children with challenging behaviors and developmental issues and makes extra effort to place additional staff in those classrooms when available. Ms. King advised she is in the process of hiring a third person for each classroom for two year old children. During today’s visit, as I was observing the classrooms for two year old children, there were two therapists present working with two separate children. Any child that was experiencing a challenging emotional/behavioral moment, caregivers calm them down by talking to them, soothing them by getting down on his level as they listened and responded to their needs. Caregivers responded to challenging emotional/behavioral moments in a positive and appropriate manner. You can also contact Kimberly Peele, Birth-3 Specialist at Martin-Pitt Partnership for Children, at (252)758-8885 or email at kpeele@mppfc.org. She provides coaching in our county and is available for assistance. Documentation was completed electronically, signed, and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times