Excel Learning Centers #12

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/6/2026 Number Present: 65 Completed Date: 7/6/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-star license, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on your permit include a capacity of 254 children, ages 0-12 for daytime care only, meeting enhanced ratios, enhanced space, and only 3–12-year-old children are approved in building A. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 29,2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on January 8, 2026, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 6, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. As of today, the program’s compliance history is 97%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today, and ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC, was listed as current-active. K. Hilliard, administrator, was present and accompanied me during today’s walk-through and observations. Today 87 children are enrolled and 65 children are present, ranging in age from infant-10 years old. Today all approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Eight indoor spaces are currently open and caring for children. Spaces 1, 5, 8 and 9 are currently closed. In space 2, children were participating in free play with activities including but not limited to making bracelets, playing with magnetic tile blocks, and dancing. In space 3, children were participating in playing with playdoh, making music, and playing in housekeeping. In space 4, children were playing in a sensory table, building with blocks, and building a fort. In space 6, children were transitioning from outside. Children washed hands before going to the carpet to participate in group time. The teachers sang songs, talked about colors, and the calendar. In space 7, children were coloring with markers and colored pencils, playing with magnetic tile blocks, and building in the block center. In space 10, children were singing “going on a bear hunt” and playing with baby dolls. In space 11, children were playing with table top toys including but not limited to playdoh, Legos, and Mr. Potato Head. In space 12, infants were exploring their space by crawling and walking. A variety of toys were out and available for the children to play. Sleep checks were monitored and found in compliance. No children were currently napping. The caregivers were interacting with and meeting the developmental needs of each of the children. Staff/child ratios were in compliance, and all children were adequately supervised. Proper handwashing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. For lunch, chicken parmesan, peaches, green beans and milk were served. All 13 staff files and a selection of veteran staff files were reviewed today and found in compliance. 9 of the children’s files were reviewed today and found in compliance. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On outdoor space used for school-age children, the bottom of the fence by the parking lot has started to roll at the bottom exposing sharp edges accessible to children. The outdoor space used for preschool-age children, has three holes that have sharp edges accessible to children. The sandbox on the playground for preschool-age children has a sandbox closest to the road that has started to splinter. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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 space 10 and 11, trashcan liners/ trash bags were not tied up and were accessible to children. .0604(q) 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 violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 20, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant PO Box 161 Hampstead, NC 28443 heather.elliott@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. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance 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. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today the playground used for school-age children and preschool-aged children had areas of the fence that had sharp edges exposed to and accessible to the children. On the playground used for preschool aged children, one of the wooden sandboxes had a sharp edge that had begun to splinter. I suggested sanding the rough edges on the sandbox and check often to the other wooden structures on your playground to ensure that they have no splintering accessible to children. For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. This includes the plastic trashcan liners/trash bags. Today I suggested ensuring that all trashcan liners/ trash bags are tied up to ensure that the plastic bags are inaccessible to children. For the latest information on child care 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 summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions, please contact me, Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant at 910-364-8728/ heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470/ kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/6/2026 Number Present: 65 Completed Date: 7/6/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-star license, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on your permit include a capacity of 254 children, ages 0-12 for daytime care only, meeting enhanced ratios, enhanced space, and only 3–12-year-old children are approved in building A. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 29,2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on January 8, 2026, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 6, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. As of today, the program’s compliance history is 97%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today, and ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC, was listed as current-active. K. Hilliard, administrator, was present and accompanied me during today’s walk-through and observations. Today 87 children are enrolled and 65 children are present, ranging in age from infant-10 years old. Today all approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Eight indoor spaces are currently open and caring for children. Spaces 1, 5, 8 and 9 are currently closed. In space 2, children were participating in free play with activities including but not limited to making bracelets, playing with magnetic tile blocks, and dancing. In space 3, children were participating in playing with playdoh, making music, and playing in housekeeping. In space 4, children were playing in a sensory table, building with blocks, and building a fort. In space 6, children were transitioning from outside. Children washed hands before going to the carpet to participate in group time. The teachers sang songs, talked about colors, and the calendar. In space 7, children were coloring with markers and colored pencils, playing with magnetic tile blocks, and building in the block center. In space 10, children were singing “going on a bear hunt” and playing with baby dolls. In space 11, children were playing with table top toys including but not limited to playdoh, Legos, and Mr. Potato Head. In space 12, infants were exploring their space by crawling and walking. A variety of toys were out and available for the children to play. Sleep checks were monitored and found in compliance. No children were currently napping. The caregivers were interacting with and meeting the developmental needs of each of the children. Staff/child ratios were in compliance, and all children were adequately supervised. Proper handwashing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. For lunch, chicken parmesan, peaches, green beans and milk were served. All 13 staff files and a selection of veteran staff files were reviewed today and found in compliance. 9 of the children’s files were reviewed today and found in compliance. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On outdoor space used for school-age children, the bottom of the fence by the parking lot has started to roll at the bottom exposing sharp edges accessible to children. The outdoor space used for preschool-age children, has three holes that have sharp edges accessible to children. The sandbox on the playground for preschool-age children has a sandbox closest to the road that has started to splinter. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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 space 10 and 11, trashcan liners/ trash bags were not tied up and were accessible to children. .0604(q) 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 violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 20, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant PO Box 161 Hampstead, NC 28443 heather.elliott@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. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance 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. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today the playground used for school-age children and preschool-aged children had areas of the fence that had sharp edges exposed to and accessible to the children. On the playground used for preschool aged children, one of the wooden sandboxes had a sharp edge that had begun to splinter. I suggested sanding the rough edges on the sandbox and check often to the other wooden structures on your playground to ensure that they have no splintering accessible to children. For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. This includes the plastic trashcan liners/trash bags. Today I suggested ensuring that all trashcan liners/ trash bags are tied up to ensure that the plastic bags are inaccessible to children. For the latest information on child care 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 summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions, please contact me, Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant at 910-364-8728/ heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470/ kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/6/2026 Number Present: 65 Completed Date: 7/6/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 360 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-star license, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on your permit include a capacity of 254 children, ages 0-12 for daytime care only, meeting enhanced ratios, enhanced space, and only 3–12-year-old children are approved in building A. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 29,2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on January 8, 2026, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 6, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. As of today, the program’s compliance history is 97%. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today, and ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC, was listed as current-active. K. Hilliard, administrator, was present and accompanied me during today’s walk-through and observations. Today 87 children are enrolled and 65 children are present, ranging in age from infant-10 years old. Today all approved indoor and outdoor spaces were observed. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions and personal care routines. Eight indoor spaces are currently open and caring for children. Spaces 1, 5, 8 and 9 are currently closed. In space 2, children were participating in free play with activities including but not limited to making bracelets, playing with magnetic tile blocks, and dancing. In space 3, children were participating in playing with playdoh, making music, and playing in housekeeping. In space 4, children were playing in a sensory table, building with blocks, and building a fort. In space 6, children were transitioning from outside. Children washed hands before going to the carpet to participate in group time. The teachers sang songs, talked about colors, and the calendar. In space 7, children were coloring with markers and colored pencils, playing with magnetic tile blocks, and building in the block center. In space 10, children were singing “going on a bear hunt” and playing with baby dolls. In space 11, children were playing with table top toys including but not limited to playdoh, Legos, and Mr. Potato Head. In space 12, infants were exploring their space by crawling and walking. A variety of toys were out and available for the children to play. Sleep checks were monitored and found in compliance. No children were currently napping. The caregivers were interacting with and meeting the developmental needs of each of the children. Staff/child ratios were in compliance, and all children were adequately supervised. Proper handwashing techniques and diaper changing procedures were observed. For lunch, chicken parmesan, peaches, green beans and milk were served. All 13 staff files and a selection of veteran staff files were reviewed today and found in compliance. 9 of the children’s files were reviewed today and found in compliance. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On outdoor space used for school-age children, the bottom of the fence by the parking lot has started to roll at the bottom exposing sharp edges accessible to children. The outdoor space used for preschool-age children, has three holes that have sharp edges accessible to children. The sandbox on the playground for preschool-age children has a sandbox closest to the road that has started to splinter. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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 space 10 and 11, trashcan liners/ trash bags were not tied up and were accessible to children. .0604(q) 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 violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 20, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant PO Box 161 Hampstead, NC 28443 heather.elliott@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. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance 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. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today the playground used for school-age children and preschool-aged children had areas of the fence that had sharp edges exposed to and accessible to the children. On the playground used for preschool aged children, one of the wooden sandboxes had a sharp edge that had begun to splinter. I suggested sanding the rough edges on the sandbox and check often to the other wooden structures on your playground to ensure that they have no splintering accessible to children. For the safety of the children, ensure any plastic bags used for storage are kept inaccessible to children under the age of three years old by keeping them at a minimum height of five feet off the floor. This includes the plastic trashcan liners/trash bags. Today I suggested ensuring that all trashcan liners/ trash bags are tied up to ensure that the plastic bags are inaccessible to children. For the latest information on child care 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 summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions, please contact me, Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant at 910-364-8728/ heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470/ kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. 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 #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/28/2026 Number Present: 131 Completed Date: 1/28/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 295 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 01:50 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. Kim Sherry, Licensing Supervisor, assisted with today's visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-star license, issued February 20, 2025. Restrictions on your permit include a capacity of 254, age ranging from 0-12, 1st shift only, meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and only 3-12 years old children approved in building A. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Your last sanitation inspection was on January 8, 2026, with a Superior classification with 4 demerits. Your last fire inspection was on November 6, 2025, and approved for daytime care. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 17, 2025. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 93% as of January 27, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and ELA Kidsnet holdings, LLC was listed as current/active. Kerry Hillard, administrator, was present and available for consultation. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. There were168 children enrolled and 131 children present, ages ranging from 0-12 years of age. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time, exploring their space with soft toys, and diapering routines. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. One-year-old children were transitioning from an art activity to singing songs with a staff member. The two-year-old children were transitioning from morning snack to free play. The children were observed playing in the block center and dramatic play center. The classrooms for three-year-old children were observed dancing and following the directions to the songs, participating in center play including but not limited to building with blocks, drawing with crayons, playing with dolls, and playing with magnetic connecting blocks. One NC Pre-K room was participating in outdoor play where the children were running, playing in the sandbox, and exploring the climbing structure. The other NC Pre-K rooms were playing in centers including but not limited to playing with dolls, building with blocks, playing dress up and playing with different types of manipulatives. Files for new staff members were reviewed today and found in compliance. ***NC Pre-K Requirements were monitored today. The program follows Onslow County School calendar, the length of day meets requirements, and all staff meet education requirements. Creative Curriculum has been implemented. The staff use Teaching Strategies GOLD as their on-going assessment tool. Portfolios are maintained and available for review. All required screenings were completed at the beginning of the year using the Ages and Stages assessment tool. The NC Pre-K Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The contractor for NC Pre-K has reviewed the program requirements on January 12, 2026. A selection of children’s files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. During today’s visit child care requirements were monitored for compliance including supervision, staff/child ratios, CPR and First Aid, Criminal Background Checks, storage of hazardous materials, storage of medications, approved space, and other applicable requirements. The following violation was observed and documented during today’s visit. This violation was corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 space 6B, a plastic bag was located in the trash can assessable to 2-year-old children. .0604(q) 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 one violation observed today was corrected during the visit. No compliance letter is needed. Technical Assistance: A violation was documented related to safety- In classroom space 6B, a plastic bag was located in the trash can and assessable to two-year-old children. This was corrected during the visit by removing the trash bag and trash can from the classroom. Plastic bags may not be accessible to children under 3. Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard and kill dozens of children yearly mostly infants. Ensure all plastic bags are in locked storage or above 5 feet. This includes plastic bags used to store medications, extra clothes, and diapers. Classroom materials which should be available to toddlers: Dramatic play - 2 or more toys of each of the following types of pretend play materials – dress-up clothes; child-sized house furniture; dolls; doll furnishings; eating equipment (dishes, pots and pans, and spoons); play foods; soft animals; small play buildings with accessories; and play telephones. There must be duplicates of each type of toy. For this age group larger plates and pots and pans are more appropriate, as one- and two-year-olds are in the dump and fill stage of development. If they do not have containers to dump and fill, everything ends up on the floor. Consider obtaining some regular sized melamine plates (yard sales), and some of smaller sized real pots and pans for the play kitchenette. Plastic margarine tubs with lids, clear plastic food storage items, empty cereal and food boxes, cookie tins, and unbreakable canisters are other items to add to the dramatic play area that allow children to dump and fill and foster more in-depth creative play, while at the same time developing fine motor and problem-solving skills. They also learn about conservation of volume and have opportunities to explore cause and effect as they dump and fill. Blocks - at least 2 sets of 10 soft geometric shapes (blocks) for stacking (3 sets for 7 points), with at least 5 accessory materials from each of the following categories (transportation toys, people and animals), totaling at least 15 toys. For toddlers and twos, at least 2 books for each enrolled child must be accessible. Toddlers and younger two-year-olds are still in the sensory-motor stage of development and learn about books and stories by being able to touch the pictures and interact with the pages while sitting next to or being cuddled by the adult reader, so avoid whole group reading with this age group; instead, read to them in small groups of 3-4 children or individually. There must be at least 22 fine motor toys for a group of 12 toddlers; for this age group, fat crayons and paper for scribbling would also be considered a fine motor material. The quantity of musical materials required for toddlers and young twos is the same as for infants, with one additional toy for each child enrolled over 10 children. Use larger picture labels or outlines of objects on shelves in classrooms for toddlers and twos, so children can easily distinguish what toys goes where. Place a photo on the outside of play refrigerators showing children what goes inside. For toddlers under age two, an art activity must be offered at least 3 times a week, and daily for two-year-olds. If a group of toddlers also includes two-year-olds, art must be offered daily. Classrooms with both one- and two-year-olds must meet both the safety requirements related to choking hazards and the interest area requirements for preschoolers, which requires sufficient materials in each interest area to allow three children to use the same or different materials. This means at least some of the art materials must be accessible to children. At a minimum, make paper, large crayons and items that stick (like three rolls of masking tape or sections of contact paper) accessible, or put out some paint daubers or play dough so children can engage in at least three different art activities. Art for toddlers and twos should focus SOLELY on process (scribbling to fast and slow music, or with different drawing materials; finger-painting or printing with different objects, exploring all of the ways a hand can be used to paint with; folding and dipping paper into various color of colored water to see what happens, squeezing glue onto paper so they see what happens when it’s tipped, or when paper scraps are placed on top; exploring what they can do with tape; and squishing and pounding playdough. Product-oriented art activities like handprints or collage Christmas trees should be totally avoided for children under age three. This also means avoiding having children paint with green paint on paper plates to make wreathes. For two-year-olds, sand or water play must be offered daily. Infants, toddlers and younger two-year-olds are still in the sensory-motor stage of development and learn about books and stories by being able to touch the pictures and interact with the pages while sitting next to or being cuddled by the adult reader. Instead of reading to toddlers and twos as a whole group, try breaking the children into two smaller groups for stories; each child will be able to get closer to the book, and have more opportunities to talk with the teacher about the story. It will also reduce child conflicts which arise from overcrowding and trying to see pages of the book. Reading to children on an informal, individual basis or to small groups of 2 to 4 children during free choice time will also maximize learning. Books can also be shared when children settle down to rest, while waiting at the table for meals, and during outside time. Display: Each room for infants and toddlers should include photos of things that are meaningful to young children, including pictures of children in the group, their families, pets or other familiar faces. For infants, add visually interesting black and white patterns to stimulate brain development. Most pictures, including child artwork, must be covered with contact paper, vinyl sheet protectors or Plexiglas so they are protected from being torn. Make sure the photos are large in size so children can see them wherever they are positioned. At least 3 mobiles should be displayed in all ITERS eligible classrooms. Hanging plants (if placed on wall brackets), banners and sound mobiles are options. The mobiles must be located in areas where all children can see. This means the mobiles cannot be placed above shelves or cribs. It is a good idea to hang one of the mobiles above the diapering station. Other mobiles can be made from everyday materials. For instance, a mobile of block area materials (1 or 2 blocks, small vehicle and an animal) can be hung over the block area. Outdoor Areas: Continue to ensure that all broken materials and equipment are removed from the outdoor spaces. Continue to ensure that all wooden 4X4 posts are routinely sanded to prevent splintering. To help ensure each interest area is accessible for a substantial portion of the day, recreate all interest areas outside. Some suggestions: -Consider adding a painted chalkboard area to the outdoor play area; Make fence easels from Plexiglas, hang them with s-hooks, add some clips for attaching paper, a container for paint brushes, and a paint tray. Be sure to drill holes in the paint tray for drainage. -Create an outdoor reading area with cozy seating (blankets or benches) baskets of books, an alphabet fishing game, and some washable puppets. -Designate an area of the playground for block play and add some plastic blocks, animals and larger vehicles to the area. Cardboard boxes can also be used on a short-term basis as blocks. To further enhance children’s cognitive development, add additional science items to the outdoor play area, such as some large wind chimes, a sundial, binoculars and magnifying glasses. You might also want to install a Plexiglas window in your raised garden bed so children can observe root systems and worms. You can also add collections of shells, pieces of wood, rocks and leaves; they can serve as play food outside and can be kept in clear plastic containers with screw on lids. Just ensure the shells and rocks are large enough that they are not choking hazards for the toddlers and twos. In your outdoor music area, galvanized metal tubs turned upside down make great drums. Additional noisemakers can be created by filling plastic soda bottles with various items (hot glue the lids). Adding colored ribbons or plastic streamers to the music area would encourage interpretive movement. Try painting some nature scenes (trees, flowers, birds, nests, butterflies, sky, clouds, animals) on the cement block wall and add the beginning letter to each of the items to provide children with a meaningful literacy activity. Logs of varying heights from 4 - 17 inches can be spaced in a linear or curving pattern to provide children with balancing opportunities. Adding some in-ground textured steppingstones in low lying areas (with etchings that can be used for crayon rubbings) would provide children with an additional sensory experience and encouraging hopping and balancing. Examples of portable equipment include Nerf balls, riding toys, romper stompers, jump ropes, bean bags, hula hoops, parachutes, low balance beams, paddle balls, hopscotch, twister, or bowling and ring toss games. Center play on rainy days does not count as a gross motor activity. QRIS- The facility’s three-year reassessment is due in 2026. The facility will be assessed using the new QRIS system, also known as Pathways to the Stars, located in Section .3200 of the Child Care Rules. Today we discussed pathway 1, Program Assessment, pathway 2, Classroom and Instructional Quality and pathway 3, Accreditation and Head Start. Pathway 3 – Accreditation and Head Start is not applicable for your facility at this time. At this time, you are planning to apply for a 2-5 star rated license via pathway 1- Program Assessment. Your facility will choose to meet either enhanced ratios or enhanced space requirements. >The facility will need to complete the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): A CQI plan will be completed for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan includes the following: Identification of goal(s), Necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s). Document the reason for the goal(s), Annual review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s). ERS: All administrators and lead teachers shall complete a structured self-study using the applicable environment rating scale. Once the self-studies have been completed you may request an environment rating scale assessment. Education: All staff need to ensure that current education information has been submitted to WORKS and they have requested an appropriate evaluation for their position. Staff education can only be verified through WORKS status letters. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. The facility will need to complete and submit the Staff Information and Education Worksheet to me. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) For the latest information on child care 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, the visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov / 910-364-8728 or my supervisor Kim Sherry, kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov / 910-824-0470 if you have any 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 .0605 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/29/2025 Number Present: 92 Completed Date: 7/29/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:45 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. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 254 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 31, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed April 10, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 5, 2024. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and minus one in each group. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93) percent as of July 28, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on July 28, 2025, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Administrator, Kerry Hilliard, and Assistant Administrator, Gabrielle Fuller, were present and available for consultation. Ms. Fuller assisted with the licensing paperwork while Ms. Hilliard accompanied Ms. Johnson as she conducted the observations, indoors and outdoors. There were nine (9) classrooms operating today, with ninety-two (92) children aged zero (0) to ten (10) years old. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in four out of five classrooms. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted and safe sleep charts are being maintained. Three infants were observed on the floor exploring their environment as one caregiver sat on the floor interacting with the children. One infant was asleep in a crib, one infant was in tummy time, and one infant was being fed a bottle. Toddlers and young preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities which included puppets, cars, large Legos, fingerplay songs, books, and indoor gross motor dancing. Routine diaper changing and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Older preschool children were engaged in a variety of activities which included puzzles, coloring with markers, baby dolls, cooking, sand play, small gears, animals, and group picture flash cards. School aged children were participating in activities such as small Legos, space puzzles, building with wooden blocks, magnetic shapes, and magnifying glasses. All children were adequately supervised, and staff/child ratios were being maintained. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. Water was available in all classrooms. Lunch today consisted of chicken with gravy, green beans, cranberry sauce, and milk. 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 thirty taff 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. The following violation was observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the mulch on the NC Pre-K playground under the large climbing structure was not nine (9) inches. There were weeds growing in the mulch/surfacing area. .0605(k)(1-4) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before August 12, 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 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). As we discussed today, mulch need to be added and tilled in outdoor space #1. Fall Zones with weeds - Fall zones should be weeded regularly and loose parts including pine cones, gumballs and sticks should be collected daily to ensure fall zones are kept free of hazards. For the safety of the children, you must ensure weeds and debris are removed and sand/mulch is tilled or added to the appropriate depth to avoid potential injuries to children. I also urged you again to create a regular weed removal and tilling schedule for the sand. 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 April 27, 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. Hilliard stated she 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. 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). 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, 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 #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1224-238L Visit Date: 1/10/2025 Number Present: 111 Completed Date: 1/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:35 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 children are not treated in a nurturing and caring manner, a concern that sanitation guidelines are not being followed, and a concern that children are cared for in an unsafe environment. The program currently operates with a Five-star license, issued February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 254 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 89% percent as of January 9, 2025. You, Ms. Kerry Hillard, administrator was present during today’s visit. Today, there were 11 classrooms operating and 111 children present ranging in age from infants to 5 years old. A walk-through and observations of the facility was completed. Staff were engaged with children in play and/or daily routines. Infants were either lying in a bouncy seat, sitting in the cozy area, sitting in an exersaucer, being, and/or exploring around classroom. The other groups were engaged in indoor free play activities such as coloring on construction paper, building with blocks, making art collages, connecting different types of manipulatives and many other age appropriate activities. Lunch served consisted roasted chicken, spinach, apple slices/apple sauce, and milk. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you and eight additional staff members. All Findings: Allegation #1: There is a concern that children are not treated in a nurturing and caring manner. You stated that is not true. You are in classrooms every day, observing, modeling for staff. You conduct random observations inside and outside classrooms. You shared the observation report forms that you have recently completed. If staff get frustrated, they call for a break; administration will go and relieve the staff for a breather. As new staff are hired, they are placed in multiple classrooms for training so they can observe a variety of classroom management strategies and interactions. You added, the children at the center love their teachers and are excited to see them when parents drop off. Multiple staff members interviewed confirmed a staff member that was previously employed at the facility handled children roughly. They provided detail on how they observed the staff member grab children by the arm, pull them, spin them around, and pull across play shelves. When children are transitioned from free play to clean up routine, the staff member would get upset if children did not clean up as requested. It was reported this staff member’s last day of employment was January 3, 2025. I conducted a walk through and observations. Staff interacted with children in appropriate manner. Staff were engaged in appropriate conversations, played with them, supervised and provided individualized attention when needed. Infants and toddlers were fed/diapered and comforted when needed. All children were appropriately disciplined. I did not observe any children being handled roughly. Based on the reporter’s information, your information, staff members information, and my investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Based on the information received during this complaint investigation, this a discipline violation related to rough handling, which was cited today. Allegation #2: There is a concern that sanitation guidelines are not being followed. You stated the infant classroom is clean. You stated staff clean all spaces, toys and materials. At the end of the day, the closing teacher cleans the room, sweeps, mops, and vacuums. All staff reported the classroom used by infants is clean and sanitary. After every feeding, the highchairs are cleaned and floors are swept. Staff move highchairs and clean around and, on the wall, behind. If toys are mouthed, they are placed in a mouthed toys bin and are washed and sanitized at least weekly if not more. Carpet is vacuumed, floors are mopped, windows are washed, door handles are cleaned, etc. at the end of each day. A walk through was conducted in the classroom for infants. As I entered the classroom, staff were sweeping the floor and cleaning the highchairs which were used for breakfast. I lifted the cribs mattresses and diaper changing mat, looked in the bouncy seats, on and around the exersaucer, and all other areas. I didn’t not observe any food and crumbs in these area. Based on the reporter’s information, your information, staff members information, and my investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Allegation #3: There is a concern that children are cared for in an unsafe environment. You reported the center is safe. You conduct random observations to ensure the classroom spaces are safe. You open and check all cabinets routinely. You check for broken toys, no tripping hazards with the rugs, and the overall classroom to ensure everything is safe. Staff reported the center is safe. They did not share any concerns. A walk through was conducted throughout the facility, and not safety concerns were observed. Based on the reporter’s information, your information, staff members information, and my investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 904 Child was handled roughly. It was confirmed that one staff member, that was previously employed, handled children roughly. The staff member grabbed children by the arm, pulled them or spun them around, and pulled them across classroom shelves. .1803(a)(1) A violation was documented during the complaint investigation. On or before January 22, 2025, 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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to rough handling. Rule .1803 - Child was handled roughly. It was confirmed that one staff member, that was previously employed, handled children roughly. The staff member grabbed children by the arm, pulled them or spun them around, and pulled them across classroom shelves. This staff member is no longer employed. Her last day of employment was January 3, 2025. No form of corporal punishment or rough handling is ever acceptable. No child may be yelled at, threatened, shamed, humiliated, bullied or subjected to sarcastic remarks or profanity. Discipline in no way shall ever be related to food, rest, toileting or physical activity. Shortening outside time and having children return inside when they have conflicts with gross motor toys is a prohibited disciplinary action. Encourage you to have an open door policy where staff feel comfortable reporting or discussing inappropriate behaviors they observe. Continue to ensure staff clean and sanitize to precent the spread of germs. All toy surfaces need to be cleaned daily. Try to select toys that are easy to clean. Children naturally put toys in their mouths. After they’ve been mouthed and the child is finished with it, put these toys aside. Have an extra supply of toys to substitute for them. All toys should be cleaned and sanitized daily by hand or in the dishwasher; they can be air-dried. During this daily cleaning routine, double check for broken toys and toys with loose parts. Avoid using stuffed toys if they cannot be machine-washed and dried. Cloth toys should be used by only one child at a time. When a child has finished with a cloth toy, put the toy in a container, to be washed and dried later that day. Continue to ensure all materials and areas are safe. Examine all new toys for durability, size and age appropriateness. Think about choking hazards and the age of the children who will use them. Remember, not all toys are equally durable; some hold up much better than others. You need to regularly check the condition of your toys for signs of wear and tear. Discard anything with sharp edges, splinters, cracks and other dangers. Soft toys with rips should be mended or thrown away so children won’t pull out bits of stuffing and possibly choke on them. Make sure that all toy materials are nontoxic and lead free. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed and reviewed with the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry 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

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1224-256L Visit Date: 1/2/2025 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 1/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:45 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 allegation is as follows: There is a concern that a staff member did not interact in a nurturing and caring manner in front of children in care. This licensed facility includes two separate buildings. NC-Pre-k and school agers are cared for in building #1 and infants through preschoolers are cared for in building #2. During the investigation, I entered building #1, as this alleged incident occurred in this building. Today there were 58 children present. You, Ms. Hillard, administrator, arrived and accompanied me on the walk through and observations. Today, there were 6 classrooms operating and 58 children present ranging in age from infants to 10 years old . NC Pre-k and Three School is closed this week for the holidays. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you and the assistant director, Ms Fuller. The staff member involved in the investigation is not longer employed. You stated you expected this visit. Findings: Allegation #1: There are concerns that children are not cared for in a nurturing/caring manner. You explained there was an incident that occurred in the child care center’s administrative office between a staff member and a parent of a school-age child. On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, a teacher for the school-age group requested assistance from administration, as an 8-year-old child was being disrespectful and not following instructions. Ms. Fuller went into the classroom and asked the child to put away her items. The child did not respond to Ms. Fuller’s request; therefore, she left the classroom to contact the child’s parent. As Ms. Fuller walked out of the classroom, the child’s parent arrived. Ms. Fuller explained she needed to discuss her child’s disrespect and inappropriate classrooms behaviors. The child saw her parent and came into hallway. As Ms. Fuller was talking with the parent, the parent became upset and was directed to the office. The teacher for this school-age child was relieved for the day; therefore, he came through the office into a back room to turn in his bus key. As he left the back room, he slammed the door. The child’s parent looked at the teacher and asked, what happened”, the teacher looked at the parent, and then the parent stated, “what”, and the teacher looked at the parent and stated, “what”. The two individuals were chest to chest yelling at each other, in front of the child. The child was very upset, as she was sitting on the floor against the wall crying. Ms. Fuller positioned herself between the two individuals to stop the behaviors. Ms. Fuller told the teacher to leave the premises. As the teacher was walking out, the parent continued to yell at the teacher. The parent stated, “I would punch him if I didn’t have so much to lose”. Another staff member went to building #2 to get you. You explained you walked into the office when the parent and Ms. Fuller were discussing what happened. You told the parent; an investigation would be conducted. You contacted the district manger to inform her of the incident. The teacher was put on a Leave of Absence until an investigation could be conducted. On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the teacher was terminated based on Policy Company violations. The child returned on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, but was disenrolled on December 19, 2024. I conducted a walk through and observations throughout the facility. Children were engaged in free play activities. One group of school-agers was engaged in outdoor free play and dancing and the other group was coloring Squishmallows, looking at language cards, building with blocks or playing in housekeeping. One group of preschoolers were running around and playing outdoors. The other group was looking at books, putting together puzzles, or engaged in art activities. The toddlers were sitting at the table preparing for an art activity using paint dots and paper. In the classroom for infants, one was being held to bottle feed, one was sitting in an exersaucer and the other two were on floor engaged in exploratory play. Based on today’s observations, children were being cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. Children were engaged in age-appropriate activities and routines and staff were supervising and engaged in play. Staff members addressed children in an appropriate tone and sat with children at the table as they were completing art activities. Infants were cared for on an individual basis as one infant was being held to bottle feed. Based on today’s investigation, staff member’s information, and the reporter’s information, this allegation is Substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On December 17, 2024, a teacher responded to an angry parent by yelling and physically getting chest-to-chest in front of an 8-year old child. G.S. 110-91(10) A violation was documented during the complaint investigation. On or before January 12, 2025, 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 complaint, 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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to nurture, care and treatment in GS 110-91(10)- Children must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On December 17, 2024, a teacher responded to an angry parent by yelling and physically getting chest-to-chest in front of an 8-year old child. Each child should be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. This should occur at all times when children are in care. Discuss with staff members it's important for the teacher to remain calm and composed, avoiding getting upset or retaliating in kind; prioritize maintaining a professional demeanor and focus on resolving the issue constructively. You stated you plan to review the policies related to professionalism, harassment, and retaliation. 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 #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1224-256L Visit Date: 1/2/2025 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 1/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:45 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 allegation is as follows: There is a concern that a staff member did not interact in a nurturing and caring manner in front of children in care. This licensed facility includes two separate buildings. NC-Pre-k and school agers are cared for in building #1 and infants through preschoolers are cared for in building #2. During the investigation, I entered building #1, as this alleged incident occurred in this building. Today there were 58 children present. You, Ms. Hillard, administrator, arrived and accompanied me on the walk through and observations. Today, there were 6 classrooms operating and 58 children present ranging in age from infants to 10 years old . NC Pre-k and Three School is closed this week for the holidays. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you and the assistant director, Ms Fuller. The staff member involved in the investigation is not longer employed. You stated you expected this visit. Findings: Allegation #1: There are concerns that children are not cared for in a nurturing/caring manner. You explained there was an incident that occurred in the child care center’s administrative office between a staff member and a parent of a school-age child. On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, a teacher for the school-age group requested assistance from administration, as an 8-year-old child was being disrespectful and not following instructions. Ms. Fuller went into the classroom and asked the child to put away her items. The child did not respond to Ms. Fuller’s request; therefore, she left the classroom to contact the child’s parent. As Ms. Fuller walked out of the classroom, the child’s parent arrived. Ms. Fuller explained she needed to discuss her child’s disrespect and inappropriate classrooms behaviors. The child saw her parent and came into hallway. As Ms. Fuller was talking with the parent, the parent became upset and was directed to the office. The teacher for this school-age child was relieved for the day; therefore, he came through the office into a back room to turn in his bus key. As he left the back room, he slammed the door. The child’s parent looked at the teacher and asked, what happened”, the teacher looked at the parent, and then the parent stated, “what”, and the teacher looked at the parent and stated, “what”. The two individuals were chest to chest yelling at each other, in front of the child. The child was very upset, as she was sitting on the floor against the wall crying. Ms. Fuller positioned herself between the two individuals to stop the behaviors. Ms. Fuller told the teacher to leave the premises. As the teacher was walking out, the parent continued to yell at the teacher. The parent stated, “I would punch him if I didn’t have so much to lose”. Another staff member went to building #2 to get you. You explained you walked into the office when the parent and Ms. Fuller were discussing what happened. You told the parent; an investigation would be conducted. You contacted the district manger to inform her of the incident. The teacher was put on a Leave of Absence until an investigation could be conducted. On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the teacher was terminated based on Policy Company violations. The child returned on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, but was disenrolled on December 19, 2024. I conducted a walk through and observations throughout the facility. Children were engaged in free play activities. One group of school-agers was engaged in outdoor free play and dancing and the other group was coloring Squishmallows, looking at language cards, building with blocks or playing in housekeeping. One group of preschoolers were running around and playing outdoors. The other group was looking at books, putting together puzzles, or engaged in art activities. The toddlers were sitting at the table preparing for an art activity using paint dots and paper. In the classroom for infants, one was being held to bottle feed, one was sitting in an exersaucer and the other two were on floor engaged in exploratory play. Based on today’s observations, children were being cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. Children were engaged in age-appropriate activities and routines and staff were supervising and engaged in play. Staff members addressed children in an appropriate tone and sat with children at the table as they were completing art activities. Infants were cared for on an individual basis as one infant was being held to bottle feed. Based on today’s investigation, staff member’s information, and the reporter’s information, this allegation is Substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On December 17, 2024, a teacher responded to an angry parent by yelling and physically getting chest-to-chest in front of an 8-year old child. G.S. 110-91(10) A violation was documented during the complaint investigation. On or before January 12, 2025, 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 complaint, 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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to nurture, care and treatment in GS 110-91(10)- Children must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On December 17, 2024, a teacher responded to an angry parent by yelling and physically getting chest-to-chest in front of an 8-year old child. Each child should be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. This should occur at all times when children are in care. Discuss with staff members it's important for the teacher to remain calm and composed, avoiding getting upset or retaliating in kind; prioritize maintaining a professional demeanor and focus on resolving the issue constructively. You stated you plan to review the policies related to professionalism, harassment, and retaliation. 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 #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1224-256L Visit Date: 1/2/2025 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 1/2/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:45 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 allegation is as follows: There is a concern that a staff member did not interact in a nurturing and caring manner in front of children in care. This licensed facility includes two separate buildings. NC-Pre-k and school agers are cared for in building #1 and infants through preschoolers are cared for in building #2. During the investigation, I entered building #1, as this alleged incident occurred in this building. Today there were 58 children present. You, Ms. Hillard, administrator, arrived and accompanied me on the walk through and observations. Today, there were 6 classrooms operating and 58 children present ranging in age from infants to 10 years old . NC Pre-k and Three School is closed this week for the holidays. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you and the assistant director, Ms Fuller. The staff member involved in the investigation is not longer employed. You stated you expected this visit. Findings: Allegation #1: There are concerns that children are not cared for in a nurturing/caring manner. You explained there was an incident that occurred in the child care center’s administrative office between a staff member and a parent of a school-age child. On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, a teacher for the school-age group requested assistance from administration, as an 8-year-old child was being disrespectful and not following instructions. Ms. Fuller went into the classroom and asked the child to put away her items. The child did not respond to Ms. Fuller’s request; therefore, she left the classroom to contact the child’s parent. As Ms. Fuller walked out of the classroom, the child’s parent arrived. Ms. Fuller explained she needed to discuss her child’s disrespect and inappropriate classrooms behaviors. The child saw her parent and came into hallway. As Ms. Fuller was talking with the parent, the parent became upset and was directed to the office. The teacher for this school-age child was relieved for the day; therefore, he came through the office into a back room to turn in his bus key. As he left the back room, he slammed the door. The child’s parent looked at the teacher and asked, what happened”, the teacher looked at the parent, and then the parent stated, “what”, and the teacher looked at the parent and stated, “what”. The two individuals were chest to chest yelling at each other, in front of the child. The child was very upset, as she was sitting on the floor against the wall crying. Ms. Fuller positioned herself between the two individuals to stop the behaviors. Ms. Fuller told the teacher to leave the premises. As the teacher was walking out, the parent continued to yell at the teacher. The parent stated, “I would punch him if I didn’t have so much to lose”. Another staff member went to building #2 to get you. You explained you walked into the office when the parent and Ms. Fuller were discussing what happened. You told the parent; an investigation would be conducted. You contacted the district manger to inform her of the incident. The teacher was put on a Leave of Absence until an investigation could be conducted. On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the teacher was terminated based on Policy Company violations. The child returned on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, but was disenrolled on December 19, 2024. I conducted a walk through and observations throughout the facility. Children were engaged in free play activities. One group of school-agers was engaged in outdoor free play and dancing and the other group was coloring Squishmallows, looking at language cards, building with blocks or playing in housekeeping. One group of preschoolers were running around and playing outdoors. The other group was looking at books, putting together puzzles, or engaged in art activities. The toddlers were sitting at the table preparing for an art activity using paint dots and paper. In the classroom for infants, one was being held to bottle feed, one was sitting in an exersaucer and the other two were on floor engaged in exploratory play. Based on today’s observations, children were being cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. Children were engaged in age-appropriate activities and routines and staff were supervising and engaged in play. Staff members addressed children in an appropriate tone and sat with children at the table as they were completing art activities. Infants were cared for on an individual basis as one infant was being held to bottle feed. Based on today’s investigation, staff member’s information, and the reporter’s information, this allegation is Substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On December 17, 2024, a teacher responded to an angry parent by yelling and physically getting chest-to-chest in front of an 8-year old child. G.S. 110-91(10) A violation was documented during the complaint investigation. On or before January 12, 2025, 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 complaint, 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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to nurture, care and treatment in GS 110-91(10)- Children must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. On December 17, 2024, a teacher responded to an angry parent by yelling and physically getting chest-to-chest in front of an 8-year old child. Each child should be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. This should occur at all times when children are in care. Discuss with staff members it's important for the teacher to remain calm and composed, avoiding getting upset or retaliating in kind; prioritize maintaining a professional demeanor and focus on resolving the issue constructively. You stated you plan to review the policies related to professionalism, harassment, and retaliation. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/31/2024 Number Present: 85 Completed Date: 7/31/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 10:05 AM Time Out: 01:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Limited monitoring occurred. Your program currently operates with a Five star license, issued February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 254 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The sanitation inspection was completed on June 10, 2024 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 14, 2023 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 88% percent as of July 30, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on July 31, 2024 and Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. was listed as current- active. Andrea Johnson, child care consultant assisted with today's visit. Kerri Hillard, director assisted with the licensing paperwork while Gabby Fuller, assistant director conducted the observations with Ms. Johnson. There were nine classroom operating. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Infants and toddlers in spaces #9 and #12 received care based on their individual needs. Routine care included diapering, feeding, napping, and being held. Four infants were engaged in floor play exploring the classroom. Toddlers were observed in the outdoor space throwing balls, running, crawling, and riding toddler toys. Younger preschool children in space #11 were seated at tables for art. The art activity listed on the current lesson plan was handprint dolphin tails; however, the children were coloring the letter “O” on a dido sheets. Older preschool children in spaces #3, #6, #7, and #8 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included legos, building with cardboard brick blocks, stacking colored magnetic shapes, creating constellations with marshmallows and sticks, and coloring with markers. During transitions to the outdoor space, children were dancing and singing and fingerplay songs. Outdoor free play activities included running, climbing, sliding, riding tricycles and catching bubbles. During today’s visit, children in spaces #1 and #2 returned to the facility from a fieldtrip. Lunch consisted of chicken nuggets, carrots, tropical fruit, and milk. Food service, diaper changing, toileting, handwashing, transportation logs, and permission slips were monitored, and requirements were met. NC Pre-k is closed today and will begin September 3, 2024. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are thirty-three staff members employed at this facility. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. There are two new staff that have not completed CPR and First Aid but you are tracking the dates to ensure the trainings are completed within 90 of hire date. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing were all completed on May 1, 2024. Violation Number Comment Rule 488 For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices. In indoor space #6B, there was an insufficient quantity of art supplies available for the children to use during the day that would allow for a range of choices. .0510(e)(3) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In indoor space #6B, a container of Desitin diaper cream, provided by the facility, had an expiration date of May 2024. This diaper cream was being administered to children in the classroom. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In indoor space #6B, permission slip to administer diaper cream had an expired authorization date of July 1, 2024. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Violations were documented during the visit. Mail or email a compliance letter to me no later than August 9, 2024, verifying correction of the violations and sharing any other relevant information. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: There were two violations documented related to medications. An expired diaper cream Space #6B dated May 2024, and one expired permission form dated July 1, 2024. Once diaper cream forms are completed, you should frequently check that the expiration date on the topical ointment permission form and the expiration date on the medication are not expired. Setting a reminder on your calendar for staff to check medications and permission slips weekly will help prevent having expired medication/permission slips. For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices. In indoor space #6B, there was an insufficient quantity of art supplies available for the children to use during the day that would allow for a range of choices. For children ages TWO and older, art materials must be accessible for use on a daily basis and children must be allowed to use them in their own way. Be sure to add some playdough and playdough tools to the art area for toddlers and twos. Also, place the crayons and chalk in see through containers. Avoid pattern-oriented activities altogether for toddlers and twos. All child artwork for toddlers and twos should focus on process, not product. This means avoiding having children paint with yellow and black paint to make something specific. Instead, focus on process activities like coloring to fast and slow music, finger-painting or painting with different objects, letting children fold and dip paper into various color of colored water to see what happens, squeezing glue onto paper so they see what happens when its tipped, or when paper scraps are placed on top, or what they can do with tape or play dough. Avoid ditto worksheets. Ensure the preschool art area contains at least 3-5 different art materials from all 5 of the following art material categories: drawing materials (crayons, markers, colored pencils, chalk, pencils, pens, various types of paper to draw and scribble on), collage materials (yarn, glue, pom-poms, flat craft sticks, cotton balls, magazines, feathers and glue sticks), paint materials (at least 2 types of paint, easel paper, and variety of brushes), tools (scissors stencils, rulers, staplers [4's],hole punches, tapes dispenser with tape, tools to use with play dough), and three-dimensional materials (wood scraps, small boxes, toilet paper tubes, pipe cleaners, play dough, pipe cleaners, thread spools, aluminum foil, modeling clay). Other types of paint include water color paint (biggie paint cakes are excellent), finger-paint, non-toxic stencil paints, and colored water in eye dropper or spray bottles. Keep all paint materials (brushes, easel paper, paint aprons and paint at the art easels, and organize and label other art materials on a separate shelf by type (drawing items in one section of shelving, paper in another, items that stick things together in a third section, collage items in a fourth-, and three-dimensional items and accompanying tools in a fifth section. Labels for collage items can be the actual collage material taped to the front of each collage bin. To encourage more creativity in art, in addition to various colors of construction paper, add other types of paper, such as cardboard (including corrugated cardboard), tissue paper, brown paper bags, tracing paper, wrapping paper (used is fine), and even paper napkins. Separate construction paper on the art shelf by color and shade, then the color words (in the correct color) to shelves to provide children with an additional meaningful opportunity to learn color words. In addition to bottles of glue or glue sticks, adding school paste, masking or scotch tape, hole punches and yarn would enhance the creative problem solving opportunities for children. Yarn and masking tape are also useful tools for creating three-dimensional art. Limit planned pattern-oriented art activities for preschoolers. During planned activities, teachers should refrain from giving children specific directions, such as requiring them to glue inside the line, or only use the materials set out on the table for the activity. Ensure all child artwork is individualized and shows a lot of variation from child to child. Technical Assistance: As discussed during a recent meeting, activity plans are detailed plans which outline activities that will encourage children’s growth and development. The activities outlined on the activity plan will typically occur during the “Activity Center” times indicated on the daily schedule. They must be posted for easy reference by caregivers and parents. 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. As we discussed today, staff members should follow the activities on the lesson plan. This will ensure meaningful and appropriate activities are implemented for helping children develop cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills. On-going training is available on the DCDEE website. Training and professional development, in the field of early child care, provides opportunities for learning. Training enhances knowledge, skills, and abilities, so you are fully equipped to best support the needs of the children and families served. You complete your training requirements after the last visit and the information was updated on the Verification Form for Operators. Rated License- 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 encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes 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. 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and emailed to the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/31/2024 Number Present: 85 Completed Date: 7/31/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 10:05 AM Time Out: 01:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Limited monitoring occurred. Your program currently operates with a Five star license, issued February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 254 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The sanitation inspection was completed on June 10, 2024 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 14, 2023 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 88% percent as of July 30, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on July 31, 2024 and Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. was listed as current- active. Andrea Johnson, child care consultant assisted with today's visit. Kerri Hillard, director assisted with the licensing paperwork while Gabby Fuller, assistant director conducted the observations with Ms. Johnson. There were nine classroom operating. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Infants and toddlers in spaces #9 and #12 received care based on their individual needs. Routine care included diapering, feeding, napping, and being held. Four infants were engaged in floor play exploring the classroom. Toddlers were observed in the outdoor space throwing balls, running, crawling, and riding toddler toys. Younger preschool children in space #11 were seated at tables for art. The art activity listed on the current lesson plan was handprint dolphin tails; however, the children were coloring the letter “O” on a dido sheets. Older preschool children in spaces #3, #6, #7, and #8 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included legos, building with cardboard brick blocks, stacking colored magnetic shapes, creating constellations with marshmallows and sticks, and coloring with markers. During transitions to the outdoor space, children were dancing and singing and fingerplay songs. Outdoor free play activities included running, climbing, sliding, riding tricycles and catching bubbles. During today’s visit, children in spaces #1 and #2 returned to the facility from a fieldtrip. Lunch consisted of chicken nuggets, carrots, tropical fruit, and milk. Food service, diaper changing, toileting, handwashing, transportation logs, and permission slips were monitored, and requirements were met. NC Pre-k is closed today and will begin September 3, 2024. Staff and Training Worksheets- There are thirty-three staff members employed at this facility. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. There are two new staff that have not completed CPR and First Aid but you are tracking the dates to ensure the trainings are completed within 90 of hire date. Required Water, Lead Paint, and Asbestos Testing were all completed on May 1, 2024. Violation Number Comment Rule 488 For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices. In indoor space #6B, there was an insufficient quantity of art supplies available for the children to use during the day that would allow for a range of choices. .0510(e)(3) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In indoor space #6B, a container of Desitin diaper cream, provided by the facility, had an expiration date of May 2024. This diaper cream was being administered to children in the classroom. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In indoor space #6B, permission slip to administer diaper cream had an expired authorization date of July 1, 2024. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Violations were documented during the visit. Mail or email a compliance letter to me no later than August 9, 2024, verifying correction of the violations and sharing any other relevant information. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: There were two violations documented related to medications. An expired diaper cream Space #6B dated May 2024, and one expired permission form dated July 1, 2024. Once diaper cream forms are completed, you should frequently check that the expiration date on the topical ointment permission form and the expiration date on the medication are not expired. Setting a reminder on your calendar for staff to check medications and permission slips weekly will help prevent having expired medication/permission slips. For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices. In indoor space #6B, there was an insufficient quantity of art supplies available for the children to use during the day that would allow for a range of choices. For children ages TWO and older, art materials must be accessible for use on a daily basis and children must be allowed to use them in their own way. Be sure to add some playdough and playdough tools to the art area for toddlers and twos. Also, place the crayons and chalk in see through containers. Avoid pattern-oriented activities altogether for toddlers and twos. All child artwork for toddlers and twos should focus on process, not product. This means avoiding having children paint with yellow and black paint to make something specific. Instead, focus on process activities like coloring to fast and slow music, finger-painting or painting with different objects, letting children fold and dip paper into various color of colored water to see what happens, squeezing glue onto paper so they see what happens when its tipped, or when paper scraps are placed on top, or what they can do with tape or play dough. Avoid ditto worksheets. Ensure the preschool art area contains at least 3-5 different art materials from all 5 of the following art material categories: drawing materials (crayons, markers, colored pencils, chalk, pencils, pens, various types of paper to draw and scribble on), collage materials (yarn, glue, pom-poms, flat craft sticks, cotton balls, magazines, feathers and glue sticks), paint materials (at least 2 types of paint, easel paper, and variety of brushes), tools (scissors stencils, rulers, staplers [4's],hole punches, tapes dispenser with tape, tools to use with play dough), and three-dimensional materials (wood scraps, small boxes, toilet paper tubes, pipe cleaners, play dough, pipe cleaners, thread spools, aluminum foil, modeling clay). Other types of paint include water color paint (biggie paint cakes are excellent), finger-paint, non-toxic stencil paints, and colored water in eye dropper or spray bottles. Keep all paint materials (brushes, easel paper, paint aprons and paint at the art easels, and organize and label other art materials on a separate shelf by type (drawing items in one section of shelving, paper in another, items that stick things together in a third section, collage items in a fourth-, and three-dimensional items and accompanying tools in a fifth section. Labels for collage items can be the actual collage material taped to the front of each collage bin. To encourage more creativity in art, in addition to various colors of construction paper, add other types of paper, such as cardboard (including corrugated cardboard), tissue paper, brown paper bags, tracing paper, wrapping paper (used is fine), and even paper napkins. Separate construction paper on the art shelf by color and shade, then the color words (in the correct color) to shelves to provide children with an additional meaningful opportunity to learn color words. In addition to bottles of glue or glue sticks, adding school paste, masking or scotch tape, hole punches and yarn would enhance the creative problem solving opportunities for children. Yarn and masking tape are also useful tools for creating three-dimensional art. Limit planned pattern-oriented art activities for preschoolers. During planned activities, teachers should refrain from giving children specific directions, such as requiring them to glue inside the line, or only use the materials set out on the table for the activity. Ensure all child artwork is individualized and shows a lot of variation from child to child. Technical Assistance: As discussed during a recent meeting, activity plans are detailed plans which outline activities that will encourage children’s growth and development. The activities outlined on the activity plan will typically occur during the “Activity Center” times indicated on the daily schedule. They must be posted for easy reference by caregivers and parents. 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. As we discussed today, staff members should follow the activities on the lesson plan. This will ensure meaningful and appropriate activities are implemented for helping children develop cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills. On-going training is available on the DCDEE website. Training and professional development, in the field of early child care, provides opportunities for learning. Training enhances knowledge, skills, and abilities, so you are fully equipped to best support the needs of the children and families served. You complete your training requirements after the last visit and the information was updated on the Verification Form for Operators. Rated License- 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 encouraged you to review information about the new standards as it becomes 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. 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and emailed to the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/14/2024 Number Present: 113 Completed Date: 5/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:20 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 monitoring occurred. Your program currently operates with a Five star license, issued February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 254 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The sanitation inspection was completed on December 7, 2023 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 14, 2023 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 86% percent as of August 1, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 8, 2023 and Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. was listed as current- active. Kerri Hillard, Director, was present and available during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all areas were observed and monitored. There were ten classrooms operating today. One classroom, space #5B was closed today. There were 197 children enrolled with 113 children present, ranging in age from 0–5-year-olds. I observed the children in the indoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Infants and toddlers received care based on their individual needs. Infants were observed being held to feed, one was sitting in a highchair drinking a bottle, one was napping, or engaged in free play. Safe sleep checks were monitored and in compliance. Toddler free play activities included coloring with markers, cardboard blocks, large Legos, and play animals. Preschool children in spaces were observed participating in free choice/center activities including magnetic blocks, playdough, handprint painting, fishing games, drawing markers, gears, dramatic play dress up, cooking, and group time. Most classroom activities have involved plants and insects. All classrooms have been recently painted and most of the floors of the floor have been stripped and rewaxed. Lunch served included beef tacos, beans, pineapple, and milk. NC Pre-K- There are three classrooms spaces that are utilized for NC Pre-K program. There are fifty-seven children enrolled and 45 were present today. The attendance is staggered due to parking challenges; although, all three classrooms meet the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, A&S Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold are their ongoing assessments. Family engagements activities included Ready Rosie, plantings, shared meals, pumpkin decorating, etc. Staff create and send monthly newsletters to parents. A sample of NC Pre-K children’s files were reviewed. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were reviewed for a sample of NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. One child’s medical did not indicate a hearing screening. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2023-2024 was monitored on-site by Courtney Wandishin, Pre-K Director on November 20, 2023. Classrooms materials/learning centers must meet all applicable requirements/number of required materials for each center. Encourage staff to inventory their materials to ensure they are meeting the minimum requirements. Overall, inventory your outside and inside materials. Encourage you to include gross motor materials to ensure they promote a variety of gross motor activities, including throwing, hitting, catching, pulling, balancing, pedaling, digging, pouring, stacking, climbing, rolling, sliding, jumping, and running. Non-stationary gross motor materials that promote some of these skills include wagons, hula hoops, badminton sets, bowling pins, jump ropes, romper stompers, bouncy balls, plastic bats, plastic bats and balls, plastic golf sets, large plastic blocks or cardboard boxes, low balance beams, plastic pipe sets, and sand and water toys. Outside toys appropriate for toddlers include: buckets for dumping and filling, large plastic spoons for grasping, tunnels, balls, boxes, textured cans for rolling and stacking, blocks. push/pull toys, wheeled toys, a balance board, brooms, plastic shovels, rakes and hoes, rocky boat with steps on the other side, a sand box (with cover), water tub for supervised play, small benches and a low climber. Violation Number Comment Rule 1768 The health assessment did not include a hearing screening. One NC Pre-k child's file did not include a hearing screening. .3005 (a)(4) 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. A violation was documented and must be corrected immediately. On or before May 24, 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: One violation was documented related to Child Health Assessment - NC Pre-K requirements in child care rule .3005. One child enrolled in NC Pre-K did not have a hearing screen complete. 1) A health assessment shall be on file at the NC Pre-K site within 30 days after a child enters the NC Pre-K program and the assessment may be no more than 12 months old at the time of program entry. The health assessment shall include the following: (1) physical examination; (2) updated immunizations; (3) vision screening; (4) hearing screening; and (5) dental screening. Rules- North Carolina Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Some of these rule changes may impact your facility. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and you view information in the DCDEE Moodle. Additional Information: Water Test- It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Steps: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-leadbased-paint-reimbursementprogram-arpa. 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

10A NCAC 09 .0710 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1223-180L Visit Date: 1/3/2024 Number Present: 110 Completed Date: 1/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: Concerns that children are not cared for in a nurturing/caring manner, concerns that children are being cared for in an unlicensed space so that the staff/child ratio can be maintained concerns that staff don't have the proper staff qualifications, concerns of sanitation/health, concerns that nutritional guidelines are not being followed, concerns that children aren't adequately supervised. Heather Binder, Investigations Consultant, was present and assisted with this investigation. This licensed facility includes two separate buildings. NC-Pre-k and school agers are cared for in building #1 and infants through preschoolers are cared for in building #2. During the investigation, Ms. Binder entered building #1 and I entered building #2 to monitor child care requirements based on the allegations and information received in the complaint report. Today there were 110 children present. Upon arrival in building #1, Gabrielle Fuller, assistant director, was present and greeted Ms. Binder and welcomed her into the center. Ms. Binder explained the purpose of the visit and proceeded to conduct the walk through and observations in building #1. There were five classrooms operating. Three of the five groups were engaged in free play activities inside, one group was playing outdoors, and the last group was transitioning from indoors to outdoors for free play. Upon arrival into building #2, Latisha McDonald, staff member for the infants greeted me and welcomed me into the center. Ms. McDonald answered the door as her classroom is located at the entrance of the center and she heard the doorbell ring. There was not anyone in the director’s office and I asked her to notify the administrator I was on the premises. I followed her into the classroom to begin monitoring and conducting observations. In the classroom for infants, there were seven infants with two staff members; Ms. McDonald made the third staff member present. One staff member was standing near three of the infants as they were sitting in highchairs eating, another staff member was holding and feeding an infants while two other infants stood around her. The seventh infant was on the floor exploring. Mattresses were lifted and crib sheets were checked to ensure they were in good condition. There were ten extra crib sheets available if one needs changing. You, Ms. Hillard, administrator, arrived and accompanied me on the walk through and observations. After monitoring the infants, I proceeded to the other six classrooms. Upon entry into the second classroom, space #2b, a staff member appeared frustrated, as she was walking hurriedly with her back to me, following a child toward the exit door to the playground. She grasped the two-year-old child from behind, under the child’s arms, and yanked the child back. She turned around and observed us. standing at the hall entrance door. I immediately addressed the inappropriate interaction with the child. There were five 2-year-olds present; therefore, I asked her to step into the hall to discuss the inappropriate handling of the child. She explained she was frustrated because the child was not listening or cleaning up, as the group was preparing to transition outdoors for gross motor play. Technical assistance was provided regarding transitions and classroom management. I proceeded to the other five classrooms for observations. Children in two of the other classrooms were not engaged in activities, staff reported they were waiting for lunch. According to the schedule, it appeared the children would be waiting for approximately 15 minutes before lunch would be served. You guided them on providing activities while they waited. Staff members in three of the seven classroom reported they did not go out for gross motor play as they felt it was too cold. I verified the temperature in the Weather app on my phone, which indicated a current temperature of 46 degrees. I asked the staff members in these classrooms if they were familiar with the Weather Watch chart and they stated they were. In one of the classrooms, I explained how to use the weather chart as it was posted in the classroom. Another group of the children were outdoors engaged in free play activities while the other two groups were either listening to a teacher read a book or they were playing in centers. Investigation: The allegations were reviewed with you and other staff members, including the kitchen staff, and regional manager. Findings: Allegation #1: There are concerns that children are not cared for in a nurturing/caring manner. Ms. Binder and I conducted a walk through and observations in all twelve classrooms. In classroom space #2b, a staff member appeared frustrated, as she walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. The staff member explained she was frustrated as the child was not listening. The staff member addressed the child multiple times requesting for the child to assist in clean up prior to going outdoors for play. She explained each time she had spoken to the child, he would ignore her and walk the other way. Based on today’s observations, the age of the child, and not caring for the child in a nurturing and care manner, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #2: There are concerns that children are being cared for in an unlicensed space so that the staff/child ratio can be maintained. You along with all other staff members interviewed confirmed children are not cared for in the office space to cover staff child ratios. You explained the center always maintains staff child ratios. Staff understand if they are at ratio and another child arrives, they request the parent to wait while the staff member contacts administration on the center’s walkie talkies. You explained a child may enter the office with a parent; otherwise, children are not allowed in unlicensed spaces. Today, Ms. Binder and I were on the premises for approximately four hours and did not observe children being cared for in any office spaces. Based on the investigation and staff members information, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Allegation #3 There are concerns that staff don't have the proper staff qualifications. You provided me with the latest copy of the Staff and Training worksheets. After review of the Staff and Training worksheets, it was determined three staff members have not received verification from the Workforce Unit on their educational status. I requested these three staff members’ files to review their experience and education verification. Two of the staff members have been employed as a lead teacher less than six months. The three staff: (K Olson) was employed Jul 15, 2023, (V. Morales) was employed on October 6, 2023, and (A. Cook) was employed on October 5, 2022, but began serving as the lead in approximately January 2023. You explained you have requested transcripts from these three staff members. One of the staff members has submitted their education to the Workforce Unit for evaluation. You are waiting for transcripts from the other two staff members. Since one of the staff members has served as a lead teacher for approximately one year without meeting lead teacher requirements, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #4: There are concerns of sanitation/health. You stated you are aware cleaning is needed throughout the centers. Either last week or yesterday, January 2, 2024, all staff were given a Classroom Checklist to complete. You explained, the checklist is broken down by days and monthly of routine chores and/or classroom job responsibilities. Staff that complete the job duty, such as, on Tuesday, staff are to clean walls, light switches, door facings, window frames, etc. are to check/initial beside the task. You explained this checklist holds staff accountable and you will be monitoring the checklist. Several of the staff members shared the checklist with Ms. Binder and me. You also provided me with a copy of the checklist. In the classrooms in building #2, the floors, baseboards, walls, shelves, appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, trash, dirt, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. The black and stainless-steel classroom trash cans appeared dirty as there was a collection of dried food/liquids down the front of the can. The walls and several of the area rugs were dirty. You explained there have been two cases of RSV at the facility. You stated you follow the sick policy and share the information with parents. You explained children are sent home if they have a temperature of 100.4 or higher and they may not return until they have been fever free for a minimum of 24 hours. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #5: There are concerns that nutritional guidelines are not being followed. You stated the center follows nutritional guidelines. Children are being served the food indicated on the menu. If there is a food substitution, it is indicated on the menu. You explained children are not served food out of zip lock bags. You shared the classrooms of NC Pre-k children are served family style and staff members serve the food for all the other groups of children. Kitchen staff members reported they follow nutritional guidelines and serve what is indicated on the menus. The weekly menu was posted throughout the center. I did not observe any substitutions. Today, for lunch, children were observed being served a nutritional meal consisting of chicken nuggets, tropical fruit, diced carrots, wheat bread, and milk. Based on today’s menu, for breakfast, children were served a bagel, diced peaches and milk and for the afternoon snack they were serving applesauce, Cheese-itz and water. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Allegation #6: There are concerns that children aren't adequately supervised. You stated children are visually supervised and you are not aware of any lapses in supervision. You are constantly in and out of the classrooms assisting or observing. You explained staff are assigned tasks, for example, one staff member will engage children while the other staff member completes tasks such as bathroom routines/handwashing with children. Staff members interviewed could not provide any information when children were not supervised. Today, children were visually supervised. Staff members were observing, engaged in play or located near children ensuring they were supervised. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 410 Each child did not have an opportunity to be outdoors daily, if weather conditions permitted. Per teacher reports, three of the twelve groups of children were not given an opportunity for outdoor gross motor play; however, the current temperature was 46 degrees. GS 110-91(2);.0508(c) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #3b and #5b, a current and relevant lesson was not available. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbant, easily cleanable material. In the seven classroom spaces in building #2, the floors, walls, shelves, baseboards, etc. appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, dirt, trash pieces, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In classroom space #4b, a non-prescription diaper ointment was located in the cubby of the diaper changing table, less than 5' from the floor, and accessible to children in care. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. In classroom space #2b, a staff member walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. G.S. 110-91(10) 1021 Individual responsible for a group of children did not meet the preservice requirements for a lead teacher or teacher. One lead teacher employed since January 2023 is not meeting minimum requirements for the position. 10A NCAC 09 .0710 (a-b) Violations were documented during the complaint investigation. On or before January 14, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware 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 complaint, 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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to nurture, care and treatment in GS 110-91(10)- Children must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. In classroom space #2b, a staff member walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. Discuss with all staff the importance of nurture, care and treatment of children. Each child should be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. Some examples of nurturing behavior are: being fully present in your interactions with children (verbally and non-verbally), validating their feelings, providing physical affection and comfort when sought, laughing and playing games, providing safe mental, physical and social challenges that promote healthy growth and development. It is important for teachers to form close, personal relationships with children, interact with them in ways that show respect for children, and help toddlers learn to manage their own behavior. Teachers can form these relationships by providing the two-year-olds with individualized attention, have reasonable expectations for this age group, and provide a warm, supportive environment that encourages children to safely explore. It is important to offer choices throughout the day and give children time to explore. Remind your staff they have to be consistent with schedules and routines. Children need daily opportunity for gross motor play. Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spent more time in nature exploration had improved learning outcomes. More positive in behavior. Research shows that when children spent time in natural settings, they had less anger and aggression. It is important to speak in simple sentences with two to four words and use two-step instructions like “pick up the toys and put them in the bin. A violation was documented related to lead teacher education in child care rule .0703(c)- Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. (d) If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual shall submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties. Two violation were documented related to caregiving activities in child care rule .0508.- Per teacher reports, three of the twelve groups of children were not given an opportunity for outdoor gross motor play; however, the current temperature was 46 degrees. Ensure staff are familiar with the Child Care Weather Watch chart daily. Encourage you to review the chart with all staff during an upcoming staff meeting. You may want to remind parents to dress children warm as outdoor gross motor is required, as weather permits. A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #3b and #5b, a current and relevant activity lesson was not available. Activity Plans must be dated, current, relevant, and posted where they are easily visible. They should include daily activities that meet the five developmental goals in the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Today, two plans indicated dates from December 2023, one had the December date crossed through; although, the activities included were Christmas related. Encourage you to collect plans on Thursday prior to the next week’s implementation, which provides you with an opportunity to review, provide feedback, and be available for the next week. *The 4 weeks previous plans should be available for review. A violation was documented related to sanitation in child care rule.2824- In building #2, the classroom floors, walls, shelves, baseboards, etc. appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, dirt, trash pieces, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. Keeping the child care environment clean is one of the best ways to help ensure that children stay healthy. Dirty toys, bedding, linens, eating utensils, and surfaces can carry and spread germs. Regular disinfecting, cleaning, etc. should be a part of the routine in a child care setting. Additional Information related to the care of 2 year-olds- Caring for a room full of two-year-olds can be a challenge. Although each child is different, toddlers at this age are accumulating a vocabulary, getting ready to read, learning to potty train, and developing their logic and reasoning skills. Physically, two-year-olds are making use of their developing motor skills to explore their environment, and socially they are often eager to play and interact with other children. On the other hand, two-year-olds are generally inclined to throw tantrums, as we saw today, when frustrated with their caregivers or other children, making this age group demanding on the staff. Encourage staff to develop classroom rules. Every child needs and thrives with boundaries. With the two-year-olds, you will need to remind them of the classroom rules every day, every hour, every minute. Repetition is the key! Also, provide opportunities for the two-year-olds to be independent. Toddlers and twos can put toys away, put their shoes by the door, and other instructions. Give children time to do simple tasks on his own. Children at this age can do many things older children can—it just takes a little more time. It’s worth it to make them feel capable and independent. Also remember to provide plenty of time to transition from one activity to another; toddlers and twos can’t immediately switch gears like adults can. Offer your child choices. Also, encourage staff to have assigned roles. One caregiver will be engaged with the children in an activity as another caregiver may be completing handwashing routines or working with an unhappy child. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and emailed to the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry 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

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1223-180L Visit Date: 1/3/2024 Number Present: 110 Completed Date: 1/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: Concerns that children are not cared for in a nurturing/caring manner, concerns that children are being cared for in an unlicensed space so that the staff/child ratio can be maintained concerns that staff don't have the proper staff qualifications, concerns of sanitation/health, concerns that nutritional guidelines are not being followed, concerns that children aren't adequately supervised. Heather Binder, Investigations Consultant, was present and assisted with this investigation. This licensed facility includes two separate buildings. NC-Pre-k and school agers are cared for in building #1 and infants through preschoolers are cared for in building #2. During the investigation, Ms. Binder entered building #1 and I entered building #2 to monitor child care requirements based on the allegations and information received in the complaint report. Today there were 110 children present. Upon arrival in building #1, Gabrielle Fuller, assistant director, was present and greeted Ms. Binder and welcomed her into the center. Ms. Binder explained the purpose of the visit and proceeded to conduct the walk through and observations in building #1. There were five classrooms operating. Three of the five groups were engaged in free play activities inside, one group was playing outdoors, and the last group was transitioning from indoors to outdoors for free play. Upon arrival into building #2, Latisha McDonald, staff member for the infants greeted me and welcomed me into the center. Ms. McDonald answered the door as her classroom is located at the entrance of the center and she heard the doorbell ring. There was not anyone in the director’s office and I asked her to notify the administrator I was on the premises. I followed her into the classroom to begin monitoring and conducting observations. In the classroom for infants, there were seven infants with two staff members; Ms. McDonald made the third staff member present. One staff member was standing near three of the infants as they were sitting in highchairs eating, another staff member was holding and feeding an infants while two other infants stood around her. The seventh infant was on the floor exploring. Mattresses were lifted and crib sheets were checked to ensure they were in good condition. There were ten extra crib sheets available if one needs changing. You, Ms. Hillard, administrator, arrived and accompanied me on the walk through and observations. After monitoring the infants, I proceeded to the other six classrooms. Upon entry into the second classroom, space #2b, a staff member appeared frustrated, as she was walking hurriedly with her back to me, following a child toward the exit door to the playground. She grasped the two-year-old child from behind, under the child’s arms, and yanked the child back. She turned around and observed us. standing at the hall entrance door. I immediately addressed the inappropriate interaction with the child. There were five 2-year-olds present; therefore, I asked her to step into the hall to discuss the inappropriate handling of the child. She explained she was frustrated because the child was not listening or cleaning up, as the group was preparing to transition outdoors for gross motor play. Technical assistance was provided regarding transitions and classroom management. I proceeded to the other five classrooms for observations. Children in two of the other classrooms were not engaged in activities, staff reported they were waiting for lunch. According to the schedule, it appeared the children would be waiting for approximately 15 minutes before lunch would be served. You guided them on providing activities while they waited. Staff members in three of the seven classroom reported they did not go out for gross motor play as they felt it was too cold. I verified the temperature in the Weather app on my phone, which indicated a current temperature of 46 degrees. I asked the staff members in these classrooms if they were familiar with the Weather Watch chart and they stated they were. In one of the classrooms, I explained how to use the weather chart as it was posted in the classroom. Another group of the children were outdoors engaged in free play activities while the other two groups were either listening to a teacher read a book or they were playing in centers. Investigation: The allegations were reviewed with you and other staff members, including the kitchen staff, and regional manager. Findings: Allegation #1: There are concerns that children are not cared for in a nurturing/caring manner. Ms. Binder and I conducted a walk through and observations in all twelve classrooms. In classroom space #2b, a staff member appeared frustrated, as she walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. The staff member explained she was frustrated as the child was not listening. The staff member addressed the child multiple times requesting for the child to assist in clean up prior to going outdoors for play. She explained each time she had spoken to the child, he would ignore her and walk the other way. Based on today’s observations, the age of the child, and not caring for the child in a nurturing and care manner, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #2: There are concerns that children are being cared for in an unlicensed space so that the staff/child ratio can be maintained. You along with all other staff members interviewed confirmed children are not cared for in the office space to cover staff child ratios. You explained the center always maintains staff child ratios. Staff understand if they are at ratio and another child arrives, they request the parent to wait while the staff member contacts administration on the center’s walkie talkies. You explained a child may enter the office with a parent; otherwise, children are not allowed in unlicensed spaces. Today, Ms. Binder and I were on the premises for approximately four hours and did not observe children being cared for in any office spaces. Based on the investigation and staff members information, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Allegation #3 There are concerns that staff don't have the proper staff qualifications. You provided me with the latest copy of the Staff and Training worksheets. After review of the Staff and Training worksheets, it was determined three staff members have not received verification from the Workforce Unit on their educational status. I requested these three staff members’ files to review their experience and education verification. Two of the staff members have been employed as a lead teacher less than six months. The three staff: (K Olson) was employed Jul 15, 2023, (V. Morales) was employed on October 6, 2023, and (A. Cook) was employed on October 5, 2022, but began serving as the lead in approximately January 2023. You explained you have requested transcripts from these three staff members. One of the staff members has submitted their education to the Workforce Unit for evaluation. You are waiting for transcripts from the other two staff members. Since one of the staff members has served as a lead teacher for approximately one year without meeting lead teacher requirements, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #4: There are concerns of sanitation/health. You stated you are aware cleaning is needed throughout the centers. Either last week or yesterday, January 2, 2024, all staff were given a Classroom Checklist to complete. You explained, the checklist is broken down by days and monthly of routine chores and/or classroom job responsibilities. Staff that complete the job duty, such as, on Tuesday, staff are to clean walls, light switches, door facings, window frames, etc. are to check/initial beside the task. You explained this checklist holds staff accountable and you will be monitoring the checklist. Several of the staff members shared the checklist with Ms. Binder and me. You also provided me with a copy of the checklist. In the classrooms in building #2, the floors, baseboards, walls, shelves, appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, trash, dirt, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. The black and stainless-steel classroom trash cans appeared dirty as there was a collection of dried food/liquids down the front of the can. The walls and several of the area rugs were dirty. You explained there have been two cases of RSV at the facility. You stated you follow the sick policy and share the information with parents. You explained children are sent home if they have a temperature of 100.4 or higher and they may not return until they have been fever free for a minimum of 24 hours. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #5: There are concerns that nutritional guidelines are not being followed. You stated the center follows nutritional guidelines. Children are being served the food indicated on the menu. If there is a food substitution, it is indicated on the menu. You explained children are not served food out of zip lock bags. You shared the classrooms of NC Pre-k children are served family style and staff members serve the food for all the other groups of children. Kitchen staff members reported they follow nutritional guidelines and serve what is indicated on the menus. The weekly menu was posted throughout the center. I did not observe any substitutions. Today, for lunch, children were observed being served a nutritional meal consisting of chicken nuggets, tropical fruit, diced carrots, wheat bread, and milk. Based on today’s menu, for breakfast, children were served a bagel, diced peaches and milk and for the afternoon snack they were serving applesauce, Cheese-itz and water. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Allegation #6: There are concerns that children aren't adequately supervised. You stated children are visually supervised and you are not aware of any lapses in supervision. You are constantly in and out of the classrooms assisting or observing. You explained staff are assigned tasks, for example, one staff member will engage children while the other staff member completes tasks such as bathroom routines/handwashing with children. Staff members interviewed could not provide any information when children were not supervised. Today, children were visually supervised. Staff members were observing, engaged in play or located near children ensuring they were supervised. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 410 Each child did not have an opportunity to be outdoors daily, if weather conditions permitted. Per teacher reports, three of the twelve groups of children were not given an opportunity for outdoor gross motor play; however, the current temperature was 46 degrees. GS 110-91(2);.0508(c) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #3b and #5b, a current and relevant lesson was not available. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbant, easily cleanable material. In the seven classroom spaces in building #2, the floors, walls, shelves, baseboards, etc. appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, dirt, trash pieces, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In classroom space #4b, a non-prescription diaper ointment was located in the cubby of the diaper changing table, less than 5' from the floor, and accessible to children in care. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. In classroom space #2b, a staff member walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. G.S. 110-91(10) 1021 Individual responsible for a group of children did not meet the preservice requirements for a lead teacher or teacher. One lead teacher employed since January 2023 is not meeting minimum requirements for the position. 10A NCAC 09 .0710 (a-b) Violations were documented during the complaint investigation. On or before January 14, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware 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 complaint, 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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to nurture, care and treatment in GS 110-91(10)- Children must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. In classroom space #2b, a staff member walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. Discuss with all staff the importance of nurture, care and treatment of children. Each child should be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. Some examples of nurturing behavior are: being fully present in your interactions with children (verbally and non-verbally), validating their feelings, providing physical affection and comfort when sought, laughing and playing games, providing safe mental, physical and social challenges that promote healthy growth and development. It is important for teachers to form close, personal relationships with children, interact with them in ways that show respect for children, and help toddlers learn to manage their own behavior. Teachers can form these relationships by providing the two-year-olds with individualized attention, have reasonable expectations for this age group, and provide a warm, supportive environment that encourages children to safely explore. It is important to offer choices throughout the day and give children time to explore. Remind your staff they have to be consistent with schedules and routines. Children need daily opportunity for gross motor play. Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spent more time in nature exploration had improved learning outcomes. More positive in behavior. Research shows that when children spent time in natural settings, they had less anger and aggression. It is important to speak in simple sentences with two to four words and use two-step instructions like “pick up the toys and put them in the bin. A violation was documented related to lead teacher education in child care rule .0703(c)- Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. (d) If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual shall submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties. Two violation were documented related to caregiving activities in child care rule .0508.- Per teacher reports, three of the twelve groups of children were not given an opportunity for outdoor gross motor play; however, the current temperature was 46 degrees. Ensure staff are familiar with the Child Care Weather Watch chart daily. Encourage you to review the chart with all staff during an upcoming staff meeting. You may want to remind parents to dress children warm as outdoor gross motor is required, as weather permits. A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #3b and #5b, a current and relevant activity lesson was not available. Activity Plans must be dated, current, relevant, and posted where they are easily visible. They should include daily activities that meet the five developmental goals in the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Today, two plans indicated dates from December 2023, one had the December date crossed through; although, the activities included were Christmas related. Encourage you to collect plans on Thursday prior to the next week’s implementation, which provides you with an opportunity to review, provide feedback, and be available for the next week. *The 4 weeks previous plans should be available for review. A violation was documented related to sanitation in child care rule.2824- In building #2, the classroom floors, walls, shelves, baseboards, etc. appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, dirt, trash pieces, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. Keeping the child care environment clean is one of the best ways to help ensure that children stay healthy. Dirty toys, bedding, linens, eating utensils, and surfaces can carry and spread germs. Regular disinfecting, cleaning, etc. should be a part of the routine in a child care setting. Additional Information related to the care of 2 year-olds- Caring for a room full of two-year-olds can be a challenge. Although each child is different, toddlers at this age are accumulating a vocabulary, getting ready to read, learning to potty train, and developing their logic and reasoning skills. Physically, two-year-olds are making use of their developing motor skills to explore their environment, and socially they are often eager to play and interact with other children. On the other hand, two-year-olds are generally inclined to throw tantrums, as we saw today, when frustrated with their caregivers or other children, making this age group demanding on the staff. Encourage staff to develop classroom rules. Every child needs and thrives with boundaries. With the two-year-olds, you will need to remind them of the classroom rules every day, every hour, every minute. Repetition is the key! Also, provide opportunities for the two-year-olds to be independent. Toddlers and twos can put toys away, put their shoes by the door, and other instructions. Give children time to do simple tasks on his own. Children at this age can do many things older children can—it just takes a little more time. It’s worth it to make them feel capable and independent. Also remember to provide plenty of time to transition from one activity to another; toddlers and twos can’t immediately switch gears like adults can. Offer your child choices. Also, encourage staff to have assigned roles. One caregiver will be engaged with the children in an activity as another caregiver may be completing handwashing routines or working with an unhappy child. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and emailed to the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1223-180L Visit Date: 1/3/2024 Number Present: 110 Completed Date: 1/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: Concerns that children are not cared for in a nurturing/caring manner, concerns that children are being cared for in an unlicensed space so that the staff/child ratio can be maintained concerns that staff don't have the proper staff qualifications, concerns of sanitation/health, concerns that nutritional guidelines are not being followed, concerns that children aren't adequately supervised. Heather Binder, Investigations Consultant, was present and assisted with this investigation. This licensed facility includes two separate buildings. NC-Pre-k and school agers are cared for in building #1 and infants through preschoolers are cared for in building #2. During the investigation, Ms. Binder entered building #1 and I entered building #2 to monitor child care requirements based on the allegations and information received in the complaint report. Today there were 110 children present. Upon arrival in building #1, Gabrielle Fuller, assistant director, was present and greeted Ms. Binder and welcomed her into the center. Ms. Binder explained the purpose of the visit and proceeded to conduct the walk through and observations in building #1. There were five classrooms operating. Three of the five groups were engaged in free play activities inside, one group was playing outdoors, and the last group was transitioning from indoors to outdoors for free play. Upon arrival into building #2, Latisha McDonald, staff member for the infants greeted me and welcomed me into the center. Ms. McDonald answered the door as her classroom is located at the entrance of the center and she heard the doorbell ring. There was not anyone in the director’s office and I asked her to notify the administrator I was on the premises. I followed her into the classroom to begin monitoring and conducting observations. In the classroom for infants, there were seven infants with two staff members; Ms. McDonald made the third staff member present. One staff member was standing near three of the infants as they were sitting in highchairs eating, another staff member was holding and feeding an infants while two other infants stood around her. The seventh infant was on the floor exploring. Mattresses were lifted and crib sheets were checked to ensure they were in good condition. There were ten extra crib sheets available if one needs changing. You, Ms. Hillard, administrator, arrived and accompanied me on the walk through and observations. After monitoring the infants, I proceeded to the other six classrooms. Upon entry into the second classroom, space #2b, a staff member appeared frustrated, as she was walking hurriedly with her back to me, following a child toward the exit door to the playground. She grasped the two-year-old child from behind, under the child’s arms, and yanked the child back. She turned around and observed us. standing at the hall entrance door. I immediately addressed the inappropriate interaction with the child. There were five 2-year-olds present; therefore, I asked her to step into the hall to discuss the inappropriate handling of the child. She explained she was frustrated because the child was not listening or cleaning up, as the group was preparing to transition outdoors for gross motor play. Technical assistance was provided regarding transitions and classroom management. I proceeded to the other five classrooms for observations. Children in two of the other classrooms were not engaged in activities, staff reported they were waiting for lunch. According to the schedule, it appeared the children would be waiting for approximately 15 minutes before lunch would be served. You guided them on providing activities while they waited. Staff members in three of the seven classroom reported they did not go out for gross motor play as they felt it was too cold. I verified the temperature in the Weather app on my phone, which indicated a current temperature of 46 degrees. I asked the staff members in these classrooms if they were familiar with the Weather Watch chart and they stated they were. In one of the classrooms, I explained how to use the weather chart as it was posted in the classroom. Another group of the children were outdoors engaged in free play activities while the other two groups were either listening to a teacher read a book or they were playing in centers. Investigation: The allegations were reviewed with you and other staff members, including the kitchen staff, and regional manager. Findings: Allegation #1: There are concerns that children are not cared for in a nurturing/caring manner. Ms. Binder and I conducted a walk through and observations in all twelve classrooms. In classroom space #2b, a staff member appeared frustrated, as she walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. The staff member explained she was frustrated as the child was not listening. The staff member addressed the child multiple times requesting for the child to assist in clean up prior to going outdoors for play. She explained each time she had spoken to the child, he would ignore her and walk the other way. Based on today’s observations, the age of the child, and not caring for the child in a nurturing and care manner, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #2: There are concerns that children are being cared for in an unlicensed space so that the staff/child ratio can be maintained. You along with all other staff members interviewed confirmed children are not cared for in the office space to cover staff child ratios. You explained the center always maintains staff child ratios. Staff understand if they are at ratio and another child arrives, they request the parent to wait while the staff member contacts administration on the center’s walkie talkies. You explained a child may enter the office with a parent; otherwise, children are not allowed in unlicensed spaces. Today, Ms. Binder and I were on the premises for approximately four hours and did not observe children being cared for in any office spaces. Based on the investigation and staff members information, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Allegation #3 There are concerns that staff don't have the proper staff qualifications. You provided me with the latest copy of the Staff and Training worksheets. After review of the Staff and Training worksheets, it was determined three staff members have not received verification from the Workforce Unit on their educational status. I requested these three staff members’ files to review their experience and education verification. Two of the staff members have been employed as a lead teacher less than six months. The three staff: (K Olson) was employed Jul 15, 2023, (V. Morales) was employed on October 6, 2023, and (A. Cook) was employed on October 5, 2022, but began serving as the lead in approximately January 2023. You explained you have requested transcripts from these three staff members. One of the staff members has submitted their education to the Workforce Unit for evaluation. You are waiting for transcripts from the other two staff members. Since one of the staff members has served as a lead teacher for approximately one year without meeting lead teacher requirements, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #4: There are concerns of sanitation/health. You stated you are aware cleaning is needed throughout the centers. Either last week or yesterday, January 2, 2024, all staff were given a Classroom Checklist to complete. You explained, the checklist is broken down by days and monthly of routine chores and/or classroom job responsibilities. Staff that complete the job duty, such as, on Tuesday, staff are to clean walls, light switches, door facings, window frames, etc. are to check/initial beside the task. You explained this checklist holds staff accountable and you will be monitoring the checklist. Several of the staff members shared the checklist with Ms. Binder and me. You also provided me with a copy of the checklist. In the classrooms in building #2, the floors, baseboards, walls, shelves, appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, trash, dirt, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. The black and stainless-steel classroom trash cans appeared dirty as there was a collection of dried food/liquids down the front of the can. The walls and several of the area rugs were dirty. You explained there have been two cases of RSV at the facility. You stated you follow the sick policy and share the information with parents. You explained children are sent home if they have a temperature of 100.4 or higher and they may not return until they have been fever free for a minimum of 24 hours. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #5: There are concerns that nutritional guidelines are not being followed. You stated the center follows nutritional guidelines. Children are being served the food indicated on the menu. If there is a food substitution, it is indicated on the menu. You explained children are not served food out of zip lock bags. You shared the classrooms of NC Pre-k children are served family style and staff members serve the food for all the other groups of children. Kitchen staff members reported they follow nutritional guidelines and serve what is indicated on the menus. The weekly menu was posted throughout the center. I did not observe any substitutions. Today, for lunch, children were observed being served a nutritional meal consisting of chicken nuggets, tropical fruit, diced carrots, wheat bread, and milk. Based on today’s menu, for breakfast, children were served a bagel, diced peaches and milk and for the afternoon snack they were serving applesauce, Cheese-itz and water. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Allegation #6: There are concerns that children aren't adequately supervised. You stated children are visually supervised and you are not aware of any lapses in supervision. You are constantly in and out of the classrooms assisting or observing. You explained staff are assigned tasks, for example, one staff member will engage children while the other staff member completes tasks such as bathroom routines/handwashing with children. Staff members interviewed could not provide any information when children were not supervised. Today, children were visually supervised. Staff members were observing, engaged in play or located near children ensuring they were supervised. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 410 Each child did not have an opportunity to be outdoors daily, if weather conditions permitted. Per teacher reports, three of the twelve groups of children were not given an opportunity for outdoor gross motor play; however, the current temperature was 46 degrees. GS 110-91(2);.0508(c) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #3b and #5b, a current and relevant lesson was not available. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbant, easily cleanable material. In the seven classroom spaces in building #2, the floors, walls, shelves, baseboards, etc. appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, dirt, trash pieces, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In classroom space #4b, a non-prescription diaper ointment was located in the cubby of the diaper changing table, less than 5' from the floor, and accessible to children in care. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. In classroom space #2b, a staff member walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. G.S. 110-91(10) 1021 Individual responsible for a group of children did not meet the preservice requirements for a lead teacher or teacher. One lead teacher employed since January 2023 is not meeting minimum requirements for the position. 10A NCAC 09 .0710 (a-b) Violations were documented during the complaint investigation. On or before January 14, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware 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 complaint, 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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to nurture, care and treatment in GS 110-91(10)- Children must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. In classroom space #2b, a staff member walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. Discuss with all staff the importance of nurture, care and treatment of children. Each child should be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. Some examples of nurturing behavior are: being fully present in your interactions with children (verbally and non-verbally), validating their feelings, providing physical affection and comfort when sought, laughing and playing games, providing safe mental, physical and social challenges that promote healthy growth and development. It is important for teachers to form close, personal relationships with children, interact with them in ways that show respect for children, and help toddlers learn to manage their own behavior. Teachers can form these relationships by providing the two-year-olds with individualized attention, have reasonable expectations for this age group, and provide a warm, supportive environment that encourages children to safely explore. It is important to offer choices throughout the day and give children time to explore. Remind your staff they have to be consistent with schedules and routines. Children need daily opportunity for gross motor play. Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spent more time in nature exploration had improved learning outcomes. More positive in behavior. Research shows that when children spent time in natural settings, they had less anger and aggression. It is important to speak in simple sentences with two to four words and use two-step instructions like “pick up the toys and put them in the bin. A violation was documented related to lead teacher education in child care rule .0703(c)- Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. (d) If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual shall submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties. Two violation were documented related to caregiving activities in child care rule .0508.- Per teacher reports, three of the twelve groups of children were not given an opportunity for outdoor gross motor play; however, the current temperature was 46 degrees. Ensure staff are familiar with the Child Care Weather Watch chart daily. Encourage you to review the chart with all staff during an upcoming staff meeting. You may want to remind parents to dress children warm as outdoor gross motor is required, as weather permits. A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #3b and #5b, a current and relevant activity lesson was not available. Activity Plans must be dated, current, relevant, and posted where they are easily visible. They should include daily activities that meet the five developmental goals in the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Today, two plans indicated dates from December 2023, one had the December date crossed through; although, the activities included were Christmas related. Encourage you to collect plans on Thursday prior to the next week’s implementation, which provides you with an opportunity to review, provide feedback, and be available for the next week. *The 4 weeks previous plans should be available for review. A violation was documented related to sanitation in child care rule.2824- In building #2, the classroom floors, walls, shelves, baseboards, etc. appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, dirt, trash pieces, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. Keeping the child care environment clean is one of the best ways to help ensure that children stay healthy. Dirty toys, bedding, linens, eating utensils, and surfaces can carry and spread germs. Regular disinfecting, cleaning, etc. should be a part of the routine in a child care setting. Additional Information related to the care of 2 year-olds- Caring for a room full of two-year-olds can be a challenge. Although each child is different, toddlers at this age are accumulating a vocabulary, getting ready to read, learning to potty train, and developing their logic and reasoning skills. Physically, two-year-olds are making use of their developing motor skills to explore their environment, and socially they are often eager to play and interact with other children. On the other hand, two-year-olds are generally inclined to throw tantrums, as we saw today, when frustrated with their caregivers or other children, making this age group demanding on the staff. Encourage staff to develop classroom rules. Every child needs and thrives with boundaries. With the two-year-olds, you will need to remind them of the classroom rules every day, every hour, every minute. Repetition is the key! Also, provide opportunities for the two-year-olds to be independent. Toddlers and twos can put toys away, put their shoes by the door, and other instructions. Give children time to do simple tasks on his own. Children at this age can do many things older children can—it just takes a little more time. It’s worth it to make them feel capable and independent. Also remember to provide plenty of time to transition from one activity to another; toddlers and twos can’t immediately switch gears like adults can. Offer your child choices. Also, encourage staff to have assigned roles. One caregiver will be engaged with the children in an activity as another caregiver may be completing handwashing routines or working with an unhappy child. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and emailed to the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1223-180L Visit Date: 1/3/2024 Number Present: 110 Completed Date: 1/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegations are as follows: Concerns that children are not cared for in a nurturing/caring manner, concerns that children are being cared for in an unlicensed space so that the staff/child ratio can be maintained concerns that staff don't have the proper staff qualifications, concerns of sanitation/health, concerns that nutritional guidelines are not being followed, concerns that children aren't adequately supervised. Heather Binder, Investigations Consultant, was present and assisted with this investigation. This licensed facility includes two separate buildings. NC-Pre-k and school agers are cared for in building #1 and infants through preschoolers are cared for in building #2. During the investigation, Ms. Binder entered building #1 and I entered building #2 to monitor child care requirements based on the allegations and information received in the complaint report. Today there were 110 children present. Upon arrival in building #1, Gabrielle Fuller, assistant director, was present and greeted Ms. Binder and welcomed her into the center. Ms. Binder explained the purpose of the visit and proceeded to conduct the walk through and observations in building #1. There were five classrooms operating. Three of the five groups were engaged in free play activities inside, one group was playing outdoors, and the last group was transitioning from indoors to outdoors for free play. Upon arrival into building #2, Latisha McDonald, staff member for the infants greeted me and welcomed me into the center. Ms. McDonald answered the door as her classroom is located at the entrance of the center and she heard the doorbell ring. There was not anyone in the director’s office and I asked her to notify the administrator I was on the premises. I followed her into the classroom to begin monitoring and conducting observations. In the classroom for infants, there were seven infants with two staff members; Ms. McDonald made the third staff member present. One staff member was standing near three of the infants as they were sitting in highchairs eating, another staff member was holding and feeding an infants while two other infants stood around her. The seventh infant was on the floor exploring. Mattresses were lifted and crib sheets were checked to ensure they were in good condition. There were ten extra crib sheets available if one needs changing. You, Ms. Hillard, administrator, arrived and accompanied me on the walk through and observations. After monitoring the infants, I proceeded to the other six classrooms. Upon entry into the second classroom, space #2b, a staff member appeared frustrated, as she was walking hurriedly with her back to me, following a child toward the exit door to the playground. She grasped the two-year-old child from behind, under the child’s arms, and yanked the child back. She turned around and observed us. standing at the hall entrance door. I immediately addressed the inappropriate interaction with the child. There were five 2-year-olds present; therefore, I asked her to step into the hall to discuss the inappropriate handling of the child. She explained she was frustrated because the child was not listening or cleaning up, as the group was preparing to transition outdoors for gross motor play. Technical assistance was provided regarding transitions and classroom management. I proceeded to the other five classrooms for observations. Children in two of the other classrooms were not engaged in activities, staff reported they were waiting for lunch. According to the schedule, it appeared the children would be waiting for approximately 15 minutes before lunch would be served. You guided them on providing activities while they waited. Staff members in three of the seven classroom reported they did not go out for gross motor play as they felt it was too cold. I verified the temperature in the Weather app on my phone, which indicated a current temperature of 46 degrees. I asked the staff members in these classrooms if they were familiar with the Weather Watch chart and they stated they were. In one of the classrooms, I explained how to use the weather chart as it was posted in the classroom. Another group of the children were outdoors engaged in free play activities while the other two groups were either listening to a teacher read a book or they were playing in centers. Investigation: The allegations were reviewed with you and other staff members, including the kitchen staff, and regional manager. Findings: Allegation #1: There are concerns that children are not cared for in a nurturing/caring manner. Ms. Binder and I conducted a walk through and observations in all twelve classrooms. In classroom space #2b, a staff member appeared frustrated, as she walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. The staff member explained she was frustrated as the child was not listening. The staff member addressed the child multiple times requesting for the child to assist in clean up prior to going outdoors for play. She explained each time she had spoken to the child, he would ignore her and walk the other way. Based on today’s observations, the age of the child, and not caring for the child in a nurturing and care manner, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #2: There are concerns that children are being cared for in an unlicensed space so that the staff/child ratio can be maintained. You along with all other staff members interviewed confirmed children are not cared for in the office space to cover staff child ratios. You explained the center always maintains staff child ratios. Staff understand if they are at ratio and another child arrives, they request the parent to wait while the staff member contacts administration on the center’s walkie talkies. You explained a child may enter the office with a parent; otherwise, children are not allowed in unlicensed spaces. Today, Ms. Binder and I were on the premises for approximately four hours and did not observe children being cared for in any office spaces. Based on the investigation and staff members information, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Allegation #3 There are concerns that staff don't have the proper staff qualifications. You provided me with the latest copy of the Staff and Training worksheets. After review of the Staff and Training worksheets, it was determined three staff members have not received verification from the Workforce Unit on their educational status. I requested these three staff members’ files to review their experience and education verification. Two of the staff members have been employed as a lead teacher less than six months. The three staff: (K Olson) was employed Jul 15, 2023, (V. Morales) was employed on October 6, 2023, and (A. Cook) was employed on October 5, 2022, but began serving as the lead in approximately January 2023. You explained you have requested transcripts from these three staff members. One of the staff members has submitted their education to the Workforce Unit for evaluation. You are waiting for transcripts from the other two staff members. Since one of the staff members has served as a lead teacher for approximately one year without meeting lead teacher requirements, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #4: There are concerns of sanitation/health. You stated you are aware cleaning is needed throughout the centers. Either last week or yesterday, January 2, 2024, all staff were given a Classroom Checklist to complete. You explained, the checklist is broken down by days and monthly of routine chores and/or classroom job responsibilities. Staff that complete the job duty, such as, on Tuesday, staff are to clean walls, light switches, door facings, window frames, etc. are to check/initial beside the task. You explained this checklist holds staff accountable and you will be monitoring the checklist. Several of the staff members shared the checklist with Ms. Binder and me. You also provided me with a copy of the checklist. In the classrooms in building #2, the floors, baseboards, walls, shelves, appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, trash, dirt, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. The black and stainless-steel classroom trash cans appeared dirty as there was a collection of dried food/liquids down the front of the can. The walls and several of the area rugs were dirty. You explained there have been two cases of RSV at the facility. You stated you follow the sick policy and share the information with parents. You explained children are sent home if they have a temperature of 100.4 or higher and they may not return until they have been fever free for a minimum of 24 hours. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Allegation #5: There are concerns that nutritional guidelines are not being followed. You stated the center follows nutritional guidelines. Children are being served the food indicated on the menu. If there is a food substitution, it is indicated on the menu. You explained children are not served food out of zip lock bags. You shared the classrooms of NC Pre-k children are served family style and staff members serve the food for all the other groups of children. Kitchen staff members reported they follow nutritional guidelines and serve what is indicated on the menus. The weekly menu was posted throughout the center. I did not observe any substitutions. Today, for lunch, children were observed being served a nutritional meal consisting of chicken nuggets, tropical fruit, diced carrots, wheat bread, and milk. Based on today’s menu, for breakfast, children were served a bagel, diced peaches and milk and for the afternoon snack they were serving applesauce, Cheese-itz and water. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Allegation #6: There are concerns that children aren't adequately supervised. You stated children are visually supervised and you are not aware of any lapses in supervision. You are constantly in and out of the classrooms assisting or observing. You explained staff are assigned tasks, for example, one staff member will engage children while the other staff member completes tasks such as bathroom routines/handwashing with children. Staff members interviewed could not provide any information when children were not supervised. Today, children were visually supervised. Staff members were observing, engaged in play or located near children ensuring they were supervised. Based on observations, staff members’ information and this investigation, this allegation is Unsubstantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 410 Each child did not have an opportunity to be outdoors daily, if weather conditions permitted. Per teacher reports, three of the twelve groups of children were not given an opportunity for outdoor gross motor play; however, the current temperature was 46 degrees. GS 110-91(2);.0508(c) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #3b and #5b, a current and relevant lesson was not available. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbant, easily cleanable material. In the seven classroom spaces in building #2, the floors, walls, shelves, baseboards, etc. appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, dirt, trash pieces, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 841 Medications including prescription and non-prescription items were not stored in a locked cabinet or other locked container. In classroom space #4b, a non-prescription diaper ointment was located in the cubby of the diaper changing table, less than 5' from the floor, and accessible to children in care. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. In classroom space #2b, a staff member walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. G.S. 110-91(10) 1021 Individual responsible for a group of children did not meet the preservice requirements for a lead teacher or teacher. One lead teacher employed since January 2023 is not meeting minimum requirements for the position. 10A NCAC 09 .0710 (a-b) Violations were documented during the complaint investigation. On or before January 14, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware 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 complaint, 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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to nurture, care and treatment in GS 110-91(10)- Children must be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. In classroom space #2b, a staff member walked hurriedly behind a 2-year-old child, grasped the child from behind, under the child's arms, and yanked the child back. Discuss with all staff the importance of nurture, care and treatment of children. Each child should be attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, and in keeping with the child’s developmental needs. Some examples of nurturing behavior are: being fully present in your interactions with children (verbally and non-verbally), validating their feelings, providing physical affection and comfort when sought, laughing and playing games, providing safe mental, physical and social challenges that promote healthy growth and development. It is important for teachers to form close, personal relationships with children, interact with them in ways that show respect for children, and help toddlers learn to manage their own behavior. Teachers can form these relationships by providing the two-year-olds with individualized attention, have reasonable expectations for this age group, and provide a warm, supportive environment that encourages children to safely explore. It is important to offer choices throughout the day and give children time to explore. Remind your staff they have to be consistent with schedules and routines. Children need daily opportunity for gross motor play. Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Studies have found that children who spent more time in nature exploration had improved learning outcomes. More positive in behavior. Research shows that when children spent time in natural settings, they had less anger and aggression. It is important to speak in simple sentences with two to four words and use two-step instructions like “pick up the toys and put them in the bin. A violation was documented related to lead teacher education in child care rule .0703(c)- Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (1) a copy of the credential certificate; (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework; (3) a dated copy of the request submitted by the individual to the Division for the assessment of equivalency status; or (4) documentation of enrollment in credential coursework. (d) If the individual does not yet meet the staff qualifications required by G.S. 110-91(8) when assuming lead teacher or administrative duties, the individual shall submit to the Division documentation of completion of the coursework or credential to be considered for equivalency within six months of assuming the duties. Two violation were documented related to caregiving activities in child care rule .0508.- Per teacher reports, three of the twelve groups of children were not given an opportunity for outdoor gross motor play; however, the current temperature was 46 degrees. Ensure staff are familiar with the Child Care Weather Watch chart daily. Encourage you to review the chart with all staff during an upcoming staff meeting. You may want to remind parents to dress children warm as outdoor gross motor is required, as weather permits. A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In classroom spaces #3b and #5b, a current and relevant activity lesson was not available. Activity Plans must be dated, current, relevant, and posted where they are easily visible. They should include daily activities that meet the five developmental goals in the NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Today, two plans indicated dates from December 2023, one had the December date crossed through; although, the activities included were Christmas related. Encourage you to collect plans on Thursday prior to the next week’s implementation, which provides you with an opportunity to review, provide feedback, and be available for the next week. *The 4 weeks previous plans should be available for review. A violation was documented related to sanitation in child care rule.2824- In building #2, the classroom floors, walls, shelves, baseboards, etc. appeared dirty. There was a visible collection of food crumbs, dirt, trash pieces, etc. around the outside edges of the classrooms, around furniture, and overall, throughout the classrooms. Keeping the child care environment clean is one of the best ways to help ensure that children stay healthy. Dirty toys, bedding, linens, eating utensils, and surfaces can carry and spread germs. Regular disinfecting, cleaning, etc. should be a part of the routine in a child care setting. Additional Information related to the care of 2 year-olds- Caring for a room full of two-year-olds can be a challenge. Although each child is different, toddlers at this age are accumulating a vocabulary, getting ready to read, learning to potty train, and developing their logic and reasoning skills. Physically, two-year-olds are making use of their developing motor skills to explore their environment, and socially they are often eager to play and interact with other children. On the other hand, two-year-olds are generally inclined to throw tantrums, as we saw today, when frustrated with their caregivers or other children, making this age group demanding on the staff. Encourage staff to develop classroom rules. Every child needs and thrives with boundaries. With the two-year-olds, you will need to remind them of the classroom rules every day, every hour, every minute. Repetition is the key! Also, provide opportunities for the two-year-olds to be independent. Toddlers and twos can put toys away, put their shoes by the door, and other instructions. Give children time to do simple tasks on his own. Children at this age can do many things older children can—it just takes a little more time. It’s worth it to make them feel capable and independent. Also remember to provide plenty of time to transition from one activity to another; toddlers and twos can’t immediately switch gears like adults can. Offer your child choices. Also, encourage staff to have assigned roles. One caregiver will be engaged with the children in an activity as another caregiver may be completing handwashing routines or working with an unhappy child. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and emailed to the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry 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 .0806 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1123-152L Visit Date: 11/16/2023 Number Present: 106 Completed Date: 11/16/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 11:45 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's clothes were not changed when soiled. Upon arrival, you, Gabrielle Fuller, assistant director was present upon arrival. Later, Kerry Hillard arrived to give her perception of the allegation. The investigation was discussed in the director’s office. There are 130 children enrolled and 107 children are present today. Staff child ratios were not monitored today. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you and two other staff members. Findings: Allegation: There is a concern that a child's clothes were not changed when soiled. You explained there was an incident on November 8, 2023, with a 5-year-old after-school child. The child is picked up by the center bus from Clyde Erwin Elementary at approximately 2:45pm and arrives to the center around 3:30pm. On the day of the incident, you are not sure if the child boarded the bus with wet clothes or if the child wet on the bus ride over from the school to the center. Once the child had arrived at the center, a staff member told you the child was wet. You assumed the staff member was going to change the child’s soiled clothes. When the parent picked up her child around 5:30pm, a classroom staff member told the parent her child had soiled clothes. The classroom staff member told the parent she didn’t change the child because the child did not have extra clothes available at the center. The parent approached you and asked why her child had not been changed. You apologized to the parent, and explained it was under your impression the staff members had changed her child’s clothes. On the following day, you discussed the concern with the classroom staff members. You reminded them children must be changed when they have soiled clothes. If the child did not have clothes available, the center has clothes accessible in the storage office. In addition, you explained in the last month, the child has had several toileting accidents. Since the incident, staff members are reminding the child upon arrival to use the restroom. Today, I verified the child had extra clothes available in the classroom and there were extra clothes available in the office storage room. Based on the reporter’s information, the staff member’s information, and this investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 1860 Staff did not provide assistance to each child to ensure good hygiene. For approximately two hours, a 5-year old school-age child had soiled clothes and was not changed. .0806(e) One violation was documented during the complaint investigation. On or before November 26, 2023, 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 complaint, 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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to toileting and clothing in child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0806. For approximately two hours, a 5-year-old school-age child had soiled clothes and was not changed. Children should be changed when they have soiled clothes. Staff shall provide assistance to each child to ensure good hygiene. Even kindergarten-aged children, these accidents happen, and these incidents are called “accidents” because of the frequency of these episodes among typically developing children. It is important for staff members to recognize that the need to assist young children with toileting is a critical part of their work and that their attitude about the incident and their support of children as they work toward self-regulation of their bodies is a component of teaching young children. Changing a child’s soiled undergarment and clothing is designed to reduce the contamination of surfaces as well as prevent a child from a potential irritation or rash. Recommend you discuss the importance of good hygiene with all staff members. Criminal Record Check Update- Read the updated Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703 that was revised and amended effective October 1, 2023. Changes include, but are not limited to: Requires any applicant who has lived outside of North Carolina in the previous five years to submit an affidavit attesting that the applicant has requested a background check from any state(s) they resided in for preceding 5 years. There’s more! Additional Information: Read the entire rule at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Home/Child-Care-Commission/Rule-Changes Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, the changes will not directly affect your program, however you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and you provided a signed copy to me. 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 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1123-152L Visit Date: 11/16/2023 Number Present: 106 Completed Date: 11/16/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 11:45 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's clothes were not changed when soiled. Upon arrival, you, Gabrielle Fuller, assistant director was present upon arrival. Later, Kerry Hillard arrived to give her perception of the allegation. The investigation was discussed in the director’s office. There are 130 children enrolled and 107 children are present today. Staff child ratios were not monitored today. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you and two other staff members. Findings: Allegation: There is a concern that a child's clothes were not changed when soiled. You explained there was an incident on November 8, 2023, with a 5-year-old after-school child. The child is picked up by the center bus from Clyde Erwin Elementary at approximately 2:45pm and arrives to the center around 3:30pm. On the day of the incident, you are not sure if the child boarded the bus with wet clothes or if the child wet on the bus ride over from the school to the center. Once the child had arrived at the center, a staff member told you the child was wet. You assumed the staff member was going to change the child’s soiled clothes. When the parent picked up her child around 5:30pm, a classroom staff member told the parent her child had soiled clothes. The classroom staff member told the parent she didn’t change the child because the child did not have extra clothes available at the center. The parent approached you and asked why her child had not been changed. You apologized to the parent, and explained it was under your impression the staff members had changed her child’s clothes. On the following day, you discussed the concern with the classroom staff members. You reminded them children must be changed when they have soiled clothes. If the child did not have clothes available, the center has clothes accessible in the storage office. In addition, you explained in the last month, the child has had several toileting accidents. Since the incident, staff members are reminding the child upon arrival to use the restroom. Today, I verified the child had extra clothes available in the classroom and there were extra clothes available in the office storage room. Based on the reporter’s information, the staff member’s information, and this investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 1860 Staff did not provide assistance to each child to ensure good hygiene. For approximately two hours, a 5-year old school-age child had soiled clothes and was not changed. .0806(e) One violation was documented during the complaint investigation. On or before November 26, 2023, 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 complaint, 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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to toileting and clothing in child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0806. For approximately two hours, a 5-year-old school-age child had soiled clothes and was not changed. Children should be changed when they have soiled clothes. Staff shall provide assistance to each child to ensure good hygiene. Even kindergarten-aged children, these accidents happen, and these incidents are called “accidents” because of the frequency of these episodes among typically developing children. It is important for staff members to recognize that the need to assist young children with toileting is a critical part of their work and that their attitude about the incident and their support of children as they work toward self-regulation of their bodies is a component of teaching young children. Changing a child’s soiled undergarment and clothing is designed to reduce the contamination of surfaces as well as prevent a child from a potential irritation or rash. Recommend you discuss the importance of good hygiene with all staff members. Criminal Record Check Update- Read the updated Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703 that was revised and amended effective October 1, 2023. Changes include, but are not limited to: Requires any applicant who has lived outside of North Carolina in the previous five years to submit an affidavit attesting that the applicant has requested a background check from any state(s) they resided in for preceding 5 years. There’s more! Additional Information: Read the entire rule at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Home/Child-Care-Commission/Rule-Changes Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, the changes will not directly affect your program, however you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and you provided a signed copy to me. 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 #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1123-152L Visit Date: 11/16/2023 Number Present: 106 Completed Date: 11/16/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 125 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 11:45 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's clothes were not changed when soiled. Upon arrival, you, Gabrielle Fuller, assistant director was present upon arrival. Later, Kerry Hillard arrived to give her perception of the allegation. The investigation was discussed in the director’s office. There are 130 children enrolled and 107 children are present today. Staff child ratios were not monitored today. Investigation: The allegation was reviewed with you and two other staff members. Findings: Allegation: There is a concern that a child's clothes were not changed when soiled. You explained there was an incident on November 8, 2023, with a 5-year-old after-school child. The child is picked up by the center bus from Clyde Erwin Elementary at approximately 2:45pm and arrives to the center around 3:30pm. On the day of the incident, you are not sure if the child boarded the bus with wet clothes or if the child wet on the bus ride over from the school to the center. Once the child had arrived at the center, a staff member told you the child was wet. You assumed the staff member was going to change the child’s soiled clothes. When the parent picked up her child around 5:30pm, a classroom staff member told the parent her child had soiled clothes. The classroom staff member told the parent she didn’t change the child because the child did not have extra clothes available at the center. The parent approached you and asked why her child had not been changed. You apologized to the parent, and explained it was under your impression the staff members had changed her child’s clothes. On the following day, you discussed the concern with the classroom staff members. You reminded them children must be changed when they have soiled clothes. If the child did not have clothes available, the center has clothes accessible in the storage office. In addition, you explained in the last month, the child has had several toileting accidents. Since the incident, staff members are reminding the child upon arrival to use the restroom. Today, I verified the child had extra clothes available in the classroom and there were extra clothes available in the office storage room. Based on the reporter’s information, the staff member’s information, and this investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 1860 Staff did not provide assistance to each child to ensure good hygiene. For approximately two hours, a 5-year old school-age child had soiled clothes and was not changed. .0806(e) One violation was documented during the complaint investigation. On or before November 26, 2023, 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 complaint, 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. 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. Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: A violation was documented related to toileting and clothing in child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0806. For approximately two hours, a 5-year-old school-age child had soiled clothes and was not changed. Children should be changed when they have soiled clothes. Staff shall provide assistance to each child to ensure good hygiene. Even kindergarten-aged children, these accidents happen, and these incidents are called “accidents” because of the frequency of these episodes among typically developing children. It is important for staff members to recognize that the need to assist young children with toileting is a critical part of their work and that their attitude about the incident and their support of children as they work toward self-regulation of their bodies is a component of teaching young children. Changing a child’s soiled undergarment and clothing is designed to reduce the contamination of surfaces as well as prevent a child from a potential irritation or rash. Recommend you discuss the importance of good hygiene with all staff members. Criminal Record Check Update- Read the updated Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2703 that was revised and amended effective October 1, 2023. Changes include, but are not limited to: Requires any applicant who has lived outside of North Carolina in the previous five years to submit an affidavit attesting that the applicant has requested a background check from any state(s) they resided in for preceding 5 years. There’s more! Additional Information: Read the entire rule at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Home/Child-Care-Commission/Rule-Changes Child Care Rules were revised July 1, 2023, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, the changes will not directly affect your program, however you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you and you provided a signed copy to me. 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 #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/2/2023 Number Present: 75 Completed Date: 8/2/2023 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Limited monitoring occurred. Your program currently operates with a Five star license, issued February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 254 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The sanitation inspection was completed on April 10, 2023 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 9, 2022 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 87% percent as of August 1, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 8, 2023 and Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. was listed as current- active. Andrea Johnson, child care consultant assisted with today's visit. Kerri Hillard, director assisted with the licensing paperwork while Gabby Fuller, assistant director conducted the observations with Ms. Johnson. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. There were eight classroom operating this summer. NC Pre-k is closed today and will begin September 4, 2023. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in all classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. All areas, indoors and outdoors, used by the children were monitored. There are nineteen (12) approved indoor spaces and four (4) approved outdoor spaces. One hundred seventeen children are enrolled and seventy-five were present today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Infants and toddlers in spaces #8, #9, and #11 received care based on their individual needs. Infants were observed transitioning to the outdoor space in an evacuation crib. Toddler free play activities included coloring, brick blocks, large legos, and animals. Feeding schedules were available and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements met. Preschool children in spaces #1, #6, #7, and #10 were observed participating in free choice/center activities including outdoor play, magnetic blocks, microscopes and bugs, dramatic play dress up, cooking, and group time. Outdoor free play activities included running, jumping, pushing toys, walking, climbing, and sliding. School age children were actively engaged in a group discussion about American and World History. Children transitioned from outdoor activities to the indoor space by completing handwashing/personal routines. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including large and small climbing structures with slides, basketball goals, soccer goals, covered sandboxes, tricycles, steeping stones, caterpillar tunnels, push toys, and riding toys. The following violations were observed today and must corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On playground space #2, there was red chipping paint on the large climbing structure. On playground space #3, the tire used around the base of the shade structure was ripped and posed a tripping hazard. 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. Two staff members did not complete the required number of in-service training hours. .1103(a) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. Two out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of the center's operational policies. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of a discipline policy. .1804(c) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member did not complete the Medication Administration training within one year of employment. .1102(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member did not complete Health and Safety training since February 2017. .1103(b) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) 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 must be corrected immediately. On or before August 12, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware 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: Violation was documented related to children’s records. There are items missing related to parents signed acknowledgement of the following: Discipline, Operational policies, Summary of the law, and Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive. Technical assistance was provided today regarding the requirements for children’s records. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Share the requirements with upper management that may create the forms. A violation was documented related to an unsafe outdoor environment. -On playground space #3, the tire used around the base of the shade structure was ripped and posed a tripping hazard. Routinely check the tires on a regular basis to determine if they are torn. This split in the tire is considered a safety hazard as children may trip over or get their foot caught inside. The rubber on tires used as a base for the shade structure should not be torn. On playground space #2, red chipping paint was observed on the large climbing structure. Sand the area and then paint the area to prevent the chipping paint. Correction: I encourage you to have the center deep cleaned, such as walls, base boards, etc. Suggest you hire a company to conduct the cleaning of the facility paying close attention to the classrooms for infants and toddlers. The deep cleaning may be more intense than staff can complete daily. Handwashing- Best Practice: As we discussed today, if staff members are continuously coaching children while they was hands, it will assist in ensuring that handwashing procedure requirements are met. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Clean hands save lives. Handwashing is like a "do-it-yourself" vaccine—it involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It's quick, it's simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs. Rated License Status: The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on Monday June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in the 3rd Cohort system. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. 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

10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/2/2023 Number Present: 75 Completed Date: 8/2/2023 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Limited monitoring occurred. Your program currently operates with a Five star license, issued February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 254 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The sanitation inspection was completed on April 10, 2023 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 9, 2022 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 87% percent as of August 1, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 8, 2023 and Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. was listed as current- active. Andrea Johnson, child care consultant assisted with today's visit. Kerri Hillard, director assisted with the licensing paperwork while Gabby Fuller, assistant director conducted the observations with Ms. Johnson. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. There were eight classroom operating this summer. NC Pre-k is closed today and will begin September 4, 2023. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in all classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. All areas, indoors and outdoors, used by the children were monitored. There are nineteen (12) approved indoor spaces and four (4) approved outdoor spaces. One hundred seventeen children are enrolled and seventy-five were present today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Infants and toddlers in spaces #8, #9, and #11 received care based on their individual needs. Infants were observed transitioning to the outdoor space in an evacuation crib. Toddler free play activities included coloring, brick blocks, large legos, and animals. Feeding schedules were available and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements met. Preschool children in spaces #1, #6, #7, and #10 were observed participating in free choice/center activities including outdoor play, magnetic blocks, microscopes and bugs, dramatic play dress up, cooking, and group time. Outdoor free play activities included running, jumping, pushing toys, walking, climbing, and sliding. School age children were actively engaged in a group discussion about American and World History. Children transitioned from outdoor activities to the indoor space by completing handwashing/personal routines. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including large and small climbing structures with slides, basketball goals, soccer goals, covered sandboxes, tricycles, steeping stones, caterpillar tunnels, push toys, and riding toys. The following violations were observed today and must corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On playground space #2, there was red chipping paint on the large climbing structure. On playground space #3, the tire used around the base of the shade structure was ripped and posed a tripping hazard. 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. Two staff members did not complete the required number of in-service training hours. .1103(a) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. Two out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of the center's operational policies. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of a discipline policy. .1804(c) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member did not complete the Medication Administration training within one year of employment. .1102(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member did not complete Health and Safety training since February 2017. .1103(b) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) 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 must be corrected immediately. On or before August 12, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware 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: Violation was documented related to children’s records. There are items missing related to parents signed acknowledgement of the following: Discipline, Operational policies, Summary of the law, and Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive. Technical assistance was provided today regarding the requirements for children’s records. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Share the requirements with upper management that may create the forms. A violation was documented related to an unsafe outdoor environment. -On playground space #3, the tire used around the base of the shade structure was ripped and posed a tripping hazard. Routinely check the tires on a regular basis to determine if they are torn. This split in the tire is considered a safety hazard as children may trip over or get their foot caught inside. The rubber on tires used as a base for the shade structure should not be torn. On playground space #2, red chipping paint was observed on the large climbing structure. Sand the area and then paint the area to prevent the chipping paint. Correction: I encourage you to have the center deep cleaned, such as walls, base boards, etc. Suggest you hire a company to conduct the cleaning of the facility paying close attention to the classrooms for infants and toddlers. The deep cleaning may be more intense than staff can complete daily. Handwashing- Best Practice: As we discussed today, if staff members are continuously coaching children while they was hands, it will assist in ensuring that handwashing procedure requirements are met. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Clean hands save lives. Handwashing is like a "do-it-yourself" vaccine—it involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It's quick, it's simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs. Rated License Status: The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on Monday June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in the 3rd Cohort system. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. 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

GS 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/2/2023 Number Present: 75 Completed Date: 8/2/2023 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Limited monitoring occurred. Your program currently operates with a Five star license, issued February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 254 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The sanitation inspection was completed on April 10, 2023 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 9, 2022 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 87% percent as of August 1, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 8, 2023 and Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. was listed as current- active. Andrea Johnson, child care consultant assisted with today's visit. Kerri Hillard, director assisted with the licensing paperwork while Gabby Fuller, assistant director conducted the observations with Ms. Johnson. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. There were eight classroom operating this summer. NC Pre-k is closed today and will begin September 4, 2023. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in all classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. All areas, indoors and outdoors, used by the children were monitored. There are nineteen (12) approved indoor spaces and four (4) approved outdoor spaces. One hundred seventeen children are enrolled and seventy-five were present today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Infants and toddlers in spaces #8, #9, and #11 received care based on their individual needs. Infants were observed transitioning to the outdoor space in an evacuation crib. Toddler free play activities included coloring, brick blocks, large legos, and animals. Feeding schedules were available and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements met. Preschool children in spaces #1, #6, #7, and #10 were observed participating in free choice/center activities including outdoor play, magnetic blocks, microscopes and bugs, dramatic play dress up, cooking, and group time. Outdoor free play activities included running, jumping, pushing toys, walking, climbing, and sliding. School age children were actively engaged in a group discussion about American and World History. Children transitioned from outdoor activities to the indoor space by completing handwashing/personal routines. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including large and small climbing structures with slides, basketball goals, soccer goals, covered sandboxes, tricycles, steeping stones, caterpillar tunnels, push toys, and riding toys. The following violations were observed today and must corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On playground space #2, there was red chipping paint on the large climbing structure. On playground space #3, the tire used around the base of the shade structure was ripped and posed a tripping hazard. 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. Two staff members did not complete the required number of in-service training hours. .1103(a) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. Two out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of the center's operational policies. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of a discipline policy. .1804(c) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member did not complete the Medication Administration training within one year of employment. .1102(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member did not complete Health and Safety training since February 2017. .1103(b) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) 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 must be corrected immediately. On or before August 12, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware 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: Violation was documented related to children’s records. There are items missing related to parents signed acknowledgement of the following: Discipline, Operational policies, Summary of the law, and Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive. Technical assistance was provided today regarding the requirements for children’s records. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Share the requirements with upper management that may create the forms. A violation was documented related to an unsafe outdoor environment. -On playground space #3, the tire used around the base of the shade structure was ripped and posed a tripping hazard. Routinely check the tires on a regular basis to determine if they are torn. This split in the tire is considered a safety hazard as children may trip over or get their foot caught inside. The rubber on tires used as a base for the shade structure should not be torn. On playground space #2, red chipping paint was observed on the large climbing structure. Sand the area and then paint the area to prevent the chipping paint. Correction: I encourage you to have the center deep cleaned, such as walls, base boards, etc. Suggest you hire a company to conduct the cleaning of the facility paying close attention to the classrooms for infants and toddlers. The deep cleaning may be more intense than staff can complete daily. Handwashing- Best Practice: As we discussed today, if staff members are continuously coaching children while they was hands, it will assist in ensuring that handwashing procedure requirements are met. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Clean hands save lives. Handwashing is like a "do-it-yourself" vaccine—it involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It's quick, it's simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs. Rated License Status: The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on Monday June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in the 3rd Cohort system. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. 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 #12 Facility ID: 67001186 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/2/2023 Number Present: 75 Completed Date: 8/2/2023 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:10 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Limited monitoring occurred. Your program currently operates with a Five star license, issued February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space and ratios) and 1 quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 254 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The sanitation inspection was completed on April 10, 2023 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 9, 2022 and your facility was approved for daytime care only. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 87% percent as of August 1, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on March 8, 2023 and Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. was listed as current- active. Andrea Johnson, child care consultant assisted with today's visit. Kerri Hillard, director assisted with the licensing paperwork while Gabby Fuller, assistant director conducted the observations with Ms. Johnson. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. There were eight classroom operating this summer. NC Pre-k is closed today and will begin September 4, 2023. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in all classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. All areas, indoors and outdoors, used by the children were monitored. There are nineteen (12) approved indoor spaces and four (4) approved outdoor spaces. One hundred seventeen children are enrolled and seventy-five were present today. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Infants and toddlers in spaces #8, #9, and #11 received care based on their individual needs. Infants were observed transitioning to the outdoor space in an evacuation crib. Toddler free play activities included coloring, brick blocks, large legos, and animals. Feeding schedules were available and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements met. Preschool children in spaces #1, #6, #7, and #10 were observed participating in free choice/center activities including outdoor play, magnetic blocks, microscopes and bugs, dramatic play dress up, cooking, and group time. Outdoor free play activities included running, jumping, pushing toys, walking, climbing, and sliding. School age children were actively engaged in a group discussion about American and World History. Children transitioned from outdoor activities to the indoor space by completing handwashing/personal routines. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including large and small climbing structures with slides, basketball goals, soccer goals, covered sandboxes, tricycles, steeping stones, caterpillar tunnels, push toys, and riding toys. The following violations were observed today and must corrected immediately. Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On playground space #2, there was red chipping paint on the large climbing structure. On playground space #3, the tire used around the base of the shade structure was ripped and posed a tripping hazard. 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. Two staff members did not complete the required number of in-service training hours. .1103(a) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. Two out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of the center's operational policies. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of a discipline policy. .1804(c) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member did not complete the Medication Administration training within one year of employment. .1102(a) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. One staff member did not complete Health and Safety training since February 2017. .1103(b) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. Four out of the fifteen children's files reviewed did not have a signed and dated statement from the parent acknowledging receipt of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .0608(b)(1-6) 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 must be corrected immediately. On or before August 12, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware 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: Violation was documented related to children’s records. There are items missing related to parents signed acknowledgement of the following: Discipline, Operational policies, Summary of the law, and Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive. Technical assistance was provided today regarding the requirements for children’s records. I suggested that you use the revised file checklists under “Provider Documents and Forms” on the DCDEE website to assist with organization and ensure all requirements are met. Share the requirements with upper management that may create the forms. A violation was documented related to an unsafe outdoor environment. -On playground space #3, the tire used around the base of the shade structure was ripped and posed a tripping hazard. Routinely check the tires on a regular basis to determine if they are torn. This split in the tire is considered a safety hazard as children may trip over or get their foot caught inside. The rubber on tires used as a base for the shade structure should not be torn. On playground space #2, red chipping paint was observed on the large climbing structure. Sand the area and then paint the area to prevent the chipping paint. Correction: I encourage you to have the center deep cleaned, such as walls, base boards, etc. Suggest you hire a company to conduct the cleaning of the facility paying close attention to the classrooms for infants and toddlers. The deep cleaning may be more intense than staff can complete daily. Handwashing- Best Practice: As we discussed today, if staff members are continuously coaching children while they was hands, it will assist in ensuring that handwashing procedure requirements are met. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Clean hands save lives. Handwashing is like a "do-it-yourself" vaccine—it involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It's quick, it's simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs. Rated License Status: The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on Monday June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a 3-Cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. You are in the 3rd Cohort system. We will be working together through this process, and I will provide guidance along the way. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. 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