Excel Learning Centers #9

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/29/2026 Number Present: 64 Completed Date: 6/29/2026 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to 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 232 children, age ranging from 0-12 years old for 1st shift care only, meeting enhanced ratios minus one, and meeting enhanced space. The license was posted and restrictions were in compliance. Your last annual compliance visit was on July 28, 2025. Your facility’s compliance history was reviewed with the administrator. The program’s compliance history score was 94% as of June 25, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 25, 2026, and ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC is listed as current/active. Your last sanitation inspection was on June 22, 2026, with a Superior rating with 7 demerits. Your last fire inspection was on October 6, 2025, approved for daytime care only. S. Arasim, administrator, was preset and accompanied me during the walk-through and observations. There were 86 children enrolled and 64 children present, ages ranging from infants- 3 years old. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. In space 1, children were playing in centers. Children were observed playing with bristle blocks, baby dolls, and in the block center. In space 2, children were preparing to have lunch. Children were exploring their space, starting to clean up, interacting with the teacher, and washing hands for lunch. In space 3, children were observed sitting with the teachers waiting for lunch. Teachers were starting to sing songs and read books with the children as they waited for lunch. In space 4, children were observed playing outside with a variety of toys. The staff member found a toad for the teachers to observe and look at. In space 5, children were observed playing outside making dirt cakes. The children were exploring their playground and interacting with each other and the staff members. In space 7, children were transitioning from the outside playground to the classroom. Teachers performed a name to face count as the children were transitioning to the different spaces. Once inside children lined up to wash hands. In space 8, two children were inside with one staff member, and five children were outside playing with a variety of materials. In space 9, children were observed participating in a gluing art activity. Children were observed gluing pieces of paper onto a paper plate to make an animal. In space 10, children were observed participating in free play. Children were observed playing with puppets, a water sensory mat, and singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It” song with their teacher. In space 11, 1 infant was asleep. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. Awake infants were observed participating in eating their morning snack, exploring their environment, and playing with a variety of toys and materials. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. For lunch, spaghetti with cheese, kidney beans, peaches and milk were served. Staff/child ratios were monitored and found in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers were observed interacting in a positive manner, getting on the child’s level, and asking open-ended questions. All new staff members and 4 of veteran staff were reviewed. All health and safety trainings were monitored. Nine children's files were monitored and found in compliance. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. 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 space 3 and space 4, children under three did not have sufficient quantity of materials to allow a range of choice in play. .0510(e)(3) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On the playground used for toddlers, two holes by the concrete sidewalks have formed, creating a tripping hazard. On the playground used by the toddlers, the gazebo has begun to splinter, leaving sharp pieces of wood exposed and accessible to children. 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 9, plastic bags were accessible to children under the changing table. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members D. Ortiz and N. Stallings does not have a current First Aid certification available for review. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members D. Ortiz and N. Stallings does not have a current CPR certification available for review. .1102(d) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 13, 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 that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant PO Box 161 Hampstead, NC 28443 910-364-8728 If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, 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. 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. On the playground used by toddlers, two holes were observed by the concrete sidewalk, creating a tripping hazard. Today, I suggest adding more surfacing to these areas. On the playground used by toddlers, the wooden gazebo has started to splinter in multiple places on the back side, leaving sharp wood exposed and accessible to children. Today I suggested checking all wooden structures and having any sharp or splintering wood sanded. Today we discussed adding to the materials in space 3 and 4 to ensure that multiple children have opportunities to engage in the same activity. When children under three years old are in care, each learning center shall have developmentally appropriate toys and activities for each child to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. In rooms for infants and toddlers, toys must be organized by type. Be sure to label the toys bins and shelves with words so adults can easily sort and put away toys; toys can be grouped in the following categories: dolls, blocks, pretend play, books, sensory and musical. Materials shall be 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. An open area that allows freedom of movement shall be available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers. CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that these trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Today you stated that one staff member was enrolled in a class on Saturday June 27, 2026, but it was cancelled by the trainer. 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 but not limited to the packaging that the diapers and wipes come in and Ziploc bags used to store clothes and other materials. Today I reminded you that the only approved locks are ones with keys, combination locks, or magnetic locks. 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. If you have any questions, please 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 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 #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/29/2026 Number Present: 64 Completed Date: 6/29/2026 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to 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 232 children, age ranging from 0-12 years old for 1st shift care only, meeting enhanced ratios minus one, and meeting enhanced space. The license was posted and restrictions were in compliance. Your last annual compliance visit was on July 28, 2025. Your facility’s compliance history was reviewed with the administrator. The program’s compliance history score was 94% as of June 25, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 25, 2026, and ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC is listed as current/active. Your last sanitation inspection was on June 22, 2026, with a Superior rating with 7 demerits. Your last fire inspection was on October 6, 2025, approved for daytime care only. S. Arasim, administrator, was preset and accompanied me during the walk-through and observations. There were 86 children enrolled and 64 children present, ages ranging from infants- 3 years old. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. In space 1, children were playing in centers. Children were observed playing with bristle blocks, baby dolls, and in the block center. In space 2, children were preparing to have lunch. Children were exploring their space, starting to clean up, interacting with the teacher, and washing hands for lunch. In space 3, children were observed sitting with the teachers waiting for lunch. Teachers were starting to sing songs and read books with the children as they waited for lunch. In space 4, children were observed playing outside with a variety of toys. The staff member found a toad for the teachers to observe and look at. In space 5, children were observed playing outside making dirt cakes. The children were exploring their playground and interacting with each other and the staff members. In space 7, children were transitioning from the outside playground to the classroom. Teachers performed a name to face count as the children were transitioning to the different spaces. Once inside children lined up to wash hands. In space 8, two children were inside with one staff member, and five children were outside playing with a variety of materials. In space 9, children were observed participating in a gluing art activity. Children were observed gluing pieces of paper onto a paper plate to make an animal. In space 10, children were observed participating in free play. Children were observed playing with puppets, a water sensory mat, and singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It” song with their teacher. In space 11, 1 infant was asleep. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. Awake infants were observed participating in eating their morning snack, exploring their environment, and playing with a variety of toys and materials. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. For lunch, spaghetti with cheese, kidney beans, peaches and milk were served. Staff/child ratios were monitored and found in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers were observed interacting in a positive manner, getting on the child’s level, and asking open-ended questions. All new staff members and 4 of veteran staff were reviewed. All health and safety trainings were monitored. Nine children's files were monitored and found in compliance. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. 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 space 3 and space 4, children under three did not have sufficient quantity of materials to allow a range of choice in play. .0510(e)(3) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On the playground used for toddlers, two holes by the concrete sidewalks have formed, creating a tripping hazard. On the playground used by the toddlers, the gazebo has begun to splinter, leaving sharp pieces of wood exposed and accessible to children. 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 9, plastic bags were accessible to children under the changing table. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members D. Ortiz and N. Stallings does not have a current First Aid certification available for review. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members D. Ortiz and N. Stallings does not have a current CPR certification available for review. .1102(d) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 13, 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 that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant PO Box 161 Hampstead, NC 28443 910-364-8728 If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, 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. 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. On the playground used by toddlers, two holes were observed by the concrete sidewalk, creating a tripping hazard. Today, I suggest adding more surfacing to these areas. On the playground used by toddlers, the wooden gazebo has started to splinter in multiple places on the back side, leaving sharp wood exposed and accessible to children. Today I suggested checking all wooden structures and having any sharp or splintering wood sanded. Today we discussed adding to the materials in space 3 and 4 to ensure that multiple children have opportunities to engage in the same activity. When children under three years old are in care, each learning center shall have developmentally appropriate toys and activities for each child to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. In rooms for infants and toddlers, toys must be organized by type. Be sure to label the toys bins and shelves with words so adults can easily sort and put away toys; toys can be grouped in the following categories: dolls, blocks, pretend play, books, sensory and musical. Materials shall be 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. An open area that allows freedom of movement shall be available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers. CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that these trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Today you stated that one staff member was enrolled in a class on Saturday June 27, 2026, but it was cancelled by the trainer. 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 but not limited to the packaging that the diapers and wipes come in and Ziploc bags used to store clothes and other materials. Today I reminded you that the only approved locks are ones with keys, combination locks, or magnetic locks. 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. If you have any questions, please 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 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 #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/29/2026 Number Present: 64 Completed Date: 6/29/2026 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to 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 232 children, age ranging from 0-12 years old for 1st shift care only, meeting enhanced ratios minus one, and meeting enhanced space. The license was posted and restrictions were in compliance. Your last annual compliance visit was on July 28, 2025. Your facility’s compliance history was reviewed with the administrator. The program’s compliance history score was 94% as of June 25, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 25, 2026, and ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC is listed as current/active. Your last sanitation inspection was on June 22, 2026, with a Superior rating with 7 demerits. Your last fire inspection was on October 6, 2025, approved for daytime care only. S. Arasim, administrator, was preset and accompanied me during the walk-through and observations. There were 86 children enrolled and 64 children present, ages ranging from infants- 3 years old. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. In space 1, children were playing in centers. Children were observed playing with bristle blocks, baby dolls, and in the block center. In space 2, children were preparing to have lunch. Children were exploring their space, starting to clean up, interacting with the teacher, and washing hands for lunch. In space 3, children were observed sitting with the teachers waiting for lunch. Teachers were starting to sing songs and read books with the children as they waited for lunch. In space 4, children were observed playing outside with a variety of toys. The staff member found a toad for the teachers to observe and look at. In space 5, children were observed playing outside making dirt cakes. The children were exploring their playground and interacting with each other and the staff members. In space 7, children were transitioning from the outside playground to the classroom. Teachers performed a name to face count as the children were transitioning to the different spaces. Once inside children lined up to wash hands. In space 8, two children were inside with one staff member, and five children were outside playing with a variety of materials. In space 9, children were observed participating in a gluing art activity. Children were observed gluing pieces of paper onto a paper plate to make an animal. In space 10, children were observed participating in free play. Children were observed playing with puppets, a water sensory mat, and singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It” song with their teacher. In space 11, 1 infant was asleep. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. Awake infants were observed participating in eating their morning snack, exploring their environment, and playing with a variety of toys and materials. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. For lunch, spaghetti with cheese, kidney beans, peaches and milk were served. Staff/child ratios were monitored and found in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Caregivers were observed interacting in a positive manner, getting on the child’s level, and asking open-ended questions. All new staff members and 4 of veteran staff were reviewed. All health and safety trainings were monitored. Nine children's files were monitored and found in compliance. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. 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 space 3 and space 4, children under three did not have sufficient quantity of materials to allow a range of choice in play. .0510(e)(3) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. On the playground used for toddlers, two holes by the concrete sidewalks have formed, creating a tripping hazard. On the playground used by the toddlers, the gazebo has begun to splinter, leaving sharp pieces of wood exposed and accessible to children. 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 9, plastic bags were accessible to children under the changing table. .0604(q) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members D. Ortiz and N. Stallings does not have a current First Aid certification available for review. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Two staff members D. Ortiz and N. Stallings does not have a current CPR certification available for review. .1102(d) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 13, 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 that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant PO Box 161 Hampstead, NC 28443 910-364-8728 If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, 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. 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. On the playground used by toddlers, two holes were observed by the concrete sidewalk, creating a tripping hazard. Today, I suggest adding more surfacing to these areas. On the playground used by toddlers, the wooden gazebo has started to splinter in multiple places on the back side, leaving sharp wood exposed and accessible to children. Today I suggested checking all wooden structures and having any sharp or splintering wood sanded. Today we discussed adding to the materials in space 3 and 4 to ensure that multiple children have opportunities to engage in the same activity. When children under three years old are in care, each learning center shall have developmentally appropriate toys and activities for each child to promote the child’s emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language development, and communication and cognitive development. In rooms for infants and toddlers, toys must be organized by type. Be sure to label the toys bins and shelves with words so adults can easily sort and put away toys; toys can be grouped in the following categories: dolls, blocks, pretend play, books, sensory and musical. Materials shall be 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. An open area that allows freedom of movement shall be available, both indoors and outdoors, for infants and for toddlers. CPR and First Aid training shall be renewed on or before the expiration of the certification for all staff in direct care of children. We discussed tracking tools such as an Outlook calendar to ensure that these trainings are obtained in a timely manner and do not expire before new certification is obtained. Today you stated that one staff member was enrolled in a class on Saturday June 27, 2026, but it was cancelled by the trainer. 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 but not limited to the packaging that the diapers and wipes come in and Ziploc bags used to store clothes and other materials. Today I reminded you that the only approved locks are ones with keys, combination locks, or magnetic locks. 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. If you have any questions, please 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 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 #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/5/2026 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 2/5/2026 Age: From 0 To 2 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Jennifer Garner, Lead Child Care Consultant, assisted with today's visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-star license, issued February 20, 2026. Restrictions on your permit include: a capacity of 232 for first shift, meets enhanced ratios minus one and meets enhanced space. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on July 28, 2025. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 94% as of February 4, 2022. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed today and ELA KIdsNet Holdings, LLC was listed as current/active. The last Sanitation Inspection was completed on December 17, 2025, with a Superior rating with 9 demerits. Your last fire inspection was on October 6, 2025, and your facility was approved for daytime care. Kyieda Gamble, administrator, was present and available for consultation. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor learning environments were observed. Supervision and staff/child ratios were in compliance today. There were 85 children enrolled and 39 children present, ranging from 0-2 years of age. Due to the inclement weather, Early Head Start is closed so space 1, 3,7,9, and10 were not in use. Each space is arranged into activity spaces to include but not limited to blocks, dramatic play, art, science, and reading. In space 11, Infants were engaged in tummy time, napping, 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. In space 8, children were playing with manipulatives and exploring their environments. In spaces 2,4, and 5 children were sitting and eating lunch. Caregivers were sitting and engaging with the children. For lunch, ham and cheese roll-up, green beans, peaches and milk were served. Files for all new staff members have been reviewed and found in compliance. 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 violations were observed and documented today. All violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. On playground 2, water was ponding by the plastic playhouse. On playground 4, there is a gap between the concrete and the earth creating a tripping hazard. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Repeat violation from 7/28/25. The facility has not completed a shelter-in-place or lockdown drill every three months as required. The last recorded drill was 7/10/2025. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 February 19, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Include verification of completed shelter-in-place or lock down drills. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant PO Box 161 Hampstead, NC 28443 910-364-8728 If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Today a violation was observed on the outdoor playground 2 and 4. Child Care Rule .1719 REQUIREMENTS FOR A SAFE INDOOR/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT states you should check the indoor and outdoor environment daily for debris, vandalism, broken equipment and animal waste. The operator shall keep all areas used by the children, indoors and outdoors, clean, and orderly and free of items which are potentially hazardous to children. This includes the removal of items that a child can swallow and use of outdoor play equipment that is too hot to touch. In addition, loose nails or screws and splinters shall be removed on inside and outside equipment. This will also include checking for any standing water that might accumulate inside of toys or bins on the playground. If possible, I suggest drilling holes in the bottom of bins that tend to hold water and also ensure water is dumped out before children enter the outdoor play area. On playground 2, remove the broken trash can from the playground. Broken plastic may cause children to pinch or cut their fingers. On playground 2, consider relocating the plastic playhouse to another area and add surfacing to the area where water is ponding. Consider sanding your 4x4 post on playground 2 and 3 as they are starting to show wear. On playground 4, add surfacing to the area beside the sidewalk where it has washed away as this is a tripping hazard for children. Consider adding additional surfacing to the visible roots to cover them completely or spray painting them a bright color to make them more noticeable. A shelter-in-place or lock down drill must be completed at least once every three months. Consider adding a reminder to your email calendar, your facility calendar, and any other tracking tool you use. Practice completing a shelter-in-place or lock down drill twice per month for the next two months to ensure staff and children follow all facility procedure. 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. Today we discussed completing your Staff Information and Education Worksheet and sending it to me not later than May 1, 2026. 10 lead teachers that are employed at your facility; 5 are needed to fulfill the lead teacher requirements. The education for additional full-time educational staff as defined in North Carolian Child Care Rule 10A NCAC .3202(b). All staff education will need to be verified via WORKS. Your license will not be delayed due to incomplete or unprocessed education information. It typically takes WORKS 4-6 weeks to complete an evaluation. To continue to be eligible to participate in the North Carolina Child Care Subsidy program your facility must earn a minimum of a Three Star License. Today we discussed reaching out to One Place to assist with room arrangement as you prepare for your Environmental Rating Scale assessment. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS- Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: Water Testing- Completed on August 11, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three years. Lead-Based Paint- Your facility was exempt on May 14, 2024. Asbestos- Your facility was exempt on May 14, 2024. ABCMS-Today we discussed that information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. 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 .0902 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/28/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 7/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:20 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. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Tammy Ross, assisted with today’s visit. Due to travel time, we arrived at your facility at 10:00am. The last annual compliance was conducted on August 4, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed April 17, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on October 11, 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-two (92) 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, Kyleda Gamble, was present and available for consultation. Eighty-nine (89) children, between the ages of zero (0) and three (3) years old are enrolled and sixty-nine (69) present today. There were ten (10) classrooms operating today, with sixty-nine (69) children aged zero (0) to three (3) years old. There are five (5) Early Head Start funded classrooms at this facility. 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. However, it was discussed with Kyieda Gamble, Administrator, the need for more materials in each classroom. Ms. Gamble stated the boxes observed in the hallway were new materials/supplies that are being distributed in the classrooms and more materials/supplies are being ordered. Ms. Gamble was present and assisted with today’s visit. She accompanied Ms. Ross as she conducted a walk-through of the facility, indoors and outdoors. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted and safe sleep charts are being maintained. Infants were observed on the floor exploring their environment as caregivers sat on the floor interacting with the children. Toddlers and preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities such as playing with blocks, coloring pictures, dancing to music, sitting as caregiver read a book, playing with balls, and singing songs. All children were adequately supervised, and staff/child ratios were being maintained. Children transitioned from free play activities to lunch by singing songs and completing handwashing/personal routines. Lunch consisted of macaroni & cheese, lima beans, mandarin oranges, and milk. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs of the children. After lunch, children had nap/rest time. At nap/rest time, lights were turned off and cots with blankets were appropriately spaced. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In space #1 one infant bottle was not dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence) One (1) infant feeding plan in space #1 was not posted. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drills were not conducted for March 2025, April, 2025, and May 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed for March 2025, April 2025, and May 2025. .0605(q) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Four (4) out of eight (8) children records reviewed did not have a health assessment on file. GS110-91(1) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drills was not conducted every three months. A lockdown drill was conducted on October 1, 2024, and a shelter-in-place drill was conducted on July 10, 2025. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Monday, August 11, 2025, 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: Fire Drills/Emergency Drills: Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records should be maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter if activity or routine is taking place. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drill must be conducted every three (3) months and records should be maintained as required. Monthly Playground Inspections: A monthly playground inspection should be conducted by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A trained administrator or staff member should make a record of each inspection using a playground inspection checklist provided by the Division. The checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division. The playground inspection checklist may be found online at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers/credent.asp The playground inspection includes a checklist of items related to safety, surfacing, and equipment quality. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Bedding and Sleeping: Cots were not properly handled. In classroom space #7, prior to nap time, staff members placed cots down in the designated area children use for napping. As children were completing personal routines they began to jump and walk on cots. To prevent cross contamination, place a child’s mat in their napping area, when they are ready to lay down on the mat. 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 August 11, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Setting Up an Effective Classroom Environment: Tuesday, August 19 | 7-8 p.m. Meeting Link: https://ccrinc.zoom.us/j/3677997738 Meeting ID: 367 799 7738 Join us to talk about ideal ways to set up your classroom, daily schedules, how to organize centers, making rules, and job charts. Join us in the discussion of strategies to use in the new year. A free, talk-to-the-experts webinar, presented by Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline advisors! 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 have my contact information. 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

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/28/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 7/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:20 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. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Tammy Ross, assisted with today’s visit. Due to travel time, we arrived at your facility at 10:00am. The last annual compliance was conducted on August 4, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed April 17, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on October 11, 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-two (92) 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, Kyleda Gamble, was present and available for consultation. Eighty-nine (89) children, between the ages of zero (0) and three (3) years old are enrolled and sixty-nine (69) present today. There were ten (10) classrooms operating today, with sixty-nine (69) children aged zero (0) to three (3) years old. There are five (5) Early Head Start funded classrooms at this facility. 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. However, it was discussed with Kyieda Gamble, Administrator, the need for more materials in each classroom. Ms. Gamble stated the boxes observed in the hallway were new materials/supplies that are being distributed in the classrooms and more materials/supplies are being ordered. Ms. Gamble was present and assisted with today’s visit. She accompanied Ms. Ross as she conducted a walk-through of the facility, indoors and outdoors. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted and safe sleep charts are being maintained. Infants were observed on the floor exploring their environment as caregivers sat on the floor interacting with the children. Toddlers and preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities such as playing with blocks, coloring pictures, dancing to music, sitting as caregiver read a book, playing with balls, and singing songs. All children were adequately supervised, and staff/child ratios were being maintained. Children transitioned from free play activities to lunch by singing songs and completing handwashing/personal routines. Lunch consisted of macaroni & cheese, lima beans, mandarin oranges, and milk. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs of the children. After lunch, children had nap/rest time. At nap/rest time, lights were turned off and cots with blankets were appropriately spaced. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In space #1 one infant bottle was not dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence) One (1) infant feeding plan in space #1 was not posted. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drills were not conducted for March 2025, April, 2025, and May 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed for March 2025, April 2025, and May 2025. .0605(q) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Four (4) out of eight (8) children records reviewed did not have a health assessment on file. GS110-91(1) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drills was not conducted every three months. A lockdown drill was conducted on October 1, 2024, and a shelter-in-place drill was conducted on July 10, 2025. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Monday, August 11, 2025, 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: Fire Drills/Emergency Drills: Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records should be maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter if activity or routine is taking place. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drill must be conducted every three (3) months and records should be maintained as required. Monthly Playground Inspections: A monthly playground inspection should be conducted by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A trained administrator or staff member should make a record of each inspection using a playground inspection checklist provided by the Division. The checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division. The playground inspection checklist may be found online at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers/credent.asp The playground inspection includes a checklist of items related to safety, surfacing, and equipment quality. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Bedding and Sleeping: Cots were not properly handled. In classroom space #7, prior to nap time, staff members placed cots down in the designated area children use for napping. As children were completing personal routines they began to jump and walk on cots. To prevent cross contamination, place a child’s mat in their napping area, when they are ready to lay down on the mat. 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 August 11, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Setting Up an Effective Classroom Environment: Tuesday, August 19 | 7-8 p.m. Meeting Link: https://ccrinc.zoom.us/j/3677997738 Meeting ID: 367 799 7738 Join us to talk about ideal ways to set up your classroom, daily schedules, how to organize centers, making rules, and job charts. Join us in the discussion of strategies to use in the new year. A free, talk-to-the-experts webinar, presented by Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline advisors! 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 have my contact information. 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 #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/28/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 7/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:20 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. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Tammy Ross, assisted with today’s visit. Due to travel time, we arrived at your facility at 10:00am. The last annual compliance was conducted on August 4, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed April 17, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on October 11, 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-two (92) 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, Kyleda Gamble, was present and available for consultation. Eighty-nine (89) children, between the ages of zero (0) and three (3) years old are enrolled and sixty-nine (69) present today. There were ten (10) classrooms operating today, with sixty-nine (69) children aged zero (0) to three (3) years old. There are five (5) Early Head Start funded classrooms at this facility. 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. However, it was discussed with Kyieda Gamble, Administrator, the need for more materials in each classroom. Ms. Gamble stated the boxes observed in the hallway were new materials/supplies that are being distributed in the classrooms and more materials/supplies are being ordered. Ms. Gamble was present and assisted with today’s visit. She accompanied Ms. Ross as she conducted a walk-through of the facility, indoors and outdoors. Infants received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding charts were posted and safe sleep charts are being maintained. Infants were observed on the floor exploring their environment as caregivers sat on the floor interacting with the children. Toddlers and preschool children were observed participating in free choice activities such as playing with blocks, coloring pictures, dancing to music, sitting as caregiver read a book, playing with balls, and singing songs. All children were adequately supervised, and staff/child ratios were being maintained. Children transitioned from free play activities to lunch by singing songs and completing handwashing/personal routines. Lunch consisted of macaroni & cheese, lima beans, mandarin oranges, and milk. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs of the children. After lunch, children had nap/rest time. At nap/rest time, lights were turned off and cots with blankets were appropriately spaced. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In space #1 one infant bottle was not dated. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 540 An individual written feeding plan was not provided by child's parent or health care provider or was not followed and posted. (omit posting for centers located in a residence) One (1) infant feeding plan in space #1 was not posted. 10A NCAC 09 .0902(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drills were not conducted for March 2025, April, 2025, and May 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed for March 2025, April 2025, and May 2025. .0605(q) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Four (4) out of eight (8) children records reviewed did not have a health assessment on file. GS110-91(1) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drills was not conducted every three months. A lockdown drill was conducted on October 1, 2024, and a shelter-in-place drill was conducted on July 10, 2025. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Monday, August 11, 2025, 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: Fire Drills/Emergency Drills: Fire drills shall be practiced monthly, and records should be maintained as required. Records of monthly fire drills documenting the date and time of each drill, the length of time taken to evacuate the building, and the signature of the person who conducted the drill shall be available for review. Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly. It may also help to plan these drills for different times of the day so children and staff can be prepared to evacuate no matter if activity or routine is taking place. A shelter-in-place or lockdown drill must be conducted every three (3) months and records should be maintained as required. Monthly Playground Inspections: A monthly playground inspection should be conducted by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A trained administrator or staff member should make a record of each inspection using a playground inspection checklist provided by the Division. The checklist shall be signed by the person who conducts the inspection and shall be maintained for 12 months in the center's files for review by a representative of the Division. The playground inspection checklist may be found online at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/providers/credent.asp The playground inspection includes a checklist of items related to safety, surfacing, and equipment quality. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. Bedding and Sleeping: Cots were not properly handled. In classroom space #7, prior to nap time, staff members placed cots down in the designated area children use for napping. As children were completing personal routines they began to jump and walk on cots. To prevent cross contamination, place a child’s mat in their napping area, when they are ready to lay down on the mat. 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 August 11, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Setting Up an Effective Classroom Environment: Tuesday, August 19 | 7-8 p.m. Meeting Link: https://ccrinc.zoom.us/j/3677997738 Meeting ID: 367 799 7738 Join us to talk about ideal ways to set up your classroom, daily schedules, how to organize centers, making rules, and job charts. Join us in the discussion of strategies to use in the new year. A free, talk-to-the-experts webinar, presented by Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline advisors! 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 have my contact information. 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 #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/15/2025 Number Present: 69 Completed Date: 1/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor the compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited monitoring occurred. This program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 232 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios and enhanced ratios minus one in each group. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Ela KidsNet was reviewed on January 15, 2025 was listed as current- active. The last visit was conducted August 5, 2024. The center completed the last Fire Inspection on October11, 2024, and was approved for daytime care only. The last Sanitation inspection was completed on June 10, 2024, with a Superior Classification. As of January 15, 2025, the center's compliance history is 87%. Kyieda Gamble, administrator, was present during today’s visit. A walk through and observations were conducted in the center that provides care for infants through 3 years old. There were ten (10) classrooms operating today, with 69 children present, ranging in age from 3 months old to 3 years old. There were three classrooms for infants, three classrooms for one-year olds and 4 classrooms for two- and three-year-olds. Five of the ten classrooms are Early Head Start funded. The center was clean and well organized. In the classrooms for infants, caregivers-maintained eye contact as they interacted with children while sitting on the floor, talking to them, singing songs, holding them, commenting on children's actions as they used a variety of toys, and practiced walking. One infant napped and safe sleep checks were being documented. Children and caregivers smiled frequently. One group of one year old were outside engaged in play with balls, riding trikes, climbing, and walking around. The other groups of one-year olds colored with chubby crayons on paper or engaged in free play, climbed on the vinyl climber, played with played food and sorted toys. The four groups of two-year-olds were engaged in indoor free play. They lounged in the cozy areas, looked at books, sorted toys, played with large activity cube, and engaged in pretend food play. Caregivers followed appropriate diapering procedures and talked to children during the process. Lunch was served and consisted of chicken nuggets, diced carrots, apple sauce, and milk. Staff Files- Three new staff have been hired since the last visit on August 5, 2024, and these files were reviewed. Violation Number Comment Rule 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member employed on September 19, 2024 has not completed the training. .1102(g) A violation was documented today. On or before January 27, 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. 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: A violation .1102(g) was documented today. One staff member employed on September 19, 2024, did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. You may want to create an orientation form, separate from the DCDEE Orientation form, that would outline what requirements are required for staff initially, and each time frame afterwards. This would hold each staff member accountable for their requirements. ABCMS- North Carolina child care administrators can now view and edit their facility’s staff roster in ABCMS, the DCDEE’s criminal background check system. Provider Access to ABCMS allows administrators to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. To get started, complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training in Moodle—a video tutorial followed by a few questions. The ABCMS portal is now being used to meet the requirement of notifying the Division of staff changes (see email sent 11/25/24 for more information). Compliance with this requirement will be monitored during future visits. Rated License Information - As discussed today, the “hold harmless” state of three-year reassessments was extended to allow time for new rules determining how stars are earned to be written and implemented. This means a reassessment will not be conducted according to the timelines previously discussed, however you may request one voluntarily at any time. New rules are expected to include different pathways towards earning stars, so I urge you to review any information shared to prepare for the changes. Communications will be sent via email directly from DCDEE, and I will continue to keep you informed. If you are interested in having the Environment Rating Scales-Revised (ITERS- R and ECERS-R) conducted as part of your reassessment process, you may wish to review information on the new version of this tool, the FCCERS-3, since it will be used after February 1, 2025 for operators who choose the “program assessment” pathway. You may visit https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ for free trainings and more information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and signed. If you need further assistance, you may contact me, Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, at 910-824-1143 or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/5/2024 Number Present: 93 Completed Date: 8/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an unannounced annual compliance visit. This program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 232 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios and enhanced ratios minus one in each group. The sanitation inspection was completed on August,2 2024 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 16, 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 89% percent as of August 1, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on August 5, 2024 and Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. was listed as current- active. You, Kyleda Gamble, director assisted with the licensing paperwork plus accompanied me with the observations and walk through. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. The spaces appear inviting, as they were clean, organized, and child friendly. There are ten classroom open today. The facility serves Early Head Start children in three of the classrooms. There are 110 children enrolled and 93 children present, ranging in age from infants to three-year-olds. Children were engaged in free play activities indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, children were engaged in a variety of activities such as walking around, riding trikes, pushing walking toys, splashing in the water, throwing balls, digging in the dirt, playing with the mud kitchen, putting together large manipulatives, and many other activities. In the classroom for the infants, children were being held, exploring around the classroom, sitting in the exersaucer, scooting around the play areas, and other activities. Older groups were putting together puzzles, playing and dressing the baby dolls, engaging in art activities, putting together big blocks, playing with balls, and many other activities. Appropriate discipline techniques and interactions were observed. Lunch served consisted of chicken parmesan, noodles, green beans, peaches, and milk. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Activity plans were not current in classroom spaces #1 and space #7. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A playground checklist was not documented for July 2024. .0605(q) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff completed 6.5 of the 10 required on-going training hours. One staff member has not completed 10 of the 10 required on-going training hours. .1103(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Medical health assessments and immunization records were not on file for two children. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) Violations were documented during the visit. Mail or email a compliance letter to me no later than August 16, 2024, verifying correction of the violations and sharing any other relevant information. 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 activity planning in child care rule .0508. A current activity plan must be posted for each group of children for reference. Activity plans were not current in classroom spaces #1 and space #7. This was corrected during the visit. Violations were documented related to staff records in child care rules .1102 and .1103. Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One member of staff completed 6.5 of the 10 on-going training hours required. The staff member needs to complete 3.5 hours. This staff member’s ITS-SIDS training expired February 21, 2024. Before returning to this age group, this staff member must complete the ITS-SIDS training. One staff member works 15 hours a week and is required to completed 10 on-going hours annually. A violation was documented related to children’s record keeping in GS 110-91(1). Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Medical health assessments and immunization records were not on file for two children’s files reviewed. Be reminded, health care professional information must be completed for all children. Staff and Training Worksheets- You have typed and keeping organized for your on-going worksheets here are twenty-five staff members employed at this facility. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. There are three new staff that have not completed CPR and First Aid and three that haven’t completed health and safety but you are tracking the dates to ensure the trainings are completed within 90 of hire date. CPR and First Aid training for child care must be taught in-person by an approved training organization, and only certain courses meet requirements. One staff member’s training is not approved. She will need to complete the trainings by September 13, 2024. I emailed you the list of approved organizations and courses. You may also visit www.dcdee website. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at www.ncchildcare.net. The "hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is implemented (SB 425). This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. I 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. 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 #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/5/2024 Number Present: 93 Completed Date: 8/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an unannounced annual compliance visit. This program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 232 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios and enhanced ratios minus one in each group. The sanitation inspection was completed on August,2 2024 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on November 16, 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 89% percent as of August 1, 2023. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on August 5, 2024 and Ela KidsNet Holdings, LLC. was listed as current- active. You, Kyleda Gamble, director assisted with the licensing paperwork plus accompanied me with the observations and walk through. A walk-through of the facility was completed, all indoor and outdoor areas were observed and monitored. The spaces appear inviting, as they were clean, organized, and child friendly. There are ten classroom open today. The facility serves Early Head Start children in three of the classrooms. There are 110 children enrolled and 93 children present, ranging in age from infants to three-year-olds. Children were engaged in free play activities indoors and outdoors. Outdoors, children were engaged in a variety of activities such as walking around, riding trikes, pushing walking toys, splashing in the water, throwing balls, digging in the dirt, playing with the mud kitchen, putting together large manipulatives, and many other activities. In the classroom for the infants, children were being held, exploring around the classroom, sitting in the exersaucer, scooting around the play areas, and other activities. Older groups were putting together puzzles, playing and dressing the baby dolls, engaging in art activities, putting together big blocks, playing with balls, and many other activities. Appropriate discipline techniques and interactions were observed. Lunch served consisted of chicken parmesan, noodles, green beans, peaches, and milk. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Activity plans were not current in classroom spaces #1 and space #7. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. A playground checklist was not documented for July 2024. .0605(q) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One staff completed 6.5 of the 10 required on-going training hours. One staff member has not completed 10 of the 10 required on-going training hours. .1103(a) 1320 Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Medical health assessments and immunization records were not on file for two children. GS 110-91(1);.0302(d)(2); .0304(g) Violations were documented during the visit. Mail or email a compliance letter to me no later than August 16, 2024, verifying correction of the violations and sharing any other relevant information. 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 activity planning in child care rule .0508. A current activity plan must be posted for each group of children for reference. Activity plans were not current in classroom spaces #1 and space #7. This was corrected during the visit. Violations were documented related to staff records in child care rules .1102 and .1103. Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. One member of staff completed 6.5 of the 10 on-going training hours required. The staff member needs to complete 3.5 hours. This staff member’s ITS-SIDS training expired February 21, 2024. Before returning to this age group, this staff member must complete the ITS-SIDS training. One staff member works 15 hours a week and is required to completed 10 on-going hours annually. A violation was documented related to children’s record keeping in GS 110-91(1). Children's records that include an application for enrollment, medical and immunization records, and permission to seek emergency medical care was not on file for each child. Medical health assessments and immunization records were not on file for two children’s files reviewed. Be reminded, health care professional information must be completed for all children. Staff and Training Worksheets- You have typed and keeping organized for your on-going worksheets here are twenty-five staff members employed at this facility. All new staff and a percentage of veteran staff’s files were reviewed. There are three new staff that have not completed CPR and First Aid and three that haven’t completed health and safety but you are tracking the dates to ensure the trainings are completed within 90 of hire date. CPR and First Aid training for child care must be taught in-person by an approved training organization, and only certain courses meet requirements. One staff member’s training is not approved. She will need to complete the trainings by September 13, 2024. I emailed you the list of approved organizations and courses. You may also visit www.dcdee website. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at www.ncchildcare.net. The "hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) is implemented (SB 425). This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. I 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. 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 #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/3/2024 Number Present: 92 Completed Date: 4/3/2024 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor the compliance with applicable child care requirements. Limited monitoring occurred. This program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 232 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios and enhanced ratios minus one in each group. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Ela KidsNet was reviewed on February 13, 2023 was listed as current- active. The last visit was conducted August 8, 2023. The center completed the last Fire Inspection on November 16, 2023, and was approved for daytime care only. The last Sanitation inspection was completed on August 16, 2023, with a Superior Classification. As of April 3, 2024, the center's compliance history is 87%. Kyleda Gamble, administrator, was present during today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces with monitored. There were ten (10) classrooms operating today, with 92 children present, ranging in age from 6 months old to 3 years old. It was a rainy day; therefore, all children were busy with indoor activities. In the classrooms for infants, caregivers-maintained eye contact as they interacted with children on the floor, held children to bottle feed, diapered, or comforted children. Caregivers engaged in give and take conversations as they responded to children's non-verbal signals and described children's activities. Safe sleep checks were being documented. Toddlers were playing and were busy with free play selecting their toys from low shelves and bins or catching bubbles. The caregivers interacted warmly with them, assisting them with the materials and helping to diffuse the typical disagreements with toddlers. In addition, I observed caregivers read books to children and assist them with coloring activities. Lunch was served and consisted of cheese wraps, diced carrots, and peaches, and milk. I observed a child upset when he saw his parent drop off one of his siblings. It is normal for young children to get upset when they have to separate from their parents or in this case, they see their parent. Encourage staff to validate the child’s feelings but also remind them their parent will be returning to pick them up. Engage them in an activity to get them involved and reduce the anxiety the child is feeling. Violation Number Comment Rule 1831 In centers that are licensed to care for infants, the child care administrator and any child care provider scheduled to work in the infant room shall complete ITS-SIDS training. ITS-SIDS training shall be completed within two months of an individual assuming responsibilities in the infant room and every three years thereafter. One staff member employed on January 22, 2024 has not completed ITS-SIDS training. .01102 (f) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff employed on May 5, 2023 has not completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. .1102(g) 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. Two violations were documented today. On or before April 13, 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. 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: Staff Files- There were two new staff members that have been hired since the last staff file monitoring visit. Both staff members have completed Health and Safety Trainings. A review of Staff and Training Worksheets was completed today. Two violations related to staff records were documented in child care rule .1102. Trainings- ITS-SIDS training shall be completed within two months of an individual assuming responsibilities in the infant room and every three years thereafter. One staff member employed on January 22, 2024, has not completed ITS-SIDS training. One staff employed on May 5, 2023 has not completed Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed and signed by the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, at 910-824-1143 or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0324-256L Visit Date: 3/21/2024 Number Present: 91 Completed Date: 3/21/2024 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 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 violation of child care requirements. The allegation reported was there is a concern that a child was left unsupervised in the classroom. This program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 232 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios and enhanced ratios minus one in each group. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Ela KidsNet was reviewed on March 20, 2023 was listed as current- active. The last visit was conducted August 8, 2023. As of March 19, 2024, the center's compliance history is 89%. The center completed the last Fire Inspection on November 16, 2023, and was approved for daytime care only. The last Sanitation inspection was completed on August 16, 2023, with a Superior Classification. Kyleda Gamble was present during today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces with monitored today. Today, there were 100 children enrolled 91 children present, ranging in age from 3 months to 3 years old. Children were engaged in indoor and outdoor free play. Toddlers eating lunch which consisted of Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, roll and milk. Investigation- The allegation was discussed with you and three other staff members. Each provided their perception of the allegation. The facility does not have a camera system. On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Aubrie McPhaul, District Manager with Excel Learning Centers made a self-report regarding a supervision issue. Findings: Allegation- There is a concern that a child was left unsupervised in the classroom. You, Kyleda Gamble, Administrator, shared the information regarding a recent incident. You were not present on Monday, March 18, 2024, but was notified by Ms. McPhaul on Monday after the incident occurred. A 2-year-old was located by Ashley Mitchell, Assistant Administrator as she had been left in her classroom (space #9) when the other children/group transitioned outdoors for free play. You identified the staff members as D. Rogers and Z. Martinez. The next morning, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, you contacted the child’s father to inform him of the incident and the steps you would put in place to ensure there isn’t a reoccurrence. Later, you had a follow-up conversation with the child’s mother. The child remains enrolled and was present today. Other staff members shared specific information about what occurred. Ms. Mitchell walked out of the kitchen and heard a child crying in classroom space # 9. When she walked into the classroom, she observed a 2-year-old child crying and walking toward the interior classroom door. She realized the child had been left alone in the classroom as the group had transitioned outdoors for free play. She shared the concern with Ms. McPhaul. Ms. McPhaul carried the child to the playground to inform the staff they had left the child in the classroom alone. She provided on-the-spot technical assistance regarding transitions and supervision. After the incident, Ms. McPhaul met with both staff members to discuss the incident. Each staff member was given a written Employee Counseling/Corrective Action, which is a warning in writing. In addition, the Playground Supervision Policy was reviewed with these two staff members, and each signed acknowledging their understanding of the policy. Today, I conducted a walk through and observations in all classrooms and playgrounds. Children were visually supervised, and children were appropriately transitioned from one activity to another. Staff conducted a sweep of their classroom prior to transitioning the children outdoors. Staff were engaged in activities with the children or walked around supervising and engaging when needed. In the classroom for infants and toddlers, each baby received care based on individual need, including diapering, napping, and feeding routines. Infants not engaged in routine care or napping were observed playing on the carpeted area with soft toys, sitting in an activity exersaucer, or lying on a boppy pillow. Caregivers monitored supervision by talking to children, giving them a pacifier while holding or feeding others. Two groups completed breakfast routine, cleaned up, and prepared to transition outdoors for free play. Three groups were outdoors engaged in play activities such as running around, climbing, riding trikes and cozy coupes, kicking balls, etc. Indoors, children sang songs, colored Easter eggs, or engaged in center play. I reviewed the Employee Counseling/Corrective Action forms the Playground policy for the two staff members. Based on the self-report, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is Substantiated. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On March 19, 2024, a 2 year-old child was left alone in classroom space #9 for approximately 5 minutes while the other children and staff transitioned outdoors for play. .1801(a)(1-5) Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. A violations was documented today. On or before March 31, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Based on a Substantiated allegation, a follow-up visit will be conducted and potentially an administrative action will be issued. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Technical Assistance: A violation related to supervision was documented in child care rule .1801. Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On March 19, 2024, a 2 year-old child was left alone in classroom space #9 for approximately 5 minutes while the other children and staff transitioned outdoors for play. Supervision is basic to the safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed or inappropriate behavior. It is the responsibility of staff to regularly count children (name to face recognition) on a routine basis, at every transition, and whenever leaving one area and arriving at another. I modeled and coached the staff members on transitions. I provided ideas, suggestions strategies, etc. on transitioning children from one space to another or completing a routine such as putting on coats. I encourage you to continue the conversations and provide technical assistance. Also, encourage staff to reevaluate their room arrangement to determine if there is enough space to transition near the interior door and maybe add floor signals (pictures/shapes, etc.). It is a challenge to expect toddlers and twos to be able to walk in a line. Try clumping children together by having them hold hands with one or two partners, with teachers holding the hands of the wanderers. Another strategy would be to give children a fun activity to do during the transition, such as making a train by holding on to the waist of the person in front, or hopping like bunnies. As we discussed, use your weekly theme! Continue to work with all teachers to develop other fun strategies to transition inside and outside safely, such as: sticking together by pretending to be parts of a sandwich, walking sideways, on tip toes, with giant steps, like ducks, robots, like snails, etc. Student Volunteer- I observed a college student, who is completing in her college practicum, but not employed by the facility, assisting in a classroom. We had a discussion regarding the roles and responsibilities of this individual. She should not be disciplining, picking up the children, or providing main caregiving responsibilities. You explained her main goal is to conduct observations and have minimum interactions with the children. You stated you plan to review what the student’s expected roles and responsibilities are in the classroom and will have a conversation with her. 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 reviewed and signed by the administrator. You may contact me, Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, at 910-824-1143 or Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0723-047L Visit Date: 8/8/2023 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 8/8/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:45 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. This program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 232 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios and enhanced ratios minus one in each group. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Ela KidsNet was reviewed on August 7, 2023 was listed as current- active. The center completed the last Fire Inspection on October 11, 2022 and was approved for daytime care only. The last Sanitation inspection was completed on April 11, 2023, with a Superior Classification. As of August 7, 2023, the center's compliance history is 95%. You, Kyieda Gamble, director was present during today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces with monitored today. All spaces were clean, organized and supplied with a variety of materials and toys. Today, there were 93 children enrolled and 79 children present ranging in age from 0-3 years old. In the classroom for infants, they were being fed, napping or engaged in exploratory free floor play. Safe sleep check documentation was on file. Children assigned to all other indoor spaces were actively engaged in a variety of activities. Indoors free play activities included drawing with markers, building with Legos, looking at books, etc. Outdoors, free play activities included running, pushing toys, walking, riding trikes, kicking balls, etc. Lunch service was observed and included BBQ chicken breast sandwich, mandarin oranges, diced carrots, and milk. 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. GS 110-102 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. Two of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed safe sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 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. Five of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a parents' signed acknowledgment of receipt of 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 nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed and dated statement by the parent acknowledging recipe of the discipline policy. .1804(c) 1449 Within the first two weeks of assuming responsibility for supervising a group of children, staff did not complete at least 6 hours of training on topics outlined in this rule. One staff member employed on 2/7/23, completed the this topic on 3/10/23, which was not within 2 weeks of employment. .2510(i)(1)(A-D) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. Four of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement from the parent of receipt of the smoking and tobacco restriction. .0604(j) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member employed on 1/16/23 has not completed the training. .1102(g) The following violations were observed today and must corrected immediately. 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. Violations were documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 19, 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: Staff Records: Violations were documented related to staff record keeping- A violation was documented in child care rule .1102. One staff member employed on 1/16/23 has not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. A violation was documented in child care rule .2510. Within the first two weeks of assuming responsibility for supervising a group of children, staff did not complete at least 6 hours of training on topics outlined in this rule. One staff member employed on 2/7/23 completed the training on 3/10/23. Violations were 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 encourage you to review all children's files. 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 as they create the forms. Rated License Status: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. Training Opportunities- In support, I have reached out to the NCRLAP Assessors, and requested them to come to Onslow County to conduct training for child care programs. Registration is required! Trainings will be held in-person on September 27, 2023, starting at 9am till 2pm at One Place. You may attend one or you may attend all three. ITERS-R - 9:00am-10:30am; ECERS-R 11am-12:30pm; SACERS-U 1pm- 2:00pm 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 .0606 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0723-047L Visit Date: 8/8/2023 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 8/8/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:45 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. This program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 232 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios and enhanced ratios minus one in each group. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Ela KidsNet was reviewed on August 7, 2023 was listed as current- active. The center completed the last Fire Inspection on October 11, 2022 and was approved for daytime care only. The last Sanitation inspection was completed on April 11, 2023, with a Superior Classification. As of August 7, 2023, the center's compliance history is 95%. You, Kyieda Gamble, director was present during today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces with monitored today. All spaces were clean, organized and supplied with a variety of materials and toys. Today, there were 93 children enrolled and 79 children present ranging in age from 0-3 years old. In the classroom for infants, they were being fed, napping or engaged in exploratory free floor play. Safe sleep check documentation was on file. Children assigned to all other indoor spaces were actively engaged in a variety of activities. Indoors free play activities included drawing with markers, building with Legos, looking at books, etc. Outdoors, free play activities included running, pushing toys, walking, riding trikes, kicking balls, etc. Lunch service was observed and included BBQ chicken breast sandwich, mandarin oranges, diced carrots, and milk. 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. GS 110-102 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. Two of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed safe sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 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. Five of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a parents' signed acknowledgment of receipt of 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 nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed and dated statement by the parent acknowledging recipe of the discipline policy. .1804(c) 1449 Within the first two weeks of assuming responsibility for supervising a group of children, staff did not complete at least 6 hours of training on topics outlined in this rule. One staff member employed on 2/7/23, completed the this topic on 3/10/23, which was not within 2 weeks of employment. .2510(i)(1)(A-D) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. Four of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement from the parent of receipt of the smoking and tobacco restriction. .0604(j) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member employed on 1/16/23 has not completed the training. .1102(g) The following violations were observed today and must corrected immediately. 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. Violations were documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 19, 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: Staff Records: Violations were documented related to staff record keeping- A violation was documented in child care rule .1102. One staff member employed on 1/16/23 has not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. A violation was documented in child care rule .2510. Within the first two weeks of assuming responsibility for supervising a group of children, staff did not complete at least 6 hours of training on topics outlined in this rule. One staff member employed on 2/7/23 completed the training on 3/10/23. Violations were 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 encourage you to review all children's files. 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 as they create the forms. Rated License Status: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. Training Opportunities- In support, I have reached out to the NCRLAP Assessors, and requested them to come to Onslow County to conduct training for child care programs. Registration is required! Trainings will be held in-person on September 27, 2023, starting at 9am till 2pm at One Place. You may attend one or you may attend all three. ITERS-R - 9:00am-10:30am; ECERS-R 11am-12:30pm; SACERS-U 1pm- 2:00pm 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 #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0723-047L Visit Date: 8/8/2023 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 8/8/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:45 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. This program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 232 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios and enhanced ratios minus one in each group. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Ela KidsNet was reviewed on August 7, 2023 was listed as current- active. The center completed the last Fire Inspection on October 11, 2022 and was approved for daytime care only. The last Sanitation inspection was completed on April 11, 2023, with a Superior Classification. As of August 7, 2023, the center's compliance history is 95%. You, Kyieda Gamble, director was present during today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces with monitored today. All spaces were clean, organized and supplied with a variety of materials and toys. Today, there were 93 children enrolled and 79 children present ranging in age from 0-3 years old. In the classroom for infants, they were being fed, napping or engaged in exploratory free floor play. Safe sleep check documentation was on file. Children assigned to all other indoor spaces were actively engaged in a variety of activities. Indoors free play activities included drawing with markers, building with Legos, looking at books, etc. Outdoors, free play activities included running, pushing toys, walking, riding trikes, kicking balls, etc. Lunch service was observed and included BBQ chicken breast sandwich, mandarin oranges, diced carrots, and milk. 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. GS 110-102 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. Two of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed safe sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 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. Five of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a parents' signed acknowledgment of receipt of 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 nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed and dated statement by the parent acknowledging recipe of the discipline policy. .1804(c) 1449 Within the first two weeks of assuming responsibility for supervising a group of children, staff did not complete at least 6 hours of training on topics outlined in this rule. One staff member employed on 2/7/23, completed the this topic on 3/10/23, which was not within 2 weeks of employment. .2510(i)(1)(A-D) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. Four of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement from the parent of receipt of the smoking and tobacco restriction. .0604(j) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member employed on 1/16/23 has not completed the training. .1102(g) The following violations were observed today and must corrected immediately. 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. Violations were documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 19, 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: Staff Records: Violations were documented related to staff record keeping- A violation was documented in child care rule .1102. One staff member employed on 1/16/23 has not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. A violation was documented in child care rule .2510. Within the first two weeks of assuming responsibility for supervising a group of children, staff did not complete at least 6 hours of training on topics outlined in this rule. One staff member employed on 2/7/23 completed the training on 3/10/23. Violations were 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 encourage you to review all children's files. 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 as they create the forms. Rated License Status: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. Training Opportunities- In support, I have reached out to the NCRLAP Assessors, and requested them to come to Onslow County to conduct training for child care programs. Registration is required! Trainings will be held in-person on September 27, 2023, starting at 9am till 2pm at One Place. You may attend one or you may attend all three. ITERS-R - 9:00am-10:30am; ECERS-R 11am-12:30pm; SACERS-U 1pm- 2:00pm 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 #9 Facility ID: 67001180 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0723-047L Visit Date: 8/8/2023 Number Present: 79 Completed Date: 8/8/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:45 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. This program currently operates with a 5 Star License, issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 232 children ages 0 to 12 years old. The facility meets enhanced space and ratios and enhanced ratios minus one in each group. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your corporation Ela KidsNet was reviewed on August 7, 2023 was listed as current- active. The center completed the last Fire Inspection on October 11, 2022 and was approved for daytime care only. The last Sanitation inspection was completed on April 11, 2023, with a Superior Classification. As of August 7, 2023, the center's compliance history is 95%. You, Kyieda Gamble, director was present during today’s visit. All indoor and outdoor spaces with monitored today. All spaces were clean, organized and supplied with a variety of materials and toys. Today, there were 93 children enrolled and 79 children present ranging in age from 0-3 years old. In the classroom for infants, they were being fed, napping or engaged in exploratory free floor play. Safe sleep check documentation was on file. Children assigned to all other indoor spaces were actively engaged in a variety of activities. Indoors free play activities included drawing with markers, building with Legos, looking at books, etc. Outdoors, free play activities included running, pushing toys, walking, riding trikes, kicking balls, etc. Lunch service was observed and included BBQ chicken breast sandwich, mandarin oranges, diced carrots, and milk. 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. GS 110-102 893 A copy of the safe sleep policy was not given to and/or explained to the parent of each child on or before the first day the infant attended the center. Two of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed safe sleep policy. 10A NCAC 09 .0606(c) 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. Five of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a parents' signed acknowledgment of receipt of 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 nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed and dated statement by the parent acknowledging recipe of the discipline policy. .1804(c) 1449 Within the first two weeks of assuming responsibility for supervising a group of children, staff did not complete at least 6 hours of training on topics outlined in this rule. One staff member employed on 2/7/23, completed the this topic on 3/10/23, which was not within 2 weeks of employment. .2510(i)(1)(A-D) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. Four of the nine children's files reviewed did not include a signed acknowledgement from the parent of receipt of the smoking and tobacco restriction. .0604(j) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member employed on 1/16/23 has not completed the training. .1102(g) The following violations were observed today and must corrected immediately. 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. Violations were documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 19, 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: Staff Records: Violations were documented related to staff record keeping- A violation was documented in child care rule .1102. One staff member employed on 1/16/23 has not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. A violation was documented in child care rule .2510. Within the first two weeks of assuming responsibility for supervising a group of children, staff did not complete at least 6 hours of training on topics outlined in this rule. One staff member employed on 2/7/23 completed the training on 3/10/23. Violations were 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 encourage you to review all children's files. 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 as they create the forms. Rated License Status: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. Training Opportunities- In support, I have reached out to the NCRLAP Assessors, and requested them to come to Onslow County to conduct training for child care programs. Registration is required! Trainings will be held in-person on September 27, 2023, starting at 9am till 2pm at One Place. You may attend one or you may attend all three. ITERS-R - 9:00am-10:30am; ECERS-R 11am-12:30pm; SACERS-U 1pm- 2:00pm 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