Gwen's Childcare

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: GWEN'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 67000931 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 2/19/2026 Number Present: 2 Completed Date: 2/19/2026 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 105 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program with compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Your facility operates with a Three-Star License, issued February 29, 2024. The restrictions on your permit include a capacity of 8 children age ranging from 0-12 years old, first shift only, maximum of five preschool children at any time, play in fenced back yard only; no more than two children under 1 year old, Marod Martin & JaCora Arnold are not allowed on the premises during operating hrs. Your license was posted and restrictions were in compliance. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on March 6, 2025. Your compliance history was reviewed with you today. As of February 9, 2026, your 18-month compliance history is 100%. Gwen Arnold, operator, was present and available for consultation during today’s visit. All approved spaces used by the children were monitored. You have a designated child care space at the back of your home. It has a separate bathroom for the children to use. Appropriate toys and furnishings are available. Five children were enrolled, and two children were present, ranging in age from 8 months old to 3 years old. Children were resting on their individual mats and in a pack and play. One child transitioned from naptime to playing with age-appropriate toys including but not limited to cars, markers, blocks, and playing with playdoh. Today you were interacting with the children asking them open-ended questions and was actively engaged in play. Today your staff file and all the children’s files were reviewed today. The following violation was observed and documented during today’s visit. The violation was corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 508 Operator did not successfully complete a first aid course as referenced in Rule.1702(b)(2) First aid training was not renewed on or before the expiration of the certification. Your First Aid expired November 2025. .1703(a)(2) 511 Operator did not successfully complete a CPR course as referenced in Rule.1702(b)(2) CPR training was not renewed on or before the expiration of the certification. CPR expired November 2025. .1703(a)(3) 908 Health questionnaire was not completed annually. Your last health questionnaire was completed on January 1, 2025. .1703(a)(1) 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 violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 5, 2026. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant PO Box 161 Hampstead, NC 28443 heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE, this serves as your signature, and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Today you stated that you are scheduled for your CPR and First Aid class on Monday February 23, 2026. 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 or on your phone to ensure that training is obtained in a timely manner and does not expire before new certification is obtained. Today we discussed ensuring that you complete an annual health questionnaire. Today we printed and had you update the form to come in compliance. Today we discussed including these updates in your phone or in a calendar to ensure that these requirements are met and in compliance. Clean water for Carolina kids- The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website reflected the following information about your center’s required three-year water testing, lead paint testing, and asbestos testing: Three-year Water Testing was completed March 6, 2025. The Lead Paint Testing and Asbestos Testing sections have not been completed. Begin the process of completing all three tests today. During the visit an overview of section .3200 of the child care rules was provided using the QRIS Conversation Template and resources available on the QRIS Modernization Page, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. All the newest information on the QRIS rated license assessments and documents are currently posted here. Each of the following pathway options were discussed: Pathway 1 - Program Assessment, Pathway 2 - Classroom and Instructional Quality, and touched on Pathway 3 - Accreditation and Head Start. We reviewed the components common to Pathways 1 and 2: Any staff person who will be evaluated as part of the Lead Teachers or Other Educators needs to register for a Works account and submit original, official transcripts or update their current Works account and submit new education. We walked through the Individual and Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) forms (individual and center). You will complete the complete the center form for your facility and an Individual CQI annually. (This will also count as your Professional Development Plan) Maintain these in your staff files. We reviewed the Family and Community Engagement Plan. We reviewed the Foundational Practices. Ensure that they are included in the parent handbook Consider creating a notebook to collect documentation of the practices including pictures, flyers, newsletters, emails, etc. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You will complete a 3-month ERS Self-Study using the Thinking More About FCCERS-3. We discussed information available on the NC Rated License Assessment website, www.ncrlap.org,including training and forms for the three-month self-study and other resources (videos, documents, live and recorded training) and opportunities for an Outreach Assessment. To request Outreach Assessment - Email ncrlap@uncg.edu or call 1-866-362-7527. When the 3-month self-study is completed, you will complete and submit the Self-Study Verification Form. Pathway 2: Classroom and Instructional Quality We reviewed the list of approved curriculums and formative assessments as an approved curriculum and formative assessments will be required for pathway 2. You will need to provide verification that you have received training on the selected curriculum and formative assessment tool. We discussed options for five hours of additional training (on-going training or CEUs) or coaching/mentoring option. At the completion of the visit, this summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions, please contact me, Heather Elliott, Child Care Consultant at 910-364-8728/ heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Kim Sherry at 910-824-0470/ kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1705 · Violation

Name of Operation: GWEN'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 67000931 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 2 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 105 Time In: 12:15 PM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during this annual compliance unannounced visit. This program currently operates with a Three Star License, issued July 24, 2019. Restrictions include: a capacity of 8, age range of 0-12, daytime and overnight, maximum of 5 preschool children at any time, play in the fenced backyard only, serves no more than 2 children under age one, and Marod Martin and JaCora Arnold are not allowed on the premises during operating hours. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an 18-month compliance history of 94%. You, operator, Gwen Arnold, was present and available for consultation. You, owner/operator, Gwen Arnold, was present and available for consultation. All spaces used by the children were monitored. Appropriate toys and furnishings are available. Two children were enrolled, a two year old and a four year old was present. Children were observed sitting with the caregiver in the living area. While lunch was being prepared, a table was brought into the kitchen so that children could sit and play with a moving duck game. All children were adequately supervised. Caregiver and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Lunch consisted of hotdogs, fries, salad, fruit, and milk. Violation Number Comment Rule 701 All indoor and outdoor areas used by the children were not kept clean, orderly, and free of items which are potentially hazardous to children including removal of items a child can swallow; the removal of loose nails or screws and splinters on inside; and use of outdoor equipment that is too hot to touch. There were construction tools building supplies, etc. observed in the fenced area. The meatal rockers on the spring rockers were rusty. .1719(a)(1)&(17) 916 Operator did not maintain a record of on-going training in which he/she has participated. The operator completed 6.5 hours of the required 10 on-going training hours. 10A NCAC 09 .1705(b)(4)(C) 921 Operator did not maintain accurate daily attendance records including documentation of arrival and departure for all children in care, including the operator's own preschool children. Attendance for arrival was not available for today. .1721(e)(6) 1922 Plastic bags, toys, and toy parts small enough to be swallowed, including but not limited to materials that can be easily torn apart such as foam rubber and styrofoam, were accessible to children under the age of three. A plastic bag used to store diapers was located on a wood shelf at the front entrance in the child care space accessible to the children in care. .1719(a)(18) Violations were documented during this visit. On or before March 22, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Kim Sherry, Child Care Consultant, Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Technical Assistance: Violation was documented related to safety in child care rule .1719- 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 was corrected during the visit. All indoor and outdoor areas used by the children were not kept clean, orderly, and free of items which are potentially hazardous to children including removal of items a child can swallow; the removal of loose nails or screws and splinters on inside; and use of outdoor equipment that is too hot to touch. The outdoor environment was not in use as construction was in process. An extra room was being built to the back of the home. There were construction tools, building materials, etc. accessible to the children in the fenced area. The meatal rockers on the spring rockers were rusty. Child care rules require us to take children outdoors each day even in the winter. Ensuring that the playground area is safe, which takes careful planning and monitoring. Remove, repair, or replace items immediately that are broken, rusty cracked, or not appropriate for children. For you would like to use the local park, you will need to submit the written request to me. I will follow up with you once it has been approved with upper management. A violation as documented related to training in child care rule .1703. Operator did not maintain a record of on-going training in which he/she has participated. The operator completed 6.5 hours of the required 10 on-going training hours. The training completed during the provider meeting will make up 1.5 of the hours; therefore, you will need to complete two additional training hours. You will verify by submitting a certificate. A violation as documented related to paperwork in child care rule .1721(e)(6- Operator did not maintain accurate daily attendance records including documentation of arrival and departure for all children in care, including the operator's own preschool children. Today was the children’s first day but attendance is required. Attendance for arrival was not available for today. Additional Information: Technical assistance was given today regarding the music playing with videos on the television while children were in the kitchen and you prepared lunch. Music is appropriate for children during activities if it is logged on the screen time log. If children can see the screen while the music is played, it will need to be documented. Children younger than 2 years old need hands-on exploration and social interaction with trusted caregivers to develop their cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional skills. Because of their immature symbolic, memory, and attentional skills, infants and toddlers cannot learn from traditional digital media as they do from interactions with caregivers. For children younger than 2 years old, evidence for the benefits of media is limited. Adult interaction with the child during media use is crucial, and there continues to be evidence of harm from excessive digital media use as they cannot discern imaginary from reality. Activity plans and daily schedule were not posted, as the space has been recently painted. You explained you use Sunshine curriculum. You stated you will post Health and Safety training requirements were monitored today. They are due to be completed in 2027. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. Email me at Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or call me at (910) 824-0470 with questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: GWEN'S CHILDCARE Facility ID: 67000931 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/23/2024 Number Present: 3 Completed Date: 1/23/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 40 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 10:20 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Other Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to hand deliver a Summary Suspension to Gwen’s Childcare, 6700093 based on a Criminal Background Check Disqualification for the household member, JaCora Arnold, daughter of facility owner/operator, Gwendolyn Arnold. During my visit today, I reviewed the Criminal Background Check Disqualification Letter, Cover Letter, Notice of Administrative Action, Appeal Letter, and the Child Care General Statue Law and Definition. A copy of each was provided to you. The hand delivery form was completed, signed, and a copy was left with you during today’s review. You stated that you have not received your copy of the disqualification letter from Raleigh. A copy of JaCora Arnolds’s Disqualification Letter was given to you today. Ms. Arnold stated JaCora Arnold currently resides in the home but plans to relocate. Today, JaCora Arnold was present at this time. I explained to Ms. Arnold that she would need to provide me with the new address for JaCora Arnold. Ms. Arnold stated she was not aware she had to notify the Division of Child Development and Early education of the charges, as she thought she was to notify the division if she was convicted. Ms. Arnold was informed she may not operate a child care facility after the close of business today, as it may result in the initiation of a felony arrest warrant for providing illegal child care. A follow-up visit will be conducted in the future to ensure children are not in care Violation Number Comment Rule 1845 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. The provider's daughter, a household member has pending charges and the provider did not notify DCDEE within five business days. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) Lynette Robbins, Licensing Supervisor accompanied me on this visit. Please feel free to contact me at (910)824-0470 or by email, Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Lynette Robbins, Licensing Supervisor at (910)824-0235 or by email, Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov with any questions related to this disqualification. 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