Morton Pre-K

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: MORTON PRE-K Facility ID: 67001070 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2026 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 3/11/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for this annual compliance visit. The facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued May 23, 2022. Restriction on your permit includes a capacity of 54 ages ranging from 3-5 years old, first shift only, meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, meets Certified Developmental Day requirements, T9, T10, and A38 only at 18 children each minus one in each group. The last sanitation inspection occurred on November 25, 2025, earning a Superior rating with 8 demerits. The last fire inspection occurred on October 2, 2025, with an Approved rating, daytime care only. This facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 93%. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 22, 2025. There were 40 children enrolled and 35 children present ranging from 3-5 years of age. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Staff/Child Ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Staff members were interacting with children at the child’s level and asking developmentally appropriate questions. Each indoor space was divided into centers including but not limited to dramatic play, blocks, science, manipulatives, and art centers. In space 1, children were engaged in free play. Children were participating in building a house, building with Legos, participating in an art activity, and playing with puzzles. Children transitioned from free play to breakfast. Breakfast consisted of strawberry cream cheese bagel, applesauce and milk. Handwashing and food prep were observed and found in compliance. In space 2, children were participating in group time, singing and dancing to music. Children then transitioned to breakfast. Proper food preparation and handwashing were observed. In space 3, children were seated at the table eating breakfast. Staff were seated, engaging with the children, asking questions and connecting the conversation to past lessons that they learned. The children transitioned to outside play. Handwashing and toileting procedures were observed and found in compliance. For lunch, chicken nuggets, dinner roll, seasoned broccoli, raisins, and milk were served. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring - The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8:00am to 2:45pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQs)screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of ongoing assessments was observed in children’s files. Portfolios were observed in notebooks in the classrooms. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was available for review. All new staff members and a selection of veteran staff members files were reviewed. A selection of children’s files were reviewed. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. 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. There were two ant hills, one in the mulch by the black barrier surrounding the climbing structure near the fence and one was by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. The black barrier that surrounds the climbing structure has broken near the shade area. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1053 On-going training received was not within the 9 topic areas listed in GS 110-91(11) and/or the health and safety training topic areas in rule .1102. Staff member D. Grady did not have administration of medication available for review and staff member T. Campbell did not have any of the health and safety trainings available for review. GS 110-91(11); 10A NCAC 09.1102(b)(1-11) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child L. Cofer did not have an immunization record on file available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Only two lockdown or shelter-in-place drills have been recorded this year, September 5, 2025 and March 4, 2026. .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 March 25, 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 As previously discussed, you are completing your application for your 2–5-star license. You have chosen Pathway 3- Accreditation & Head Start. Submit your application to me no later than March 20, 2026, to be processed. Health and Safety Trainings Health and Safety Trainings are now available in Moodle. Below are more streamlined instructions on how to access the trainings. There are a couple of ways for you to access the health and safety training. •The enrollment process and completion of course materials tend to work best with a windows laptop or desktop using Firefox, but other devices and Google Chrome should also work. •From the Moodle home page, log-in with your NCID and password. The log-in is in the upper right corner of the screen. •After log-in, scroll to the bottom of the page. In the ‘Search courses’ box, you should type in the short name “Year 2024 CCDF” and then click go. You should not register for prior year courses as they are no longer available. •After completing the course search for “Year 2025 CCDF”, you should be able to register for the course. •Once registered, you will then need to use the “ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS” for step-by-step instructions. Should you encounter an issue, we are requesting you report the CCDF 2024 course issue (i.e. they are unable to complete the course evaluation or receive a training certificate), to the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center using the following link: https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/contact-us-form/. Should you need additional guidance with accessing the training, please refer to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant, at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov or by telephone at 919-814-6365. Outdoor Environment Today two ant hills were observed on the outdoor playground. One in the mulch of the climbing structure and one by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. Fire ants are a destructive pest that increasingly threaten native species of ants and, as their name implies, can leave painful, itchy "stings." Although more common in the southeastern United States, fire ants are spreading northward encouraged by climate change. The presence of fire ants in childcare center outdoor spaces can disrupt lawn activities, limit play and learning, and increase anxiety about extended time outdoors. The aim of this InfoSheet is to help identify fire ant mounds; discuss nest and sting prevention, sting reactions; and suggest safe methods for removing fire ants from outdoor play and learning spaces. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. There is a piece of black barrier, that is near the shade, that has become broken making the sharp edges assessable to the children. Broken plastic may cause a child to pinch or possibly cut their fingers. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today the black barrier bolts are showing signs that they are starting to come loose. Today I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. With all the recent wet weather we have been having, today I suggested to till or fluff the mulch as it has started to compact around the climbing structure. Shelter- in-place and Lockdown Drills 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. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classroom for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water testing- Completed on October 10, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead Based Paint and Asbestos- exempt For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy scanned to you. Contact me at heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-364-8728 or my supervisor, Kim Sherry, at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-824-0470 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: MORTON PRE-K Facility ID: 67001070 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2026 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 3/11/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for this annual compliance visit. The facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued May 23, 2022. Restriction on your permit includes a capacity of 54 ages ranging from 3-5 years old, first shift only, meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, meets Certified Developmental Day requirements, T9, T10, and A38 only at 18 children each minus one in each group. The last sanitation inspection occurred on November 25, 2025, earning a Superior rating with 8 demerits. The last fire inspection occurred on October 2, 2025, with an Approved rating, daytime care only. This facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 93%. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 22, 2025. There were 40 children enrolled and 35 children present ranging from 3-5 years of age. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Staff/Child Ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Staff members were interacting with children at the child’s level and asking developmentally appropriate questions. Each indoor space was divided into centers including but not limited to dramatic play, blocks, science, manipulatives, and art centers. In space 1, children were engaged in free play. Children were participating in building a house, building with Legos, participating in an art activity, and playing with puzzles. Children transitioned from free play to breakfast. Breakfast consisted of strawberry cream cheese bagel, applesauce and milk. Handwashing and food prep were observed and found in compliance. In space 2, children were participating in group time, singing and dancing to music. Children then transitioned to breakfast. Proper food preparation and handwashing were observed. In space 3, children were seated at the table eating breakfast. Staff were seated, engaging with the children, asking questions and connecting the conversation to past lessons that they learned. The children transitioned to outside play. Handwashing and toileting procedures were observed and found in compliance. For lunch, chicken nuggets, dinner roll, seasoned broccoli, raisins, and milk were served. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring - The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8:00am to 2:45pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQs)screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of ongoing assessments was observed in children’s files. Portfolios were observed in notebooks in the classrooms. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was available for review. All new staff members and a selection of veteran staff members files were reviewed. A selection of children’s files were reviewed. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. 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. There were two ant hills, one in the mulch by the black barrier surrounding the climbing structure near the fence and one was by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. The black barrier that surrounds the climbing structure has broken near the shade area. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1053 On-going training received was not within the 9 topic areas listed in GS 110-91(11) and/or the health and safety training topic areas in rule .1102. Staff member D. Grady did not have administration of medication available for review and staff member T. Campbell did not have any of the health and safety trainings available for review. GS 110-91(11); 10A NCAC 09.1102(b)(1-11) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child L. Cofer did not have an immunization record on file available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Only two lockdown or shelter-in-place drills have been recorded this year, September 5, 2025 and March 4, 2026. .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 March 25, 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 As previously discussed, you are completing your application for your 2–5-star license. You have chosen Pathway 3- Accreditation & Head Start. Submit your application to me no later than March 20, 2026, to be processed. Health and Safety Trainings Health and Safety Trainings are now available in Moodle. Below are more streamlined instructions on how to access the trainings. There are a couple of ways for you to access the health and safety training. •The enrollment process and completion of course materials tend to work best with a windows laptop or desktop using Firefox, but other devices and Google Chrome should also work. •From the Moodle home page, log-in with your NCID and password. The log-in is in the upper right corner of the screen. •After log-in, scroll to the bottom of the page. In the ‘Search courses’ box, you should type in the short name “Year 2024 CCDF” and then click go. You should not register for prior year courses as they are no longer available. •After completing the course search for “Year 2025 CCDF”, you should be able to register for the course. •Once registered, you will then need to use the “ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS” for step-by-step instructions. Should you encounter an issue, we are requesting you report the CCDF 2024 course issue (i.e. they are unable to complete the course evaluation or receive a training certificate), to the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center using the following link: https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/contact-us-form/. Should you need additional guidance with accessing the training, please refer to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant, at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov or by telephone at 919-814-6365. Outdoor Environment Today two ant hills were observed on the outdoor playground. One in the mulch of the climbing structure and one by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. Fire ants are a destructive pest that increasingly threaten native species of ants and, as their name implies, can leave painful, itchy "stings." Although more common in the southeastern United States, fire ants are spreading northward encouraged by climate change. The presence of fire ants in childcare center outdoor spaces can disrupt lawn activities, limit play and learning, and increase anxiety about extended time outdoors. The aim of this InfoSheet is to help identify fire ant mounds; discuss nest and sting prevention, sting reactions; and suggest safe methods for removing fire ants from outdoor play and learning spaces. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. There is a piece of black barrier, that is near the shade, that has become broken making the sharp edges assessable to the children. Broken plastic may cause a child to pinch or possibly cut their fingers. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today the black barrier bolts are showing signs that they are starting to come loose. Today I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. With all the recent wet weather we have been having, today I suggested to till or fluff the mulch as it has started to compact around the climbing structure. Shelter- in-place and Lockdown Drills 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. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classroom for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water testing- Completed on October 10, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead Based Paint and Asbestos- exempt For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy scanned to you. Contact me at heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-364-8728 or my supervisor, Kim Sherry, at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-824-0470 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: MORTON PRE-K Facility ID: 67001070 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2026 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 3/11/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for this annual compliance visit. The facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued May 23, 2022. Restriction on your permit includes a capacity of 54 ages ranging from 3-5 years old, first shift only, meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, meets Certified Developmental Day requirements, T9, T10, and A38 only at 18 children each minus one in each group. The last sanitation inspection occurred on November 25, 2025, earning a Superior rating with 8 demerits. The last fire inspection occurred on October 2, 2025, with an Approved rating, daytime care only. This facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 93%. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 22, 2025. There were 40 children enrolled and 35 children present ranging from 3-5 years of age. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Staff/Child Ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Staff members were interacting with children at the child’s level and asking developmentally appropriate questions. Each indoor space was divided into centers including but not limited to dramatic play, blocks, science, manipulatives, and art centers. In space 1, children were engaged in free play. Children were participating in building a house, building with Legos, participating in an art activity, and playing with puzzles. Children transitioned from free play to breakfast. Breakfast consisted of strawberry cream cheese bagel, applesauce and milk. Handwashing and food prep were observed and found in compliance. In space 2, children were participating in group time, singing and dancing to music. Children then transitioned to breakfast. Proper food preparation and handwashing were observed. In space 3, children were seated at the table eating breakfast. Staff were seated, engaging with the children, asking questions and connecting the conversation to past lessons that they learned. The children transitioned to outside play. Handwashing and toileting procedures were observed and found in compliance. For lunch, chicken nuggets, dinner roll, seasoned broccoli, raisins, and milk were served. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring - The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8:00am to 2:45pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQs)screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of ongoing assessments was observed in children’s files. Portfolios were observed in notebooks in the classrooms. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was available for review. All new staff members and a selection of veteran staff members files were reviewed. A selection of children’s files were reviewed. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. 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. There were two ant hills, one in the mulch by the black barrier surrounding the climbing structure near the fence and one was by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. The black barrier that surrounds the climbing structure has broken near the shade area. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1053 On-going training received was not within the 9 topic areas listed in GS 110-91(11) and/or the health and safety training topic areas in rule .1102. Staff member D. Grady did not have administration of medication available for review and staff member T. Campbell did not have any of the health and safety trainings available for review. GS 110-91(11); 10A NCAC 09.1102(b)(1-11) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child L. Cofer did not have an immunization record on file available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Only two lockdown or shelter-in-place drills have been recorded this year, September 5, 2025 and March 4, 2026. .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 March 25, 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 As previously discussed, you are completing your application for your 2–5-star license. You have chosen Pathway 3- Accreditation & Head Start. Submit your application to me no later than March 20, 2026, to be processed. Health and Safety Trainings Health and Safety Trainings are now available in Moodle. Below are more streamlined instructions on how to access the trainings. There are a couple of ways for you to access the health and safety training. •The enrollment process and completion of course materials tend to work best with a windows laptop or desktop using Firefox, but other devices and Google Chrome should also work. •From the Moodle home page, log-in with your NCID and password. The log-in is in the upper right corner of the screen. •After log-in, scroll to the bottom of the page. In the ‘Search courses’ box, you should type in the short name “Year 2024 CCDF” and then click go. You should not register for prior year courses as they are no longer available. •After completing the course search for “Year 2025 CCDF”, you should be able to register for the course. •Once registered, you will then need to use the “ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS” for step-by-step instructions. Should you encounter an issue, we are requesting you report the CCDF 2024 course issue (i.e. they are unable to complete the course evaluation or receive a training certificate), to the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center using the following link: https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/contact-us-form/. Should you need additional guidance with accessing the training, please refer to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant, at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov or by telephone at 919-814-6365. Outdoor Environment Today two ant hills were observed on the outdoor playground. One in the mulch of the climbing structure and one by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. Fire ants are a destructive pest that increasingly threaten native species of ants and, as their name implies, can leave painful, itchy "stings." Although more common in the southeastern United States, fire ants are spreading northward encouraged by climate change. The presence of fire ants in childcare center outdoor spaces can disrupt lawn activities, limit play and learning, and increase anxiety about extended time outdoors. The aim of this InfoSheet is to help identify fire ant mounds; discuss nest and sting prevention, sting reactions; and suggest safe methods for removing fire ants from outdoor play and learning spaces. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. There is a piece of black barrier, that is near the shade, that has become broken making the sharp edges assessable to the children. Broken plastic may cause a child to pinch or possibly cut their fingers. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today the black barrier bolts are showing signs that they are starting to come loose. Today I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. With all the recent wet weather we have been having, today I suggested to till or fluff the mulch as it has started to compact around the climbing structure. Shelter- in-place and Lockdown Drills 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. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classroom for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water testing- Completed on October 10, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead Based Paint and Asbestos- exempt For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy scanned to you. Contact me at heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-364-8728 or my supervisor, Kim Sherry, at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-824-0470 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09.1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: MORTON PRE-K Facility ID: 67001070 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2026 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 3/11/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for this annual compliance visit. The facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued May 23, 2022. Restriction on your permit includes a capacity of 54 ages ranging from 3-5 years old, first shift only, meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, meets Certified Developmental Day requirements, T9, T10, and A38 only at 18 children each minus one in each group. The last sanitation inspection occurred on November 25, 2025, earning a Superior rating with 8 demerits. The last fire inspection occurred on October 2, 2025, with an Approved rating, daytime care only. This facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 93%. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 22, 2025. There were 40 children enrolled and 35 children present ranging from 3-5 years of age. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Staff/Child Ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Staff members were interacting with children at the child’s level and asking developmentally appropriate questions. Each indoor space was divided into centers including but not limited to dramatic play, blocks, science, manipulatives, and art centers. In space 1, children were engaged in free play. Children were participating in building a house, building with Legos, participating in an art activity, and playing with puzzles. Children transitioned from free play to breakfast. Breakfast consisted of strawberry cream cheese bagel, applesauce and milk. Handwashing and food prep were observed and found in compliance. In space 2, children were participating in group time, singing and dancing to music. Children then transitioned to breakfast. Proper food preparation and handwashing were observed. In space 3, children were seated at the table eating breakfast. Staff were seated, engaging with the children, asking questions and connecting the conversation to past lessons that they learned. The children transitioned to outside play. Handwashing and toileting procedures were observed and found in compliance. For lunch, chicken nuggets, dinner roll, seasoned broccoli, raisins, and milk were served. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring - The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8:00am to 2:45pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQs)screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of ongoing assessments was observed in children’s files. Portfolios were observed in notebooks in the classrooms. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was available for review. All new staff members and a selection of veteran staff members files were reviewed. A selection of children’s files were reviewed. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. 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. There were two ant hills, one in the mulch by the black barrier surrounding the climbing structure near the fence and one was by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. The black barrier that surrounds the climbing structure has broken near the shade area. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1053 On-going training received was not within the 9 topic areas listed in GS 110-91(11) and/or the health and safety training topic areas in rule .1102. Staff member D. Grady did not have administration of medication available for review and staff member T. Campbell did not have any of the health and safety trainings available for review. GS 110-91(11); 10A NCAC 09.1102(b)(1-11) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child L. Cofer did not have an immunization record on file available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Only two lockdown or shelter-in-place drills have been recorded this year, September 5, 2025 and March 4, 2026. .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 March 25, 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 As previously discussed, you are completing your application for your 2–5-star license. You have chosen Pathway 3- Accreditation & Head Start. Submit your application to me no later than March 20, 2026, to be processed. Health and Safety Trainings Health and Safety Trainings are now available in Moodle. Below are more streamlined instructions on how to access the trainings. There are a couple of ways for you to access the health and safety training. •The enrollment process and completion of course materials tend to work best with a windows laptop or desktop using Firefox, but other devices and Google Chrome should also work. •From the Moodle home page, log-in with your NCID and password. The log-in is in the upper right corner of the screen. •After log-in, scroll to the bottom of the page. In the ‘Search courses’ box, you should type in the short name “Year 2024 CCDF” and then click go. You should not register for prior year courses as they are no longer available. •After completing the course search for “Year 2025 CCDF”, you should be able to register for the course. •Once registered, you will then need to use the “ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS” for step-by-step instructions. Should you encounter an issue, we are requesting you report the CCDF 2024 course issue (i.e. they are unable to complete the course evaluation or receive a training certificate), to the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center using the following link: https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/contact-us-form/. Should you need additional guidance with accessing the training, please refer to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant, at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov or by telephone at 919-814-6365. Outdoor Environment Today two ant hills were observed on the outdoor playground. One in the mulch of the climbing structure and one by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. Fire ants are a destructive pest that increasingly threaten native species of ants and, as their name implies, can leave painful, itchy "stings." Although more common in the southeastern United States, fire ants are spreading northward encouraged by climate change. The presence of fire ants in childcare center outdoor spaces can disrupt lawn activities, limit play and learning, and increase anxiety about extended time outdoors. The aim of this InfoSheet is to help identify fire ant mounds; discuss nest and sting prevention, sting reactions; and suggest safe methods for removing fire ants from outdoor play and learning spaces. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. There is a piece of black barrier, that is near the shade, that has become broken making the sharp edges assessable to the children. Broken plastic may cause a child to pinch or possibly cut their fingers. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today the black barrier bolts are showing signs that they are starting to come loose. Today I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. With all the recent wet weather we have been having, today I suggested to till or fluff the mulch as it has started to compact around the climbing structure. Shelter- in-place and Lockdown Drills 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. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classroom for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water testing- Completed on October 10, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead Based Paint and Asbestos- exempt For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy scanned to you. Contact me at heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-364-8728 or my supervisor, Kim Sherry, at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-824-0470 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: MORTON PRE-K Facility ID: 67001070 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2026 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 3/11/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for this annual compliance visit. The facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued May 23, 2022. Restriction on your permit includes a capacity of 54 ages ranging from 3-5 years old, first shift only, meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, meets Certified Developmental Day requirements, T9, T10, and A38 only at 18 children each minus one in each group. The last sanitation inspection occurred on November 25, 2025, earning a Superior rating with 8 demerits. The last fire inspection occurred on October 2, 2025, with an Approved rating, daytime care only. This facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 93%. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 22, 2025. There were 40 children enrolled and 35 children present ranging from 3-5 years of age. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Staff/Child Ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Staff members were interacting with children at the child’s level and asking developmentally appropriate questions. Each indoor space was divided into centers including but not limited to dramatic play, blocks, science, manipulatives, and art centers. In space 1, children were engaged in free play. Children were participating in building a house, building with Legos, participating in an art activity, and playing with puzzles. Children transitioned from free play to breakfast. Breakfast consisted of strawberry cream cheese bagel, applesauce and milk. Handwashing and food prep were observed and found in compliance. In space 2, children were participating in group time, singing and dancing to music. Children then transitioned to breakfast. Proper food preparation and handwashing were observed. In space 3, children were seated at the table eating breakfast. Staff were seated, engaging with the children, asking questions and connecting the conversation to past lessons that they learned. The children transitioned to outside play. Handwashing and toileting procedures were observed and found in compliance. For lunch, chicken nuggets, dinner roll, seasoned broccoli, raisins, and milk were served. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring - The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8:00am to 2:45pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQs)screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of ongoing assessments was observed in children’s files. Portfolios were observed in notebooks in the classrooms. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was available for review. All new staff members and a selection of veteran staff members files were reviewed. A selection of children’s files were reviewed. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. 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. There were two ant hills, one in the mulch by the black barrier surrounding the climbing structure near the fence and one was by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. The black barrier that surrounds the climbing structure has broken near the shade area. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1053 On-going training received was not within the 9 topic areas listed in GS 110-91(11) and/or the health and safety training topic areas in rule .1102. Staff member D. Grady did not have administration of medication available for review and staff member T. Campbell did not have any of the health and safety trainings available for review. GS 110-91(11); 10A NCAC 09.1102(b)(1-11) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child L. Cofer did not have an immunization record on file available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Only two lockdown or shelter-in-place drills have been recorded this year, September 5, 2025 and March 4, 2026. .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 March 25, 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 As previously discussed, you are completing your application for your 2–5-star license. You have chosen Pathway 3- Accreditation & Head Start. Submit your application to me no later than March 20, 2026, to be processed. Health and Safety Trainings Health and Safety Trainings are now available in Moodle. Below are more streamlined instructions on how to access the trainings. There are a couple of ways for you to access the health and safety training. •The enrollment process and completion of course materials tend to work best with a windows laptop or desktop using Firefox, but other devices and Google Chrome should also work. •From the Moodle home page, log-in with your NCID and password. The log-in is in the upper right corner of the screen. •After log-in, scroll to the bottom of the page. In the ‘Search courses’ box, you should type in the short name “Year 2024 CCDF” and then click go. You should not register for prior year courses as they are no longer available. •After completing the course search for “Year 2025 CCDF”, you should be able to register for the course. •Once registered, you will then need to use the “ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS” for step-by-step instructions. Should you encounter an issue, we are requesting you report the CCDF 2024 course issue (i.e. they are unable to complete the course evaluation or receive a training certificate), to the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center using the following link: https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/contact-us-form/. Should you need additional guidance with accessing the training, please refer to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant, at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov or by telephone at 919-814-6365. Outdoor Environment Today two ant hills were observed on the outdoor playground. One in the mulch of the climbing structure and one by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. Fire ants are a destructive pest that increasingly threaten native species of ants and, as their name implies, can leave painful, itchy "stings." Although more common in the southeastern United States, fire ants are spreading northward encouraged by climate change. The presence of fire ants in childcare center outdoor spaces can disrupt lawn activities, limit play and learning, and increase anxiety about extended time outdoors. The aim of this InfoSheet is to help identify fire ant mounds; discuss nest and sting prevention, sting reactions; and suggest safe methods for removing fire ants from outdoor play and learning spaces. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. There is a piece of black barrier, that is near the shade, that has become broken making the sharp edges assessable to the children. Broken plastic may cause a child to pinch or possibly cut their fingers. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today the black barrier bolts are showing signs that they are starting to come loose. Today I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. With all the recent wet weather we have been having, today I suggested to till or fluff the mulch as it has started to compact around the climbing structure. Shelter- in-place and Lockdown Drills 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. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classroom for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water testing- Completed on October 10, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead Based Paint and Asbestos- exempt For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy scanned to you. Contact me at heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-364-8728 or my supervisor, Kim Sherry, at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-824-0470 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MORTON PRE-K Facility ID: 67001070 Consultant: HEATHER ELLIOTT Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2026 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 3/11/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 200 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for this annual compliance visit. The facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued May 23, 2022. Restriction on your permit includes a capacity of 54 ages ranging from 3-5 years old, first shift only, meeting enhanced ratios and enhanced space, meets Certified Developmental Day requirements, T9, T10, and A38 only at 18 children each minus one in each group. The last sanitation inspection occurred on November 25, 2025, earning a Superior rating with 8 demerits. The last fire inspection occurred on October 2, 2025, with an Approved rating, daytime care only. This facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 93%. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 22, 2025. There were 40 children enrolled and 35 children present ranging from 3-5 years of age. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Staff/Child Ratios were in compliance in all classrooms. All children were adequately supervised. Staff members were interacting with children at the child’s level and asking developmentally appropriate questions. Each indoor space was divided into centers including but not limited to dramatic play, blocks, science, manipulatives, and art centers. In space 1, children were engaged in free play. Children were participating in building a house, building with Legos, participating in an art activity, and playing with puzzles. Children transitioned from free play to breakfast. Breakfast consisted of strawberry cream cheese bagel, applesauce and milk. Handwashing and food prep were observed and found in compliance. In space 2, children were participating in group time, singing and dancing to music. Children then transitioned to breakfast. Proper food preparation and handwashing were observed. In space 3, children were seated at the table eating breakfast. Staff were seated, engaging with the children, asking questions and connecting the conversation to past lessons that they learned. The children transitioned to outside play. Handwashing and toileting procedures were observed and found in compliance. For lunch, chicken nuggets, dinner roll, seasoned broccoli, raisins, and milk were served. NC Pre-K Site Monitoring - The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8:00am to 2:45pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQs)screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of ongoing assessments was observed in children’s files. Portfolios were observed in notebooks in the classrooms. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026 was available for review. All new staff members and a selection of veteran staff members files were reviewed. A selection of children’s files were reviewed. The following violations were observed and documented during today’s visit. All violations must be corrected immediately. 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. There were two ant hills, one in the mulch by the black barrier surrounding the climbing structure near the fence and one was by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. The black barrier that surrounds the climbing structure has broken near the shade area. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1053 On-going training received was not within the 9 topic areas listed in GS 110-91(11) and/or the health and safety training topic areas in rule .1102. Staff member D. Grady did not have administration of medication available for review and staff member T. Campbell did not have any of the health and safety trainings available for review. GS 110-91(11); 10A NCAC 09.1102(b)(1-11) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child L. Cofer did not have an immunization record on file available for review. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Only two lockdown or shelter-in-place drills have been recorded this year, September 5, 2025 and March 4, 2026. .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 March 25, 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 As previously discussed, you are completing your application for your 2–5-star license. You have chosen Pathway 3- Accreditation & Head Start. Submit your application to me no later than March 20, 2026, to be processed. Health and Safety Trainings Health and Safety Trainings are now available in Moodle. Below are more streamlined instructions on how to access the trainings. There are a couple of ways for you to access the health and safety training. •The enrollment process and completion of course materials tend to work best with a windows laptop or desktop using Firefox, but other devices and Google Chrome should also work. •From the Moodle home page, log-in with your NCID and password. The log-in is in the upper right corner of the screen. •After log-in, scroll to the bottom of the page. In the ‘Search courses’ box, you should type in the short name “Year 2024 CCDF” and then click go. You should not register for prior year courses as they are no longer available. •After completing the course search for “Year 2025 CCDF”, you should be able to register for the course. •Once registered, you will then need to use the “ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS” for step-by-step instructions. Should you encounter an issue, we are requesting you report the CCDF 2024 course issue (i.e. they are unable to complete the course evaluation or receive a training certificate), to the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center using the following link: https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/contact-us-form/. Should you need additional guidance with accessing the training, please refer to Amia Eaton, Training and Program Development Consultant, at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov or by telephone at 919-814-6365. Outdoor Environment Today two ant hills were observed on the outdoor playground. One in the mulch of the climbing structure and one by the back corner sandbox near the chain-link fence. Fire ants are a destructive pest that increasingly threaten native species of ants and, as their name implies, can leave painful, itchy "stings." Although more common in the southeastern United States, fire ants are spreading northward encouraged by climate change. The presence of fire ants in childcare center outdoor spaces can disrupt lawn activities, limit play and learning, and increase anxiety about extended time outdoors. The aim of this InfoSheet is to help identify fire ant mounds; discuss nest and sting prevention, sting reactions; and suggest safe methods for removing fire ants from outdoor play and learning spaces. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. There is a piece of black barrier, that is near the shade, that has become broken making the sharp edges assessable to the children. Broken plastic may cause a child to pinch or possibly cut their fingers. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Today the black barrier bolts are showing signs that they are starting to come loose. Today I suggested that you check them on a regular basis or ask staff to let you know if they are starting to come loose. Protrusions are considered safety hazards as children may trip over them, fall on them or become entangled through their clothing. Bolts should be hammered down flush with the border or piece of equipment to which they are screwed. With all the recent wet weather we have been having, today I suggested to till or fluff the mulch as it has started to compact around the climbing structure. Shelter- in-place and Lockdown Drills 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. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classroom for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water testing- Completed on October 10, 2023. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead Based Paint and Asbestos- exempt For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy scanned to you. Contact me at heather.elliott@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-364-8728 or my supervisor, Kim Sherry, at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or 910-824-0470 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: MORTON PRE-K Facility ID: 67001070 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2025 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 4/22/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 100 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM 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 this annual compliance visit, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in spaces T8, T9, T10, where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. The facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued May 23, 2022, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. The last sanitation inspection occurred on 1/16/25 earning a Superior rating. The last fire inspection occurred on February 24, 2025, with an Approved rating, daytime care only. This facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 97%. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted May 1, 2024. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. All three approved indoor spaces and the one outdoor space were monitored. There are forty-two (42) children enrolled, and thirty-one (31) children were present, ranging in age from 3 years to 5 years old. Children in space 1 (T9) were finishing up breakfast routines, which included pancakes, cheerios, diced pears, and milk. Afterwards, children transitioned into indoor free play activities prior to outdoor free play. Children ran around, played with hula hoops, played in the new playhouse, climbed, pushed the small cars, slid down the slide, and many other age-appropriate activities. Children in space 2 (T8) were engaged in indoor play activities such as building, magnetic tracing, looking at books and later outdoors they ran around, sat and played in the playhouse, climbed on the lily pads, and played on the bouncers. Children in space 3 (T10) participated in outdoor free play with age-appropriate equipment. Staff floated around the playground, supervising and interacting with the children. Proper hand washing techniques and procedures were observed. Gwen Macias, Preschool Education Specialist was present and assisted with the staff and children’s record review information. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed and was dated October 28, 2024. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress. Today was the first day back since spring break. The classroom operates from 8:00 am to 2:30pm. Activity plans and classroom daily schedules were observed in each classroom. One gorup was learning about 'Insects'. Children’s current art was displayed throughout the classrooms. Public School Off-Site Records Verification forms were reviewed. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 1764 A health assessment was not on file at the NC Pre-K site within 30 days after a child entered the NC Pre-K program or the health assessment was more than 12 months old at the time of program entry. A health assessment was not on file for two children enrolled in the NC Pre-k program. .3005(a) 1767 The health assessment did not include a vision screening. Health assessment did not include a vision screening for one child. .3005 (a)(3) 1769 The health assessment did not include a dental screening. Health assessment did not include a dental screening for one child. .3005 (a)(5) 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 August 2024 has not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. .1102(g) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by May 3, 2025. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance: Maintaining accurate documentation at the childcare center to determine compliance with the childcare rules and to ensure the health and safety of each child. -A violation was documented related to staff training in child care rule .1102(g)- One staff member employed August 2024 has not completed the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. The training must be completed within 90 day of employment. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at:https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/ he link is available on Moodle. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. -A violation was documented related to NC Pre-k health standards in child care rule .1102(g)- Health assessment were not on file for two children (A Rivas, P Bratchers). Vision and dental screening were not completed for one child (N Hatchell). Rated License Information- As shared today, the “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines previously discussed, and when your reassessment is due you will have options to choose from regarding how your star level is earned. When more information becomes available about the new QRIS standards, I may assist you in determining which option is best for your program. Please note any Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scales (ITERS) or Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales (ECERS) assessments conducted after February 1, 2025 will be the third editions, or the “3s.” You may find more information regarding the third editions including training materials and how to purchase at https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/. Regarding education standards, when new QRIS rules are implemented, education requirements will be different, but it is still critical that all staff in key positions have complete WORKS evaluations to assist with the rated license reassessment process. At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, and emailed to you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me at 910-824-0470 or kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MORTON PRE-K Facility ID: 67001070 Consultant: KIM SHERRY Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/30/2024 Number Present: 33 Completed Date: 10/30/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 105 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:15 AM 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, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in spaces T8, T9, T10, where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. The facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued May 23, 2022, earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. The last sanitation inspection occurred on 12/06/23 earning a Superior rating. The last fire inspection occurred on October 17, 2024, with an Approved rating; day time care only. This facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 99%. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted May 1, 2024. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Today’s visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant, April Lester, on behalf of your Child Care Consultant, Kim Sherry. All three approved indoor spaces and the one outdoor space were monitored. There are thirty-nine (39) children enrolled and thirty-three (33) children were present, ranging in age from 3 years to 5 years old. Children in space 1 (T9) participated in group circle time where they discussed who lives in trees which mirrored what their activity plan noted as the weekly topic. Children in space 2 (T8) were engaged in free play on the approved outdoor learning space. Children were observed climbing, running, and digging in the sand. Children in space 3 (T10) participated in free play with age appropriate materials and activities in the block, book, music, and fine motor areas. Staff engaged in informal conversations with children during play. Lunch today scheduled for today includes chicken sandwiches, seasoned broccoli, diced pears, and milk. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were not monitored for compliance today and will be monitored in the Spring during the Annual Compliance Visit. The following violation was observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. In space 1 (T9) laundry detergent pods, disinfectant aerosol spray, and shaving cream were stored in unlocked cabinets. In addition, a bottle of hand sanitizer was on the teachers desk and on the cubbies, not stored a minimum of 5 feet out of reach of children. .2820(b) 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. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before November 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 may be completed. Email the information to: April Lester, Child Care Consultant April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov 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, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance for Violation Cited: Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Today I suggested that before staff stow items in the cabinets, they should fully read the warning labels to see how the item should be stored. If there are any questions on how the items should be stored, it always best lock them. Reminders: M. Kennedy’s Provisional Qualification Letter will expire November 18, 2024. Ms. Kennedy must obtain her Qualification Letter before the expiration date of her Provisional Letter or she may not return to work after November 19, 2024. Today I suggested to her to contact her supervisor to see what steps she needs to take to obtain her Qualification Letter. Rated License: The “hold harmless” state of rated license reassessments has been extended until the new Quality Rating Improvement System standards are put in place. This means that you will not be required to have a reassessment according to the 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. Kim Sherry will share more information when it becomes available. North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP): Starting February 1, 2025, the new and improved Environment Rating Scales – Third Additions will be implemented. I encourage you to the purchase of the new tool (ECERS-3), participate in training opportunities, and visit the NCRLAP website. Please visit www.ncrlap.org for more information and start training your staff now on this new tool! Outreach assessments on the new tools are available now. The visit summary was completed on-site and emailed to you. If you need assistance, contact your Child Care Consultant, Kim Sherry, Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or at (910) 824-0470. You may also contact me or our supervisor regarding this visit at: April Lester, Child Care Consultant, April.Lester@dhhs.nc.gov, 910-824-0954 Lynette Robbins, Licensing Supervisor, lynette.robbins@dhhs.nc.gov, 910-824-0235 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: MORTON PRE-K Facility ID: 67001070 Consultant: APRIL BOSSE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 3/11/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: 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, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in spaces T8, T9, T10, where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. The facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued 5/23/22 earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. The last sanitation inspection occurred on 12/06/23 earning a Superior rating. The last fire inspection occurred on October 16, 2023, with an Approved rating; day time care only. This facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 98%. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted May 08, 2023. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Today’s visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant April Bosse on behalf of your Child Care Consultant Kim Sherry. All three approved indoor spaces and the one outdoor space were monitored. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and thirty-six (36) children present, ranging in age from 3 years to 5 years old. Children in spaces #T9 and #10 were engaged in indoor free play. Children were making ramps to roll balls down, completing puzzles, drawing with markers, and engaged in manipulatives. Children in Space T8 were engaged in morning meeting singing and dancing before transitioning to the outdoor learning area. Outside, children dug in the sand box, combined, and slid down slides. Children were appropriately supervised, and staff were engaged in play activities with the children. Lunch today consisted of cheeseburgers, black-eyed peas, mixed fruit, and milk. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today and was signed on December 06, 2023 and will be verified with your Child Care Consultant Kim Sherry during the annual compliance visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The program follows the Onslow County school calendar. Child Assessment and Required Screenings: The assessment tool, GOLD, Teaching Strategies, is in place. Portfolios for each child are maintained electronically Online with Teaching Strategies Gold. The facility uses the developmental screening ASQ tool for prescreening and ongoing assessments. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff Member Siena Cruz hired on February 13, 2024 did not have a Criminal Background Check prior to employment completed. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Staff member Siena Cruz hired on February 13, 2024, did not have a valid qualification letter on file and available to review at the facility. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 25, 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 may be completed. Email the information to: April Bosse, Child Care Consultant April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov 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, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance for Violations Cited: Prior to employment in the NC PreK program, staff, including substitutes, must have completed the criminal background check process and have a valid qualification letter on file and available for review, no exceptions. Siena Cruz was present in space #T8; she started the criminal background check process on February 22, 2024, but a qualifying letter has not been received. S. Cruz was hired and began employment on February 13, 2023. I spoke with Ms. Bradshaw, NC Pre-K Coordinator for Onslow County Schools and explained to her that Ms. Cruz cannot be in the classroom with NC PreK children until a criminal background check is completed and a qualification letter is received and on file. Ms. Bradshaw stated she understood and would inform the elementary school principal that Ms. Cruz will have to leave the premises. As there are two teacher aids that are qualified and present in Space #T8, ratio can still be maintained without Ms. Cruz being present today. I recommended developing a plan to ensure the Criminal Background Check process is completed for all staff prior to employment and or prior to the expiration date of the current qualification letters to avoid delays and receiving violations. Implementing proactive strategies will help ensure delays do not affect the processing of criminal background checks. I also recommended developing a plan to ensure the Criminal Background Check process and/or renewal process is completed for staff prior to working in the NC PreK program or the expiration date of the current qualification letters to avoid delays and receiving violations. I informed you the criminal background check process can be completed up to 6 months early when renewing your qualifying letter. Implementing proactive strategies will help ensure delays do not affect the processing of criminal background checks. Reminders: Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. DCDEE is ready to launch the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to: • See applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster • See the real-time background check status of staff members • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed and emailed to you. If you need assistance, contact your Child Care Consultant, Kim Sherry, Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or at (910) 824-0470. You may also contact me regarding this visit: April Bosse, Child Care Consultant, April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-709-4196. Or you may contact my Supervisor Lynette Robbins, 910-824-0235, lynette.robbins@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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MORTON PRE-K Facility ID: 67001070 Consultant: APRIL BOSSE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 3/11/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: 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, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in spaces T8, T9, T10, where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. The facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued 5/23/22 earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. The last sanitation inspection occurred on 12/06/23 earning a Superior rating. The last fire inspection occurred on October 16, 2023, with an Approved rating; day time care only. This facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 98%. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted May 08, 2023. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Today’s visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant April Bosse on behalf of your Child Care Consultant Kim Sherry. All three approved indoor spaces and the one outdoor space were monitored. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and thirty-six (36) children present, ranging in age from 3 years to 5 years old. Children in spaces #T9 and #10 were engaged in indoor free play. Children were making ramps to roll balls down, completing puzzles, drawing with markers, and engaged in manipulatives. Children in Space T8 were engaged in morning meeting singing and dancing before transitioning to the outdoor learning area. Outside, children dug in the sand box, combined, and slid down slides. Children were appropriately supervised, and staff were engaged in play activities with the children. Lunch today consisted of cheeseburgers, black-eyed peas, mixed fruit, and milk. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today and was signed on December 06, 2023 and will be verified with your Child Care Consultant Kim Sherry during the annual compliance visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The program follows the Onslow County school calendar. Child Assessment and Required Screenings: The assessment tool, GOLD, Teaching Strategies, is in place. Portfolios for each child are maintained electronically Online with Teaching Strategies Gold. The facility uses the developmental screening ASQ tool for prescreening and ongoing assessments. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff Member Siena Cruz hired on February 13, 2024 did not have a Criminal Background Check prior to employment completed. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Staff member Siena Cruz hired on February 13, 2024, did not have a valid qualification letter on file and available to review at the facility. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 25, 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 may be completed. Email the information to: April Bosse, Child Care Consultant April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov 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, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance for Violations Cited: Prior to employment in the NC PreK program, staff, including substitutes, must have completed the criminal background check process and have a valid qualification letter on file and available for review, no exceptions. Siena Cruz was present in space #T8; she started the criminal background check process on February 22, 2024, but a qualifying letter has not been received. S. Cruz was hired and began employment on February 13, 2023. I spoke with Ms. Bradshaw, NC Pre-K Coordinator for Onslow County Schools and explained to her that Ms. Cruz cannot be in the classroom with NC PreK children until a criminal background check is completed and a qualification letter is received and on file. Ms. Bradshaw stated she understood and would inform the elementary school principal that Ms. Cruz will have to leave the premises. As there are two teacher aids that are qualified and present in Space #T8, ratio can still be maintained without Ms. Cruz being present today. I recommended developing a plan to ensure the Criminal Background Check process is completed for all staff prior to employment and or prior to the expiration date of the current qualification letters to avoid delays and receiving violations. Implementing proactive strategies will help ensure delays do not affect the processing of criminal background checks. I also recommended developing a plan to ensure the Criminal Background Check process and/or renewal process is completed for staff prior to working in the NC PreK program or the expiration date of the current qualification letters to avoid delays and receiving violations. I informed you the criminal background check process can be completed up to 6 months early when renewing your qualifying letter. Implementing proactive strategies will help ensure delays do not affect the processing of criminal background checks. Reminders: Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. DCDEE is ready to launch the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to: • See applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster • See the real-time background check status of staff members • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed and emailed to you. If you need assistance, contact your Child Care Consultant, Kim Sherry, Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or at (910) 824-0470. You may also contact me regarding this visit: April Bosse, Child Care Consultant, April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-709-4196. Or you may contact my Supervisor Lynette Robbins, 910-824-0235, lynette.robbins@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MORTON PRE-K Facility ID: 67001070 Consultant: APRIL BOSSE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 3/11/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: 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, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in spaces T8, T9, T10, where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. The facility currently operates with a Five Star License issued 5/23/22 earning 7 points in Staff Education, 7 points in Program Standards and 1 Quality Point in the Programmatic Option. The last sanitation inspection occurred on 12/06/23 earning a Superior rating. The last fire inspection occurred on October 16, 2023, with an Approved rating; day time care only. This facility’s eighteen-month compliance history is 98%. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted May 08, 2023. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Today’s visit was conducted by Child Care Consultant April Bosse on behalf of your Child Care Consultant Kim Sherry. All three approved indoor spaces and the one outdoor space were monitored. There were forty-eight (48) children enrolled and thirty-six (36) children present, ranging in age from 3 years to 5 years old. Children in spaces #T9 and #10 were engaged in indoor free play. Children were making ramps to roll balls down, completing puzzles, drawing with markers, and engaged in manipulatives. Children in Space T8 were engaged in morning meeting singing and dancing before transitioning to the outdoor learning area. Outside, children dug in the sand box, combined, and slid down slides. Children were appropriately supervised, and staff were engaged in play activities with the children. Lunch today consisted of cheeseburgers, black-eyed peas, mixed fruit, and milk. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today and was signed on December 06, 2023 and will be verified with your Child Care Consultant Kim Sherry during the annual compliance visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The program follows the Onslow County school calendar. Child Assessment and Required Screenings: The assessment tool, GOLD, Teaching Strategies, is in place. Portfolios for each child are maintained electronically Online with Teaching Strategies Gold. The facility uses the developmental screening ASQ tool for prescreening and ongoing assessments. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff Member Siena Cruz hired on February 13, 2024 did not have a Criminal Background Check prior to employment completed. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Staff member Siena Cruz hired on February 13, 2024, did not have a valid qualification letter on file and available to review at the facility. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 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. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before March 25, 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 may be completed. Email the information to: April Bosse, Child Care Consultant April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov 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, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance for Violations Cited: Prior to employment in the NC PreK program, staff, including substitutes, must have completed the criminal background check process and have a valid qualification letter on file and available for review, no exceptions. Siena Cruz was present in space #T8; she started the criminal background check process on February 22, 2024, but a qualifying letter has not been received. S. Cruz was hired and began employment on February 13, 2023. I spoke with Ms. Bradshaw, NC Pre-K Coordinator for Onslow County Schools and explained to her that Ms. Cruz cannot be in the classroom with NC PreK children until a criminal background check is completed and a qualification letter is received and on file. Ms. Bradshaw stated she understood and would inform the elementary school principal that Ms. Cruz will have to leave the premises. As there are two teacher aids that are qualified and present in Space #T8, ratio can still be maintained without Ms. Cruz being present today. I recommended developing a plan to ensure the Criminal Background Check process is completed for all staff prior to employment and or prior to the expiration date of the current qualification letters to avoid delays and receiving violations. Implementing proactive strategies will help ensure delays do not affect the processing of criminal background checks. I also recommended developing a plan to ensure the Criminal Background Check process and/or renewal process is completed for staff prior to working in the NC PreK program or the expiration date of the current qualification letters to avoid delays and receiving violations. I informed you the criminal background check process can be completed up to 6 months early when renewing your qualifying letter. Implementing proactive strategies will help ensure delays do not affect the processing of criminal background checks. Reminders: Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all of the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all of the applicable laws and rules at all times whether or not they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to make sure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care law and rules. DCDEE is ready to launch the Provider Portal for ABCMS on February 1, 2024. This access will allow providers to: • See applicants that associate themselves with their facility and allow them to “hire” the applicant to their roster • See the real-time background check status of staff members • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits To gain access to the Provider Portal complete the ABCMS Child Care Provider Portal Training on DCDEE's Moodle. The training consists of watching a short video then taking a test about the video. A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the test. Email the certificate along with your full name, position and Facility ID to DCDEE_ABCMS_Provider@dhhs.nc.gov to get access to the portal. Access will then be granted within 2 business days. If you have general questions, please continue to use DHHS.CBC.Unit@dhhs.nc.gov. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, signed and emailed to you. If you need assistance, contact your Child Care Consultant, Kim Sherry, Kim.Sherry@dhhs.nc.gov or at (910) 824-0470. You may also contact me regarding this visit: April Bosse, Child Care Consultant, April.bosse@dhhs.nc.gov or at 910-709-4196. Or you may contact my Supervisor Lynette Robbins, 910-824-0235, lynette.robbins@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