Southwest Pre-K

10A NCAC 09 .0605 · Violation

Name of Operation: SOUTHWEST PRE-K Facility ID: 67001073 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/23/2025 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 4/23/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This program currently operates with a Five Star License, issued March 2, 2020, earning 7 points in program, 7 points in education and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 54 during first shift with an age range of 3-5, meets all enhanced requirements plus reduced ratios, and T1, T11, T12 @18 children each. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 7, 2024. As of today, your 18-month compliance history score is 97%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 01/16/2025 – 4 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 01/15/2025 - Pass There are three classrooms operating at this location. There are forty-four children enrolled and thirty-one children aged 3- 5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children assigned to indoor space T12 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included coloring with markers and crayons, magnetic shapes and letters, shape sorters, kinetic sand, playdough, cutting and tearing paper, cooking in the dramatic area, connecting cubes, stamps and stamp pads, reading books, and building with wooden blocks. The theme for the week, “Insects”, was evident in special activities related to the theme in activity areas. Preschool children in T11 were observed playing outdoors in fenced play area. The outdoor space had a variety of gross motor equipment which included a small climber, a newly installed basketball goal, rock climber, musical station, sand box with toys, picnic tables, shade structure, and a new installed cozy pod spinner. Preschool children in space T1 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of cheeseburgers, corn, peaches, and milk. Preschool children also observed nap/rest time. Children were resting on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background making the space conducive to rest. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were maintained in all classrooms. All children were appropriately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner. 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 3:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental 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 on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 has been completed noting all requirements were in compliance. There was one violation observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Your record of emergency drills indicates that emergency drills were conducted on 10/30/2024 and 03/06/2025 which exceeds the quarterly requirement. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before May 1, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. The time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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. Technical Assistance regarding violation cited – Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills should be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. Emergency drills were conducted on 10/30/2024 and 03/06/2025 which exceed the quarterly requirement. These drills should be documented on the Emergency Drill Record. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed at least every three months. Other Information - Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. Substitutes who work more than 10 days within 12 months must also complete Health and Safety trainings. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs have been completed – lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified this information through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched 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/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. Luisa Davis, Director - Onslow County Schools Early Childhood Initiatives & Head Start, has completed the training and is currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information at this facility by verifying the roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. 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 may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Outdoor play area – The two pieces of newly installed equipment is approved. The cozy pod spinner and basketball goal are age appropriate, and manufacturer’s instructions are on site and available for review. Hannah Bradshaw, NC PreK Coordinator for Onslow County Schools, submitted pictures of new equipment prior to today’s visit. REMINDER: The mulch for the rock climber is not adequate, more mulch needs to be added. Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i).Fall zones should be weeded regularly and loose parts including pine cones and sticks should be collected daily to ensure fall zones are kept free of hazards. For the safety of the children, you must ensure weeds and debris are removed and mulch is tilled or added to the appropriate depth to avoid potential injuries to children. Documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and emailed to Ms. Bradshaw – per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: SOUTHWEST PRE-K Facility ID: 67001073 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/23/2025 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 4/23/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This program currently operates with a Five Star License, issued March 2, 2020, earning 7 points in program, 7 points in education and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 54 during first shift with an age range of 3-5, meets all enhanced requirements plus reduced ratios, and T1, T11, T12 @18 children each. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 7, 2024. As of today, your 18-month compliance history score is 97%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 01/16/2025 – 4 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 01/15/2025 - Pass There are three classrooms operating at this location. There are forty-four children enrolled and thirty-one children aged 3- 5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children assigned to indoor space T12 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included coloring with markers and crayons, magnetic shapes and letters, shape sorters, kinetic sand, playdough, cutting and tearing paper, cooking in the dramatic area, connecting cubes, stamps and stamp pads, reading books, and building with wooden blocks. The theme for the week, “Insects”, was evident in special activities related to the theme in activity areas. Preschool children in T11 were observed playing outdoors in fenced play area. The outdoor space had a variety of gross motor equipment which included a small climber, a newly installed basketball goal, rock climber, musical station, sand box with toys, picnic tables, shade structure, and a new installed cozy pod spinner. Preschool children in space T1 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of cheeseburgers, corn, peaches, and milk. Preschool children also observed nap/rest time. Children were resting on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background making the space conducive to rest. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were maintained in all classrooms. All children were appropriately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner. 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 3:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental 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 on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 has been completed noting all requirements were in compliance. There was one violation observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Your record of emergency drills indicates that emergency drills were conducted on 10/30/2024 and 03/06/2025 which exceeds the quarterly requirement. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before May 1, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. The time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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. Technical Assistance regarding violation cited – Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills should be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. Emergency drills were conducted on 10/30/2024 and 03/06/2025 which exceed the quarterly requirement. These drills should be documented on the Emergency Drill Record. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed at least every three months. Other Information - Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. Substitutes who work more than 10 days within 12 months must also complete Health and Safety trainings. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs have been completed – lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified this information through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched 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/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. Luisa Davis, Director - Onslow County Schools Early Childhood Initiatives & Head Start, has completed the training and is currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information at this facility by verifying the roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. 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 may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Outdoor play area – The two pieces of newly installed equipment is approved. The cozy pod spinner and basketball goal are age appropriate, and manufacturer’s instructions are on site and available for review. Hannah Bradshaw, NC PreK Coordinator for Onslow County Schools, submitted pictures of new equipment prior to today’s visit. REMINDER: The mulch for the rock climber is not adequate, more mulch needs to be added. Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i).Fall zones should be weeded regularly and loose parts including pine cones and sticks should be collected daily to ensure fall zones are kept free of hazards. For the safety of the children, you must ensure weeds and debris are removed and mulch is tilled or added to the appropriate depth to avoid potential injuries to children. Documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and emailed to Ms. Bradshaw – per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: SOUTHWEST PRE-K Facility ID: 67001073 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/23/2025 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 4/23/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This program currently operates with a Five Star License, issued March 2, 2020, earning 7 points in program, 7 points in education and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 54 during first shift with an age range of 3-5, meets all enhanced requirements plus reduced ratios, and T1, T11, T12 @18 children each. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 7, 2024. As of today, your 18-month compliance history score is 97%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 01/16/2025 – 4 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 01/15/2025 - Pass There are three classrooms operating at this location. There are forty-four children enrolled and thirty-one children aged 3- 5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children assigned to indoor space T12 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included coloring with markers and crayons, magnetic shapes and letters, shape sorters, kinetic sand, playdough, cutting and tearing paper, cooking in the dramatic area, connecting cubes, stamps and stamp pads, reading books, and building with wooden blocks. The theme for the week, “Insects”, was evident in special activities related to the theme in activity areas. Preschool children in T11 were observed playing outdoors in fenced play area. The outdoor space had a variety of gross motor equipment which included a small climber, a newly installed basketball goal, rock climber, musical station, sand box with toys, picnic tables, shade structure, and a new installed cozy pod spinner. Preschool children in space T1 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of cheeseburgers, corn, peaches, and milk. Preschool children also observed nap/rest time. Children were resting on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background making the space conducive to rest. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were maintained in all classrooms. All children were appropriately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner. 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 3:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental 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 on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 has been completed noting all requirements were in compliance. There was one violation observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Your record of emergency drills indicates that emergency drills were conducted on 10/30/2024 and 03/06/2025 which exceeds the quarterly requirement. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before May 1, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. The time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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. Technical Assistance regarding violation cited – Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills should be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. Emergency drills were conducted on 10/30/2024 and 03/06/2025 which exceed the quarterly requirement. These drills should be documented on the Emergency Drill Record. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed at least every three months. Other Information - Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. Substitutes who work more than 10 days within 12 months must also complete Health and Safety trainings. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs have been completed – lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified this information through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched 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/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. Luisa Davis, Director - Onslow County Schools Early Childhood Initiatives & Head Start, has completed the training and is currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information at this facility by verifying the roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. 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 may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Outdoor play area – The two pieces of newly installed equipment is approved. The cozy pod spinner and basketball goal are age appropriate, and manufacturer’s instructions are on site and available for review. Hannah Bradshaw, NC PreK Coordinator for Onslow County Schools, submitted pictures of new equipment prior to today’s visit. REMINDER: The mulch for the rock climber is not adequate, more mulch needs to be added. Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i).Fall zones should be weeded regularly and loose parts including pine cones and sticks should be collected daily to ensure fall zones are kept free of hazards. For the safety of the children, you must ensure weeds and debris are removed and mulch is tilled or added to the appropriate depth to avoid potential injuries to children. Documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and emailed to Ms. Bradshaw – per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: SOUTHWEST PRE-K Facility ID: 67001073 Consultant: TAMMY ROSS Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/23/2025 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 4/23/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 11:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during your annual compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today, including staff and children’s files. This program currently operates with a Five Star License, issued March 2, 2020, earning 7 points in program, 7 points in education and a quality point. Restrictions on the permit include: a capacity of 54 during first shift with an age range of 3-5, meets all enhanced requirements plus reduced ratios, and T1, T11, T12 @18 children each. This program is operated by Onslow County Schools. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 7, 2024. As of today, your 18-month compliance history score is 97%. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Sanitation Inspection – 01/16/2025 – 4 Demerits - Superior Fire Inspection – 01/15/2025 - Pass There are three classrooms operating at this location. There are forty-four children enrolled and thirty-one children aged 3- 5, were present today. All approved indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored today. Daily schedules were available for each group of children. Activity plans were observed posted in each classroom. A variety of age-appropriate learning materials were observed in each classroom. Preschool children assigned to indoor space T12 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included coloring with markers and crayons, magnetic shapes and letters, shape sorters, kinetic sand, playdough, cutting and tearing paper, cooking in the dramatic area, connecting cubes, stamps and stamp pads, reading books, and building with wooden blocks. The theme for the week, “Insects”, was evident in special activities related to the theme in activity areas. Preschool children in T11 were observed playing outdoors in fenced play area. The outdoor space had a variety of gross motor equipment which included a small climber, a newly installed basketball goal, rock climber, musical station, sand box with toys, picnic tables, shade structure, and a new installed cozy pod spinner. Preschool children in space T1 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of cheeseburgers, corn, peaches, and milk. Preschool children also observed nap/rest time. Children were resting on appropriately spaced covered mats with blankets, lights were off, and soft music played in the background making the space conducive to rest. Routine toileting and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Staff/child ratios were maintained in all classrooms. All children were appropriately supervised. Staff in all classrooms were observed interacting with children in a positive and nurturing manner. 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 3:30pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, Brigance Developmental 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 on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2024-2025 has been completed noting all requirements were in compliance. There was one violation observed today. Violations must be corrected immediately. Continued compliance with all applicable child care requirements is always required. Violation Number Comment Rule 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Your record of emergency drills indicates that emergency drills were conducted on 10/30/2024 and 03/06/2025 which exceeds the quarterly requirement. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) For your facility to remain in compliance with NC Child Care Requirements, violations must be corrected immediately. On or before May 1, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected as well as how compliance will be maintained in the future. The time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This timeframe is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. 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. Technical Assistance regarding violation cited – Lockdown or shelter-in-place drills should be practiced at least every three months as part of your facility's EPR plan. Emergency drills were conducted on 10/30/2024 and 03/06/2025 which exceed the quarterly requirement. These drills should be documented on the Emergency Drill Record. Frequent practice will allow children and staff members to be familiar with the steps to take to keep everyone safe in an emergency. Today I suggested you plan the dates and times of your drills in advance and use calendar reminders to ensure they are completed at least every three months. Other Information - Health & Safety Training – All staff members who have been employed for at least one year, have completed Health and Safety training as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. New staff are in the process of completing these training courses. Health and safety trainings are required to be completed during the first year of employment and renewed every 5 years. Remember, the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training must be taken at www.preventchildabusenc.org, within the first 90 days of employment. Completing, refreshing, and updating the required Health and Safety Training increases your awareness and knowledge regarding child development and safety. Ensure this information in completed, recorded on the required form, and on file for review. Substitutes who work more than 10 days within 12 months must also complete Health and Safety trainings. CLEAN CLASSROOMS FOR CAROLINA KIDS - The registration and enrollment for all three testing programs have been completed – lead in water, lead-based paint and asbestos. I verified this information through the website Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids. Ensure you keep all paperwork that you receive regarding this matter, and it may be requested to verify compliance. Use this link to enroll your program or view test results/status: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Enrollment in the lead-based paint and asbestos testing programs is required for all facilities by May 31, 2025. This applies to private centers, FCCH and child care programs in the public schools. DPI Pre-K programs do not need to enroll separately as public schools will be tested as a whole. Please refer to the website if you have specific questions! Criminal Background Check Information – This is a requirement and if it is not completed, it will be documented as a violation during your next visit. DCDEE launched 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/household members, and run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. Luisa Davis, Director - Onslow County Schools Early Childhood Initiatives & Head Start, has completed the training and is currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information at this facility by verifying the roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Rated License Reassessment Information - There are no longer any cohorts. 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 may not be required to have a reassessment according to timelines discussed previously, however you may request one voluntarily. Today I encourage you to review information about the new standards as it becomes available and to plan on training your additional caregivers on new assessment tools if you are still interested in Environment Rating Scales assessments. The new tools are the “3” versions, and I will share more information about training opportunities as they become available. Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Ensure all information and education has been submitted to DCDEE WORKS as you complete additional coursework. Keep in mind, it is expected that compliance with Education standards is always maintained. Outdoor play area – The two pieces of newly installed equipment is approved. The cozy pod spinner and basketball goal are age appropriate, and manufacturer’s instructions are on site and available for review. Hannah Bradshaw, NC PreK Coordinator for Onslow County Schools, submitted pictures of new equipment prior to today’s visit. REMINDER: The mulch for the rock climber is not adequate, more mulch needs to be added. Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i).Fall zones should be weeded regularly and loose parts including pine cones and sticks should be collected daily to ensure fall zones are kept free of hazards. For the safety of the children, you must ensure weeds and debris are removed and mulch is tilled or added to the appropriate depth to avoid potential injuries to children. Documentation was completed electronically on site, signed, and emailed to Ms. Bradshaw – per her request. Please remember it is your responsibility to always comply with all child care rules and requirements. Contact me at Tammy.Ross@dhhs.nc.gov at (910)824-1143 with any questions or concerns. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times