THE Children'S Courtyard

10A NCAC 09 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/20/2026 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 1/20/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced visit was conducted today to monitor for compliance with applicable childcare requirements for an administrative action follow-up visit. This visit was conducted by with Yolanda Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. A Written Warning Administrative Action was issued on 12/18/2025. The Written Warning Administrative Action, Cover Letter, and Corrective Action Plan were posted. The program’s compliance history was 75% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 12/01/2025 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. This was the first follow-up visit after the administrative action was received on 12/30/2025. I reviewed the administrative action including the corrective action plan with Yolanda Melton in person during an unannounced follow-up visit on 12/30/2025. Today, the following items were monitored: •Supervision •Staff/Child Ratio •CPR •First Aid •Special Training •Storage of Hazardous Substances •Storage of Medication •Adequate/Approved Space •Staff Records •Program Records •License Posted •Permit Restrictions Upon arrival, staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. No new staff were reported. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 12/20/2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/28/2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 11/03/2025. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed nor reported. The Corrective Action Plan progress was monitored during today’s visit. •Item #1: The childcare operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable childcare requirements, including but not limited to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a-e), regarding staff/child ratios. -All spaces were in ratios during the visit. One violation was cited for a playground inspection not being recorded in December 2025. You stated the person who normally completes playground inspections was not present for most of December. You stated you have assigned the playground inspections to a different employee who will be completing the inspections from now on. •Item #2: Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Yolanda Melton, administrator, shall contact Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant, PO Box 1342, Lexington, NC 27293, telephone number 336-590-8765, email whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a rules review that will address staff/child ratios. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in the mandatory training. Documentation of the training shall be maintained in the facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early education upon request. -The notice was received and reviewed on 12/30/2025. Ms. Melton contacted Ms. Parker on 12/31/2025 to schedule the rules review. The rules review was scheduled for 01/14/2026. The rules review did occur on 01/14/2026. All employees were present during the rules review. Make sure you maintain documentation of this training on file. •Item #3: Within two (2) weeks after the required rules review is completed, Ms. Melton shall review and revise the facility’s staff/child ratio policy and procedures to incorporate strategies learned in the rules review. The policy and procedures should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure compliance with staff/child ratios. The policy and procedures shall include, but not limited to, the following: -Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 regarding staff/child ratios -Designation of an administrative staff member to evaluate the arrival and departure times of children and staffing patterns throughout the day to determine the most appropriate staff schedule and to make necessary adjustments as needed -In the classroom, during arrival and departure times, on the playground, and during transition periods, including naptime, meals and snacks, bathroom time, and when groups of children leave the classroom to go to another location -Procedures for informing administration when staff members need to attend to personal care needs or to complete tasks outside the classroom or away from the group -When staff members are tardy or absent -Frequent review of the procedures with staff members, and incorporation in the orientation of new staff members The written policy and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Parker, for review. Ms. Parker shall notify Ms. Melton, orally and in writing, as to whether the written policy and procedures meet the requirements of this stipulation or if modifications are needed. Once notification of stipulation being met is received, the policy and procedures shall be immediately implemented and incorporated into operating procedures. A copy of the policy and procedures shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. -Ms. Melton stated that the policies have been finished by corporate and she is reviewing them. She stated she would send me the policies this week. The policies are due to me by 01/28/2026. •Item #4: Within two (2) weeks after notification from the Division that the stipulations have been met for the written procedures related to staffing, Ms. Melton shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the procedures. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time, and length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. -This will be completed after item #3 has been completed. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. During the visit, I did not observe a playground inspection completed in December 2025. .0605(q) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 02/03/2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • During the visit, we discussed that a different employee will be completing the playground inspections to replace the person who is no longer employed at the facility and was responsible for completing them. I recommend setting a monthly reminder to ensure these are completed and filed each month. Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •I will continue to make visits every four to six weeks. The facility must maintain compliance with childcare requirements applicable. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/20/2026 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 1/20/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced visit was conducted today to monitor for compliance with applicable childcare requirements for an administrative action follow-up visit. This visit was conducted by with Yolanda Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. A Written Warning Administrative Action was issued on 12/18/2025. The Written Warning Administrative Action, Cover Letter, and Corrective Action Plan were posted. The program’s compliance history was 75% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 12/01/2025 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. This was the first follow-up visit after the administrative action was received on 12/30/2025. I reviewed the administrative action including the corrective action plan with Yolanda Melton in person during an unannounced follow-up visit on 12/30/2025. Today, the following items were monitored: •Supervision •Staff/Child Ratio •CPR •First Aid •Special Training •Storage of Hazardous Substances •Storage of Medication •Adequate/Approved Space •Staff Records •Program Records •License Posted •Permit Restrictions Upon arrival, staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. No new staff were reported. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 12/20/2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/28/2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 11/03/2025. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed nor reported. The Corrective Action Plan progress was monitored during today’s visit. •Item #1: The childcare operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable childcare requirements, including but not limited to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a-e), regarding staff/child ratios. -All spaces were in ratios during the visit. One violation was cited for a playground inspection not being recorded in December 2025. You stated the person who normally completes playground inspections was not present for most of December. You stated you have assigned the playground inspections to a different employee who will be completing the inspections from now on. •Item #2: Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Yolanda Melton, administrator, shall contact Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant, PO Box 1342, Lexington, NC 27293, telephone number 336-590-8765, email whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a rules review that will address staff/child ratios. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in the mandatory training. Documentation of the training shall be maintained in the facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early education upon request. -The notice was received and reviewed on 12/30/2025. Ms. Melton contacted Ms. Parker on 12/31/2025 to schedule the rules review. The rules review was scheduled for 01/14/2026. The rules review did occur on 01/14/2026. All employees were present during the rules review. Make sure you maintain documentation of this training on file. •Item #3: Within two (2) weeks after the required rules review is completed, Ms. Melton shall review and revise the facility’s staff/child ratio policy and procedures to incorporate strategies learned in the rules review. The policy and procedures should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure compliance with staff/child ratios. The policy and procedures shall include, but not limited to, the following: -Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 regarding staff/child ratios -Designation of an administrative staff member to evaluate the arrival and departure times of children and staffing patterns throughout the day to determine the most appropriate staff schedule and to make necessary adjustments as needed -In the classroom, during arrival and departure times, on the playground, and during transition periods, including naptime, meals and snacks, bathroom time, and when groups of children leave the classroom to go to another location -Procedures for informing administration when staff members need to attend to personal care needs or to complete tasks outside the classroom or away from the group -When staff members are tardy or absent -Frequent review of the procedures with staff members, and incorporation in the orientation of new staff members The written policy and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Parker, for review. Ms. Parker shall notify Ms. Melton, orally and in writing, as to whether the written policy and procedures meet the requirements of this stipulation or if modifications are needed. Once notification of stipulation being met is received, the policy and procedures shall be immediately implemented and incorporated into operating procedures. A copy of the policy and procedures shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. -Ms. Melton stated that the policies have been finished by corporate and she is reviewing them. She stated she would send me the policies this week. The policies are due to me by 01/28/2026. •Item #4: Within two (2) weeks after notification from the Division that the stipulations have been met for the written procedures related to staffing, Ms. Melton shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the procedures. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time, and length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. -This will be completed after item #3 has been completed. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. During the visit, I did not observe a playground inspection completed in December 2025. .0605(q) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 02/03/2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • During the visit, we discussed that a different employee will be completing the playground inspections to replace the person who is no longer employed at the facility and was responsible for completing them. I recommend setting a monthly reminder to ensure these are completed and filed each month. Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •I will continue to make visits every four to six weeks. The facility must maintain compliance with childcare requirements applicable. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/20/2026 Number Present: 99 Completed Date: 1/20/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 75 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced visit was conducted today to monitor for compliance with applicable childcare requirements for an administrative action follow-up visit. This visit was conducted by with Yolanda Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. A Written Warning Administrative Action was issued on 12/18/2025. The Written Warning Administrative Action, Cover Letter, and Corrective Action Plan were posted. The program’s compliance history was 75% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 12/01/2025 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. This was the first follow-up visit after the administrative action was received on 12/30/2025. I reviewed the administrative action including the corrective action plan with Yolanda Melton in person during an unannounced follow-up visit on 12/30/2025. Today, the following items were monitored: •Supervision •Staff/Child Ratio •CPR •First Aid •Special Training •Storage of Hazardous Substances •Storage of Medication •Adequate/Approved Space •Staff Records •Program Records •License Posted •Permit Restrictions Upon arrival, staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. No new staff were reported. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 12/20/2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/28/2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 11/03/2025. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. No medications were observed nor reported. The Corrective Action Plan progress was monitored during today’s visit. •Item #1: The childcare operator shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable childcare requirements, including but not limited to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a-e), regarding staff/child ratios. -All spaces were in ratios during the visit. One violation was cited for a playground inspection not being recorded in December 2025. You stated the person who normally completes playground inspections was not present for most of December. You stated you have assigned the playground inspections to a different employee who will be completing the inspections from now on. •Item #2: Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Yolanda Melton, administrator, shall contact Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant, PO Box 1342, Lexington, NC 27293, telephone number 336-590-8765, email whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov, to arrange for a rules review that will address staff/child ratios. No children shall be in care during this training. All staff members, including administrative, full-time, part-time, auxiliary, substitute, and volunteer staff, shall participate in the mandatory training. Documentation of the training shall be maintained in the facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early education upon request. -The notice was received and reviewed on 12/30/2025. Ms. Melton contacted Ms. Parker on 12/31/2025 to schedule the rules review. The rules review was scheduled for 01/14/2026. The rules review did occur on 01/14/2026. All employees were present during the rules review. Make sure you maintain documentation of this training on file. •Item #3: Within two (2) weeks after the required rules review is completed, Ms. Melton shall review and revise the facility’s staff/child ratio policy and procedures to incorporate strategies learned in the rules review. The policy and procedures should describe, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure compliance with staff/child ratios. The policy and procedures shall include, but not limited to, the following: -Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 regarding staff/child ratios -Designation of an administrative staff member to evaluate the arrival and departure times of children and staffing patterns throughout the day to determine the most appropriate staff schedule and to make necessary adjustments as needed -In the classroom, during arrival and departure times, on the playground, and during transition periods, including naptime, meals and snacks, bathroom time, and when groups of children leave the classroom to go to another location -Procedures for informing administration when staff members need to attend to personal care needs or to complete tasks outside the classroom or away from the group -When staff members are tardy or absent -Frequent review of the procedures with staff members, and incorporation in the orientation of new staff members The written policy and procedures shall be submitted to Ms. Parker, for review. Ms. Parker shall notify Ms. Melton, orally and in writing, as to whether the written policy and procedures meet the requirements of this stipulation or if modifications are needed. Once notification of stipulation being met is received, the policy and procedures shall be immediately implemented and incorporated into operating procedures. A copy of the policy and procedures shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. -Ms. Melton stated that the policies have been finished by corporate and she is reviewing them. She stated she would send me the policies this week. The policies are due to me by 01/28/2026. •Item #4: Within two (2) weeks after notification from the Division that the stipulations have been met for the written procedures related to staffing, Ms. Melton shall conduct a staff meeting with all staff members to discuss the procedures. Documentation of the staff meeting shall include an attendance roster with the printed name and signature of each staff member in attendance, the date, time, and length of the meeting, and minutes documenting the information discussed during the meeting. All documentation shall be maintained in facility files for review by representatives of the Division of Child Development and Early Education upon request. -This will be completed after item #3 has been completed. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. During the visit, I did not observe a playground inspection completed in December 2025. .0605(q) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 02/03/2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • During the visit, we discussed that a different employee will be completing the playground inspections to replace the person who is no longer employed at the facility and was responsible for completing them. I recommend setting a monthly reminder to ensure these are completed and filed each month. Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •I will continue to make visits every four to six weeks. The facility must maintain compliance with childcare requirements applicable. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/17/2025 Number Present: 78 Completed Date: 11/17/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced follow-up visit was conducted at this childcare center to verify correction of violations documented during my annual compliance visit on 11/12/2025. Today’s visit was with Yolanda Melton, Director. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • Adequate / Approved Space • Permit Restrictions The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Upon arrival, staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. The following violations documented during the annual compliance visit on 11/12/2025 were monitored for compliance during this visit: •Item 1756: Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. During the visit, I observed eleven (11) children aged three (3) to five (5) years old with one (1) staff member. This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2818. This was corrected during the visit. Ms. Melton stated that they had conversations with the staff about when children come in, if they get out ratio, they need to immediately contact administration to ensure children can be moved or that someone else can come into the classroom to ensure ratios are being followed. The previous classroom was in ratio during the visit. On 11/12/2025, a staff/child ratio violation was observed and documented. Today, upon arrival, Ms. Melton greeted me. When I began the walk through of the facility, I stated to Ms. Melton that I was going to start in space one (1). Ms. Melton entered space one (1) prior to me. Upon entering space one (1), I observed one teacher and twelve children ages one (1) year old. I asked Ms. Melton who was in the space with the teacher. Ms. Melton stated the other teacher was on lunch and that she was giving the other teacher her break but that she had stepped out to get the telephone and open the door. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes to be met. In space one (1), twelve children require two (2) adults at all times to ensure ratios are being followed. Due to a violation regarding inadequate staff/child ratios documented on two consecutive visits, an administrative action may be recommended, and you will be notified in writing of any action taken. In addition, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. During the visit, it was confirmed that twelve (12) children ages one (1) year old were in space one (1) with one teacher for approximately two (2) minutes. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 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. 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 12/01/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that enhanced staff/child ratios must be followed at all times. In space one (1), there must always be two teachers present when more than six (6) children are present if the children are one (1) year of age. We discussed that you may consider changing your staffing patterns during nap time, taking the phone with you, and/or designating an individual to open the door if necessary, that could take children with them to ensure enhanced ratios are being followed. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/17/2025 Number Present: 78 Completed Date: 11/17/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 90 Time In: 02:00 PM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced follow-up visit was conducted at this childcare center to verify correction of violations documented during my annual compliance visit on 11/12/2025. Today’s visit was with Yolanda Melton, Director. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • Adequate / Approved Space • Permit Restrictions The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. Upon arrival, staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. The following violations documented during the annual compliance visit on 11/12/2025 were monitored for compliance during this visit: •Item 1756: Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. During the visit, I observed eleven (11) children aged three (3) to five (5) years old with one (1) staff member. This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2818. This was corrected during the visit. Ms. Melton stated that they had conversations with the staff about when children come in, if they get out ratio, they need to immediately contact administration to ensure children can be moved or that someone else can come into the classroom to ensure ratios are being followed. The previous classroom was in ratio during the visit. On 11/12/2025, a staff/child ratio violation was observed and documented. Today, upon arrival, Ms. Melton greeted me. When I began the walk through of the facility, I stated to Ms. Melton that I was going to start in space one (1). Ms. Melton entered space one (1) prior to me. Upon entering space one (1), I observed one teacher and twelve children ages one (1) year old. I asked Ms. Melton who was in the space with the teacher. Ms. Melton stated the other teacher was on lunch and that she was giving the other teacher her break but that she had stepped out to get the telephone and open the door. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2818 enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes to be met. In space one (1), twelve children require two (2) adults at all times to ensure ratios are being followed. Due to a violation regarding inadequate staff/child ratios documented on two consecutive visits, an administrative action may be recommended, and you will be notified in writing of any action taken. In addition, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Violation Number Comment Rule 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. During the visit, it was confirmed that twelve (12) children ages one (1) year old were in space one (1) with one teacher for approximately two (2) minutes. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 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. 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 12/01/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that enhanced staff/child ratios must be followed at all times. In space one (1), there must always be two teachers present when more than six (6) children are present if the children are one (1) year of age. We discussed that you may consider changing your staffing patterns during nap time, taking the phone with you, and/or designating an individual to open the door if necessary, that could take children with them to ensure enhanced ratios are being followed. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/12/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 11/12/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in space seven (7), where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director, and Jada Carter, Assistant Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 10/16/2025 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 73% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/10/2024. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/07/2025 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 08/11/2025. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/28/2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 11/03/2025. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicles. I monitored two (2) vehicles today. During today’s visit, I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, JMT-7853. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teacher, S. Wilson and teacher, H. Frey. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. 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. Your facility uses the Creative Curriculum. You stated you completed the DIAL screenings in October 2025. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress and documentation was viewed today. The checkpoint assessments are conducted three (3) times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The first day of school was 09/02/2025. The classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. Parent conferences are held two (2) times per year. You stated that you use the Sprout About Application, Ready Rosie, face-to-face, and newsletters to communicate with parents. In addition, a weekly report is sent home to the parents which includes any information about the child’s day, and any reminders and a monthly newsletter is sent home documenting events, topics, and milestones. You verified that you incorporate family engagement by using Ready Rosie and volunteer opportunities. The environment rating scale has not been completed yet due to the facility just starting with NC Pre-K in September 2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in spaces one (1), three (3), seven (7), and eight (8). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, I observed two sunscreens that did not have a medication form in space five (5). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. During the visit, I observed eleven (11) children ages three (3) to five (5) years old with one (1) staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1769 The health assessment did not include a dental screening. During the visit, I observed one (1) file that did not have a dental screening. .3005 (a)(5) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. During the visit, I observed the ABCMS Provider Portal that was not current and did not include three (3) new employees. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. During the visit, I observed one (1) staff file that did not include a medical report. .0701(d) 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. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment. .1102(g) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 11/26/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: •We discussed that all storage closets that house potentially hazardous materials need to be locked at all times. You locked the closet during the visit. •We discussed that activity plans should be current and posted. You posted all the missing activity plans during the visit. •We discussed that medications, including sunscreens, must have an authorization form on file to ensure proper application and permission. You stated you would send the sunscreens that did not have forms home today. •We discussed that ratios must be maintained for the youngest child in the space. You stated that the three (3) year old came in after you did ratio checks. You moved this child during the visit. I recommend reminding staff to contact you if they are out of ratio to ensure you can move children and maintain proper ratios. •We discussed that all NC Pre-K children must have a dental screening on file. You stated you would contact the parent to obtain a dental screening. •We discussed that the ABCMS Provider Portal must be current at all times. During the visit, I noticed the portal was not current and did not include three (3) new employees that have been at the facility for more than five (5) days. You stated you would update the portal. •We discussed that all employees must have a medical report on file prior to employment. You stated you thought you had thirty (30) days but would have the employee get a medical report. •We discussed that all employees must have Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you would have the employee get the training. Information discussed today related to the QRIS modernization plan: •During the visit, we discussed the QRIS modernization plan. I completed a template documenting the pathway you plan to pursue, identifying needs, documenting a timeline for completion, resources, next steps, etc. Over the next few months, I’ll be checking in with you, ahead of your next visit to check on progress and determine if additional assistance is needed with WORKS, NCRLAP/ERS, accreditation, etc. Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility •Make sure all employees have updated WORKS letters on file available for review. When evaluating education, we can only use the WORKS letters to determine each employee’s star rating. •During the visit, we discussed your compliance score. Keep in mind, when compliance scores drop below 75%, administrative actions are probable. We discussed that violations impact your compliance score and that your compliance score is averaged over eighteen (18) months. When visits drop off, your score could go up or down depending on the average score. We discussed if you needed additional technical assistance with any violations received, you could reach out to me for assistance. •Make sure you fluff the mulch at the base of all slides and under the swings. •Watch the child sized couch in space two (2). It is starting to show signs of wear and tear. •Make sure all documents in every child folder are signed when you place them in the file. •The individual that completes the playground inspections must have the playground safety training. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/12/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 11/12/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in space seven (7), where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director, and Jada Carter, Assistant Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 10/16/2025 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 73% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/10/2024. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/07/2025 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 08/11/2025. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/28/2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 11/03/2025. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicles. I monitored two (2) vehicles today. During today’s visit, I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, JMT-7853. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teacher, S. Wilson and teacher, H. Frey. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. 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. Your facility uses the Creative Curriculum. You stated you completed the DIAL screenings in October 2025. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress and documentation was viewed today. The checkpoint assessments are conducted three (3) times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The first day of school was 09/02/2025. The classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. Parent conferences are held two (2) times per year. You stated that you use the Sprout About Application, Ready Rosie, face-to-face, and newsletters to communicate with parents. In addition, a weekly report is sent home to the parents which includes any information about the child’s day, and any reminders and a monthly newsletter is sent home documenting events, topics, and milestones. You verified that you incorporate family engagement by using Ready Rosie and volunteer opportunities. The environment rating scale has not been completed yet due to the facility just starting with NC Pre-K in September 2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in spaces one (1), three (3), seven (7), and eight (8). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, I observed two sunscreens that did not have a medication form in space five (5). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. During the visit, I observed eleven (11) children ages three (3) to five (5) years old with one (1) staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1769 The health assessment did not include a dental screening. During the visit, I observed one (1) file that did not have a dental screening. .3005 (a)(5) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. During the visit, I observed the ABCMS Provider Portal that was not current and did not include three (3) new employees. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. During the visit, I observed one (1) staff file that did not include a medical report. .0701(d) 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. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment. .1102(g) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 11/26/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: •We discussed that all storage closets that house potentially hazardous materials need to be locked at all times. You locked the closet during the visit. •We discussed that activity plans should be current and posted. You posted all the missing activity plans during the visit. •We discussed that medications, including sunscreens, must have an authorization form on file to ensure proper application and permission. You stated you would send the sunscreens that did not have forms home today. •We discussed that ratios must be maintained for the youngest child in the space. You stated that the three (3) year old came in after you did ratio checks. You moved this child during the visit. I recommend reminding staff to contact you if they are out of ratio to ensure you can move children and maintain proper ratios. •We discussed that all NC Pre-K children must have a dental screening on file. You stated you would contact the parent to obtain a dental screening. •We discussed that the ABCMS Provider Portal must be current at all times. During the visit, I noticed the portal was not current and did not include three (3) new employees that have been at the facility for more than five (5) days. You stated you would update the portal. •We discussed that all employees must have a medical report on file prior to employment. You stated you thought you had thirty (30) days but would have the employee get a medical report. •We discussed that all employees must have Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you would have the employee get the training. Information discussed today related to the QRIS modernization plan: •During the visit, we discussed the QRIS modernization plan. I completed a template documenting the pathway you plan to pursue, identifying needs, documenting a timeline for completion, resources, next steps, etc. Over the next few months, I’ll be checking in with you, ahead of your next visit to check on progress and determine if additional assistance is needed with WORKS, NCRLAP/ERS, accreditation, etc. Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility •Make sure all employees have updated WORKS letters on file available for review. When evaluating education, we can only use the WORKS letters to determine each employee’s star rating. •During the visit, we discussed your compliance score. Keep in mind, when compliance scores drop below 75%, administrative actions are probable. We discussed that violations impact your compliance score and that your compliance score is averaged over eighteen (18) months. When visits drop off, your score could go up or down depending on the average score. We discussed if you needed additional technical assistance with any violations received, you could reach out to me for assistance. •Make sure you fluff the mulch at the base of all slides and under the swings. •Watch the child sized couch in space two (2). It is starting to show signs of wear and tear. •Make sure all documents in every child folder are signed when you place them in the file. •The individual that completes the playground inspections must have the playground safety training. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/12/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 11/12/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in space seven (7), where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director, and Jada Carter, Assistant Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 10/16/2025 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 73% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/10/2024. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/07/2025 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 08/11/2025. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/28/2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 11/03/2025. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicles. I monitored two (2) vehicles today. During today’s visit, I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, JMT-7853. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teacher, S. Wilson and teacher, H. Frey. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. 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. Your facility uses the Creative Curriculum. You stated you completed the DIAL screenings in October 2025. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress and documentation was viewed today. The checkpoint assessments are conducted three (3) times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The first day of school was 09/02/2025. The classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. Parent conferences are held two (2) times per year. You stated that you use the Sprout About Application, Ready Rosie, face-to-face, and newsletters to communicate with parents. In addition, a weekly report is sent home to the parents which includes any information about the child’s day, and any reminders and a monthly newsletter is sent home documenting events, topics, and milestones. You verified that you incorporate family engagement by using Ready Rosie and volunteer opportunities. The environment rating scale has not been completed yet due to the facility just starting with NC Pre-K in September 2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in spaces one (1), three (3), seven (7), and eight (8). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, I observed two sunscreens that did not have a medication form in space five (5). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. During the visit, I observed eleven (11) children ages three (3) to five (5) years old with one (1) staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1769 The health assessment did not include a dental screening. During the visit, I observed one (1) file that did not have a dental screening. .3005 (a)(5) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. During the visit, I observed the ABCMS Provider Portal that was not current and did not include three (3) new employees. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. During the visit, I observed one (1) staff file that did not include a medical report. .0701(d) 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. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment. .1102(g) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 11/26/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: •We discussed that all storage closets that house potentially hazardous materials need to be locked at all times. You locked the closet during the visit. •We discussed that activity plans should be current and posted. You posted all the missing activity plans during the visit. •We discussed that medications, including sunscreens, must have an authorization form on file to ensure proper application and permission. You stated you would send the sunscreens that did not have forms home today. •We discussed that ratios must be maintained for the youngest child in the space. You stated that the three (3) year old came in after you did ratio checks. You moved this child during the visit. I recommend reminding staff to contact you if they are out of ratio to ensure you can move children and maintain proper ratios. •We discussed that all NC Pre-K children must have a dental screening on file. You stated you would contact the parent to obtain a dental screening. •We discussed that the ABCMS Provider Portal must be current at all times. During the visit, I noticed the portal was not current and did not include three (3) new employees that have been at the facility for more than five (5) days. You stated you would update the portal. •We discussed that all employees must have a medical report on file prior to employment. You stated you thought you had thirty (30) days but would have the employee get a medical report. •We discussed that all employees must have Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you would have the employee get the training. Information discussed today related to the QRIS modernization plan: •During the visit, we discussed the QRIS modernization plan. I completed a template documenting the pathway you plan to pursue, identifying needs, documenting a timeline for completion, resources, next steps, etc. Over the next few months, I’ll be checking in with you, ahead of your next visit to check on progress and determine if additional assistance is needed with WORKS, NCRLAP/ERS, accreditation, etc. Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility •Make sure all employees have updated WORKS letters on file available for review. When evaluating education, we can only use the WORKS letters to determine each employee’s star rating. •During the visit, we discussed your compliance score. Keep in mind, when compliance scores drop below 75%, administrative actions are probable. We discussed that violations impact your compliance score and that your compliance score is averaged over eighteen (18) months. When visits drop off, your score could go up or down depending on the average score. We discussed if you needed additional technical assistance with any violations received, you could reach out to me for assistance. •Make sure you fluff the mulch at the base of all slides and under the swings. •Watch the child sized couch in space two (2). It is starting to show signs of wear and tear. •Make sure all documents in every child folder are signed when you place them in the file. •The individual that completes the playground inspections must have the playground safety training. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/12/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 11/12/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in space seven (7), where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director, and Jada Carter, Assistant Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 10/16/2025 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 73% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/10/2024. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/07/2025 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 08/11/2025. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/28/2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 11/03/2025. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicles. I monitored two (2) vehicles today. During today’s visit, I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, JMT-7853. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teacher, S. Wilson and teacher, H. Frey. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. 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. Your facility uses the Creative Curriculum. You stated you completed the DIAL screenings in October 2025. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress and documentation was viewed today. The checkpoint assessments are conducted three (3) times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The first day of school was 09/02/2025. The classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. Parent conferences are held two (2) times per year. You stated that you use the Sprout About Application, Ready Rosie, face-to-face, and newsletters to communicate with parents. In addition, a weekly report is sent home to the parents which includes any information about the child’s day, and any reminders and a monthly newsletter is sent home documenting events, topics, and milestones. You verified that you incorporate family engagement by using Ready Rosie and volunteer opportunities. The environment rating scale has not been completed yet due to the facility just starting with NC Pre-K in September 2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in spaces one (1), three (3), seven (7), and eight (8). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, I observed two sunscreens that did not have a medication form in space five (5). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. During the visit, I observed eleven (11) children ages three (3) to five (5) years old with one (1) staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1769 The health assessment did not include a dental screening. During the visit, I observed one (1) file that did not have a dental screening. .3005 (a)(5) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. During the visit, I observed the ABCMS Provider Portal that was not current and did not include three (3) new employees. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. During the visit, I observed one (1) staff file that did not include a medical report. .0701(d) 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. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment. .1102(g) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 11/26/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: •We discussed that all storage closets that house potentially hazardous materials need to be locked at all times. You locked the closet during the visit. •We discussed that activity plans should be current and posted. You posted all the missing activity plans during the visit. •We discussed that medications, including sunscreens, must have an authorization form on file to ensure proper application and permission. You stated you would send the sunscreens that did not have forms home today. •We discussed that ratios must be maintained for the youngest child in the space. You stated that the three (3) year old came in after you did ratio checks. You moved this child during the visit. I recommend reminding staff to contact you if they are out of ratio to ensure you can move children and maintain proper ratios. •We discussed that all NC Pre-K children must have a dental screening on file. You stated you would contact the parent to obtain a dental screening. •We discussed that the ABCMS Provider Portal must be current at all times. During the visit, I noticed the portal was not current and did not include three (3) new employees that have been at the facility for more than five (5) days. You stated you would update the portal. •We discussed that all employees must have a medical report on file prior to employment. You stated you thought you had thirty (30) days but would have the employee get a medical report. •We discussed that all employees must have Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you would have the employee get the training. Information discussed today related to the QRIS modernization plan: •During the visit, we discussed the QRIS modernization plan. I completed a template documenting the pathway you plan to pursue, identifying needs, documenting a timeline for completion, resources, next steps, etc. Over the next few months, I’ll be checking in with you, ahead of your next visit to check on progress and determine if additional assistance is needed with WORKS, NCRLAP/ERS, accreditation, etc. Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility •Make sure all employees have updated WORKS letters on file available for review. When evaluating education, we can only use the WORKS letters to determine each employee’s star rating. •During the visit, we discussed your compliance score. Keep in mind, when compliance scores drop below 75%, administrative actions are probable. We discussed that violations impact your compliance score and that your compliance score is averaged over eighteen (18) months. When visits drop off, your score could go up or down depending on the average score. We discussed if you needed additional technical assistance with any violations received, you could reach out to me for assistance. •Make sure you fluff the mulch at the base of all slides and under the swings. •Watch the child sized couch in space two (2). It is starting to show signs of wear and tear. •Make sure all documents in every child folder are signed when you place them in the file. •The individual that completes the playground inspections must have the playground safety training. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/12/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 11/12/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in space seven (7), where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director, and Jada Carter, Assistant Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 10/16/2025 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 73% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/10/2024. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/07/2025 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 08/11/2025. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/28/2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 11/03/2025. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicles. I monitored two (2) vehicles today. During today’s visit, I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, JMT-7853. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teacher, S. Wilson and teacher, H. Frey. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. 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. Your facility uses the Creative Curriculum. You stated you completed the DIAL screenings in October 2025. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress and documentation was viewed today. The checkpoint assessments are conducted three (3) times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The first day of school was 09/02/2025. The classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. Parent conferences are held two (2) times per year. You stated that you use the Sprout About Application, Ready Rosie, face-to-face, and newsletters to communicate with parents. In addition, a weekly report is sent home to the parents which includes any information about the child’s day, and any reminders and a monthly newsletter is sent home documenting events, topics, and milestones. You verified that you incorporate family engagement by using Ready Rosie and volunteer opportunities. The environment rating scale has not been completed yet due to the facility just starting with NC Pre-K in September 2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in spaces one (1), three (3), seven (7), and eight (8). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, I observed two sunscreens that did not have a medication form in space five (5). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. During the visit, I observed eleven (11) children ages three (3) to five (5) years old with one (1) staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1769 The health assessment did not include a dental screening. During the visit, I observed one (1) file that did not have a dental screening. .3005 (a)(5) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. During the visit, I observed the ABCMS Provider Portal that was not current and did not include three (3) new employees. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. During the visit, I observed one (1) staff file that did not include a medical report. .0701(d) 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. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment. .1102(g) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 11/26/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: •We discussed that all storage closets that house potentially hazardous materials need to be locked at all times. You locked the closet during the visit. •We discussed that activity plans should be current and posted. You posted all the missing activity plans during the visit. •We discussed that medications, including sunscreens, must have an authorization form on file to ensure proper application and permission. You stated you would send the sunscreens that did not have forms home today. •We discussed that ratios must be maintained for the youngest child in the space. You stated that the three (3) year old came in after you did ratio checks. You moved this child during the visit. I recommend reminding staff to contact you if they are out of ratio to ensure you can move children and maintain proper ratios. •We discussed that all NC Pre-K children must have a dental screening on file. You stated you would contact the parent to obtain a dental screening. •We discussed that the ABCMS Provider Portal must be current at all times. During the visit, I noticed the portal was not current and did not include three (3) new employees that have been at the facility for more than five (5) days. You stated you would update the portal. •We discussed that all employees must have a medical report on file prior to employment. You stated you thought you had thirty (30) days but would have the employee get a medical report. •We discussed that all employees must have Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you would have the employee get the training. Information discussed today related to the QRIS modernization plan: •During the visit, we discussed the QRIS modernization plan. I completed a template documenting the pathway you plan to pursue, identifying needs, documenting a timeline for completion, resources, next steps, etc. Over the next few months, I’ll be checking in with you, ahead of your next visit to check on progress and determine if additional assistance is needed with WORKS, NCRLAP/ERS, accreditation, etc. Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility •Make sure all employees have updated WORKS letters on file available for review. When evaluating education, we can only use the WORKS letters to determine each employee’s star rating. •During the visit, we discussed your compliance score. Keep in mind, when compliance scores drop below 75%, administrative actions are probable. We discussed that violations impact your compliance score and that your compliance score is averaged over eighteen (18) months. When visits drop off, your score could go up or down depending on the average score. We discussed if you needed additional technical assistance with any violations received, you could reach out to me for assistance. •Make sure you fluff the mulch at the base of all slides and under the swings. •Watch the child sized couch in space two (2). It is starting to show signs of wear and tear. •Make sure all documents in every child folder are signed when you place them in the file. •The individual that completes the playground inspections must have the playground safety training. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/12/2025 Number Present: 90 Completed Date: 11/12/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 330 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 02:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in space seven (7), where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director, and Jada Carter, Assistant Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 10/16/2025 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 73% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/10/2024. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/07/2025 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 08/11/2025. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2025. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/28/2025. An outdoor inspection was documented on 11/03/2025. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicles. I monitored two (2) vehicles today. During today’s visit, I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, JMT-7853. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teacher, S. Wilson and teacher, H. Frey. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. 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. Your facility uses the Creative Curriculum. You stated you completed the DIAL screenings in October 2025. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress and documentation was viewed today. The checkpoint assessments are conducted three (3) times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The first day of school was 09/02/2025. The classroom operates from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m. Parent conferences are held two (2) times per year. You stated that you use the Sprout About Application, Ready Rosie, face-to-face, and newsletters to communicate with parents. In addition, a weekly report is sent home to the parents which includes any information about the child’s day, and any reminders and a monthly newsletter is sent home documenting events, topics, and milestones. You verified that you incorporate family engagement by using Ready Rosie and volunteer opportunities. The environment rating scale has not been completed yet due to the facility just starting with NC Pre-K in September 2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in spaces one (1), three (3), seven (7), and eight (8). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, I observed two sunscreens that did not have a medication form in space five (5). 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. During the visit, I observed eleven (11) children ages three (3) to five (5) years old with one (1) staff member. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1769 The health assessment did not include a dental screening. During the visit, I observed one (1) file that did not have a dental screening. .3005 (a)(5) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. During the visit, I observed the ABCMS Provider Portal that was not current and did not include three (3) new employees. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. During the visit, I observed one (1) staff file that did not include a medical report. .0701(d) 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. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within ninety (90) days of employment. .1102(g) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 11/26/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: •We discussed that all storage closets that house potentially hazardous materials need to be locked at all times. You locked the closet during the visit. •We discussed that activity plans should be current and posted. You posted all the missing activity plans during the visit. •We discussed that medications, including sunscreens, must have an authorization form on file to ensure proper application and permission. You stated you would send the sunscreens that did not have forms home today. •We discussed that ratios must be maintained for the youngest child in the space. You stated that the three (3) year old came in after you did ratio checks. You moved this child during the visit. I recommend reminding staff to contact you if they are out of ratio to ensure you can move children and maintain proper ratios. •We discussed that all NC Pre-K children must have a dental screening on file. You stated you would contact the parent to obtain a dental screening. •We discussed that the ABCMS Provider Portal must be current at all times. During the visit, I noticed the portal was not current and did not include three (3) new employees that have been at the facility for more than five (5) days. You stated you would update the portal. •We discussed that all employees must have a medical report on file prior to employment. You stated you thought you had thirty (30) days but would have the employee get a medical report. •We discussed that all employees must have Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you would have the employee get the training. Information discussed today related to the QRIS modernization plan: •During the visit, we discussed the QRIS modernization plan. I completed a template documenting the pathway you plan to pursue, identifying needs, documenting a timeline for completion, resources, next steps, etc. Over the next few months, I’ll be checking in with you, ahead of your next visit to check on progress and determine if additional assistance is needed with WORKS, NCRLAP/ERS, accreditation, etc. Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility •Make sure all employees have updated WORKS letters on file available for review. When evaluating education, we can only use the WORKS letters to determine each employee’s star rating. •During the visit, we discussed your compliance score. Keep in mind, when compliance scores drop below 75%, administrative actions are probable. We discussed that violations impact your compliance score and that your compliance score is averaged over eighteen (18) months. When visits drop off, your score could go up or down depending on the average score. We discussed if you needed additional technical assistance with any violations received, you could reach out to me for assistance. •Make sure you fluff the mulch at the base of all slides and under the swings. •Watch the child sized couch in space two (2). It is starting to show signs of wear and tear. •Make sure all documents in every child folder are signed when you place them in the file. •The individual that completes the playground inspections must have the playground safety training. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 6/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 08:25 AM Time Out: 10:40 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. This visit was conducted with Yolanda Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 06/18/2025 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 77% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • CPR / First Aid • Special Training • CBC Qualification • ITS – SIDS • Emergency Medical Care Plan • Administration of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • Discipline • Adequate / Approved Space • Program Records • License Posted • Permit Restrictions The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. Four (4) new staff were reported at this program. Files for new staff were reviewed. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. Storage hazardous items was monitored today. A playground inspection was recorded 06/10/2025. A fire drill was recorded 06/10/2025. A shelter in place drill for the facility was recorded 04/07/2025. The most recent fire inspection was on 08/22/2024. I observed a sanitation inspection was last conducted on 05/12/2025 earning a superior classification. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. During the visit, I observed a fire drill log that did not have a drill documented for March 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. During the visit, I observed a cracked sandbox lid on the playground designated for toddler aged children. I also observed a cracked tote lid, a broken toy, and a tote full of water on the playground designated for infants. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. During the visit, I observed an unlocked storage closet containing paint cans. .2820(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed one (1) new employee file that did not have a first aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed one (1) new employee file that did not have a CPR training on file. .1102(d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 07/02/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that fire drills must be completed monthly and must be recorded on the emergency drill log each time you complete one. • We discussed that playgrounds should be free of hazards. We discussed doing a walkthrough daily to ensure there were no broken toys or containers prior to children using the playgrounds. We also discussed dumping standing water immediately as it occurs. You removed the broken toys and equipment and dumped the water during the visit. • We discussed that all employees must have CPR and First Aid on file within ninety (90) days. You stated that you can have one (1) employee that did not have CPR and First Aid complete the training on July 1st at a sister site. • We discussed that storage closets must be kept locked if there are hazardous materials in the space. You locked the storage closet during the visit. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • Make sure you send me your fire inspection when you get it completed in August 2025. • We discussed that “expired” employees in the ABCMS portal can be terminated when they renew their CBC letters. • Keep a check on the books in space two (2). They are showing some signs of wear and tear. • We discussed that children under two (2) must have at least thirty (30) minutes of outdoor play daily, weather permitting. Children over two (2) years of age must have at least sixty (60) minutes of outdoor play daily, weather permitting. • We discussed that space four (4) can use more materials in the book area. • Make sure parents complete the medication permission forms completely including all components on the forms. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2025 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 6/18/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 08:25 AM Time Out: 10:40 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. This visit was conducted with Yolanda Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 06/18/2025 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 77% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • CPR / First Aid • Special Training • CBC Qualification • ITS – SIDS • Emergency Medical Care Plan • Administration of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • Discipline • Adequate / Approved Space • Program Records • License Posted • Permit Restrictions The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. Four (4) new staff were reported at this program. Files for new staff were reviewed. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. Storage hazardous items was monitored today. A playground inspection was recorded 06/10/2025. A fire drill was recorded 06/10/2025. A shelter in place drill for the facility was recorded 04/07/2025. The most recent fire inspection was on 08/22/2024. I observed a sanitation inspection was last conducted on 05/12/2025 earning a superior classification. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2026 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2026. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. During the visit, I observed a fire drill log that did not have a drill documented for March 2025. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. During the visit, I observed a cracked sandbox lid on the playground designated for toddler aged children. I also observed a cracked tote lid, a broken toy, and a tote full of water on the playground designated for infants. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. During the visit, I observed an unlocked storage closet containing paint cans. .2820(b) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed one (1) new employee file that did not have a first aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed one (1) new employee file that did not have a CPR training on file. .1102(d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 07/02/2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that fire drills must be completed monthly and must be recorded on the emergency drill log each time you complete one. • We discussed that playgrounds should be free of hazards. We discussed doing a walkthrough daily to ensure there were no broken toys or containers prior to children using the playgrounds. We also discussed dumping standing water immediately as it occurs. You removed the broken toys and equipment and dumped the water during the visit. • We discussed that all employees must have CPR and First Aid on file within ninety (90) days. You stated that you can have one (1) employee that did not have CPR and First Aid complete the training on July 1st at a sister site. • We discussed that storage closets must be kept locked if there are hazardous materials in the space. You locked the storage closet during the visit. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • Make sure you send me your fire inspection when you get it completed in August 2025. • We discussed that “expired” employees in the ABCMS portal can be terminated when they renew their CBC letters. • Keep a check on the books in space two (2). They are showing some signs of wear and tear. • We discussed that children under two (2) must have at least thirty (30) minutes of outdoor play daily, weather permitting. Children over two (2) years of age must have at least sixty (60) minutes of outdoor play daily, weather permitting. • We discussed that space four (4) can use more materials in the book area. • Make sure parents complete the medication permission forms completely including all components on the forms. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2024 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 12/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/12/24 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 83% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/20/23. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/13/24 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/22/24. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2024. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/18/2024. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/04/2024. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. During the visit, I observed one staff file, S. McDuffie, that did not have a five-year recertification and current qualifying letter on file. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored some emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2025 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. During the visit, I observed one (1) child file that did not have documentation that the parent was provided the summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in space three (3). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. During the visit, I observed a torn rug in space five (5), a couch with torn vinyl in space one (1), and exposed stakes on the landscaping borders on playgrounds two (2) and four (4). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, in space nine (9), I observed several medication authorization forms that did not have all the required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of First Aid training. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed four (4) employee files that did not have current verification of CPR training. .1102(d) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. During the visit, I observed a busted first aid kit and disinfecting wipes that were not in locked storage. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. During the visit, I observed application in the bus binder but did not observe a photograph of each child being transported. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. During the visit, I did not observe any permission forms on file for any children being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current and valid qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. During the visit, I observed that the Ready to Go File did not have blank incident reports in it. .0607(d)(10) 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. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have current verification of the Permission to Administer Medication training. .1103(b) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have a current professional development plan on file. .1104 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 12/23/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that medication authorization forms must be filled out completely. You told the teacher to have all families fill out the information completely at pick up today. • We discussed that the indoor and outdoor environment must be safe at all times. You removed the torn couch during the visit. You stated a work order had been place to remove the rug and fix the exposed stakes. • We discussed that activity plans must be current and posted. You had the teacher print the current activity plan during the visit and posted it during the visit. • We discussed that the bus must be free of hazards at all times. You removed the disinfecting wipes and broken first aid kit during the visit. • We discussed that the Ready to Go File must include the following information: a collection of information on children, staff and the facility, to utilize, if an evacuation occurs. The file shall include, a copy of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and staff, staff contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers. You added the blank incident reports during the visit. • We discussed that each family must receive a copy of the summary of the NC Child Care laws and that documentation of this must be on file. You stated you would have the family sign this at pickup today. • We discussed that all employees must have CPR, First Aid, and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you were currently scheduling a CPR and First Aid training and that you would have all the required employees complete the Maltreatment training immediately. I showed you how to access this training during the visit. • We discussed that there is a Permission to Administer Medication training that needs to be renewed every five years as a part of the health and safety trainings. You stated you would have the employees complete this immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have a background check completed every five years. You stated you documented the wrong date on S. McDuffie and did not realize she had expired. The employee accessed the portal during the visit and started the background check process. You will need to send me a copy of the current qualifying letter for S. McDuffie within fifteen (15) days. • We discussed that all employees must have a current professional development plan on an annual basis. You stated you would have the employees complete a new one immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have an emergency information form on file annually. You had the employee complete this form during the visit. • We discussed that each child being transported must have emergency information on the bus at all times. This includes: identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form. You stated you would add pictures to the bus binder immediately. • We discussed that all children being transported must have written permission to transport prior to children being transported. We discussed the blanket authorization form during the visit. This form can be used for routine transportation. You will need to do individual permission forms for field trips on an individual basis. You printed the blanket authorization forms from DCDEE’s website and stated that you will have them completed immediately. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • We discussed during the visit that the outdoor floorplan was missing from your file. We took pictures of the playground during the visit. These pictures will be used to create a floorplan, and it will be sent to you once completed. • The hold harmless was extended until the QRIS modernization has been completed. The previous cohort model is no longer in effect. 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. You can find more information at this link: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ • The process of notifying the Division of new employees has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. • Make sure to visit DCDEE’s website frequently and ensure that you are using the most updated forms on the Provider Documents and Forms tab. • Make sure on the new employee orientation forms you are documenting the correct dates of when the orientation was received. • Make sure all employees have updated their WORKS accounts and place their WORKS letters in their files. • Employees are required to have a certain number of on-going hours on file. The required number of hours can be found in rule .1103. They are based on education and hours worked. • When completing the staff and training worksheets, make sure each line is filled in. You will need to document every line on the sheet and ensure that all dates and information are current. • Make sure to sign all child applications when you file them. • We discussed removing the interlocking materials from blocks center as these are considered manipulatives. • We discussed the process for documenting safe sleep checks. Per rule .2318 CHILD CARE CENTER RECORD RETENTION, safe sleep checks have to be maintained for thirty (30) days. Due to this rule, you will need to maintain safe sleep checks for this time frame and not use the current method. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2024 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 12/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/12/24 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 83% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/20/23. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/13/24 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/22/24. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2024. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/18/2024. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/04/2024. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. During the visit, I observed one staff file, S. McDuffie, that did not have a five-year recertification and current qualifying letter on file. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored some emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2025 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. During the visit, I observed one (1) child file that did not have documentation that the parent was provided the summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in space three (3). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. During the visit, I observed a torn rug in space five (5), a couch with torn vinyl in space one (1), and exposed stakes on the landscaping borders on playgrounds two (2) and four (4). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, in space nine (9), I observed several medication authorization forms that did not have all the required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of First Aid training. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed four (4) employee files that did not have current verification of CPR training. .1102(d) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. During the visit, I observed a busted first aid kit and disinfecting wipes that were not in locked storage. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. During the visit, I observed application in the bus binder but did not observe a photograph of each child being transported. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. During the visit, I did not observe any permission forms on file for any children being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current and valid qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. During the visit, I observed that the Ready to Go File did not have blank incident reports in it. .0607(d)(10) 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. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have current verification of the Permission to Administer Medication training. .1103(b) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have a current professional development plan on file. .1104 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 12/23/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that medication authorization forms must be filled out completely. You told the teacher to have all families fill out the information completely at pick up today. • We discussed that the indoor and outdoor environment must be safe at all times. You removed the torn couch during the visit. You stated a work order had been place to remove the rug and fix the exposed stakes. • We discussed that activity plans must be current and posted. You had the teacher print the current activity plan during the visit and posted it during the visit. • We discussed that the bus must be free of hazards at all times. You removed the disinfecting wipes and broken first aid kit during the visit. • We discussed that the Ready to Go File must include the following information: a collection of information on children, staff and the facility, to utilize, if an evacuation occurs. The file shall include, a copy of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and staff, staff contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers. You added the blank incident reports during the visit. • We discussed that each family must receive a copy of the summary of the NC Child Care laws and that documentation of this must be on file. You stated you would have the family sign this at pickup today. • We discussed that all employees must have CPR, First Aid, and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you were currently scheduling a CPR and First Aid training and that you would have all the required employees complete the Maltreatment training immediately. I showed you how to access this training during the visit. • We discussed that there is a Permission to Administer Medication training that needs to be renewed every five years as a part of the health and safety trainings. You stated you would have the employees complete this immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have a background check completed every five years. You stated you documented the wrong date on S. McDuffie and did not realize she had expired. The employee accessed the portal during the visit and started the background check process. You will need to send me a copy of the current qualifying letter for S. McDuffie within fifteen (15) days. • We discussed that all employees must have a current professional development plan on an annual basis. You stated you would have the employees complete a new one immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have an emergency information form on file annually. You had the employee complete this form during the visit. • We discussed that each child being transported must have emergency information on the bus at all times. This includes: identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form. You stated you would add pictures to the bus binder immediately. • We discussed that all children being transported must have written permission to transport prior to children being transported. We discussed the blanket authorization form during the visit. This form can be used for routine transportation. You will need to do individual permission forms for field trips on an individual basis. You printed the blanket authorization forms from DCDEE’s website and stated that you will have them completed immediately. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • We discussed during the visit that the outdoor floorplan was missing from your file. We took pictures of the playground during the visit. These pictures will be used to create a floorplan, and it will be sent to you once completed. • The hold harmless was extended until the QRIS modernization has been completed. The previous cohort model is no longer in effect. 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. You can find more information at this link: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ • The process of notifying the Division of new employees has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. • Make sure to visit DCDEE’s website frequently and ensure that you are using the most updated forms on the Provider Documents and Forms tab. • Make sure on the new employee orientation forms you are documenting the correct dates of when the orientation was received. • Make sure all employees have updated their WORKS accounts and place their WORKS letters in their files. • Employees are required to have a certain number of on-going hours on file. The required number of hours can be found in rule .1103. They are based on education and hours worked. • When completing the staff and training worksheets, make sure each line is filled in. You will need to document every line on the sheet and ensure that all dates and information are current. • Make sure to sign all child applications when you file them. • We discussed removing the interlocking materials from blocks center as these are considered manipulatives. • We discussed the process for documenting safe sleep checks. Per rule .2318 CHILD CARE CENTER RECORD RETENTION, safe sleep checks have to be maintained for thirty (30) days. Due to this rule, you will need to maintain safe sleep checks for this time frame and not use the current method. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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 .1002 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2024 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 12/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/12/24 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 83% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/20/23. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/13/24 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/22/24. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2024. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/18/2024. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/04/2024. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. During the visit, I observed one staff file, S. McDuffie, that did not have a five-year recertification and current qualifying letter on file. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored some emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2025 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. During the visit, I observed one (1) child file that did not have documentation that the parent was provided the summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in space three (3). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. During the visit, I observed a torn rug in space five (5), a couch with torn vinyl in space one (1), and exposed stakes on the landscaping borders on playgrounds two (2) and four (4). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, in space nine (9), I observed several medication authorization forms that did not have all the required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of First Aid training. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed four (4) employee files that did not have current verification of CPR training. .1102(d) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. During the visit, I observed a busted first aid kit and disinfecting wipes that were not in locked storage. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. During the visit, I observed application in the bus binder but did not observe a photograph of each child being transported. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. During the visit, I did not observe any permission forms on file for any children being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current and valid qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. During the visit, I observed that the Ready to Go File did not have blank incident reports in it. .0607(d)(10) 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. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have current verification of the Permission to Administer Medication training. .1103(b) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have a current professional development plan on file. .1104 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 12/23/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that medication authorization forms must be filled out completely. You told the teacher to have all families fill out the information completely at pick up today. • We discussed that the indoor and outdoor environment must be safe at all times. You removed the torn couch during the visit. You stated a work order had been place to remove the rug and fix the exposed stakes. • We discussed that activity plans must be current and posted. You had the teacher print the current activity plan during the visit and posted it during the visit. • We discussed that the bus must be free of hazards at all times. You removed the disinfecting wipes and broken first aid kit during the visit. • We discussed that the Ready to Go File must include the following information: a collection of information on children, staff and the facility, to utilize, if an evacuation occurs. The file shall include, a copy of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and staff, staff contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers. You added the blank incident reports during the visit. • We discussed that each family must receive a copy of the summary of the NC Child Care laws and that documentation of this must be on file. You stated you would have the family sign this at pickup today. • We discussed that all employees must have CPR, First Aid, and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you were currently scheduling a CPR and First Aid training and that you would have all the required employees complete the Maltreatment training immediately. I showed you how to access this training during the visit. • We discussed that there is a Permission to Administer Medication training that needs to be renewed every five years as a part of the health and safety trainings. You stated you would have the employees complete this immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have a background check completed every five years. You stated you documented the wrong date on S. McDuffie and did not realize she had expired. The employee accessed the portal during the visit and started the background check process. You will need to send me a copy of the current qualifying letter for S. McDuffie within fifteen (15) days. • We discussed that all employees must have a current professional development plan on an annual basis. You stated you would have the employees complete a new one immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have an emergency information form on file annually. You had the employee complete this form during the visit. • We discussed that each child being transported must have emergency information on the bus at all times. This includes: identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form. You stated you would add pictures to the bus binder immediately. • We discussed that all children being transported must have written permission to transport prior to children being transported. We discussed the blanket authorization form during the visit. This form can be used for routine transportation. You will need to do individual permission forms for field trips on an individual basis. You printed the blanket authorization forms from DCDEE’s website and stated that you will have them completed immediately. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • We discussed during the visit that the outdoor floorplan was missing from your file. We took pictures of the playground during the visit. These pictures will be used to create a floorplan, and it will be sent to you once completed. • The hold harmless was extended until the QRIS modernization has been completed. The previous cohort model is no longer in effect. 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. You can find more information at this link: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ • The process of notifying the Division of new employees has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. • Make sure to visit DCDEE’s website frequently and ensure that you are using the most updated forms on the Provider Documents and Forms tab. • Make sure on the new employee orientation forms you are documenting the correct dates of when the orientation was received. • Make sure all employees have updated their WORKS accounts and place their WORKS letters in their files. • Employees are required to have a certain number of on-going hours on file. The required number of hours can be found in rule .1103. They are based on education and hours worked. • When completing the staff and training worksheets, make sure each line is filled in. You will need to document every line on the sheet and ensure that all dates and information are current. • Make sure to sign all child applications when you file them. • We discussed removing the interlocking materials from blocks center as these are considered manipulatives. • We discussed the process for documenting safe sleep checks. Per rule .2318 CHILD CARE CENTER RECORD RETENTION, safe sleep checks have to be maintained for thirty (30) days. Due to this rule, you will need to maintain safe sleep checks for this time frame and not use the current method. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2024 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 12/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/12/24 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 83% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/20/23. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/13/24 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/22/24. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2024. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/18/2024. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/04/2024. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. During the visit, I observed one staff file, S. McDuffie, that did not have a five-year recertification and current qualifying letter on file. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored some emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2025 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. During the visit, I observed one (1) child file that did not have documentation that the parent was provided the summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in space three (3). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. During the visit, I observed a torn rug in space five (5), a couch with torn vinyl in space one (1), and exposed stakes on the landscaping borders on playgrounds two (2) and four (4). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, in space nine (9), I observed several medication authorization forms that did not have all the required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of First Aid training. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed four (4) employee files that did not have current verification of CPR training. .1102(d) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. During the visit, I observed a busted first aid kit and disinfecting wipes that were not in locked storage. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. During the visit, I observed application in the bus binder but did not observe a photograph of each child being transported. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. During the visit, I did not observe any permission forms on file for any children being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current and valid qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. During the visit, I observed that the Ready to Go File did not have blank incident reports in it. .0607(d)(10) 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. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have current verification of the Permission to Administer Medication training. .1103(b) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have a current professional development plan on file. .1104 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 12/23/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that medication authorization forms must be filled out completely. You told the teacher to have all families fill out the information completely at pick up today. • We discussed that the indoor and outdoor environment must be safe at all times. You removed the torn couch during the visit. You stated a work order had been place to remove the rug and fix the exposed stakes. • We discussed that activity plans must be current and posted. You had the teacher print the current activity plan during the visit and posted it during the visit. • We discussed that the bus must be free of hazards at all times. You removed the disinfecting wipes and broken first aid kit during the visit. • We discussed that the Ready to Go File must include the following information: a collection of information on children, staff and the facility, to utilize, if an evacuation occurs. The file shall include, a copy of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and staff, staff contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers. You added the blank incident reports during the visit. • We discussed that each family must receive a copy of the summary of the NC Child Care laws and that documentation of this must be on file. You stated you would have the family sign this at pickup today. • We discussed that all employees must have CPR, First Aid, and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you were currently scheduling a CPR and First Aid training and that you would have all the required employees complete the Maltreatment training immediately. I showed you how to access this training during the visit. • We discussed that there is a Permission to Administer Medication training that needs to be renewed every five years as a part of the health and safety trainings. You stated you would have the employees complete this immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have a background check completed every five years. You stated you documented the wrong date on S. McDuffie and did not realize she had expired. The employee accessed the portal during the visit and started the background check process. You will need to send me a copy of the current qualifying letter for S. McDuffie within fifteen (15) days. • We discussed that all employees must have a current professional development plan on an annual basis. You stated you would have the employees complete a new one immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have an emergency information form on file annually. You had the employee complete this form during the visit. • We discussed that each child being transported must have emergency information on the bus at all times. This includes: identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form. You stated you would add pictures to the bus binder immediately. • We discussed that all children being transported must have written permission to transport prior to children being transported. We discussed the blanket authorization form during the visit. This form can be used for routine transportation. You will need to do individual permission forms for field trips on an individual basis. You printed the blanket authorization forms from DCDEE’s website and stated that you will have them completed immediately. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • We discussed during the visit that the outdoor floorplan was missing from your file. We took pictures of the playground during the visit. These pictures will be used to create a floorplan, and it will be sent to you once completed. • The hold harmless was extended until the QRIS modernization has been completed. The previous cohort model is no longer in effect. 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. You can find more information at this link: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ • The process of notifying the Division of new employees has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. • Make sure to visit DCDEE’s website frequently and ensure that you are using the most updated forms on the Provider Documents and Forms tab. • Make sure on the new employee orientation forms you are documenting the correct dates of when the orientation was received. • Make sure all employees have updated their WORKS accounts and place their WORKS letters in their files. • Employees are required to have a certain number of on-going hours on file. The required number of hours can be found in rule .1103. They are based on education and hours worked. • When completing the staff and training worksheets, make sure each line is filled in. You will need to document every line on the sheet and ensure that all dates and information are current. • Make sure to sign all child applications when you file them. • We discussed removing the interlocking materials from blocks center as these are considered manipulatives. • We discussed the process for documenting safe sleep checks. Per rule .2318 CHILD CARE CENTER RECORD RETENTION, safe sleep checks have to be maintained for thirty (30) days. Due to this rule, you will need to maintain safe sleep checks for this time frame and not use the current method. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2024 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 12/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/12/24 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 83% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/20/23. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/13/24 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/22/24. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2024. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/18/2024. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/04/2024. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. During the visit, I observed one staff file, S. McDuffie, that did not have a five-year recertification and current qualifying letter on file. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored some emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2025 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. During the visit, I observed one (1) child file that did not have documentation that the parent was provided the summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in space three (3). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. During the visit, I observed a torn rug in space five (5), a couch with torn vinyl in space one (1), and exposed stakes on the landscaping borders on playgrounds two (2) and four (4). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, in space nine (9), I observed several medication authorization forms that did not have all the required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of First Aid training. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed four (4) employee files that did not have current verification of CPR training. .1102(d) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. During the visit, I observed a busted first aid kit and disinfecting wipes that were not in locked storage. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. During the visit, I observed application in the bus binder but did not observe a photograph of each child being transported. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. During the visit, I did not observe any permission forms on file for any children being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current and valid qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. During the visit, I observed that the Ready to Go File did not have blank incident reports in it. .0607(d)(10) 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. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have current verification of the Permission to Administer Medication training. .1103(b) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have a current professional development plan on file. .1104 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 12/23/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that medication authorization forms must be filled out completely. You told the teacher to have all families fill out the information completely at pick up today. • We discussed that the indoor and outdoor environment must be safe at all times. You removed the torn couch during the visit. You stated a work order had been place to remove the rug and fix the exposed stakes. • We discussed that activity plans must be current and posted. You had the teacher print the current activity plan during the visit and posted it during the visit. • We discussed that the bus must be free of hazards at all times. You removed the disinfecting wipes and broken first aid kit during the visit. • We discussed that the Ready to Go File must include the following information: a collection of information on children, staff and the facility, to utilize, if an evacuation occurs. The file shall include, a copy of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and staff, staff contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers. You added the blank incident reports during the visit. • We discussed that each family must receive a copy of the summary of the NC Child Care laws and that documentation of this must be on file. You stated you would have the family sign this at pickup today. • We discussed that all employees must have CPR, First Aid, and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you were currently scheduling a CPR and First Aid training and that you would have all the required employees complete the Maltreatment training immediately. I showed you how to access this training during the visit. • We discussed that there is a Permission to Administer Medication training that needs to be renewed every five years as a part of the health and safety trainings. You stated you would have the employees complete this immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have a background check completed every five years. You stated you documented the wrong date on S. McDuffie and did not realize she had expired. The employee accessed the portal during the visit and started the background check process. You will need to send me a copy of the current qualifying letter for S. McDuffie within fifteen (15) days. • We discussed that all employees must have a current professional development plan on an annual basis. You stated you would have the employees complete a new one immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have an emergency information form on file annually. You had the employee complete this form during the visit. • We discussed that each child being transported must have emergency information on the bus at all times. This includes: identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form. You stated you would add pictures to the bus binder immediately. • We discussed that all children being transported must have written permission to transport prior to children being transported. We discussed the blanket authorization form during the visit. This form can be used for routine transportation. You will need to do individual permission forms for field trips on an individual basis. You printed the blanket authorization forms from DCDEE’s website and stated that you will have them completed immediately. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • We discussed during the visit that the outdoor floorplan was missing from your file. We took pictures of the playground during the visit. These pictures will be used to create a floorplan, and it will be sent to you once completed. • The hold harmless was extended until the QRIS modernization has been completed. The previous cohort model is no longer in effect. 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. You can find more information at this link: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ • The process of notifying the Division of new employees has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. • Make sure to visit DCDEE’s website frequently and ensure that you are using the most updated forms on the Provider Documents and Forms tab. • Make sure on the new employee orientation forms you are documenting the correct dates of when the orientation was received. • Make sure all employees have updated their WORKS accounts and place their WORKS letters in their files. • Employees are required to have a certain number of on-going hours on file. The required number of hours can be found in rule .1103. They are based on education and hours worked. • When completing the staff and training worksheets, make sure each line is filled in. You will need to document every line on the sheet and ensure that all dates and information are current. • Make sure to sign all child applications when you file them. • We discussed removing the interlocking materials from blocks center as these are considered manipulatives. • We discussed the process for documenting safe sleep checks. Per rule .2318 CHILD CARE CENTER RECORD RETENTION, safe sleep checks have to be maintained for thirty (30) days. Due to this rule, you will need to maintain safe sleep checks for this time frame and not use the current method. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2024 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 12/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/12/24 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 83% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/20/23. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/13/24 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/22/24. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2024. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/18/2024. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/04/2024. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. During the visit, I observed one staff file, S. McDuffie, that did not have a five-year recertification and current qualifying letter on file. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored some emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2025 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. During the visit, I observed one (1) child file that did not have documentation that the parent was provided the summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in space three (3). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. During the visit, I observed a torn rug in space five (5), a couch with torn vinyl in space one (1), and exposed stakes on the landscaping borders on playgrounds two (2) and four (4). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, in space nine (9), I observed several medication authorization forms that did not have all the required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of First Aid training. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed four (4) employee files that did not have current verification of CPR training. .1102(d) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. During the visit, I observed a busted first aid kit and disinfecting wipes that were not in locked storage. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. During the visit, I observed application in the bus binder but did not observe a photograph of each child being transported. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. During the visit, I did not observe any permission forms on file for any children being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current and valid qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. During the visit, I observed that the Ready to Go File did not have blank incident reports in it. .0607(d)(10) 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. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have current verification of the Permission to Administer Medication training. .1103(b) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have a current professional development plan on file. .1104 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 12/23/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that medication authorization forms must be filled out completely. You told the teacher to have all families fill out the information completely at pick up today. • We discussed that the indoor and outdoor environment must be safe at all times. You removed the torn couch during the visit. You stated a work order had been place to remove the rug and fix the exposed stakes. • We discussed that activity plans must be current and posted. You had the teacher print the current activity plan during the visit and posted it during the visit. • We discussed that the bus must be free of hazards at all times. You removed the disinfecting wipes and broken first aid kit during the visit. • We discussed that the Ready to Go File must include the following information: a collection of information on children, staff and the facility, to utilize, if an evacuation occurs. The file shall include, a copy of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and staff, staff contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers. You added the blank incident reports during the visit. • We discussed that each family must receive a copy of the summary of the NC Child Care laws and that documentation of this must be on file. You stated you would have the family sign this at pickup today. • We discussed that all employees must have CPR, First Aid, and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you were currently scheduling a CPR and First Aid training and that you would have all the required employees complete the Maltreatment training immediately. I showed you how to access this training during the visit. • We discussed that there is a Permission to Administer Medication training that needs to be renewed every five years as a part of the health and safety trainings. You stated you would have the employees complete this immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have a background check completed every five years. You stated you documented the wrong date on S. McDuffie and did not realize she had expired. The employee accessed the portal during the visit and started the background check process. You will need to send me a copy of the current qualifying letter for S. McDuffie within fifteen (15) days. • We discussed that all employees must have a current professional development plan on an annual basis. You stated you would have the employees complete a new one immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have an emergency information form on file annually. You had the employee complete this form during the visit. • We discussed that each child being transported must have emergency information on the bus at all times. This includes: identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form. You stated you would add pictures to the bus binder immediately. • We discussed that all children being transported must have written permission to transport prior to children being transported. We discussed the blanket authorization form during the visit. This form can be used for routine transportation. You will need to do individual permission forms for field trips on an individual basis. You printed the blanket authorization forms from DCDEE’s website and stated that you will have them completed immediately. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • We discussed during the visit that the outdoor floorplan was missing from your file. We took pictures of the playground during the visit. These pictures will be used to create a floorplan, and it will be sent to you once completed. • The hold harmless was extended until the QRIS modernization has been completed. The previous cohort model is no longer in effect. 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. You can find more information at this link: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ • The process of notifying the Division of new employees has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. • Make sure to visit DCDEE’s website frequently and ensure that you are using the most updated forms on the Provider Documents and Forms tab. • Make sure on the new employee orientation forms you are documenting the correct dates of when the orientation was received. • Make sure all employees have updated their WORKS accounts and place their WORKS letters in their files. • Employees are required to have a certain number of on-going hours on file. The required number of hours can be found in rule .1103. They are based on education and hours worked. • When completing the staff and training worksheets, make sure each line is filled in. You will need to document every line on the sheet and ensure that all dates and information are current. • Make sure to sign all child applications when you file them. • We discussed removing the interlocking materials from blocks center as these are considered manipulatives. • We discussed the process for documenting safe sleep checks. Per rule .2318 CHILD CARE CENTER RECORD RETENTION, safe sleep checks have to be maintained for thirty (30) days. Due to this rule, you will need to maintain safe sleep checks for this time frame and not use the current method. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2024 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 12/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/12/24 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 83% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/20/23. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/13/24 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/22/24. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2024. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/18/2024. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/04/2024. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. During the visit, I observed one staff file, S. McDuffie, that did not have a five-year recertification and current qualifying letter on file. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored some emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2025 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. During the visit, I observed one (1) child file that did not have documentation that the parent was provided the summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in space three (3). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. During the visit, I observed a torn rug in space five (5), a couch with torn vinyl in space one (1), and exposed stakes on the landscaping borders on playgrounds two (2) and four (4). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, in space nine (9), I observed several medication authorization forms that did not have all the required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of First Aid training. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed four (4) employee files that did not have current verification of CPR training. .1102(d) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. During the visit, I observed a busted first aid kit and disinfecting wipes that were not in locked storage. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. During the visit, I observed application in the bus binder but did not observe a photograph of each child being transported. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. During the visit, I did not observe any permission forms on file for any children being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current and valid qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. During the visit, I observed that the Ready to Go File did not have blank incident reports in it. .0607(d)(10) 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. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have current verification of the Permission to Administer Medication training. .1103(b) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have a current professional development plan on file. .1104 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 12/23/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that medication authorization forms must be filled out completely. You told the teacher to have all families fill out the information completely at pick up today. • We discussed that the indoor and outdoor environment must be safe at all times. You removed the torn couch during the visit. You stated a work order had been place to remove the rug and fix the exposed stakes. • We discussed that activity plans must be current and posted. You had the teacher print the current activity plan during the visit and posted it during the visit. • We discussed that the bus must be free of hazards at all times. You removed the disinfecting wipes and broken first aid kit during the visit. • We discussed that the Ready to Go File must include the following information: a collection of information on children, staff and the facility, to utilize, if an evacuation occurs. The file shall include, a copy of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and staff, staff contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers. You added the blank incident reports during the visit. • We discussed that each family must receive a copy of the summary of the NC Child Care laws and that documentation of this must be on file. You stated you would have the family sign this at pickup today. • We discussed that all employees must have CPR, First Aid, and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you were currently scheduling a CPR and First Aid training and that you would have all the required employees complete the Maltreatment training immediately. I showed you how to access this training during the visit. • We discussed that there is a Permission to Administer Medication training that needs to be renewed every five years as a part of the health and safety trainings. You stated you would have the employees complete this immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have a background check completed every five years. You stated you documented the wrong date on S. McDuffie and did not realize she had expired. The employee accessed the portal during the visit and started the background check process. You will need to send me a copy of the current qualifying letter for S. McDuffie within fifteen (15) days. • We discussed that all employees must have a current professional development plan on an annual basis. You stated you would have the employees complete a new one immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have an emergency information form on file annually. You had the employee complete this form during the visit. • We discussed that each child being transported must have emergency information on the bus at all times. This includes: identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form. You stated you would add pictures to the bus binder immediately. • We discussed that all children being transported must have written permission to transport prior to children being transported. We discussed the blanket authorization form during the visit. This form can be used for routine transportation. You will need to do individual permission forms for field trips on an individual basis. You printed the blanket authorization forms from DCDEE’s website and stated that you will have them completed immediately. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • We discussed during the visit that the outdoor floorplan was missing from your file. We took pictures of the playground during the visit. These pictures will be used to create a floorplan, and it will be sent to you once completed. • The hold harmless was extended until the QRIS modernization has been completed. The previous cohort model is no longer in effect. 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. You can find more information at this link: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ • The process of notifying the Division of new employees has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. • Make sure to visit DCDEE’s website frequently and ensure that you are using the most updated forms on the Provider Documents and Forms tab. • Make sure on the new employee orientation forms you are documenting the correct dates of when the orientation was received. • Make sure all employees have updated their WORKS accounts and place their WORKS letters in their files. • Employees are required to have a certain number of on-going hours on file. The required number of hours can be found in rule .1103. They are based on education and hours worked. • When completing the staff and training worksheets, make sure each line is filled in. You will need to document every line on the sheet and ensure that all dates and information are current. • Make sure to sign all child applications when you file them. • We discussed removing the interlocking materials from blocks center as these are considered manipulatives. • We discussed the process for documenting safe sleep checks. Per rule .2318 CHILD CARE CENTER RECORD RETENTION, safe sleep checks have to be maintained for thirty (30) days. Due to this rule, you will need to maintain safe sleep checks for this time frame and not use the current method. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/9/2024 Number Present: 94 Completed Date: 12/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 11/12/24 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 83% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 12/20/23. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/13/24 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/22/24. A copy of this inspection was received during the visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 11/11/2024. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/18/2024. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/04/2024. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. During the visit, I observed one staff file, S. McDuffie, that did not have a five-year recertification and current qualifying letter on file. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored some emergency information on children being transported and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2025 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2025. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. During the visit, I observed one (1) child file that did not have documentation that the parent was provided the summary of the NC Child Care Law. GS 110-102 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the visit, I did not observe a current activity plan in space three (3). GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. During the visit, I observed a torn rug in space five (5), a couch with torn vinyl in space one (1), and exposed stakes on the landscaping borders on playgrounds two (2) and four (4). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 847 Parent's medication authorization did not include required information. During the visit, in space nine (9), I observed several medication authorization forms that did not have all the required information. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(4)(6-9) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current Emergency Information Form on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of First Aid training. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. During the visit, I observed four (4) employee files that did not have current verification of CPR training. .1102(d) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. During the visit, I observed a busted first aid kit and disinfecting wipes that were not in locked storage. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. During the visit, I observed application in the bus binder but did not observe a photograph of each child being transported. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. During the visit, I did not observe any permission forms on file for any children being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. During the visit, I observed one (1) employee file that did not have a current and valid qualification letter on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1823 The EPR Plan did not include the location of the Ready to Go File and or the required information. During the visit, I observed that the Ready to Go File did not have blank incident reports in it. .0607(d)(10) 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. During the visit, I observed five (5) employee files that did not have current verification of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training .1102(g) 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have current verification of the Permission to Administer Medication training. .1103(b) 1902 The professional development plan was not reviewed annually. During the visit, I observed two (2) employee files that did not have a current professional development plan on file. .1104 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 12/23/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit related to violations: • We discussed that medication authorization forms must be filled out completely. You told the teacher to have all families fill out the information completely at pick up today. • We discussed that the indoor and outdoor environment must be safe at all times. You removed the torn couch during the visit. You stated a work order had been place to remove the rug and fix the exposed stakes. • We discussed that activity plans must be current and posted. You had the teacher print the current activity plan during the visit and posted it during the visit. • We discussed that the bus must be free of hazards at all times. You removed the disinfecting wipes and broken first aid kit during the visit. • We discussed that the Ready to Go File must include the following information: a collection of information on children, staff and the facility, to utilize, if an evacuation occurs. The file shall include, a copy of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, contact information for individuals to pick-up children, each child's Application for Child Care, medication authorizations and instructions, any action plans for children with special health care needs, a list of any known food allergies of children and staff, staff contact information, Incident Report forms, an area map, and emergency telephone numbers. You added the blank incident reports during the visit. • We discussed that each family must receive a copy of the summary of the NC Child Care laws and that documentation of this must be on file. You stated you would have the family sign this at pickup today. • We discussed that all employees must have CPR, First Aid, and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within ninety (90) days of hire. You stated you were currently scheduling a CPR and First Aid training and that you would have all the required employees complete the Maltreatment training immediately. I showed you how to access this training during the visit. • We discussed that there is a Permission to Administer Medication training that needs to be renewed every five years as a part of the health and safety trainings. You stated you would have the employees complete this immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have a background check completed every five years. You stated you documented the wrong date on S. McDuffie and did not realize she had expired. The employee accessed the portal during the visit and started the background check process. You will need to send me a copy of the current qualifying letter for S. McDuffie within fifteen (15) days. • We discussed that all employees must have a current professional development plan on an annual basis. You stated you would have the employees complete a new one immediately. • We discussed that all employees must have an emergency information form on file annually. You had the employee complete this form during the visit. • We discussed that each child being transported must have emergency information on the bus at all times. This includes: identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form. You stated you would add pictures to the bus binder immediately. • We discussed that all children being transported must have written permission to transport prior to children being transported. We discussed the blanket authorization form during the visit. This form can be used for routine transportation. You will need to do individual permission forms for field trips on an individual basis. You printed the blanket authorization forms from DCDEE’s website and stated that you will have them completed immediately. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • We discussed during the visit that the outdoor floorplan was missing from your file. We took pictures of the playground during the visit. These pictures will be used to create a floorplan, and it will be sent to you once completed. • The hold harmless was extended until the QRIS modernization has been completed. The previous cohort model is no longer in effect. 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. You can find more information at this link: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ • The process of notifying the Division of new employees has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. • Make sure to visit DCDEE’s website frequently and ensure that you are using the most updated forms on the Provider Documents and Forms tab. • Make sure on the new employee orientation forms you are documenting the correct dates of when the orientation was received. • Make sure all employees have updated their WORKS accounts and place their WORKS letters in their files. • Employees are required to have a certain number of on-going hours on file. The required number of hours can be found in rule .1103. They are based on education and hours worked. • When completing the staff and training worksheets, make sure each line is filled in. You will need to document every line on the sheet and ensure that all dates and information are current. • Make sure to sign all child applications when you file them. • We discussed removing the interlocking materials from blocks center as these are considered manipulatives. • We discussed the process for documenting safe sleep checks. Per rule .2318 CHILD CARE CENTER RECORD RETENTION, safe sleep checks have to be maintained for thirty (30) days. Due to this rule, you will need to maintain safe sleep checks for this time frame and not use the current method. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/20/2023 Number Present: 88 Completed Date: 12/20/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 310 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director, and Elizabeth Chesney, Assistant Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 12/20/2023 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 78% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 01/25/2023. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/21/2023 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/29/2023. I received a copy of this inspection during today’s visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. I observed several incident reports that were not recorded on the incident log. A fire drill was conducted on 12/07/2023. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/19/2023. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/07/2023. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. I observed two files that did not have proof of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completed. I observed three files that did not have an annual health questionnaire completed. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing CPR and First Aid within the first ninety days of employment. I observed one file that did not contain a staff medical report prior to employment. I observed one file that used distant learning for CPR and First Aid renewal. I did observed several new employees who used distant learning to complete CPR and First Aid training. These individuals are still in their ninety day window and no violations were cited for those individuals. However, they will need to complete CPR and First Aid in person within the first ninety days of employment. I observed two files that did not have a current emergency information sheet on file. I observed one staff file that did not complete all parts of the health and safety training within one year of employment. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Hazardous items were stored in locked laundry room. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed one medication with no authorization form in space one. I observed one medication with an expired authorization form in space two. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation during the summer for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information, permission to transport forms for all children being transported, and the bus log. I observed first aid kits and fire extinguishers on both vehicles. I monitored two vehicles today. I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, JMT-7853. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The registration for this vehicle shows that the vehicle is a Chevrolet bus. When you have this vehicle inspected next year, please ensure they correct the make and model of the bus. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. I observed one medication with no authorization form in space one. I observed one medication with an expired authorization form in space two. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. I observed several incident reports that were not recorded on the incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. I observed on file that did not contain a staff medical report prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. I observed three files that did not have an annual health questionnaire completed. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. . I observed two files that did not have a current emergency information sheet on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing First Aid within the first ninety days of employment. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing CPR within the first ninety days of employment. .1102(d) 1893 Distance learning was used to complete First Aid, CPR and/or playground safety training. I observed one file that used distant learning for CPR and First Aid renewal. 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c-e); 10A NCAC 09 .1105(3) 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. I observed two files that did not have proof of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completed. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. I observed one staff file that did not complete all parts of the health and safety training within one year of employment. .1102(a) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 01/03/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: •All medications must have current authorization forms. We discussed during the visit that teachers should check these forms regularly and update them as needed. •Incident reports should be logged on to the incident log. We discussed during today’s visit that the reports should be maintained on the log regularly. •All employees must complete CPR and First Aid within the first 90 days of employment in-person. We discussed getting all employees who need CPR and First Aid into a training course prior to the due date of the compliance letter. •All employees must complete an emergency health information sheet and heath questionnaire annually. We discussed using the new forms and having employees complete these annually. •All employees must complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of employment. We discussed getting all employees who need this training completed prior to the due date of the compliance letter. •All employees must have a medical report prior to employment. We discussed during today’s visit that all employees must have a medical report completed and placed on file. • Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •Your facility is in cohort two. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. I encourage you to visit NCRLAP’s website and use the checklists provided to determine what materials you will need in each space prior to your assessment. This can be done in your prep year or sooner. You will need more materials in several of your spaces. If you have questions prior to me reaching out, please don’t hesitate to contact me. •Prior to storing anything that needs to be locked in space one, fix the magnetic lock on the cabinet. •Add pictures to your transportation binder so that all children have a picture attached to their application or permission form. •Make sure all medication authorization forms are completely filled out. •Make sure the director signs all children’s applications. •Make sure staff and training worksheets are filled out completely prior to review. All dates and information listed on the document should be completely filled out. •The National CPR Foundation is an online portal and cannot be used for CPR and First Aid training. •All employees need to update their WORKS accounts to ensure they have the most current information regarding their education in the system. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/20/2023 Number Present: 88 Completed Date: 12/20/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 310 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director, and Elizabeth Chesney, Assistant Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 12/20/2023 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 78% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 01/25/2023. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/21/2023 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/29/2023. I received a copy of this inspection during today’s visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. I observed several incident reports that were not recorded on the incident log. A fire drill was conducted on 12/07/2023. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/19/2023. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/07/2023. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. I observed two files that did not have proof of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completed. I observed three files that did not have an annual health questionnaire completed. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing CPR and First Aid within the first ninety days of employment. I observed one file that did not contain a staff medical report prior to employment. I observed one file that used distant learning for CPR and First Aid renewal. I did observed several new employees who used distant learning to complete CPR and First Aid training. These individuals are still in their ninety day window and no violations were cited for those individuals. However, they will need to complete CPR and First Aid in person within the first ninety days of employment. I observed two files that did not have a current emergency information sheet on file. I observed one staff file that did not complete all parts of the health and safety training within one year of employment. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Hazardous items were stored in locked laundry room. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed one medication with no authorization form in space one. I observed one medication with an expired authorization form in space two. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation during the summer for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information, permission to transport forms for all children being transported, and the bus log. I observed first aid kits and fire extinguishers on both vehicles. I monitored two vehicles today. I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, JMT-7853. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The registration for this vehicle shows that the vehicle is a Chevrolet bus. When you have this vehicle inspected next year, please ensure they correct the make and model of the bus. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. I observed one medication with no authorization form in space one. I observed one medication with an expired authorization form in space two. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. I observed several incident reports that were not recorded on the incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. I observed on file that did not contain a staff medical report prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. I observed three files that did not have an annual health questionnaire completed. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. . I observed two files that did not have a current emergency information sheet on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing First Aid within the first ninety days of employment. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing CPR within the first ninety days of employment. .1102(d) 1893 Distance learning was used to complete First Aid, CPR and/or playground safety training. I observed one file that used distant learning for CPR and First Aid renewal. 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c-e); 10A NCAC 09 .1105(3) 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. I observed two files that did not have proof of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completed. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. I observed one staff file that did not complete all parts of the health and safety training within one year of employment. .1102(a) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 01/03/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: •All medications must have current authorization forms. We discussed during the visit that teachers should check these forms regularly and update them as needed. •Incident reports should be logged on to the incident log. We discussed during today’s visit that the reports should be maintained on the log regularly. •All employees must complete CPR and First Aid within the first 90 days of employment in-person. We discussed getting all employees who need CPR and First Aid into a training course prior to the due date of the compliance letter. •All employees must complete an emergency health information sheet and heath questionnaire annually. We discussed using the new forms and having employees complete these annually. •All employees must complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of employment. We discussed getting all employees who need this training completed prior to the due date of the compliance letter. •All employees must have a medical report prior to employment. We discussed during today’s visit that all employees must have a medical report completed and placed on file. • Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •Your facility is in cohort two. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. I encourage you to visit NCRLAP’s website and use the checklists provided to determine what materials you will need in each space prior to your assessment. This can be done in your prep year or sooner. You will need more materials in several of your spaces. If you have questions prior to me reaching out, please don’t hesitate to contact me. •Prior to storing anything that needs to be locked in space one, fix the magnetic lock on the cabinet. •Add pictures to your transportation binder so that all children have a picture attached to their application or permission form. •Make sure all medication authorization forms are completely filled out. •Make sure the director signs all children’s applications. •Make sure staff and training worksheets are filled out completely prior to review. All dates and information listed on the document should be completely filled out. •The National CPR Foundation is an online portal and cannot be used for CPR and First Aid training. •All employees need to update their WORKS accounts to ensure they have the most current information regarding their education in the system. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/20/2023 Number Present: 88 Completed Date: 12/20/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 310 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director, and Elizabeth Chesney, Assistant Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 12/20/2023 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 78% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 01/25/2023. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/21/2023 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/29/2023. I received a copy of this inspection during today’s visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. I observed several incident reports that were not recorded on the incident log. A fire drill was conducted on 12/07/2023. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/19/2023. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/07/2023. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. I observed two files that did not have proof of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completed. I observed three files that did not have an annual health questionnaire completed. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing CPR and First Aid within the first ninety days of employment. I observed one file that did not contain a staff medical report prior to employment. I observed one file that used distant learning for CPR and First Aid renewal. I did observed several new employees who used distant learning to complete CPR and First Aid training. These individuals are still in their ninety day window and no violations were cited for those individuals. However, they will need to complete CPR and First Aid in person within the first ninety days of employment. I observed two files that did not have a current emergency information sheet on file. I observed one staff file that did not complete all parts of the health and safety training within one year of employment. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Hazardous items were stored in locked laundry room. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed one medication with no authorization form in space one. I observed one medication with an expired authorization form in space two. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation during the summer for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information, permission to transport forms for all children being transported, and the bus log. I observed first aid kits and fire extinguishers on both vehicles. I monitored two vehicles today. I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, JMT-7853. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The registration for this vehicle shows that the vehicle is a Chevrolet bus. When you have this vehicle inspected next year, please ensure they correct the make and model of the bus. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. I observed one medication with no authorization form in space one. I observed one medication with an expired authorization form in space two. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. I observed several incident reports that were not recorded on the incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. I observed on file that did not contain a staff medical report prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. I observed three files that did not have an annual health questionnaire completed. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. . I observed two files that did not have a current emergency information sheet on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing First Aid within the first ninety days of employment. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing CPR within the first ninety days of employment. .1102(d) 1893 Distance learning was used to complete First Aid, CPR and/or playground safety training. I observed one file that used distant learning for CPR and First Aid renewal. 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c-e); 10A NCAC 09 .1105(3) 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. I observed two files that did not have proof of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completed. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. I observed one staff file that did not complete all parts of the health and safety training within one year of employment. .1102(a) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 01/03/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: •All medications must have current authorization forms. We discussed during the visit that teachers should check these forms regularly and update them as needed. •Incident reports should be logged on to the incident log. We discussed during today’s visit that the reports should be maintained on the log regularly. •All employees must complete CPR and First Aid within the first 90 days of employment in-person. We discussed getting all employees who need CPR and First Aid into a training course prior to the due date of the compliance letter. •All employees must complete an emergency health information sheet and heath questionnaire annually. We discussed using the new forms and having employees complete these annually. •All employees must complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of employment. We discussed getting all employees who need this training completed prior to the due date of the compliance letter. •All employees must have a medical report prior to employment. We discussed during today’s visit that all employees must have a medical report completed and placed on file. • Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •Your facility is in cohort two. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. I encourage you to visit NCRLAP’s website and use the checklists provided to determine what materials you will need in each space prior to your assessment. This can be done in your prep year or sooner. You will need more materials in several of your spaces. If you have questions prior to me reaching out, please don’t hesitate to contact me. •Prior to storing anything that needs to be locked in space one, fix the magnetic lock on the cabinet. •Add pictures to your transportation binder so that all children have a picture attached to their application or permission form. •Make sure all medication authorization forms are completely filled out. •Make sure the director signs all children’s applications. •Make sure staff and training worksheets are filled out completely prior to review. All dates and information listed on the document should be completely filled out. •The National CPR Foundation is an online portal and cannot be used for CPR and First Aid training. •All employees need to update their WORKS accounts to ensure they have the most current information regarding their education in the system. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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 .1105 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/20/2023 Number Present: 88 Completed Date: 12/20/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 310 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director, and Elizabeth Chesney, Assistant Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 12/20/2023 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 78% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 01/25/2023. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/21/2023 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/29/2023. I received a copy of this inspection during today’s visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. I observed several incident reports that were not recorded on the incident log. A fire drill was conducted on 12/07/2023. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/19/2023. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/07/2023. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. I observed two files that did not have proof of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completed. I observed three files that did not have an annual health questionnaire completed. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing CPR and First Aid within the first ninety days of employment. I observed one file that did not contain a staff medical report prior to employment. I observed one file that used distant learning for CPR and First Aid renewal. I did observed several new employees who used distant learning to complete CPR and First Aid training. These individuals are still in their ninety day window and no violations were cited for those individuals. However, they will need to complete CPR and First Aid in person within the first ninety days of employment. I observed two files that did not have a current emergency information sheet on file. I observed one staff file that did not complete all parts of the health and safety training within one year of employment. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Hazardous items were stored in locked laundry room. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed one medication with no authorization form in space one. I observed one medication with an expired authorization form in space two. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation during the summer for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information, permission to transport forms for all children being transported, and the bus log. I observed first aid kits and fire extinguishers on both vehicles. I monitored two vehicles today. I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, JMT-7853. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The registration for this vehicle shows that the vehicle is a Chevrolet bus. When you have this vehicle inspected next year, please ensure they correct the make and model of the bus. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. I observed one medication with no authorization form in space one. I observed one medication with an expired authorization form in space two. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. I observed several incident reports that were not recorded on the incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. I observed on file that did not contain a staff medical report prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. I observed three files that did not have an annual health questionnaire completed. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. . I observed two files that did not have a current emergency information sheet on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing First Aid within the first ninety days of employment. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing CPR within the first ninety days of employment. .1102(d) 1893 Distance learning was used to complete First Aid, CPR and/or playground safety training. I observed one file that used distant learning for CPR and First Aid renewal. 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c-e); 10A NCAC 09 .1105(3) 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. I observed two files that did not have proof of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completed. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. I observed one staff file that did not complete all parts of the health and safety training within one year of employment. .1102(a) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 01/03/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: •All medications must have current authorization forms. We discussed during the visit that teachers should check these forms regularly and update them as needed. •Incident reports should be logged on to the incident log. We discussed during today’s visit that the reports should be maintained on the log regularly. •All employees must complete CPR and First Aid within the first 90 days of employment in-person. We discussed getting all employees who need CPR and First Aid into a training course prior to the due date of the compliance letter. •All employees must complete an emergency health information sheet and heath questionnaire annually. We discussed using the new forms and having employees complete these annually. •All employees must complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of employment. We discussed getting all employees who need this training completed prior to the due date of the compliance letter. •All employees must have a medical report prior to employment. We discussed during today’s visit that all employees must have a medical report completed and placed on file. • Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •Your facility is in cohort two. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. I encourage you to visit NCRLAP’s website and use the checklists provided to determine what materials you will need in each space prior to your assessment. This can be done in your prep year or sooner. You will need more materials in several of your spaces. If you have questions prior to me reaching out, please don’t hesitate to contact me. •Prior to storing anything that needs to be locked in space one, fix the magnetic lock on the cabinet. •Add pictures to your transportation binder so that all children have a picture attached to their application or permission form. •Make sure all medication authorization forms are completely filled out. •Make sure the director signs all children’s applications. •Make sure staff and training worksheets are filled out completely prior to review. All dates and information listed on the document should be completely filled out. •The National CPR Foundation is an online portal and cannot be used for CPR and First Aid training. •All employees need to update their WORKS accounts to ensure they have the most current information regarding their education in the system. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/20/2023 Number Present: 88 Completed Date: 12/20/2023 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 310 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 01:55 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant, with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director, and Elizabeth Chesney, Assistant Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 12/20/2023 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 78% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. 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. Your facility uses Galileo Pre-K Online. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 01/25/2023. A sanitation inspection was completed 08/21/2023 with a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted 08/29/2023. I received a copy of this inspection during today’s visit. Program records and required postings were monitored. I observed several incident reports that were not recorded on the incident log. A fire drill was conducted on 12/07/2023. A shelter in place drill was documented on 10/19/2023. An outdoor inspection was documented on 12/07/2023. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. I observed two files that did not have proof of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completed. I observed three files that did not have an annual health questionnaire completed. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing CPR and First Aid within the first ninety days of employment. I observed one file that did not contain a staff medical report prior to employment. I observed one file that used distant learning for CPR and First Aid renewal. I did observed several new employees who used distant learning to complete CPR and First Aid training. These individuals are still in their ninety day window and no violations were cited for those individuals. However, they will need to complete CPR and First Aid in person within the first ninety days of employment. I observed two files that did not have a current emergency information sheet on file. I observed one staff file that did not complete all parts of the health and safety training within one year of employment. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Hazardous items were stored in locked laundry room. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed one medication with no authorization form in space one. I observed one medication with an expired authorization form in space two. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation during the summer for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information, permission to transport forms for all children being transported, and the bus log. I observed first aid kits and fire extinguishers on both vehicles. I monitored two vehicles today. I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, JMT-7853. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The registration for this vehicle shows that the vehicle is a Chevrolet bus. When you have this vehicle inspected next year, please ensure they correct the make and model of the bus. During today’s visit, I also observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EHS-9639. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. I observed one medication with no authorization form in space one. I observed one medication with an expired authorization form in space two. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. I observed several incident reports that were not recorded on the incident log. .0802(g)(1-6) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. I observed on file that did not contain a staff medical report prior to employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. I observed three files that did not have an annual health questionnaire completed. .0701(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. . I observed two files that did not have a current emergency information sheet on file. .0701(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing First Aid within the first ninety days of employment. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. I observed one file that did not have proof of completing CPR within the first ninety days of employment. .1102(d) 1893 Distance learning was used to complete First Aid, CPR and/or playground safety training. I observed one file that used distant learning for CPR and First Aid renewal. 10A NCAC 09 .1102(c-e); 10A NCAC 09 .1105(3) 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. I observed two files that did not have proof of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training completed. .1102(g) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. I observed one staff file that did not complete all parts of the health and safety training within one year of employment. .1102(a) 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 01/03/2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: •All medications must have current authorization forms. We discussed during the visit that teachers should check these forms regularly and update them as needed. •Incident reports should be logged on to the incident log. We discussed during today’s visit that the reports should be maintained on the log regularly. •All employees must complete CPR and First Aid within the first 90 days of employment in-person. We discussed getting all employees who need CPR and First Aid into a training course prior to the due date of the compliance letter. •All employees must complete an emergency health information sheet and heath questionnaire annually. We discussed using the new forms and having employees complete these annually. •All employees must complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of employment. We discussed getting all employees who need this training completed prior to the due date of the compliance letter. •All employees must have a medical report prior to employment. We discussed during today’s visit that all employees must have a medical report completed and placed on file. • Additional Information/Consultation: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •Your facility is in cohort two. I will reach out to you prior to the beginning of the preparation year of your assigned cohort and will provide guidance to assist you as you begin the process. I encourage you to visit NCRLAP’s website and use the checklists provided to determine what materials you will need in each space prior to your assessment. This can be done in your prep year or sooner. You will need more materials in several of your spaces. If you have questions prior to me reaching out, please don’t hesitate to contact me. •Prior to storing anything that needs to be locked in space one, fix the magnetic lock on the cabinet. •Add pictures to your transportation binder so that all children have a picture attached to their application or permission form. •Make sure all medication authorization forms are completely filled out. •Make sure the director signs all children’s applications. •Make sure staff and training worksheets are filled out completely prior to review. All dates and information listed on the document should be completely filled out. •The National CPR Foundation is an online portal and cannot be used for CPR and First Aid training. •All employees need to update their WORKS accounts to ensure they have the most current information regarding their education in the system. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2023 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 7/25/2023 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 07/24/2023 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 82% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • CPR / First Aid • Special Training • CBC Qualification • ITS – SIDS • Emergency Medical Care Plan • Administration of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • Discipline • Adequate / Approved Space • Program Records • License Posted • Permit Restrictions The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. I observed uncovered outlets in spaces seven, eight, nine, and in the hallway. I observed two gates on the school age playground that both had a gap measuring four inches at the bottom of the gate between the gate post and the fence post. In space two, I observed a chair that had several tears in the vinyl fabric which exposed foam pieces. In space nine, I observed a refrigerator used to store infant bottles. The refrigerator had two thermometers in it. Both thermometers were registering at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Upon arrival, staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed positive interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. Three new staff were reported at this program. Files for new staff were reviewed. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. I observed one new employee who had taken CPR using BLS. This employee is still within the 90-day hire window to attain first aid and should get first aid training by 09/2023. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. In space two, I observed a container of A&D diaper rash ointment that expired in August 2022. Storage hazardous items was monitored today. In space two, I observed a bottle of linen spray stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. In space four, I observed several bottles of hair spray stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. In space eight, I observed several bottles of cleaning supplies with multiple warning labels stored in an unlocked cabinet. Also in space eight, I observed a hot glue gun, not in use, stored on a cabinet accessible to children. A playground inspection was recorded 06/08/2023. A fire drill was recorded 07/14/2023. A lock down drill for the facility was recorded 04/11/2023. A current incident log was not made available to review. The most recent fire inspection was on 8/29/2022. I observed a sanitation inspection was last conducted on 04/20/2023 earning a superior classification. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation during the summer for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information, permission to transport forms for all children being transported, and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EKY-1628. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The vehicle had several pieces of trash including snack wrappers, drink bottles, and cans. The registration for this vehicle is showing the license plate number is JMT-7854. The license plate for this vehicle is EKY-1628. During the visit, Ms. Melton stated the vehicle was recently inspected at the same time as another vehicle. The registration for this vehicle has the correct VIN number for the vehicle but has the incorrect license plate number. This vehicle cannot be used to transport children until the registration card has been corrected reflecting the correct license plate number. Please send me a copy of the corrected registration card and current inspection as soon as possible. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. I observed that there was not a staff/child ratio sheet posted in space eight. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 601 Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. I observed a refrigerator in space nine with two thermometers. Both thermometers showed the temperature was 50 degrees F. 15A NCAC 18A .2806(j)(2) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space two, I observed a chair that had several tears in the fabric which was exposing foam pieces. This was corrected during the visit. On the playground for school-age children, I observed two gates with gaps measuring four inches at the bottom between the gate post and the fence post. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. I observed outlets not covered with safety plugs in spaces seven, eight, nine, and the hallway. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 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 eight, I observed cleaning supplies stored in an unlocked cabinet. In space two, I observed a bottle of linen spray stored on a cabinet in unlocked storage. In space four, I observed several bottles of hair spray stored on a cabinet in unlocked storage. .2820(b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In space two, I observed a medication that was still being administered with an expiration date of August 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. A current incident log was not made available to review. .0802(g)(1-6) 898 All electrical appliances were not used in accordance with the manufacturers instruction. Appliances with heating elements, such as bottle warmers, crock pots, curling irons, irons, coffee pots, and/or their cords were accessible to preschool-age children. I observed a hot glue gun, not in use, stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. .0604(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 violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 8/8/2023. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •Add pictures to the transportation emergency information sheets prior to continuing transportation. •Make sure to fill out the top portion of the field trip permission forms completely for each trip. •Ensure the 2017 Ford Bus gets the correct registration card and remove all trash from this bus. •Make sure you use the most current forms for staff files. The emergency information sheet and health questionnaire form for employees is now two pages. Please ensure your staff are using the current forms. •Employees should have two files. Separate medical and personnel files for employees. The medical file should contain the employee medical form, tuberculosis test/screening, and the annual health questionnaire. •Ensure that the employee who used BLS to attain CPR gets a separate First Aid training as BLS Providers do not cover First Aid. This will need to be completed by 09/2023. •Update your emergency preparedness and response plan. Make sure you have all children’s emergency information in the ready to go file. You will be reviewing the EPR plan annually. Make sure you print the first page of the EPR plan to reflect the new revision date annually. •Make sure to send home and expired medications. •I encourage you to visit NCRLAP’s website and use the ITERS, ECERS, and SACERS, books and materials checklists to determine what supplies are needed in each space. •Keep all hazardous materials such as cleaning products, linen sprays, and hair care products stored in locked storage. •Make sure all broken toys or equipment are removed immediately. •Make sure all outlets are covered using safety plugs at all times. •Hot glue guns and other appliances with heating elements must not be accessible to preschool aged children. •Ensure that all gaps on any fencing measure less than 3.5 inches. •Ensure that all refrigerators have a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below. •On the form that the employees sign stating they review the EPR plan, you will need to add that the employees also reviewed the EMC plan. •Make sure to maintain the incident log. All incident reports that are completed must be documented on an incident log and made available to review. •Staff/child ratio sheets must be posted in each classroom reflecting the current ratio in each room. •If you decide to take field trips where standing bodies of water will be present, please send me your aquatics policy for approval prior to visiting these facilities. Stand alone splash pads where swimming pools or other bodies of water are present do not have to have aquatics policies in place. Splash pads where standing bodies of water are present will require an aquatics policy to be approved and in place. •Make sure to get your fire inspection prior to 8/29/2023. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2023 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 7/25/2023 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 07/24/2023 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 82% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • CPR / First Aid • Special Training • CBC Qualification • ITS – SIDS • Emergency Medical Care Plan • Administration of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • Discipline • Adequate / Approved Space • Program Records • License Posted • Permit Restrictions The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. I observed uncovered outlets in spaces seven, eight, nine, and in the hallway. I observed two gates on the school age playground that both had a gap measuring four inches at the bottom of the gate between the gate post and the fence post. In space two, I observed a chair that had several tears in the vinyl fabric which exposed foam pieces. In space nine, I observed a refrigerator used to store infant bottles. The refrigerator had two thermometers in it. Both thermometers were registering at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Upon arrival, staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed positive interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. Three new staff were reported at this program. Files for new staff were reviewed. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. I observed one new employee who had taken CPR using BLS. This employee is still within the 90-day hire window to attain first aid and should get first aid training by 09/2023. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. In space two, I observed a container of A&D diaper rash ointment that expired in August 2022. Storage hazardous items was monitored today. In space two, I observed a bottle of linen spray stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. In space four, I observed several bottles of hair spray stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. In space eight, I observed several bottles of cleaning supplies with multiple warning labels stored in an unlocked cabinet. Also in space eight, I observed a hot glue gun, not in use, stored on a cabinet accessible to children. A playground inspection was recorded 06/08/2023. A fire drill was recorded 07/14/2023. A lock down drill for the facility was recorded 04/11/2023. A current incident log was not made available to review. The most recent fire inspection was on 8/29/2022. I observed a sanitation inspection was last conducted on 04/20/2023 earning a superior classification. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation during the summer for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information, permission to transport forms for all children being transported, and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EKY-1628. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The vehicle had several pieces of trash including snack wrappers, drink bottles, and cans. The registration for this vehicle is showing the license plate number is JMT-7854. The license plate for this vehicle is EKY-1628. During the visit, Ms. Melton stated the vehicle was recently inspected at the same time as another vehicle. The registration for this vehicle has the correct VIN number for the vehicle but has the incorrect license plate number. This vehicle cannot be used to transport children until the registration card has been corrected reflecting the correct license plate number. Please send me a copy of the corrected registration card and current inspection as soon as possible. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. I observed that there was not a staff/child ratio sheet posted in space eight. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 601 Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. I observed a refrigerator in space nine with two thermometers. Both thermometers showed the temperature was 50 degrees F. 15A NCAC 18A .2806(j)(2) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space two, I observed a chair that had several tears in the fabric which was exposing foam pieces. This was corrected during the visit. On the playground for school-age children, I observed two gates with gaps measuring four inches at the bottom between the gate post and the fence post. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. I observed outlets not covered with safety plugs in spaces seven, eight, nine, and the hallway. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 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 eight, I observed cleaning supplies stored in an unlocked cabinet. In space two, I observed a bottle of linen spray stored on a cabinet in unlocked storage. In space four, I observed several bottles of hair spray stored on a cabinet in unlocked storage. .2820(b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In space two, I observed a medication that was still being administered with an expiration date of August 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. A current incident log was not made available to review. .0802(g)(1-6) 898 All electrical appliances were not used in accordance with the manufacturers instruction. Appliances with heating elements, such as bottle warmers, crock pots, curling irons, irons, coffee pots, and/or their cords were accessible to preschool-age children. I observed a hot glue gun, not in use, stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. .0604(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 violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 8/8/2023. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •Add pictures to the transportation emergency information sheets prior to continuing transportation. •Make sure to fill out the top portion of the field trip permission forms completely for each trip. •Ensure the 2017 Ford Bus gets the correct registration card and remove all trash from this bus. •Make sure you use the most current forms for staff files. The emergency information sheet and health questionnaire form for employees is now two pages. Please ensure your staff are using the current forms. •Employees should have two files. Separate medical and personnel files for employees. The medical file should contain the employee medical form, tuberculosis test/screening, and the annual health questionnaire. •Ensure that the employee who used BLS to attain CPR gets a separate First Aid training as BLS Providers do not cover First Aid. This will need to be completed by 09/2023. •Update your emergency preparedness and response plan. Make sure you have all children’s emergency information in the ready to go file. You will be reviewing the EPR plan annually. Make sure you print the first page of the EPR plan to reflect the new revision date annually. •Make sure to send home and expired medications. •I encourage you to visit NCRLAP’s website and use the ITERS, ECERS, and SACERS, books and materials checklists to determine what supplies are needed in each space. •Keep all hazardous materials such as cleaning products, linen sprays, and hair care products stored in locked storage. •Make sure all broken toys or equipment are removed immediately. •Make sure all outlets are covered using safety plugs at all times. •Hot glue guns and other appliances with heating elements must not be accessible to preschool aged children. •Ensure that all gaps on any fencing measure less than 3.5 inches. •Ensure that all refrigerators have a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below. •On the form that the employees sign stating they review the EPR plan, you will need to add that the employees also reviewed the EMC plan. •Make sure to maintain the incident log. All incident reports that are completed must be documented on an incident log and made available to review. •Staff/child ratio sheets must be posted in each classroom reflecting the current ratio in each room. •If you decide to take field trips where standing bodies of water will be present, please send me your aquatics policy for approval prior to visiting these facilities. Stand alone splash pads where swimming pools or other bodies of water are present do not have to have aquatics policies in place. Splash pads where standing bodies of water are present will require an aquatics policy to be approved and in place. •Make sure to get your fire inspection prior to 8/29/2023. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2023 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 7/25/2023 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 07/24/2023 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 82% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • CPR / First Aid • Special Training • CBC Qualification • ITS – SIDS • Emergency Medical Care Plan • Administration of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • Discipline • Adequate / Approved Space • Program Records • License Posted • Permit Restrictions The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. I observed uncovered outlets in spaces seven, eight, nine, and in the hallway. I observed two gates on the school age playground that both had a gap measuring four inches at the bottom of the gate between the gate post and the fence post. In space two, I observed a chair that had several tears in the vinyl fabric which exposed foam pieces. In space nine, I observed a refrigerator used to store infant bottles. The refrigerator had two thermometers in it. Both thermometers were registering at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Upon arrival, staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed positive interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. Three new staff were reported at this program. Files for new staff were reviewed. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. I observed one new employee who had taken CPR using BLS. This employee is still within the 90-day hire window to attain first aid and should get first aid training by 09/2023. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. In space two, I observed a container of A&D diaper rash ointment that expired in August 2022. Storage hazardous items was monitored today. In space two, I observed a bottle of linen spray stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. In space four, I observed several bottles of hair spray stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. In space eight, I observed several bottles of cleaning supplies with multiple warning labels stored in an unlocked cabinet. Also in space eight, I observed a hot glue gun, not in use, stored on a cabinet accessible to children. A playground inspection was recorded 06/08/2023. A fire drill was recorded 07/14/2023. A lock down drill for the facility was recorded 04/11/2023. A current incident log was not made available to review. The most recent fire inspection was on 8/29/2022. I observed a sanitation inspection was last conducted on 04/20/2023 earning a superior classification. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation during the summer for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information, permission to transport forms for all children being transported, and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EKY-1628. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The vehicle had several pieces of trash including snack wrappers, drink bottles, and cans. The registration for this vehicle is showing the license plate number is JMT-7854. The license plate for this vehicle is EKY-1628. During the visit, Ms. Melton stated the vehicle was recently inspected at the same time as another vehicle. The registration for this vehicle has the correct VIN number for the vehicle but has the incorrect license plate number. This vehicle cannot be used to transport children until the registration card has been corrected reflecting the correct license plate number. Please send me a copy of the corrected registration card and current inspection as soon as possible. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. I observed that there was not a staff/child ratio sheet posted in space eight. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 601 Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. I observed a refrigerator in space nine with two thermometers. Both thermometers showed the temperature was 50 degrees F. 15A NCAC 18A .2806(j)(2) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space two, I observed a chair that had several tears in the fabric which was exposing foam pieces. This was corrected during the visit. On the playground for school-age children, I observed two gates with gaps measuring four inches at the bottom between the gate post and the fence post. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. I observed outlets not covered with safety plugs in spaces seven, eight, nine, and the hallway. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 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 eight, I observed cleaning supplies stored in an unlocked cabinet. In space two, I observed a bottle of linen spray stored on a cabinet in unlocked storage. In space four, I observed several bottles of hair spray stored on a cabinet in unlocked storage. .2820(b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In space two, I observed a medication that was still being administered with an expiration date of August 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. A current incident log was not made available to review. .0802(g)(1-6) 898 All electrical appliances were not used in accordance with the manufacturers instruction. Appliances with heating elements, such as bottle warmers, crock pots, curling irons, irons, coffee pots, and/or their cords were accessible to preschool-age children. I observed a hot glue gun, not in use, stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. .0604(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 violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 8/8/2023. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •Add pictures to the transportation emergency information sheets prior to continuing transportation. •Make sure to fill out the top portion of the field trip permission forms completely for each trip. •Ensure the 2017 Ford Bus gets the correct registration card and remove all trash from this bus. •Make sure you use the most current forms for staff files. The emergency information sheet and health questionnaire form for employees is now two pages. Please ensure your staff are using the current forms. •Employees should have two files. Separate medical and personnel files for employees. The medical file should contain the employee medical form, tuberculosis test/screening, and the annual health questionnaire. •Ensure that the employee who used BLS to attain CPR gets a separate First Aid training as BLS Providers do not cover First Aid. This will need to be completed by 09/2023. •Update your emergency preparedness and response plan. Make sure you have all children’s emergency information in the ready to go file. You will be reviewing the EPR plan annually. Make sure you print the first page of the EPR plan to reflect the new revision date annually. •Make sure to send home and expired medications. •I encourage you to visit NCRLAP’s website and use the ITERS, ECERS, and SACERS, books and materials checklists to determine what supplies are needed in each space. •Keep all hazardous materials such as cleaning products, linen sprays, and hair care products stored in locked storage. •Make sure all broken toys or equipment are removed immediately. •Make sure all outlets are covered using safety plugs at all times. •Hot glue guns and other appliances with heating elements must not be accessible to preschool aged children. •Ensure that all gaps on any fencing measure less than 3.5 inches. •Ensure that all refrigerators have a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below. •On the form that the employees sign stating they review the EPR plan, you will need to add that the employees also reviewed the EMC plan. •Make sure to maintain the incident log. All incident reports that are completed must be documented on an incident log and made available to review. •Staff/child ratio sheets must be posted in each classroom reflecting the current ratio in each room. •If you decide to take field trips where standing bodies of water will be present, please send me your aquatics policy for approval prior to visiting these facilities. Stand alone splash pads where swimming pools or other bodies of water are present do not have to have aquatics policies in place. Splash pads where standing bodies of water are present will require an aquatics policy to be approved and in place. •Make sure to get your fire inspection prior to 8/29/2023. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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: THE CHILDREN'S COURTYARD Facility ID: 34001289 Consultant: WHITNEY PARKER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/25/2023 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 7/25/2023 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:40 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 childcare requirements for a routine unannounced visit. This visit was conducted by Whitney Parker, Childcare Consultant with Yolanda Renee Melton, Director. Your program currently operates with a four-star license effective 3/21/2019. Restrictions include first shift care and meets enhanced space and ratios. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 07/24/2023 and The Children’s Courtyard, Inc. was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 82% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • CPR / First Aid • Special Training • CBC Qualification • ITS – SIDS • Emergency Medical Care Plan • Administration of Medication • Storage of Hazardous Products • Storage of Medication • General Safety • Discipline • Adequate / Approved Space • Program Records • License Posted • Permit Restrictions The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. I observed uncovered outlets in spaces seven, eight, nine, and in the hallway. I observed two gates on the school age playground that both had a gap measuring four inches at the bottom of the gate between the gate post and the fence post. In space two, I observed a chair that had several tears in the vinyl fabric which exposed foam pieces. In space nine, I observed a refrigerator used to store infant bottles. The refrigerator had two thermometers in it. Both thermometers were registering at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Upon arrival, staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed positive interactions today. I observed children engaging in free play, routine activities, and group time. Three new staff were reported at this program. Files for new staff were reviewed. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. I observed one new employee who had taken CPR using BLS. This employee is still within the 90-day hire window to attain first aid and should get first aid training by 09/2023. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. In space two, I observed a container of A&D diaper rash ointment that expired in August 2022. Storage hazardous items was monitored today. In space two, I observed a bottle of linen spray stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. In space four, I observed several bottles of hair spray stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. In space eight, I observed several bottles of cleaning supplies with multiple warning labels stored in an unlocked cabinet. Also in space eight, I observed a hot glue gun, not in use, stored on a cabinet accessible to children. A playground inspection was recorded 06/08/2023. A fire drill was recorded 07/14/2023. A lock down drill for the facility was recorded 04/11/2023. A current incident log was not made available to review. The most recent fire inspection was on 8/29/2022. I observed a sanitation inspection was last conducted on 04/20/2023 earning a superior classification. You stated that you do routine transportation during the school year and field trip transportation during the summer for school-age children. During today’s visit, I monitored emergency information, permission to transport forms for all children being transported, and the bus log. I observed a first aid kit and fire extinguisher on the vehicle. I monitored one vehicle today. I observed a 2017 Ford Bus, EKY-1628. This vehicle was in good repair, had working seatbelts, had adequate tire tread, and was current on inspection and insurance. Your next inspection date on this vehicle is due February 2024 and the insurance is valid through 04/01/2024. The vehicle had several pieces of trash including snack wrappers, drink bottles, and cans. The registration for this vehicle is showing the license plate number is JMT-7854. The license plate for this vehicle is EKY-1628. During the visit, Ms. Melton stated the vehicle was recently inspected at the same time as another vehicle. The registration for this vehicle has the correct VIN number for the vehicle but has the incorrect license plate number. This vehicle cannot be used to transport children until the registration card has been corrected reflecting the correct license plate number. Please send me a copy of the corrected registration card and current inspection as soon as possible. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. I observed that there was not a staff/child ratio sheet posted in space eight. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 601 Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. I observed a refrigerator in space nine with two thermometers. Both thermometers showed the temperature was 50 degrees F. 15A NCAC 18A .2806(j)(2) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space two, I observed a chair that had several tears in the fabric which was exposing foam pieces. This was corrected during the visit. On the playground for school-age children, I observed two gates with gaps measuring four inches at the bottom between the gate post and the fence post. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. I observed outlets not covered with safety plugs in spaces seven, eight, nine, and the hallway. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 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 eight, I observed cleaning supplies stored in an unlocked cabinet. In space two, I observed a bottle of linen spray stored on a cabinet in unlocked storage. In space four, I observed several bottles of hair spray stored on a cabinet in unlocked storage. .2820(b) 843 A drug or medicine was administered after its expiration date. In space two, I observed a medication that was still being administered with an expiration date of August 2022. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(d) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. A current incident log was not made available to review. .0802(g)(1-6) 898 All electrical appliances were not used in accordance with the manufacturers instruction. Appliances with heating elements, such as bottle warmers, crock pots, curling irons, irons, coffee pots, and/or their cords were accessible to preschool-age children. I observed a hot glue gun, not in use, stored on a cabinet not in locked storage. .0604(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 violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before 8/8/2023. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to whitney.parker@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Whitney Parker P.O. Box 1342 Lexington, NC 27293 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance provided during today’s visit: •You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. •Add pictures to the transportation emergency information sheets prior to continuing transportation. •Make sure to fill out the top portion of the field trip permission forms completely for each trip. •Ensure the 2017 Ford Bus gets the correct registration card and remove all trash from this bus. •Make sure you use the most current forms for staff files. The emergency information sheet and health questionnaire form for employees is now two pages. Please ensure your staff are using the current forms. •Employees should have two files. Separate medical and personnel files for employees. The medical file should contain the employee medical form, tuberculosis test/screening, and the annual health questionnaire. •Ensure that the employee who used BLS to attain CPR gets a separate First Aid training as BLS Providers do not cover First Aid. This will need to be completed by 09/2023. •Update your emergency preparedness and response plan. Make sure you have all children’s emergency information in the ready to go file. You will be reviewing the EPR plan annually. Make sure you print the first page of the EPR plan to reflect the new revision date annually. •Make sure to send home and expired medications. •I encourage you to visit NCRLAP’s website and use the ITERS, ECERS, and SACERS, books and materials checklists to determine what supplies are needed in each space. •Keep all hazardous materials such as cleaning products, linen sprays, and hair care products stored in locked storage. •Make sure all broken toys or equipment are removed immediately. •Make sure all outlets are covered using safety plugs at all times. •Hot glue guns and other appliances with heating elements must not be accessible to preschool aged children. •Ensure that all gaps on any fencing measure less than 3.5 inches. •Ensure that all refrigerators have a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below. •On the form that the employees sign stating they review the EPR plan, you will need to add that the employees also reviewed the EMC plan. •Make sure to maintain the incident log. All incident reports that are completed must be documented on an incident log and made available to review. •Staff/child ratio sheets must be posted in each classroom reflecting the current ratio in each room. •If you decide to take field trips where standing bodies of water will be present, please send me your aquatics policy for approval prior to visiting these facilities. Stand alone splash pads where swimming pools or other bodies of water are present do not have to have aquatics policies in place. Splash pads where standing bodies of water are present will require an aquatics policy to be approved and in place. •Make sure to get your fire inspection prior to 8/29/2023. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Whitney Parker, Child Care Consultant (336) 590-8765 whitney.parker@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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