Embracing Kids Child Care Center, LLC

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: EMBRACING KIDS CHILD CARE CENTER, LLC Facility ID: 54000354 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2026 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 3/11/2026 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance visit and to complete the facility’s rated license reassessment. Kim Barnes, Child Care Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. V. Stephenson, Administrator/owner, was present and assisted me with the visit. Currently this center operates with a Four Star-Rated license, issued April 11, 2024, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, two (2) points in the Program Component and 1 Quality point based on meeting the educational option when the program has earned at least 4 points in education and the program has a combined turnover rate of 20 percent or less for the administrator, program coordinator, lead teacher, teacher, and group lead positions over the last 12 months. The last sanitation inspection was completed June 11, 2025, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on 11/17/2025. The next rated license assessment is due April 11, 2027; today, you requested to be assessed for a Star-Rated License using Pathway 3 – Head Start Accreditation. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 98% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care and outdoor play area for applicable child care center requirements. I observed children participating in routines and developmentally appropriate activities in the indoor and outdoor environments. Staff/child ratios and supervision were in compliance. Children were observed participating in a multicultural group activity and transitioning to the outdoor environment. Staff members interacted positively with the children. A computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you, including all documented violations, and a copy was provided at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. There were three dates in which one child in space 1A did not have documented departure times. The dates were 3/6/26, 3/9/26, and 3/10/26. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Upon arrival, the menu observed posted was dated for the month of January. The March menu was posted during the visit. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the outdoor environment, two plastic child sized picnic tables were cracked along the edges, causing a pinching hazard. The two plastic tables were removed during the visit. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Plastic bags were being stored in plastic containers and stored in a place that were accessible to children in spaces 1A and 1B. .0604(q) CONSULTATION: Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. QRIS ASSESSMENT: Today you submitted an Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers using Pathway 3. You also submitted the Request to use Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway to Earn a Star Rated License form, verification of your Head Start designation, and the Head Start Staff/Child Ratio form. You stated that you will send the Quality Initiatives Form with supporting documentation when it has been completed. Your center is eligible for Five-Stars based on Pathway 3 - Head Start Accreditation, effective 3/11/2026. Always ensure your license has the correct information when you receive it. Once you receive your new license, please review and return the old permit by mail to Tina Jones, PO Box 10194, Goldsboro, NC 27532. Your next three-year rated license reassessment will be 3/11/2029. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE / RESOURCES: Your local and regional Smart Start Partnerships and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and Child Care Health Consultants provide general training to meet on-going training hours, health and safety training requirements, Environment Rating Scale training and training specific to your center’s needs. They can also work with you to provide on-site technical assistance. Raise NC Newsletter – If you are not receiving and reading the Raise NC Newsletter, you are missing out on current relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, information about proposed rules, available trainings and other information that may be of interest to you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. As an early learning professional, you will need to stay updated on issues in North Carolina that affect you and your business. Share with your staff so they will be up to date as well. REGISTRY- Sex Offender Registry and Notification Email - North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID - Keep Your NCID Active - Did you know that if you do not login on to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. *Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you, your staff every 6 months to log in and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. *For assistance with NCID, contact ncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Contact Information – Tina Jones at tina.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or 252-361-3434. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809. 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 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: EMBRACING KIDS CHILD CARE CENTER, LLC Facility ID: 54000354 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2026 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 3/11/2026 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance visit and to complete the facility’s rated license reassessment. Kim Barnes, Child Care Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. V. Stephenson, Administrator/owner, was present and assisted me with the visit. Currently this center operates with a Four Star-Rated license, issued April 11, 2024, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, two (2) points in the Program Component and 1 Quality point based on meeting the educational option when the program has earned at least 4 points in education and the program has a combined turnover rate of 20 percent or less for the administrator, program coordinator, lead teacher, teacher, and group lead positions over the last 12 months. The last sanitation inspection was completed June 11, 2025, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on 11/17/2025. The next rated license assessment is due April 11, 2027; today, you requested to be assessed for a Star-Rated License using Pathway 3 – Head Start Accreditation. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 98% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care and outdoor play area for applicable child care center requirements. I observed children participating in routines and developmentally appropriate activities in the indoor and outdoor environments. Staff/child ratios and supervision were in compliance. Children were observed participating in a multicultural group activity and transitioning to the outdoor environment. Staff members interacted positively with the children. A computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you, including all documented violations, and a copy was provided at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. There were three dates in which one child in space 1A did not have documented departure times. The dates were 3/6/26, 3/9/26, and 3/10/26. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Upon arrival, the menu observed posted was dated for the month of January. The March menu was posted during the visit. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the outdoor environment, two plastic child sized picnic tables were cracked along the edges, causing a pinching hazard. The two plastic tables were removed during the visit. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Plastic bags were being stored in plastic containers and stored in a place that were accessible to children in spaces 1A and 1B. .0604(q) CONSULTATION: Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. QRIS ASSESSMENT: Today you submitted an Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers using Pathway 3. You also submitted the Request to use Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway to Earn a Star Rated License form, verification of your Head Start designation, and the Head Start Staff/Child Ratio form. You stated that you will send the Quality Initiatives Form with supporting documentation when it has been completed. Your center is eligible for Five-Stars based on Pathway 3 - Head Start Accreditation, effective 3/11/2026. Always ensure your license has the correct information when you receive it. Once you receive your new license, please review and return the old permit by mail to Tina Jones, PO Box 10194, Goldsboro, NC 27532. Your next three-year rated license reassessment will be 3/11/2029. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE / RESOURCES: Your local and regional Smart Start Partnerships and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and Child Care Health Consultants provide general training to meet on-going training hours, health and safety training requirements, Environment Rating Scale training and training specific to your center’s needs. They can also work with you to provide on-site technical assistance. Raise NC Newsletter – If you are not receiving and reading the Raise NC Newsletter, you are missing out on current relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, information about proposed rules, available trainings and other information that may be of interest to you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. As an early learning professional, you will need to stay updated on issues in North Carolina that affect you and your business. Share with your staff so they will be up to date as well. REGISTRY- Sex Offender Registry and Notification Email - North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID - Keep Your NCID Active - Did you know that if you do not login on to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. *Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you, your staff every 6 months to log in and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. *For assistance with NCID, contact ncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Contact Information – Tina Jones at tina.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or 252-361-3434. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809. 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 .0901 · Violation

Name of Operation: EMBRACING KIDS CHILD CARE CENTER, LLC Facility ID: 54000354 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/11/2026 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 3/11/2026 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements during an Annual Compliance visit and to complete the facility’s rated license reassessment. Kim Barnes, Child Care Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. V. Stephenson, Administrator/owner, was present and assisted me with the visit. Currently this center operates with a Four Star-Rated license, issued April 11, 2024, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, two (2) points in the Program Component and 1 Quality point based on meeting the educational option when the program has earned at least 4 points in education and the program has a combined turnover rate of 20 percent or less for the administrator, program coordinator, lead teacher, teacher, and group lead positions over the last 12 months. The last sanitation inspection was completed June 11, 2025, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on 11/17/2025. The next rated license assessment is due April 11, 2027; today, you requested to be assessed for a Star-Rated License using Pathway 3 – Head Start Accreditation. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 98% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. I monitored the classrooms and spaces used for child care and outdoor play area for applicable child care center requirements. I observed children participating in routines and developmentally appropriate activities in the indoor and outdoor environments. Staff/child ratios and supervision were in compliance. Children were observed participating in a multicultural group activity and transitioning to the outdoor environment. Staff members interacted positively with the children. A computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you, including all documented violations, and a copy was provided at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. There were three dates in which one child in space 1A did not have documented departure times. The dates were 3/6/26, 3/9/26, and 3/10/26. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. Upon arrival, the menu observed posted was dated for the month of January. The March menu was posted during the visit. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In the outdoor environment, two plastic child sized picnic tables were cracked along the edges, causing a pinching hazard. The two plastic tables were removed during the visit. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. Plastic bags were being stored in plastic containers and stored in a place that were accessible to children in spaces 1A and 1B. .0604(q) CONSULTATION: Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. QRIS ASSESSMENT: Today you submitted an Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers using Pathway 3. You also submitted the Request to use Accreditation and Head Start Licensure Pathway to Earn a Star Rated License form, verification of your Head Start designation, and the Head Start Staff/Child Ratio form. You stated that you will send the Quality Initiatives Form with supporting documentation when it has been completed. Your center is eligible for Five-Stars based on Pathway 3 - Head Start Accreditation, effective 3/11/2026. Always ensure your license has the correct information when you receive it. Once you receive your new license, please review and return the old permit by mail to Tina Jones, PO Box 10194, Goldsboro, NC 27532. Your next three-year rated license reassessment will be 3/11/2029. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE / RESOURCES: Your local and regional Smart Start Partnerships and Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and Child Care Health Consultants provide general training to meet on-going training hours, health and safety training requirements, Environment Rating Scale training and training specific to your center’s needs. They can also work with you to provide on-site technical assistance. Raise NC Newsletter – If you are not receiving and reading the Raise NC Newsletter, you are missing out on current relevant information about early childhood issues in North Carolina, information about proposed rules, available trainings and other information that may be of interest to you and your staff. The Raise NC Newsletter is typically sent out weekly to all facility contact email addresses, but if your email is not the facility contact email address, you can go to the DCDEE Website, https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and click on the “What’s New” tab. Click on “What’s New” and enter your email address and name under “Sign Up for Updates”. As an early learning professional, you will need to stay updated on issues in North Carolina that affect you and your business. Share with your staff so they will be up to date as well. REGISTRY- Sex Offender Registry and Notification Email - North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID - Keep Your NCID Active - Did you know that if you do not login on to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. *Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you, your staff every 6 months to log in and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. *For assistance with NCID, contact ncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Refer to this visit summary for a refresher of our discussions today, and I encourage you to share with staff and use the information as a teaching tool. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Contact Information – Tina Jones at tina.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or 252-361-3434. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809. 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 .0102 · Violation

Name of Operation: EMBRACING KIDS CHILD CARE CENTER, LLC Facility ID: 54000354 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/4/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 4/4/2025 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor applicable requirements during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were emailed prior to today's visit. Today's visit was completed with V. Stephenson, owner/operator. Currently this center operates with a Four Star-Rated license, issued April 11, 2024, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, two (2) points in the Program Component and 1 Quality point based on meeting the educational option when the program has earned at least 4 points in education and the program has a combined turnover rate of 20 percent or less for the administrator, program coordinator, lead teacher, teacher, and group lead positions over the last 12 months. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on April 9, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 4, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on November 21, 2024, and received on January 19, 2025. As a reminder, fire inspections must be mailed and received within seven (7) days of the inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 95% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, free play in the outdoor environment, completing transitions, and completing routines such as handwashing and toileting. There were adequate staff supervising the enrolled children. The teachers supervised and interacted with the children in a positive manner. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. A computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was provided to you at the conclusion of the visit. All violations were reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of a child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The fire inspection was completed 11/21/2024; however, the inspection was not submitted to the Division within one week of the inspection visit. The inspection was received on 1/19/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. K. Jackson did not complete the health and safety trainings within one year of employment. The employment date was 3/7/2021. The medications training was not included in the health and safety training topics that are required. .1102(a) CONSULTATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be mailed to me by April 18, 2025, describing how and when the violations were corrected. This two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter and is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. The letter of compliance should be mailed or emailed to me, Tina Jones, PO Box 10194, Goldsboro, NC 27532. The compliance letter must be submitted from the email address on file for your program. If you have any questions related to this visit or if I can be of additional assistance, I can be reached at 252-361-3434 or tina.jones@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at 252-373-9809. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. START RATED LICENSE/QUALITY IMPROVEMENT RATING SYSTEM (QRIS) UPDATE: The Child Care Commission intends to adopt the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .3201-.3226 and amend the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .0102, .2902, .2905, .3002, .3009, and .3010. • Read the Proposed Amendments and Adoptions. • Read the Fiscal Impact Analysis approved by the Office of State Budget Management. This set of rules is proposed for adoption and amendment by the N.C. Child Care Commission in response to Session Laws 2023-40 and 2024-34 regarding the modernization of the state’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). QRIS is based on a star-rating licensing system that applies to child care centers and family child care homes that meet all minimum child care requirements which include but are not limited to health and safety standards and those who voluntarily choose to meet higher standards. The proposed rules incorporate all the elements of QRIS required by legislation as well as additional changes necessary for administrative clarity. The rules preserve the integrity of the state’s existing QRIS while providing more options for child care facilities to demonstrate and meet quality standards. These options include adjustments to current requirements related to staff/child ratio and enrollment that will result in more availability for families, options for early childhood education professionals to meet education standards at all star levels, and a choice of three licensure pathways to earn a Star Rated License. This will enable operators to demonstrate quality care practices by meeting standards that best fit the needs of the families they serve and the early childhood education professionals they employ. Proposed Effective Date: August 1, 2025 Written comments may be submitted to: Julie Peck, DCDEE Rulemaking Coordinator 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 Julie.peck@dhhs.nc.gov Comment period ends: April 4, 2025 HEALTHY SOCIAL BEHAVIORS: Join a free webinar presented by the Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline advisors! Learn about the relationship between communication and behavior. Discuss strategies to facilitate a child’s communication skills and help prevent challenging behavior. Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 7:00-8:00 p.m. Join the webinar: https://ccrinc.zoom.us/j/3677997738 Meeting ID: 367 799 7738 RESOURCES: PROVIDER DOCUMENTS/FORMS: You should visit the website often to ensure you’re using all updated forms. All requirements must be included if you choose to use your own forms electronically or hard copy. The NC child care rules were last updated as of November 1, 2024. • The most current provider documents/ forms, checklists, resources related to child care, MOODLE trainings, and new child care requirements can be found on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov • NC Child Care Health & Safety Resource Center www.healthychildcare.unc.edu. 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 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: EMBRACING KIDS CHILD CARE CENTER, LLC Facility ID: 54000354 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/4/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 4/4/2025 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor applicable requirements during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were emailed prior to today's visit. Today's visit was completed with V. Stephenson, owner/operator. Currently this center operates with a Four Star-Rated license, issued April 11, 2024, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, two (2) points in the Program Component and 1 Quality point based on meeting the educational option when the program has earned at least 4 points in education and the program has a combined turnover rate of 20 percent or less for the administrator, program coordinator, lead teacher, teacher, and group lead positions over the last 12 months. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on April 9, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 4, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on November 21, 2024, and received on January 19, 2025. As a reminder, fire inspections must be mailed and received within seven (7) days of the inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 95% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, free play in the outdoor environment, completing transitions, and completing routines such as handwashing and toileting. There were adequate staff supervising the enrolled children. The teachers supervised and interacted with the children in a positive manner. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. A computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was provided to you at the conclusion of the visit. All violations were reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of a child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The fire inspection was completed 11/21/2024; however, the inspection was not submitted to the Division within one week of the inspection visit. The inspection was received on 1/19/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. K. Jackson did not complete the health and safety trainings within one year of employment. The employment date was 3/7/2021. The medications training was not included in the health and safety training topics that are required. .1102(a) CONSULTATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be mailed to me by April 18, 2025, describing how and when the violations were corrected. This two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter and is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. The letter of compliance should be mailed or emailed to me, Tina Jones, PO Box 10194, Goldsboro, NC 27532. The compliance letter must be submitted from the email address on file for your program. If you have any questions related to this visit or if I can be of additional assistance, I can be reached at 252-361-3434 or tina.jones@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at 252-373-9809. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. START RATED LICENSE/QUALITY IMPROVEMENT RATING SYSTEM (QRIS) UPDATE: The Child Care Commission intends to adopt the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .3201-.3226 and amend the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .0102, .2902, .2905, .3002, .3009, and .3010. • Read the Proposed Amendments and Adoptions. • Read the Fiscal Impact Analysis approved by the Office of State Budget Management. This set of rules is proposed for adoption and amendment by the N.C. Child Care Commission in response to Session Laws 2023-40 and 2024-34 regarding the modernization of the state’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). QRIS is based on a star-rating licensing system that applies to child care centers and family child care homes that meet all minimum child care requirements which include but are not limited to health and safety standards and those who voluntarily choose to meet higher standards. The proposed rules incorporate all the elements of QRIS required by legislation as well as additional changes necessary for administrative clarity. The rules preserve the integrity of the state’s existing QRIS while providing more options for child care facilities to demonstrate and meet quality standards. These options include adjustments to current requirements related to staff/child ratio and enrollment that will result in more availability for families, options for early childhood education professionals to meet education standards at all star levels, and a choice of three licensure pathways to earn a Star Rated License. This will enable operators to demonstrate quality care practices by meeting standards that best fit the needs of the families they serve and the early childhood education professionals they employ. Proposed Effective Date: August 1, 2025 Written comments may be submitted to: Julie Peck, DCDEE Rulemaking Coordinator 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 Julie.peck@dhhs.nc.gov Comment period ends: April 4, 2025 HEALTHY SOCIAL BEHAVIORS: Join a free webinar presented by the Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline advisors! Learn about the relationship between communication and behavior. Discuss strategies to facilitate a child’s communication skills and help prevent challenging behavior. Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 7:00-8:00 p.m. Join the webinar: https://ccrinc.zoom.us/j/3677997738 Meeting ID: 367 799 7738 RESOURCES: PROVIDER DOCUMENTS/FORMS: You should visit the website often to ensure you’re using all updated forms. All requirements must be included if you choose to use your own forms electronically or hard copy. The NC child care rules were last updated as of November 1, 2024. • The most current provider documents/ forms, checklists, resources related to child care, MOODLE trainings, and new child care requirements can be found on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov • NC Child Care Health & Safety Resource Center www.healthychildcare.unc.edu. 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 .3201 · Violation

Name of Operation: EMBRACING KIDS CHILD CARE CENTER, LLC Facility ID: 54000354 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/4/2025 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 4/4/2025 Age: From 1 To 3 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today's visit was to monitor applicable requirements during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were emailed prior to today's visit. Today's visit was completed with V. Stephenson, owner/operator. Currently this center operates with a Four Star-Rated license, issued April 11, 2024, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, two (2) points in the Program Component and 1 Quality point based on meeting the educational option when the program has earned at least 4 points in education and the program has a combined turnover rate of 20 percent or less for the administrator, program coordinator, lead teacher, teacher, and group lead positions over the last 12 months. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on April 9, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 4, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on November 21, 2024, and received on January 19, 2025. As a reminder, fire inspections must be mailed and received within seven (7) days of the inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 95% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, free play in the outdoor environment, completing transitions, and completing routines such as handwashing and toileting. There were adequate staff supervising the enrolled children. The teachers supervised and interacted with the children in a positive manner. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. A computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was provided to you at the conclusion of the visit. All violations were reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of a child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The fire inspection was completed 11/21/2024; however, the inspection was not submitted to the Division within one week of the inspection visit. The inspection was received on 1/19/2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. K. Jackson did not complete the health and safety trainings within one year of employment. The employment date was 3/7/2021. The medications training was not included in the health and safety training topics that are required. .1102(a) CONSULTATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be mailed to me by April 18, 2025, describing how and when the violations were corrected. This two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter and is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. The letter of compliance should be mailed or emailed to me, Tina Jones, PO Box 10194, Goldsboro, NC 27532. The compliance letter must be submitted from the email address on file for your program. If you have any questions related to this visit or if I can be of additional assistance, I can be reached at 252-361-3434 or tina.jones@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at 252-373-9809. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the child care laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. START RATED LICENSE/QUALITY IMPROVEMENT RATING SYSTEM (QRIS) UPDATE: The Child Care Commission intends to adopt the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .3201-.3226 and amend the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .0102, .2902, .2905, .3002, .3009, and .3010. • Read the Proposed Amendments and Adoptions. • Read the Fiscal Impact Analysis approved by the Office of State Budget Management. This set of rules is proposed for adoption and amendment by the N.C. Child Care Commission in response to Session Laws 2023-40 and 2024-34 regarding the modernization of the state’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). QRIS is based on a star-rating licensing system that applies to child care centers and family child care homes that meet all minimum child care requirements which include but are not limited to health and safety standards and those who voluntarily choose to meet higher standards. The proposed rules incorporate all the elements of QRIS required by legislation as well as additional changes necessary for administrative clarity. The rules preserve the integrity of the state’s existing QRIS while providing more options for child care facilities to demonstrate and meet quality standards. These options include adjustments to current requirements related to staff/child ratio and enrollment that will result in more availability for families, options for early childhood education professionals to meet education standards at all star levels, and a choice of three licensure pathways to earn a Star Rated License. This will enable operators to demonstrate quality care practices by meeting standards that best fit the needs of the families they serve and the early childhood education professionals they employ. Proposed Effective Date: August 1, 2025 Written comments may be submitted to: Julie Peck, DCDEE Rulemaking Coordinator 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 Julie.peck@dhhs.nc.gov Comment period ends: April 4, 2025 HEALTHY SOCIAL BEHAVIORS: Join a free webinar presented by the Healthy Social Behaviors Helpline advisors! Learn about the relationship between communication and behavior. Discuss strategies to facilitate a child’s communication skills and help prevent challenging behavior. Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 7:00-8:00 p.m. Join the webinar: https://ccrinc.zoom.us/j/3677997738 Meeting ID: 367 799 7738 RESOURCES: PROVIDER DOCUMENTS/FORMS: You should visit the website often to ensure you’re using all updated forms. All requirements must be included if you choose to use your own forms electronically or hard copy. The NC child care rules were last updated as of November 1, 2024. • The most current provider documents/ forms, checklists, resources related to child care, MOODLE trainings, and new child care requirements can be found on the Division of Child Development and Early Education website. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov • NC Child Care Health & Safety Resource Center www.healthychildcare.unc.edu. 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