Kinston Child Care Center

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/26/2026 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 2/26/2026 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were provided during today’s visit. The visit was completed with I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 5, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 13, 2025, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on August 6, 2025. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 83% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. All staff provided care in a nurturing manner. Staff child ratios were in compliance and adequate supervision was provided for all children. Infants were observed participating in tummy time, interacting with caregivers, and having routine care needs met. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and 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. All violations were reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 538 Baby bottles were not stored to protect from contamination. In space 1, baby bottles were being stored in the refrigerator with no tops on the bottles. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space 5, sanitizer spray was not stored five feet from the floor. In space 4, thumbtacks were accessible to children. In space 1, a crib with plexiglass had a crack in it and was accessible to children. There are vines with thorns running through the fence on the preschool and are accessible to children. On the preschool playground, there are metal bands that join the wooden borders. The bands are broken causing sharp edges. There are play structures that were anchored in the ground and have become loose and detached from the anchors. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. On the preschool playground, the fence running down the back of the playground did not measure the minimum required height of 4 feet. In some areas, the fence measured 3 feet 2 inches. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Documentation was not available for visual sleep checks for sleeping infants. Sleep checks were not completed for 2/23/2026 and 2/24/2026. .0606(g) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The current emergency information document and the staff health questionnaire was not available for staff member, B. Moore. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff members B. Morgan and C. Lewis did not complete the required number of on-going training hours according to their education. .1103(a) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. The tires on the Ford XLT van used for transporting children, measured less than 2/32 inch of tire tread. One tire had visible tire thread showing. The Carolina bus used for transporting children did not have operable heat or air and the back right seat was not anchored and was able to move. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. The following items were missing in various children's records: signed and dated sleep statement acknowledging safe sleep policy, documentation verifying the receipt of the operational policies and parent participation plan, a missing medical assessment, a medical assessment was not on file within 30 days, a signed discipline policy was not available for one child, and a child's file was missing discipline policy information. G.S. 110-91(9) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. The EPR has not been published in the Emergency Manage Portal to reflect the last date of the revision of the plan. .0607(d)(8) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Staff member, B. Morgan did not complete the required trainings within one year of employment. The trainings were required to be completed by 5/1/2025 and was completed 2/2026. Staff member C. Lewis did not complete the medication training component of the health and safety trainings. This was due 5/16/25. .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 March 12, 2026, 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, 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. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Ready to strengthen relationships with the adults you work with? This free, self-paced online training is made for teachers, directors, family child care home professionals, and others working in North Carolina child care programs. DCDEE credit hours are available. Register at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. Winter 2026 Edition of Healthy Child Care NC Newsletter The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center's Newsletter—Ready, Set, Action!—includes in-depth information about health and safety concerns in early care and education settings as well as information for child care programs to share with families. This edition is filled with information on the role of medical action plans in child care, responding to emergencies, and more! To view the newsletter click on : https://sway.cloud.microsoft/zNeLZz5RRmxCuvGT?ref=Link&loc=play ELIFT – Early Learning Instruction for Teachers: Choose from over 100 courses available on-demand, live/virtual, and in-person with flexible payment options, including individual memberships, group memberships, and single courses from $5! Early Learning Academies, Training for High School CTE programs, Pre-Apprenticeships, and ApprenticeshipNC are also available. For more information, visit the Southwestern Child Development Commission Website at https://www.swcdcinc.org/ or email darby.karen@swcdcinc.org or elift@swcdcinc.org. FREE ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING Be prepared to support those around you by getting certified in Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid teaches the skills needed to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they are connected with appropriate professional help. In the free course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. Offered by UNC School of Social Work and the NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education. To register visit: https://ncmhfa.unc.edu/adult-mhfa-for-child-development-and-early-educators/ For a list of trainings and dates, visit https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:1e43735b-e609-414f-a946-ef316e09edae For Questions Please Email nccommunitymhfa@ssw.unc.edu 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. We discussed that you have several staff members that are not in WORKS. 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. 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 July 1, 2025. • 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 .1002 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/26/2026 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 2/26/2026 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were provided during today’s visit. The visit was completed with I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 5, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 13, 2025, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on August 6, 2025. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 83% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. All staff provided care in a nurturing manner. Staff child ratios were in compliance and adequate supervision was provided for all children. Infants were observed participating in tummy time, interacting with caregivers, and having routine care needs met. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and 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. All violations were reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 538 Baby bottles were not stored to protect from contamination. In space 1, baby bottles were being stored in the refrigerator with no tops on the bottles. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space 5, sanitizer spray was not stored five feet from the floor. In space 4, thumbtacks were accessible to children. In space 1, a crib with plexiglass had a crack in it and was accessible to children. There are vines with thorns running through the fence on the preschool and are accessible to children. On the preschool playground, there are metal bands that join the wooden borders. The bands are broken causing sharp edges. There are play structures that were anchored in the ground and have become loose and detached from the anchors. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. On the preschool playground, the fence running down the back of the playground did not measure the minimum required height of 4 feet. In some areas, the fence measured 3 feet 2 inches. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Documentation was not available for visual sleep checks for sleeping infants. Sleep checks were not completed for 2/23/2026 and 2/24/2026. .0606(g) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The current emergency information document and the staff health questionnaire was not available for staff member, B. Moore. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff members B. Morgan and C. Lewis did not complete the required number of on-going training hours according to their education. .1103(a) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. The tires on the Ford XLT van used for transporting children, measured less than 2/32 inch of tire tread. One tire had visible tire thread showing. The Carolina bus used for transporting children did not have operable heat or air and the back right seat was not anchored and was able to move. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. The following items were missing in various children's records: signed and dated sleep statement acknowledging safe sleep policy, documentation verifying the receipt of the operational policies and parent participation plan, a missing medical assessment, a medical assessment was not on file within 30 days, a signed discipline policy was not available for one child, and a child's file was missing discipline policy information. G.S. 110-91(9) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. The EPR has not been published in the Emergency Manage Portal to reflect the last date of the revision of the plan. .0607(d)(8) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Staff member, B. Morgan did not complete the required trainings within one year of employment. The trainings were required to be completed by 5/1/2025 and was completed 2/2026. Staff member C. Lewis did not complete the medication training component of the health and safety trainings. This was due 5/16/25. .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 March 12, 2026, 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, 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. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Ready to strengthen relationships with the adults you work with? This free, self-paced online training is made for teachers, directors, family child care home professionals, and others working in North Carolina child care programs. DCDEE credit hours are available. Register at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. Winter 2026 Edition of Healthy Child Care NC Newsletter The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center's Newsletter—Ready, Set, Action!—includes in-depth information about health and safety concerns in early care and education settings as well as information for child care programs to share with families. This edition is filled with information on the role of medical action plans in child care, responding to emergencies, and more! To view the newsletter click on : https://sway.cloud.microsoft/zNeLZz5RRmxCuvGT?ref=Link&loc=play ELIFT – Early Learning Instruction for Teachers: Choose from over 100 courses available on-demand, live/virtual, and in-person with flexible payment options, including individual memberships, group memberships, and single courses from $5! Early Learning Academies, Training for High School CTE programs, Pre-Apprenticeships, and ApprenticeshipNC are also available. For more information, visit the Southwestern Child Development Commission Website at https://www.swcdcinc.org/ or email darby.karen@swcdcinc.org or elift@swcdcinc.org. FREE ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING Be prepared to support those around you by getting certified in Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid teaches the skills needed to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they are connected with appropriate professional help. In the free course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. Offered by UNC School of Social Work and the NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education. To register visit: https://ncmhfa.unc.edu/adult-mhfa-for-child-development-and-early-educators/ For a list of trainings and dates, visit https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:1e43735b-e609-414f-a946-ef316e09edae For Questions Please Email nccommunitymhfa@ssw.unc.edu 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. We discussed that you have several staff members that are not in WORKS. 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. 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 July 1, 2025. • 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

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/26/2026 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 2/26/2026 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were provided during today’s visit. The visit was completed with I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 5, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 13, 2025, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on August 6, 2025. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 83% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. All staff provided care in a nurturing manner. Staff child ratios were in compliance and adequate supervision was provided for all children. Infants were observed participating in tummy time, interacting with caregivers, and having routine care needs met. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and 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. All violations were reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 538 Baby bottles were not stored to protect from contamination. In space 1, baby bottles were being stored in the refrigerator with no tops on the bottles. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space 5, sanitizer spray was not stored five feet from the floor. In space 4, thumbtacks were accessible to children. In space 1, a crib with plexiglass had a crack in it and was accessible to children. There are vines with thorns running through the fence on the preschool and are accessible to children. On the preschool playground, there are metal bands that join the wooden borders. The bands are broken causing sharp edges. There are play structures that were anchored in the ground and have become loose and detached from the anchors. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. On the preschool playground, the fence running down the back of the playground did not measure the minimum required height of 4 feet. In some areas, the fence measured 3 feet 2 inches. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Documentation was not available for visual sleep checks for sleeping infants. Sleep checks were not completed for 2/23/2026 and 2/24/2026. .0606(g) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The current emergency information document and the staff health questionnaire was not available for staff member, B. Moore. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff members B. Morgan and C. Lewis did not complete the required number of on-going training hours according to their education. .1103(a) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. The tires on the Ford XLT van used for transporting children, measured less than 2/32 inch of tire tread. One tire had visible tire thread showing. The Carolina bus used for transporting children did not have operable heat or air and the back right seat was not anchored and was able to move. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. The following items were missing in various children's records: signed and dated sleep statement acknowledging safe sleep policy, documentation verifying the receipt of the operational policies and parent participation plan, a missing medical assessment, a medical assessment was not on file within 30 days, a signed discipline policy was not available for one child, and a child's file was missing discipline policy information. G.S. 110-91(9) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. The EPR has not been published in the Emergency Manage Portal to reflect the last date of the revision of the plan. .0607(d)(8) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Staff member, B. Morgan did not complete the required trainings within one year of employment. The trainings were required to be completed by 5/1/2025 and was completed 2/2026. Staff member C. Lewis did not complete the medication training component of the health and safety trainings. This was due 5/16/25. .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 March 12, 2026, 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, 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. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Ready to strengthen relationships with the adults you work with? This free, self-paced online training is made for teachers, directors, family child care home professionals, and others working in North Carolina child care programs. DCDEE credit hours are available. Register at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. Winter 2026 Edition of Healthy Child Care NC Newsletter The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center's Newsletter—Ready, Set, Action!—includes in-depth information about health and safety concerns in early care and education settings as well as information for child care programs to share with families. This edition is filled with information on the role of medical action plans in child care, responding to emergencies, and more! To view the newsletter click on : https://sway.cloud.microsoft/zNeLZz5RRmxCuvGT?ref=Link&loc=play ELIFT – Early Learning Instruction for Teachers: Choose from over 100 courses available on-demand, live/virtual, and in-person with flexible payment options, including individual memberships, group memberships, and single courses from $5! Early Learning Academies, Training for High School CTE programs, Pre-Apprenticeships, and ApprenticeshipNC are also available. For more information, visit the Southwestern Child Development Commission Website at https://www.swcdcinc.org/ or email darby.karen@swcdcinc.org or elift@swcdcinc.org. FREE ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING Be prepared to support those around you by getting certified in Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid teaches the skills needed to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they are connected with appropriate professional help. In the free course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. Offered by UNC School of Social Work and the NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education. To register visit: https://ncmhfa.unc.edu/adult-mhfa-for-child-development-and-early-educators/ For a list of trainings and dates, visit https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:1e43735b-e609-414f-a946-ef316e09edae For Questions Please Email nccommunitymhfa@ssw.unc.edu 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. We discussed that you have several staff members that are not in WORKS. 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. 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 July 1, 2025. • 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/26/2026 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 2/26/2026 Age: From 0 To 9 Total Minutes: 405 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were provided during today’s visit. The visit was completed with I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 5, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 13, 2025, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on August 6, 2025. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 83% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. All staff provided care in a nurturing manner. Staff child ratios were in compliance and adequate supervision was provided for all children. Infants were observed participating in tummy time, interacting with caregivers, and having routine care needs met. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and 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. All violations were reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 538 Baby bottles were not stored to protect from contamination. In space 1, baby bottles were being stored in the refrigerator with no tops on the bottles. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space 5, sanitizer spray was not stored five feet from the floor. In space 4, thumbtacks were accessible to children. In space 1, a crib with plexiglass had a crack in it and was accessible to children. There are vines with thorns running through the fence on the preschool and are accessible to children. On the preschool playground, there are metal bands that join the wooden borders. The bands are broken causing sharp edges. There are play structures that were anchored in the ground and have become loose and detached from the anchors. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 824 Outdoor play area was not enclosed by fence with a minimum height of 4 feet. The top of the fence, less than six feet, was not free from protrusions. On the preschool playground, the fence running down the back of the playground did not measure the minimum required height of 4 feet. In some areas, the fence measured 3 feet 2 inches. GS 110-91(6); .0605((i) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Documentation was not available for visual sleep checks for sleeping infants. Sleep checks were not completed for 2/23/2026 and 2/24/2026. .0606(g) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. The current emergency information document and the staff health questionnaire was not available for staff member, B. Moore. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff members B. Morgan and C. Lewis did not complete the required number of on-going training hours according to their education. .1103(a) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. The tires on the Ford XLT van used for transporting children, measured less than 2/32 inch of tire tread. One tire had visible tire thread showing. The Carolina bus used for transporting children did not have operable heat or air and the back right seat was not anchored and was able to move. 10A NCAC 09 .1002(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. The following items were missing in various children's records: signed and dated sleep statement acknowledging safe sleep policy, documentation verifying the receipt of the operational policies and parent participation plan, a missing medical assessment, a medical assessment was not on file within 30 days, a signed discipline policy was not available for one child, and a child's file was missing discipline policy information. G.S. 110-91(9) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. The EPR has not been published in the Emergency Manage Portal to reflect the last date of the revision of the plan. .0607(d)(8) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. Staff member, B. Morgan did not complete the required trainings within one year of employment. The trainings were required to be completed by 5/1/2025 and was completed 2/2026. Staff member C. Lewis did not complete the medication training component of the health and safety trainings. This was due 5/16/25. .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 March 12, 2026, 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, 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. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Ready to strengthen relationships with the adults you work with? This free, self-paced online training is made for teachers, directors, family child care home professionals, and others working in North Carolina child care programs. DCDEE credit hours are available. Register at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. Winter 2026 Edition of Healthy Child Care NC Newsletter The NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center's Newsletter—Ready, Set, Action!—includes in-depth information about health and safety concerns in early care and education settings as well as information for child care programs to share with families. This edition is filled with information on the role of medical action plans in child care, responding to emergencies, and more! To view the newsletter click on : https://sway.cloud.microsoft/zNeLZz5RRmxCuvGT?ref=Link&loc=play ELIFT – Early Learning Instruction for Teachers: Choose from over 100 courses available on-demand, live/virtual, and in-person with flexible payment options, including individual memberships, group memberships, and single courses from $5! Early Learning Academies, Training for High School CTE programs, Pre-Apprenticeships, and ApprenticeshipNC are also available. For more information, visit the Southwestern Child Development Commission Website at https://www.swcdcinc.org/ or email darby.karen@swcdcinc.org or elift@swcdcinc.org. FREE ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING Be prepared to support those around you by getting certified in Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid teaches the skills needed to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, as well as how to provide someone with initial support until they are connected with appropriate professional help. In the free course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. Offered by UNC School of Social Work and the NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education. To register visit: https://ncmhfa.unc.edu/adult-mhfa-for-child-development-and-early-educators/ For a list of trainings and dates, visit https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:1e43735b-e609-414f-a946-ef316e09edae For Questions Please Email nccommunitymhfa@ssw.unc.edu 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. We discussed that you have several staff members that are not in WORKS. 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. 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 July 1, 2025. • 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 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/19/2025 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 11/19/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child are requirements for a Routine Unannounced visit. Today’s visit was completed with I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were present when I arrived, and you were notified of the purpose of the visit. You stated 4 new staff members have been hired since the last Annual Compliance visit completed on March 5, 2025. The new staff members’ files were monitored for compliance. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last sanitation inspection was completed on May 13, 2025, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on August 6, 2025. OWNER INFORMATION- KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 87% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. Children were observed participating in routines, free play in the indoor and outdoor environment, group activities, and transitions. All interactions were observed to be positive and nurturing and adequate supervision was provided to all children in care. Sleep checks were observed as current and safe sleep practices were adhered to. Infants were observed interacting with caregivers and having routine care needs met. The computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit and a copy was provided to you. All violations were reviewed with you. 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. The following violations of child care requirements was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current lesson plan was not posted and available for space 1. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 604 Lavatories were not kept clean, in good repair and kept free of storage. In space B2, the boys and girls lavatory is not clean. The floors are not swept or mopped in either bathroom. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(a) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In space 3, the walls are not in good repair. There is paint flaking on the wall behind one of the infant's cribs. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space 4 and space 2, staff's personal bags were not kept out of the reach of children. In space 3, a chair used by the teaching staff is broken. In the outdoor environment, there is a toy box that is cracked around the entire surface area and a tote box that is cracked on the lid. On the school-age playground, the wooden borders are splintering and lifting. 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. In space 1, an electrical outlet that was not in use, was not covered with a safety plug. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 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. Staff member, M. Cotton has not completed the required First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 6/9/2025. Staff member, K. Flowers has not completed the required First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 4/17/25/. .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. Staff member, M. Cotton has not completed the required CPR training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 6/9/2025. Staff member, K. Flowers has not completed the required CPR training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 4/17/25/ .1102(d) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. A child's medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis. The last update was completed 6/14/2023. .0801(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Medical authorization was not updated annually. The last permission for medication was updated on 6/5/2023. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 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 December 3, 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, 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. QRIS – PATHWAY TO THE STARS: The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025, rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. Today we discussed the three pathways available. You stated that pathway 2, Classroom and Instructional Quality would be the best option for your program. We reviewed the requirements for this pathway and discussed a timeline to apply for a rated license. We reviewed that you would plan to apply for the rated license by July 2026. We reviewed your staffing and where they may be in the education standards. We reviewed the Continuous Quality Improvement Plan and Professional Development Plan for the facility and for the staff, and the Family and Community Engagement Standards document. I provided you with copies for you to review and complete. We discussed that I would be available for a technical assistance visit, or you can contact me to review or discuss these documents and the process. We reviewed the requirements for using a curriculum for all ages, conducting child observations and coaching and training for administrators. 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 about what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. LICENSING FEES: Invoices for the annual license fees were emailed to facilities subject to license fees on November 3, 2025. Please note that annual license fees do not apply to state or public school-operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. Invoices may be paid at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Annual-License-Fee. Payment Information: Payments are due by December 3, 2025. All payments must be submitted through our website using a Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card or via e-check. Payments may not be dropped off or mailed to the Division or the Department of Health & Human Services. 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 July 1, 2025. • 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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/19/2025 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 11/19/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child are requirements for a Routine Unannounced visit. Today’s visit was completed with I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were present when I arrived, and you were notified of the purpose of the visit. You stated 4 new staff members have been hired since the last Annual Compliance visit completed on March 5, 2025. The new staff members’ files were monitored for compliance. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last sanitation inspection was completed on May 13, 2025, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on August 6, 2025. OWNER INFORMATION- KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 87% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. Children were observed participating in routines, free play in the indoor and outdoor environment, group activities, and transitions. All interactions were observed to be positive and nurturing and adequate supervision was provided to all children in care. Sleep checks were observed as current and safe sleep practices were adhered to. Infants were observed interacting with caregivers and having routine care needs met. The computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit and a copy was provided to you. All violations were reviewed with you. 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. The following violations of child care requirements was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current lesson plan was not posted and available for space 1. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 604 Lavatories were not kept clean, in good repair and kept free of storage. In space B2, the boys and girls lavatory is not clean. The floors are not swept or mopped in either bathroom. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(a) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In space 3, the walls are not in good repair. There is paint flaking on the wall behind one of the infant's cribs. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space 4 and space 2, staff's personal bags were not kept out of the reach of children. In space 3, a chair used by the teaching staff is broken. In the outdoor environment, there is a toy box that is cracked around the entire surface area and a tote box that is cracked on the lid. On the school-age playground, the wooden borders are splintering and lifting. 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. In space 1, an electrical outlet that was not in use, was not covered with a safety plug. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 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. Staff member, M. Cotton has not completed the required First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 6/9/2025. Staff member, K. Flowers has not completed the required First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 4/17/25/. .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. Staff member, M. Cotton has not completed the required CPR training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 6/9/2025. Staff member, K. Flowers has not completed the required CPR training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 4/17/25/ .1102(d) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. A child's medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis. The last update was completed 6/14/2023. .0801(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Medical authorization was not updated annually. The last permission for medication was updated on 6/5/2023. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 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 December 3, 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, 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. QRIS – PATHWAY TO THE STARS: The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025, rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. Today we discussed the three pathways available. You stated that pathway 2, Classroom and Instructional Quality would be the best option for your program. We reviewed the requirements for this pathway and discussed a timeline to apply for a rated license. We reviewed that you would plan to apply for the rated license by July 2026. We reviewed your staffing and where they may be in the education standards. We reviewed the Continuous Quality Improvement Plan and Professional Development Plan for the facility and for the staff, and the Family and Community Engagement Standards document. I provided you with copies for you to review and complete. We discussed that I would be available for a technical assistance visit, or you can contact me to review or discuss these documents and the process. We reviewed the requirements for using a curriculum for all ages, conducting child observations and coaching and training for administrators. 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 about what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. LICENSING FEES: Invoices for the annual license fees were emailed to facilities subject to license fees on November 3, 2025. Please note that annual license fees do not apply to state or public school-operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. Invoices may be paid at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Annual-License-Fee. Payment Information: Payments are due by December 3, 2025. All payments must be submitted through our website using a Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card or via e-check. Payments may not be dropped off or mailed to the Division or the Department of Health & Human Services. 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 July 1, 2025. • 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/19/2025 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 11/19/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child are requirements for a Routine Unannounced visit. Today’s visit was completed with I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were present when I arrived, and you were notified of the purpose of the visit. You stated 4 new staff members have been hired since the last Annual Compliance visit completed on March 5, 2025. The new staff members’ files were monitored for compliance. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last sanitation inspection was completed on May 13, 2025, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on August 6, 2025. OWNER INFORMATION- KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 87% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. Children were observed participating in routines, free play in the indoor and outdoor environment, group activities, and transitions. All interactions were observed to be positive and nurturing and adequate supervision was provided to all children in care. Sleep checks were observed as current and safe sleep practices were adhered to. Infants were observed interacting with caregivers and having routine care needs met. The computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit and a copy was provided to you. All violations were reviewed with you. 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. The following violations of child care requirements was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current lesson plan was not posted and available for space 1. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 604 Lavatories were not kept clean, in good repair and kept free of storage. In space B2, the boys and girls lavatory is not clean. The floors are not swept or mopped in either bathroom. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(a) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In space 3, the walls are not in good repair. There is paint flaking on the wall behind one of the infant's cribs. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In space 4 and space 2, staff's personal bags were not kept out of the reach of children. In space 3, a chair used by the teaching staff is broken. In the outdoor environment, there is a toy box that is cracked around the entire surface area and a tote box that is cracked on the lid. On the school-age playground, the wooden borders are splintering and lifting. 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. In space 1, an electrical outlet that was not in use, was not covered with a safety plug. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 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. Staff member, M. Cotton has not completed the required First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 6/9/2025. Staff member, K. Flowers has not completed the required First Aid training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 4/17/25/. .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. Staff member, M. Cotton has not completed the required CPR training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 6/9/2025. Staff member, K. Flowers has not completed the required CPR training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 4/17/25/ .1102(d) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. A child's medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis. The last update was completed 6/14/2023. .0801(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. Medical authorization was not updated annually. The last permission for medication was updated on 6/5/2023. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 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 December 3, 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, 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. QRIS – PATHWAY TO THE STARS: The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2025 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission adopted rules to support QRIS modernization. The new section, .3200, provides the standards for earning a two-though five-star-rated license. There are three pathways: program assessment, classroom and instructional quality, and accreditation and head start. To support the QRIS changes, additional rules were amended within the following sections: definitions, developmental day services, and NC Pre-Kindergarten services. Consultants will assist as you begin to review the changes, but please note some of the rule changes may not impact your facility. DCDEE has provided a summary of the changes, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2025, rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. Today we discussed the three pathways available. You stated that pathway 2, Classroom and Instructional Quality would be the best option for your program. We reviewed the requirements for this pathway and discussed a timeline to apply for a rated license. We reviewed that you would plan to apply for the rated license by July 2026. We reviewed your staffing and where they may be in the education standards. We reviewed the Continuous Quality Improvement Plan and Professional Development Plan for the facility and for the staff, and the Family and Community Engagement Standards document. I provided you with copies for you to review and complete. We discussed that I would be available for a technical assistance visit, or you can contact me to review or discuss these documents and the process. We reviewed the requirements for using a curriculum for all ages, conducting child observations and coaching and training for administrators. 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 about what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. LICENSING FEES: Invoices for the annual license fees were emailed to facilities subject to license fees on November 3, 2025. Please note that annual license fees do not apply to state or public school-operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. Invoices may be paid at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Annual-License-Fee. Payment Information: Payments are due by December 3, 2025. All payments must be submitted through our website using a Mastercard or Visa debit/credit card or via e-check. Payments may not be dropped off or mailed to the Division or the Department of Health & Human Services. 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 July 1, 2025. • 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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/5/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 3/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during 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. The visit was completed with I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 12, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 3, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on March 13, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 85% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. All staff provided care in a nurturing manner. Staff child ratios were in compliance and adequate supervision was provided for all children. Infants were observed participating in tummy time, interacting with caregivers, and having routine care needs met. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. A computer-generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the children enrolled in space 1 and space B2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. Staff member, S. Flowers, did not wash their hands after cleaning the diapering station. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(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. In spaces 2 and B2, electrical outlets that were not being used were not covered with safety plugs. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In space 3, there was an emergency medication that was not in the original medical labeled container. .0803(2)(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Visual sleep checks were not documented for the enrolled infants that were present on 3/3/2025. .0606(g) 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. In space 2, four (4) bottles were not labeled with the child's individual name. .0902(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. Staff member B. Batts did not complete the required training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 9/25/24 and the training was completed on 3/3/25. Staff member K. Moore was hired 10/24/24. The required training has not been completed. .1102(g) 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 March 19, 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, 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 Public Hearing March 26, 2025 at 1:15 p.m. (Child Care Commission meeting starts at 1:00 p.m.) 333 E. Six Forks Road, Room 165, Raleigh, NC 27609 and By WebEx 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 CRMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK-AMBCMS PORTAL: The process of notifying the Division 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 on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 1-800-859-0829 and someone will assist you. RESOURCES: CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Kids website, you have started enrollment for lead paint and asbestos testing. You last tested your water for lead on February of 2021. Please be sure to retest your water. Water must be tested every three (3) years. I encourage you to contact Clean Water for US Kids at 1-888-997-9290 for further information. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ enrollment deadline has been revised statewide, and schools and child care facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The lead-based paint and asbestos enrollment surveys must be completed for ALL schools and child care facilities within school districts prior to receiving on-site inspections. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. This program is free, covers testing, inspections, and mitigation, and is intended to improve child-occupied facilities across North Carolina. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. 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 .0102 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/5/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 3/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during 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. The visit was completed with I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 12, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 3, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on March 13, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 85% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. All staff provided care in a nurturing manner. Staff child ratios were in compliance and adequate supervision was provided for all children. Infants were observed participating in tummy time, interacting with caregivers, and having routine care needs met. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. A computer-generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the children enrolled in space 1 and space B2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. Staff member, S. Flowers, did not wash their hands after cleaning the diapering station. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(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. In spaces 2 and B2, electrical outlets that were not being used were not covered with safety plugs. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In space 3, there was an emergency medication that was not in the original medical labeled container. .0803(2)(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Visual sleep checks were not documented for the enrolled infants that were present on 3/3/2025. .0606(g) 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. In space 2, four (4) bottles were not labeled with the child's individual name. .0902(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. Staff member B. Batts did not complete the required training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 9/25/24 and the training was completed on 3/3/25. Staff member K. Moore was hired 10/24/24. The required training has not been completed. .1102(g) 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 March 19, 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, 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 Public Hearing March 26, 2025 at 1:15 p.m. (Child Care Commission meeting starts at 1:00 p.m.) 333 E. Six Forks Road, Room 165, Raleigh, NC 27609 and By WebEx 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 CRMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK-AMBCMS PORTAL: The process of notifying the Division 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 on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 1-800-859-0829 and someone will assist you. RESOURCES: CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Kids website, you have started enrollment for lead paint and asbestos testing. You last tested your water for lead on February of 2021. Please be sure to retest your water. Water must be tested every three (3) years. I encourage you to contact Clean Water for US Kids at 1-888-997-9290 for further information. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ enrollment deadline has been revised statewide, and schools and child care facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The lead-based paint and asbestos enrollment surveys must be completed for ALL schools and child care facilities within school districts prior to receiving on-site inspections. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. This program is free, covers testing, inspections, and mitigation, and is intended to improve child-occupied facilities across North Carolina. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/5/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 3/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during 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. The visit was completed with I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 12, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 3, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on March 13, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 85% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. All staff provided care in a nurturing manner. Staff child ratios were in compliance and adequate supervision was provided for all children. Infants were observed participating in tummy time, interacting with caregivers, and having routine care needs met. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. A computer-generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the children enrolled in space 1 and space B2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. Staff member, S. Flowers, did not wash their hands after cleaning the diapering station. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(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. In spaces 2 and B2, electrical outlets that were not being used were not covered with safety plugs. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In space 3, there was an emergency medication that was not in the original medical labeled container. .0803(2)(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Visual sleep checks were not documented for the enrolled infants that were present on 3/3/2025. .0606(g) 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. In space 2, four (4) bottles were not labeled with the child's individual name. .0902(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. Staff member B. Batts did not complete the required training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 9/25/24 and the training was completed on 3/3/25. Staff member K. Moore was hired 10/24/24. The required training has not been completed. .1102(g) 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 March 19, 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, 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 Public Hearing March 26, 2025 at 1:15 p.m. (Child Care Commission meeting starts at 1:00 p.m.) 333 E. Six Forks Road, Room 165, Raleigh, NC 27609 and By WebEx 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 CRMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK-AMBCMS PORTAL: The process of notifying the Division 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 on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 1-800-859-0829 and someone will assist you. RESOURCES: CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Kids website, you have started enrollment for lead paint and asbestos testing. You last tested your water for lead on February of 2021. Please be sure to retest your water. Water must be tested every three (3) years. I encourage you to contact Clean Water for US Kids at 1-888-997-9290 for further information. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ enrollment deadline has been revised statewide, and schools and child care facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The lead-based paint and asbestos enrollment surveys must be completed for ALL schools and child care facilities within school districts prior to receiving on-site inspections. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. This program is free, covers testing, inspections, and mitigation, and is intended to improve child-occupied facilities across North Carolina. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/5/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 3/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during 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. The visit was completed with I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 12, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 3, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on March 13, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 85% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. All staff provided care in a nurturing manner. Staff child ratios were in compliance and adequate supervision was provided for all children. Infants were observed participating in tummy time, interacting with caregivers, and having routine care needs met. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. A computer-generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the children enrolled in space 1 and space B2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. Staff member, S. Flowers, did not wash their hands after cleaning the diapering station. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(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. In spaces 2 and B2, electrical outlets that were not being used were not covered with safety plugs. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 844 Prescribed medicine was not in original labeled container or accompanied by signed and dated written instructions from prescribing physician or health care professional. In space 3, there was an emergency medication that was not in the original medical labeled container. .0803(2)(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Visual sleep checks were not documented for the enrolled infants that were present on 3/3/2025. .0606(g) 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. In space 2, four (4) bottles were not labeled with the child's individual name. .0902(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. Staff member B. Batts did not complete the required training within 90 days of employment. The hire date was 9/25/24 and the training was completed on 3/3/25. Staff member K. Moore was hired 10/24/24. The required training has not been completed. .1102(g) 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 March 19, 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, 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 Public Hearing March 26, 2025 at 1:15 p.m. (Child Care Commission meeting starts at 1:00 p.m.) 333 E. Six Forks Road, Room 165, Raleigh, NC 27609 and By WebEx 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 CRMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK-AMBCMS PORTAL: The process of notifying the Division 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 on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. 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 1-800-859-0829 and someone will assist you. RESOURCES: CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Kids website, you have started enrollment for lead paint and asbestos testing. You last tested your water for lead on February of 2021. Please be sure to retest your water. Water must be tested every three (3) years. I encourage you to contact Clean Water for US Kids at 1-888-997-9290 for further information. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ enrollment deadline has been revised statewide, and schools and child care facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The lead-based paint and asbestos enrollment surveys must be completed for ALL schools and child care facilities within school districts prior to receiving on-site inspections. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements (NC 10A NCAC 41C.1001-1007, NC 154A NCAC 18A.2816). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ is designed to ensure facilities meet all requirements, receive direct support throughout the participation process, and have access to communication resources. This program is free, covers testing, inspections, and mitigation, and is intended to improve child-occupied facilities across North Carolina. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. 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 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/18/2024 Number Present: 52 Completed Date: 10/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 compliance with applicable requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. Today’s visit was completed with administrator, I. Jacobs. You were notified of the purpose of the visit, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 12, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 3, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on March 13, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 87% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. Five (5) new staff members have been hired since your last Annual Compliance visit completed on March 12, 2024. Although a staff/training worksheet was not available for the new staff members, the personnel files were monitored. There were violations documented in staff records. 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 enrolled infants were participating in the outdoor environment. 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. 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 434 The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development. There was not sufficient materials and equipment in the indoor area for space 1, the classroom for one year old children. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2) 615 Beds, cots and mats were not in good repair, properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. In space 4, cots were not being stored properly. The feet of the cot were touching the side of the cot that the children lay on. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Electrical outlets were cracked and broken in space 5. The kitchen door, leading to the classroom for infants, was not kept locked. There is peeling paint accessible to children in throughout the facility. 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. Electrical outlets were not covered with safety plugs in spaces 2, 3, and 4. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Sleep checks were not consistently documented on sleeping infants. .0606(g) 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. Staff member, C. Lewis did not provide a medical report prior to employment. The employment date was 5/16/2024 and the medical report was completed on 6/27/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Staff member, C. Lewis did not provide a TB Test or screening prior to employment. The employment date was 5/16/2024 and the medical report was completed on 6/25/2024. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There were missing staff records and documentation for staff members B. Batt, N. Harris, and K. Moore. The dates of EPR reviews, EMC reviews, and dates for orientation were not available. G.S. 110-91( 9) 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. The First Aid training has expired for staff members, T. White, Y. Rouse, and S. Flowers. .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. The CPR training has expired for staff members, T. White, Y. Rouse, and S. Flowers. .1102(d) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff were consuming coke and coffee in the classroom in the presence of children in care. .0901(i) 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. Bottles and sippy cups were not individually labeled with dates and the children's names in spaces 1, 2, and 3. .0902(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. Staff member, B. Morgan has not completed the required training within 90 days of employment. The employment date was 5/4/2024. .1102(g) 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 November 1, 2024, 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. RESOURCES: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING: We discussed me completing an administrative training with you and your assistant, M. Rufus. In this training we will complete a Rules Review along with a paperwork training. We discussed that I will complete a rules review training with staff as well. I will contact Stephanie Sullivan or Taylor Bowen at the Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties to collaborate a technical assistance day. We will review the following: -Room arrangement -Adequate materials -Activity planning -Hazards in the classroom -Most cited violations in the classroom I will contact you next week with possible dates. These trainings and technical assistance days will need to be without children. QRIS MODERNIZATION: PATHWAYS TO THE STARS: North Carolina led the nation in 1999 when it launched its Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), a star rating system for early childhood education facilities. QRIS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality. It encourages early care and learning programs to engage in continuous quality improvement, and families may use the star rating to make informed decisions when choosing a child care facility. Listening to and communicating with early childhood professionals, families, communities and businesses is a critical component to ensure a successful QRIS modernization. The Commission began the modernization process by seeking public comment, and the Commission invites and welcomes public comment as we move towards finalizing rules. Some QRIS Modernization changes are still in draft form. To learn more about the Commission’s QRIS work, please note these upcoming opportunities for participation: • December 9, 2024 – Quarterly Commission meeting, with a public comment period for any topic. The Commission may decide to publish proposed QRIS rules, with publication occurring in January 2025. • Public Comment Period for QRIS Rules – After publication in the new year, DCDEE will announce a 60-day public comment period regarding QRIS Modernization, including a public hearing and the opportunity to submit written comments. Email your feedback to DCDEE_QRIS@dhhs.nc.gov at any time. ABCMS: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM INFORMATION: The process of notifying the Division 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 1-800-859-0829, and someone will assist you. 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. Child care rules updated effective January 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/. 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/18/2024 Number Present: 52 Completed Date: 10/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 compliance with applicable requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. Today’s visit was completed with administrator, I. Jacobs. You were notified of the purpose of the visit, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 12, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 3, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on March 13, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 87% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. Five (5) new staff members have been hired since your last Annual Compliance visit completed on March 12, 2024. Although a staff/training worksheet was not available for the new staff members, the personnel files were monitored. There were violations documented in staff records. 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 enrolled infants were participating in the outdoor environment. 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. 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 434 The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development. There was not sufficient materials and equipment in the indoor area for space 1, the classroom for one year old children. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2) 615 Beds, cots and mats were not in good repair, properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. In space 4, cots were not being stored properly. The feet of the cot were touching the side of the cot that the children lay on. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Electrical outlets were cracked and broken in space 5. The kitchen door, leading to the classroom for infants, was not kept locked. There is peeling paint accessible to children in throughout the facility. 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. Electrical outlets were not covered with safety plugs in spaces 2, 3, and 4. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Sleep checks were not consistently documented on sleeping infants. .0606(g) 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. Staff member, C. Lewis did not provide a medical report prior to employment. The employment date was 5/16/2024 and the medical report was completed on 6/27/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Staff member, C. Lewis did not provide a TB Test or screening prior to employment. The employment date was 5/16/2024 and the medical report was completed on 6/25/2024. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There were missing staff records and documentation for staff members B. Batt, N. Harris, and K. Moore. The dates of EPR reviews, EMC reviews, and dates for orientation were not available. G.S. 110-91( 9) 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. The First Aid training has expired for staff members, T. White, Y. Rouse, and S. Flowers. .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. The CPR training has expired for staff members, T. White, Y. Rouse, and S. Flowers. .1102(d) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff were consuming coke and coffee in the classroom in the presence of children in care. .0901(i) 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. Bottles and sippy cups were not individually labeled with dates and the children's names in spaces 1, 2, and 3. .0902(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. Staff member, B. Morgan has not completed the required training within 90 days of employment. The employment date was 5/4/2024. .1102(g) 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 November 1, 2024, 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. RESOURCES: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING: We discussed me completing an administrative training with you and your assistant, M. Rufus. In this training we will complete a Rules Review along with a paperwork training. We discussed that I will complete a rules review training with staff as well. I will contact Stephanie Sullivan or Taylor Bowen at the Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties to collaborate a technical assistance day. We will review the following: -Room arrangement -Adequate materials -Activity planning -Hazards in the classroom -Most cited violations in the classroom I will contact you next week with possible dates. These trainings and technical assistance days will need to be without children. QRIS MODERNIZATION: PATHWAYS TO THE STARS: North Carolina led the nation in 1999 when it launched its Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), a star rating system for early childhood education facilities. QRIS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality. It encourages early care and learning programs to engage in continuous quality improvement, and families may use the star rating to make informed decisions when choosing a child care facility. Listening to and communicating with early childhood professionals, families, communities and businesses is a critical component to ensure a successful QRIS modernization. The Commission began the modernization process by seeking public comment, and the Commission invites and welcomes public comment as we move towards finalizing rules. Some QRIS Modernization changes are still in draft form. To learn more about the Commission’s QRIS work, please note these upcoming opportunities for participation: • December 9, 2024 – Quarterly Commission meeting, with a public comment period for any topic. The Commission may decide to publish proposed QRIS rules, with publication occurring in January 2025. • Public Comment Period for QRIS Rules – After publication in the new year, DCDEE will announce a 60-day public comment period regarding QRIS Modernization, including a public hearing and the opportunity to submit written comments. Email your feedback to DCDEE_QRIS@dhhs.nc.gov at any time. ABCMS: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM INFORMATION: The process of notifying the Division 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 1-800-859-0829, and someone will assist you. 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. Child care rules updated effective January 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/. 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 .0509 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/18/2024 Number Present: 52 Completed Date: 10/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 compliance with applicable requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. Today’s visit was completed with administrator, I. Jacobs. You were notified of the purpose of the visit, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 12, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 3, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on March 13, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 87% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. Five (5) new staff members have been hired since your last Annual Compliance visit completed on March 12, 2024. Although a staff/training worksheet was not available for the new staff members, the personnel files were monitored. There were violations documented in staff records. 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 enrolled infants were participating in the outdoor environment. 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. 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 434 The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development. There was not sufficient materials and equipment in the indoor area for space 1, the classroom for one year old children. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2) 615 Beds, cots and mats were not in good repair, properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. In space 4, cots were not being stored properly. The feet of the cot were touching the side of the cot that the children lay on. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Electrical outlets were cracked and broken in space 5. The kitchen door, leading to the classroom for infants, was not kept locked. There is peeling paint accessible to children in throughout the facility. 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. Electrical outlets were not covered with safety plugs in spaces 2, 3, and 4. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Sleep checks were not consistently documented on sleeping infants. .0606(g) 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. Staff member, C. Lewis did not provide a medical report prior to employment. The employment date was 5/16/2024 and the medical report was completed on 6/27/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Staff member, C. Lewis did not provide a TB Test or screening prior to employment. The employment date was 5/16/2024 and the medical report was completed on 6/25/2024. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There were missing staff records and documentation for staff members B. Batt, N. Harris, and K. Moore. The dates of EPR reviews, EMC reviews, and dates for orientation were not available. G.S. 110-91( 9) 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. The First Aid training has expired for staff members, T. White, Y. Rouse, and S. Flowers. .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. The CPR training has expired for staff members, T. White, Y. Rouse, and S. Flowers. .1102(d) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff were consuming coke and coffee in the classroom in the presence of children in care. .0901(i) 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. Bottles and sippy cups were not individually labeled with dates and the children's names in spaces 1, 2, and 3. .0902(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. Staff member, B. Morgan has not completed the required training within 90 days of employment. The employment date was 5/4/2024. .1102(g) 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 November 1, 2024, 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. RESOURCES: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING: We discussed me completing an administrative training with you and your assistant, M. Rufus. In this training we will complete a Rules Review along with a paperwork training. We discussed that I will complete a rules review training with staff as well. I will contact Stephanie Sullivan or Taylor Bowen at the Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties to collaborate a technical assistance day. We will review the following: -Room arrangement -Adequate materials -Activity planning -Hazards in the classroom -Most cited violations in the classroom I will contact you next week with possible dates. These trainings and technical assistance days will need to be without children. QRIS MODERNIZATION: PATHWAYS TO THE STARS: North Carolina led the nation in 1999 when it launched its Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), a star rating system for early childhood education facilities. QRIS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality. It encourages early care and learning programs to engage in continuous quality improvement, and families may use the star rating to make informed decisions when choosing a child care facility. Listening to and communicating with early childhood professionals, families, communities and businesses is a critical component to ensure a successful QRIS modernization. The Commission began the modernization process by seeking public comment, and the Commission invites and welcomes public comment as we move towards finalizing rules. Some QRIS Modernization changes are still in draft form. To learn more about the Commission’s QRIS work, please note these upcoming opportunities for participation: • December 9, 2024 – Quarterly Commission meeting, with a public comment period for any topic. The Commission may decide to publish proposed QRIS rules, with publication occurring in January 2025. • Public Comment Period for QRIS Rules – After publication in the new year, DCDEE will announce a 60-day public comment period regarding QRIS Modernization, including a public hearing and the opportunity to submit written comments. Email your feedback to DCDEE_QRIS@dhhs.nc.gov at any time. ABCMS: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM INFORMATION: The process of notifying the Division 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 1-800-859-0829, and someone will assist you. 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. Child care rules updated effective January 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/. 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/18/2024 Number Present: 52 Completed Date: 10/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 compliance with applicable requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. Today’s visit was completed with administrator, I. Jacobs. You were notified of the purpose of the visit, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 12, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 3, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on March 13, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 87% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. Five (5) new staff members have been hired since your last Annual Compliance visit completed on March 12, 2024. Although a staff/training worksheet was not available for the new staff members, the personnel files were monitored. There were violations documented in staff records. 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 enrolled infants were participating in the outdoor environment. 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. 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 434 The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development. There was not sufficient materials and equipment in the indoor area for space 1, the classroom for one year old children. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2) 615 Beds, cots and mats were not in good repair, properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. In space 4, cots were not being stored properly. The feet of the cot were touching the side of the cot that the children lay on. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Electrical outlets were cracked and broken in space 5. The kitchen door, leading to the classroom for infants, was not kept locked. There is peeling paint accessible to children in throughout the facility. 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. Electrical outlets were not covered with safety plugs in spaces 2, 3, and 4. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Sleep checks were not consistently documented on sleeping infants. .0606(g) 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. Staff member, C. Lewis did not provide a medical report prior to employment. The employment date was 5/16/2024 and the medical report was completed on 6/27/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Staff member, C. Lewis did not provide a TB Test or screening prior to employment. The employment date was 5/16/2024 and the medical report was completed on 6/25/2024. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There were missing staff records and documentation for staff members B. Batt, N. Harris, and K. Moore. The dates of EPR reviews, EMC reviews, and dates for orientation were not available. G.S. 110-91( 9) 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. The First Aid training has expired for staff members, T. White, Y. Rouse, and S. Flowers. .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. The CPR training has expired for staff members, T. White, Y. Rouse, and S. Flowers. .1102(d) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff were consuming coke and coffee in the classroom in the presence of children in care. .0901(i) 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. Bottles and sippy cups were not individually labeled with dates and the children's names in spaces 1, 2, and 3. .0902(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. Staff member, B. Morgan has not completed the required training within 90 days of employment. The employment date was 5/4/2024. .1102(g) 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 November 1, 2024, 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. RESOURCES: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING: We discussed me completing an administrative training with you and your assistant, M. Rufus. In this training we will complete a Rules Review along with a paperwork training. We discussed that I will complete a rules review training with staff as well. I will contact Stephanie Sullivan or Taylor Bowen at the Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties to collaborate a technical assistance day. We will review the following: -Room arrangement -Adequate materials -Activity planning -Hazards in the classroom -Most cited violations in the classroom I will contact you next week with possible dates. These trainings and technical assistance days will need to be without children. QRIS MODERNIZATION: PATHWAYS TO THE STARS: North Carolina led the nation in 1999 when it launched its Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), a star rating system for early childhood education facilities. QRIS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality. It encourages early care and learning programs to engage in continuous quality improvement, and families may use the star rating to make informed decisions when choosing a child care facility. Listening to and communicating with early childhood professionals, families, communities and businesses is a critical component to ensure a successful QRIS modernization. The Commission began the modernization process by seeking public comment, and the Commission invites and welcomes public comment as we move towards finalizing rules. Some QRIS Modernization changes are still in draft form. To learn more about the Commission’s QRIS work, please note these upcoming opportunities for participation: • December 9, 2024 – Quarterly Commission meeting, with a public comment period for any topic. The Commission may decide to publish proposed QRIS rules, with publication occurring in January 2025. • Public Comment Period for QRIS Rules – After publication in the new year, DCDEE will announce a 60-day public comment period regarding QRIS Modernization, including a public hearing and the opportunity to submit written comments. Email your feedback to DCDEE_QRIS@dhhs.nc.gov at any time. ABCMS: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM INFORMATION: The process of notifying the Division 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 1-800-859-0829, and someone will assist you. 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. Child care rules updated effective January 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/. 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. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/18/2024 Number Present: 52 Completed Date: 10/18/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 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 compliance with applicable requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. Today’s visit was completed with administrator, I. Jacobs. You were notified of the purpose of the visit, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 12, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on June 3, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on March 13, 2024. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 87% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. As a reminder, you must maintain a compliance history score of 75% or greater to avoid an Administrative Action. Five (5) new staff members have been hired since your last Annual Compliance visit completed on March 12, 2024. Although a staff/training worksheet was not available for the new staff members, the personnel files were monitored. There were violations documented in staff records. 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 enrolled infants were participating in the outdoor environment. 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. 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 434 The materials and equipment indoors and outdoors were not sufficient to provide a variety of play experiences to promote the children's emotional and social development, health and physical development, approaches to play and learning, language and communication development, and cognitive development. There was not sufficient materials and equipment in the indoor area for space 1, the classroom for one year old children. 10A NCAC 09 .0509(2) 615 Beds, cots and mats were not in good repair, properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. In space 4, cots were not being stored properly. The feet of the cot were touching the side of the cot that the children lay on. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Electrical outlets were cracked and broken in space 5. The kitchen door, leading to the classroom for infants, was not kept locked. There is peeling paint accessible to children in throughout the facility. 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. Electrical outlets were not covered with safety plugs in spaces 2, 3, and 4. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. Sleep checks were not consistently documented on sleeping infants. .0606(g) 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. Staff member, C. Lewis did not provide a medical report prior to employment. The employment date was 5/16/2024 and the medical report was completed on 6/27/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Staff member, C. Lewis did not provide a TB Test or screening prior to employment. The employment date was 5/16/2024 and the medical report was completed on 6/25/2024. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There were missing staff records and documentation for staff members B. Batt, N. Harris, and K. Moore. The dates of EPR reviews, EMC reviews, and dates for orientation were not available. G.S. 110-91( 9) 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. The First Aid training has expired for staff members, T. White, Y. Rouse, and S. Flowers. .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. The CPR training has expired for staff members, T. White, Y. Rouse, and S. Flowers. .1102(d) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. Staff were consuming coke and coffee in the classroom in the presence of children in care. .0901(i) 1887 Each infant was not served only bottles labeled with their individual name. Bottles and sippy cups were not individually labeled with dates and the children's names in spaces 1, 2, and 3. .0902(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. Staff member, B. Morgan has not completed the required training within 90 days of employment. The employment date was 5/4/2024. .1102(g) 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 November 1, 2024, 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. RESOURCES: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING: We discussed me completing an administrative training with you and your assistant, M. Rufus. In this training we will complete a Rules Review along with a paperwork training. We discussed that I will complete a rules review training with staff as well. I will contact Stephanie Sullivan or Taylor Bowen at the Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties to collaborate a technical assistance day. We will review the following: -Room arrangement -Adequate materials -Activity planning -Hazards in the classroom -Most cited violations in the classroom I will contact you next week with possible dates. These trainings and technical assistance days will need to be without children. QRIS MODERNIZATION: PATHWAYS TO THE STARS: North Carolina led the nation in 1999 when it launched its Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), a star rating system for early childhood education facilities. QRIS is a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality. It encourages early care and learning programs to engage in continuous quality improvement, and families may use the star rating to make informed decisions when choosing a child care facility. Listening to and communicating with early childhood professionals, families, communities and businesses is a critical component to ensure a successful QRIS modernization. The Commission began the modernization process by seeking public comment, and the Commission invites and welcomes public comment as we move towards finalizing rules. Some QRIS Modernization changes are still in draft form. To learn more about the Commission’s QRIS work, please note these upcoming opportunities for participation: • December 9, 2024 – Quarterly Commission meeting, with a public comment period for any topic. The Commission may decide to publish proposed QRIS rules, with publication occurring in January 2025. • Public Comment Period for QRIS Rules – After publication in the new year, DCDEE will announce a 60-day public comment period regarding QRIS Modernization, including a public hearing and the opportunity to submit written comments. Email your feedback to DCDEE_QRIS@dhhs.nc.gov at any time. ABCMS: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM INFORMATION: The process of notifying the Division 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 1-800-859-0829, and someone will assist you. 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. Child care rules updated effective January 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/. 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/20/2024 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 8/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow up visit based on staff/child ratios and supervision. Today's visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, Administrator at this facility. You were present for the duration of today’s visit. This facility currently operates with a Three Star Child Care Center license issued September 22, 2017. The last annual compliance visit was conducted March 12, 2024. The Administrative Action, cover letter, and corrective action plan was observed posted on the parent information board, to the left of the office as you walk in the front door of the facility and was visible to parents and visitors. Enrollment was completed. The group of infants and children one year of age were observed interacting with the caregivers. The children were being changed, being held, and playing on the floor with toys made available. Older children in the center were observed interacting with caregivers, having indoor free choice play, completing transitions, and having routine care needs met. Two new staff members have been hired since our last administrative action follow up visit completed on July 10, 2024. Although a staff/training worksheet was not available, the new staff files were monitored today. You were reminded that a compliance history score of at least 75% over an 18-month timeframe must be maintained in order to continue to qualify for a child care license. As of today, your compliance history score is 86%. Kinston Child Care Center, INC., is this facility’s current owner. This corporation is listed as “Current-Active” on the Secretary of State website. Prior to any changes with the status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was reviewed and a copy was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. A computer-generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. A food substitution was not recorded on the menu prior to serving the meal. For breakfast, the fruit that was listed on the menu for today was blueberries; however, applesauce was served. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Located on the school-age playground, a swing was broken but not removed from the swing set. 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. A desk in the front office had correction fluid in the top drawer. This desk is accessible to all enrolled children. .2820(b) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. The application for employment for staff member Diasheila Moore was not available for review. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. A health questionnaire was not on file for two staff members, Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore. .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. Staff members Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff member Diasheila Moore did not complete a Criminal Background Check prior to employment. The employment date was 7/22/2024. The background check has not been completed as of 8/20/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two new staff members, Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore have not received the required orientation. .1101(a) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not file for new staff member Diasheila Moore. The employment date was 7/22/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Documentation was not available for review for the review of the center's EPR plan with new staff members Betty Morgan and Diashelia Moore. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Signed documentation acknowledging the policy was reviewed with new staff members Betty Morgan and Diashelia Moore, was not available. .0608(d)(1-4) 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. Staff member, Betty Morgan's first date of employment was 5/4/2024. The required training was due by 8/4/2024. The training has not been completed. .1102(g) 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 September 3, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. QUALIFYING LETTER/CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: A new staff member with the employment date of 7/22/2024, did not complete criminal background check prior to the employment date. Diasheila Moore did not have a qualifying letter available for review. When asked, you stated that you would need to print the qualifying letter; however, when the letter was not able to be retrieved, I checked the ABCMS system to view the qualifying letter for this staff member. The ABCMS verified that the criminal background check for this staff member has not been completed. During the visit, Ms. Moore started the application process. Ms. Moore has not completed a criminal background check previously; therefore, she was informed that she had to leave the premises immediately and can not work in the child care facility until a qualification letter from DCDEE has been received and a copy of the letter is provided to Ms. Jacobs. I recommend you contact the owner to provide you additional assistance. You stated that she is not able to work in the classrooms; however, the owner can provide assistance with the required paperwork. I encourage you to review your staffing plan and work schedules for each staff member to ensure you are utilizing all staff member's in the most efficient way. STAFF RECORDS: While monitoring staff records for the two (2) new staff members, I observed incomplete staff records for both staff members. You stated that you have been short staffed and that you have not been able to complete the required paperwork for the new staff members. We reviewed that in your Administrative Action - Written Warning, it states in stipulation #1 that you are shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements. We reviewed that you must maintain accurate records to be in compliance with stipulation #1. Due to the number of violations received today, I am requesting that you complete a comprehensive corrective action plan that includes the following: - A plan for completing the required program paperwork; including staff records - A plan for organizing your records - Develop and implement a plan to ensure all staff complete the process for the criminal records check prior to employment and prior to the expiration date of their previous qualification. You can use a calendar to document when someone needs to complete the requalification process, use your phone or computer calendar and set up reminders for when staff are due, or maintain a separate notebook that contains copies of each staff member’s qualification letter and you document when the staff member needs to complete the requalification process. You can also attach documentation to the front of each staff member’s file specifying when information is due, such as a person’s requalification. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION: You have completed the following stipulations: Stipulation #2- Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Iris Jacobs, administrator, shall contact Ramie Doll, Lead Child Care Consultant, to arrange for a rules review on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a) (1-5) regarding staff/child ratios and supervision. The rules review was completed on 7/25/2024. Stipulation #3- Within two (2) weeks after completion of the rules review in Item #2, Ms. Jacobs shall review and revise written procedures for achieving and maintaining compliance with staff/child ratios and group size. The revised and approved written procedures were received on 7/24/2024. Stipulation #4 - Within two (2) weeks after this Notice is received, Ms. Jacobs shall develop a written plan that describes, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The revised and approved written plan was received on 7/29/2024. Stipulation #5 - Within one (1) week after approval of the written procedures in Item #3 and written plan in Item #4, a staff meeting shall be conducted to review the approved written procedures and written plan. The staff meeting took place on 8/12/2024. Once compliance is achieved, I will submit the required information to close out this action. I will email you a letter once I have submitted all required information to notify you of the closure of the administrative action and to document you have fulfilled all required stipulations of the corrective action plan. We discussed that you must continue incorporating the approved policies and procedures into your facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved policies and procedures shall be maintained in the facility files for review upon request. A follow-up visit will be conducted. 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/20/2024 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 8/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow up visit based on staff/child ratios and supervision. Today's visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, Administrator at this facility. You were present for the duration of today’s visit. This facility currently operates with a Three Star Child Care Center license issued September 22, 2017. The last annual compliance visit was conducted March 12, 2024. The Administrative Action, cover letter, and corrective action plan was observed posted on the parent information board, to the left of the office as you walk in the front door of the facility and was visible to parents and visitors. Enrollment was completed. The group of infants and children one year of age were observed interacting with the caregivers. The children were being changed, being held, and playing on the floor with toys made available. Older children in the center were observed interacting with caregivers, having indoor free choice play, completing transitions, and having routine care needs met. Two new staff members have been hired since our last administrative action follow up visit completed on July 10, 2024. Although a staff/training worksheet was not available, the new staff files were monitored today. You were reminded that a compliance history score of at least 75% over an 18-month timeframe must be maintained in order to continue to qualify for a child care license. As of today, your compliance history score is 86%. Kinston Child Care Center, INC., is this facility’s current owner. This corporation is listed as “Current-Active” on the Secretary of State website. Prior to any changes with the status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was reviewed and a copy was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. A computer-generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. A food substitution was not recorded on the menu prior to serving the meal. For breakfast, the fruit that was listed on the menu for today was blueberries; however, applesauce was served. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Located on the school-age playground, a swing was broken but not removed from the swing set. 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. A desk in the front office had correction fluid in the top drawer. This desk is accessible to all enrolled children. .2820(b) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. The application for employment for staff member Diasheila Moore was not available for review. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. A health questionnaire was not on file for two staff members, Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore. .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. Staff members Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff member Diasheila Moore did not complete a Criminal Background Check prior to employment. The employment date was 7/22/2024. The background check has not been completed as of 8/20/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two new staff members, Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore have not received the required orientation. .1101(a) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not file for new staff member Diasheila Moore. The employment date was 7/22/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Documentation was not available for review for the review of the center's EPR plan with new staff members Betty Morgan and Diashelia Moore. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Signed documentation acknowledging the policy was reviewed with new staff members Betty Morgan and Diashelia Moore, was not available. .0608(d)(1-4) 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. Staff member, Betty Morgan's first date of employment was 5/4/2024. The required training was due by 8/4/2024. The training has not been completed. .1102(g) 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 September 3, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. QUALIFYING LETTER/CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: A new staff member with the employment date of 7/22/2024, did not complete criminal background check prior to the employment date. Diasheila Moore did not have a qualifying letter available for review. When asked, you stated that you would need to print the qualifying letter; however, when the letter was not able to be retrieved, I checked the ABCMS system to view the qualifying letter for this staff member. The ABCMS verified that the criminal background check for this staff member has not been completed. During the visit, Ms. Moore started the application process. Ms. Moore has not completed a criminal background check previously; therefore, she was informed that she had to leave the premises immediately and can not work in the child care facility until a qualification letter from DCDEE has been received and a copy of the letter is provided to Ms. Jacobs. I recommend you contact the owner to provide you additional assistance. You stated that she is not able to work in the classrooms; however, the owner can provide assistance with the required paperwork. I encourage you to review your staffing plan and work schedules for each staff member to ensure you are utilizing all staff member's in the most efficient way. STAFF RECORDS: While monitoring staff records for the two (2) new staff members, I observed incomplete staff records for both staff members. You stated that you have been short staffed and that you have not been able to complete the required paperwork for the new staff members. We reviewed that in your Administrative Action - Written Warning, it states in stipulation #1 that you are shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements. We reviewed that you must maintain accurate records to be in compliance with stipulation #1. Due to the number of violations received today, I am requesting that you complete a comprehensive corrective action plan that includes the following: - A plan for completing the required program paperwork; including staff records - A plan for organizing your records - Develop and implement a plan to ensure all staff complete the process for the criminal records check prior to employment and prior to the expiration date of their previous qualification. You can use a calendar to document when someone needs to complete the requalification process, use your phone or computer calendar and set up reminders for when staff are due, or maintain a separate notebook that contains copies of each staff member’s qualification letter and you document when the staff member needs to complete the requalification process. You can also attach documentation to the front of each staff member’s file specifying when information is due, such as a person’s requalification. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION: You have completed the following stipulations: Stipulation #2- Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Iris Jacobs, administrator, shall contact Ramie Doll, Lead Child Care Consultant, to arrange for a rules review on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a) (1-5) regarding staff/child ratios and supervision. The rules review was completed on 7/25/2024. Stipulation #3- Within two (2) weeks after completion of the rules review in Item #2, Ms. Jacobs shall review and revise written procedures for achieving and maintaining compliance with staff/child ratios and group size. The revised and approved written procedures were received on 7/24/2024. Stipulation #4 - Within two (2) weeks after this Notice is received, Ms. Jacobs shall develop a written plan that describes, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The revised and approved written plan was received on 7/29/2024. Stipulation #5 - Within one (1) week after approval of the written procedures in Item #3 and written plan in Item #4, a staff meeting shall be conducted to review the approved written procedures and written plan. The staff meeting took place on 8/12/2024. Once compliance is achieved, I will submit the required information to close out this action. I will email you a letter once I have submitted all required information to notify you of the closure of the administrative action and to document you have fulfilled all required stipulations of the corrective action plan. We discussed that you must continue incorporating the approved policies and procedures into your facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved policies and procedures shall be maintained in the facility files for review upon request. A follow-up visit will be conducted. 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/20/2024 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 8/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow up visit based on staff/child ratios and supervision. Today's visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, Administrator at this facility. You were present for the duration of today’s visit. This facility currently operates with a Three Star Child Care Center license issued September 22, 2017. The last annual compliance visit was conducted March 12, 2024. The Administrative Action, cover letter, and corrective action plan was observed posted on the parent information board, to the left of the office as you walk in the front door of the facility and was visible to parents and visitors. Enrollment was completed. The group of infants and children one year of age were observed interacting with the caregivers. The children were being changed, being held, and playing on the floor with toys made available. Older children in the center were observed interacting with caregivers, having indoor free choice play, completing transitions, and having routine care needs met. Two new staff members have been hired since our last administrative action follow up visit completed on July 10, 2024. Although a staff/training worksheet was not available, the new staff files were monitored today. You were reminded that a compliance history score of at least 75% over an 18-month timeframe must be maintained in order to continue to qualify for a child care license. As of today, your compliance history score is 86%. Kinston Child Care Center, INC., is this facility’s current owner. This corporation is listed as “Current-Active” on the Secretary of State website. Prior to any changes with the status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was reviewed and a copy was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. A computer-generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. A food substitution was not recorded on the menu prior to serving the meal. For breakfast, the fruit that was listed on the menu for today was blueberries; however, applesauce was served. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Located on the school-age playground, a swing was broken but not removed from the swing set. 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. A desk in the front office had correction fluid in the top drawer. This desk is accessible to all enrolled children. .2820(b) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. The application for employment for staff member Diasheila Moore was not available for review. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. A health questionnaire was not on file for two staff members, Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore. .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. Staff members Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff member Diasheila Moore did not complete a Criminal Background Check prior to employment. The employment date was 7/22/2024. The background check has not been completed as of 8/20/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two new staff members, Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore have not received the required orientation. .1101(a) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not file for new staff member Diasheila Moore. The employment date was 7/22/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Documentation was not available for review for the review of the center's EPR plan with new staff members Betty Morgan and Diashelia Moore. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Signed documentation acknowledging the policy was reviewed with new staff members Betty Morgan and Diashelia Moore, was not available. .0608(d)(1-4) 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. Staff member, Betty Morgan's first date of employment was 5/4/2024. The required training was due by 8/4/2024. The training has not been completed. .1102(g) 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 September 3, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. QUALIFYING LETTER/CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: A new staff member with the employment date of 7/22/2024, did not complete criminal background check prior to the employment date. Diasheila Moore did not have a qualifying letter available for review. When asked, you stated that you would need to print the qualifying letter; however, when the letter was not able to be retrieved, I checked the ABCMS system to view the qualifying letter for this staff member. The ABCMS verified that the criminal background check for this staff member has not been completed. During the visit, Ms. Moore started the application process. Ms. Moore has not completed a criminal background check previously; therefore, she was informed that she had to leave the premises immediately and can not work in the child care facility until a qualification letter from DCDEE has been received and a copy of the letter is provided to Ms. Jacobs. I recommend you contact the owner to provide you additional assistance. You stated that she is not able to work in the classrooms; however, the owner can provide assistance with the required paperwork. I encourage you to review your staffing plan and work schedules for each staff member to ensure you are utilizing all staff member's in the most efficient way. STAFF RECORDS: While monitoring staff records for the two (2) new staff members, I observed incomplete staff records for both staff members. You stated that you have been short staffed and that you have not been able to complete the required paperwork for the new staff members. We reviewed that in your Administrative Action - Written Warning, it states in stipulation #1 that you are shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements. We reviewed that you must maintain accurate records to be in compliance with stipulation #1. Due to the number of violations received today, I am requesting that you complete a comprehensive corrective action plan that includes the following: - A plan for completing the required program paperwork; including staff records - A plan for organizing your records - Develop and implement a plan to ensure all staff complete the process for the criminal records check prior to employment and prior to the expiration date of their previous qualification. You can use a calendar to document when someone needs to complete the requalification process, use your phone or computer calendar and set up reminders for when staff are due, or maintain a separate notebook that contains copies of each staff member’s qualification letter and you document when the staff member needs to complete the requalification process. You can also attach documentation to the front of each staff member’s file specifying when information is due, such as a person’s requalification. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION: You have completed the following stipulations: Stipulation #2- Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Iris Jacobs, administrator, shall contact Ramie Doll, Lead Child Care Consultant, to arrange for a rules review on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a) (1-5) regarding staff/child ratios and supervision. The rules review was completed on 7/25/2024. Stipulation #3- Within two (2) weeks after completion of the rules review in Item #2, Ms. Jacobs shall review and revise written procedures for achieving and maintaining compliance with staff/child ratios and group size. The revised and approved written procedures were received on 7/24/2024. Stipulation #4 - Within two (2) weeks after this Notice is received, Ms. Jacobs shall develop a written plan that describes, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The revised and approved written plan was received on 7/29/2024. Stipulation #5 - Within one (1) week after approval of the written procedures in Item #3 and written plan in Item #4, a staff meeting shall be conducted to review the approved written procedures and written plan. The staff meeting took place on 8/12/2024. Once compliance is achieved, I will submit the required information to close out this action. I will email you a letter once I have submitted all required information to notify you of the closure of the administrative action and to document you have fulfilled all required stipulations of the corrective action plan. We discussed that you must continue incorporating the approved policies and procedures into your facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved policies and procedures shall be maintained in the facility files for review upon request. A follow-up visit will be conducted. 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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 .1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/20/2024 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 8/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow up visit based on staff/child ratios and supervision. Today's visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, Administrator at this facility. You were present for the duration of today’s visit. This facility currently operates with a Three Star Child Care Center license issued September 22, 2017. The last annual compliance visit was conducted March 12, 2024. The Administrative Action, cover letter, and corrective action plan was observed posted on the parent information board, to the left of the office as you walk in the front door of the facility and was visible to parents and visitors. Enrollment was completed. The group of infants and children one year of age were observed interacting with the caregivers. The children were being changed, being held, and playing on the floor with toys made available. Older children in the center were observed interacting with caregivers, having indoor free choice play, completing transitions, and having routine care needs met. Two new staff members have been hired since our last administrative action follow up visit completed on July 10, 2024. Although a staff/training worksheet was not available, the new staff files were monitored today. You were reminded that a compliance history score of at least 75% over an 18-month timeframe must be maintained in order to continue to qualify for a child care license. As of today, your compliance history score is 86%. Kinston Child Care Center, INC., is this facility’s current owner. This corporation is listed as “Current-Active” on the Secretary of State website. Prior to any changes with the status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was reviewed and a copy was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. A computer-generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. A food substitution was not recorded on the menu prior to serving the meal. For breakfast, the fruit that was listed on the menu for today was blueberries; however, applesauce was served. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Located on the school-age playground, a swing was broken but not removed from the swing set. 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. A desk in the front office had correction fluid in the top drawer. This desk is accessible to all enrolled children. .2820(b) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. The application for employment for staff member Diasheila Moore was not available for review. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. A health questionnaire was not on file for two staff members, Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore. .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. Staff members Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff member Diasheila Moore did not complete a Criminal Background Check prior to employment. The employment date was 7/22/2024. The background check has not been completed as of 8/20/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two new staff members, Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore have not received the required orientation. .1101(a) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not file for new staff member Diasheila Moore. The employment date was 7/22/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Documentation was not available for review for the review of the center's EPR plan with new staff members Betty Morgan and Diashelia Moore. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Signed documentation acknowledging the policy was reviewed with new staff members Betty Morgan and Diashelia Moore, was not available. .0608(d)(1-4) 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. Staff member, Betty Morgan's first date of employment was 5/4/2024. The required training was due by 8/4/2024. The training has not been completed. .1102(g) 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 September 3, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. QUALIFYING LETTER/CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: A new staff member with the employment date of 7/22/2024, did not complete criminal background check prior to the employment date. Diasheila Moore did not have a qualifying letter available for review. When asked, you stated that you would need to print the qualifying letter; however, when the letter was not able to be retrieved, I checked the ABCMS system to view the qualifying letter for this staff member. The ABCMS verified that the criminal background check for this staff member has not been completed. During the visit, Ms. Moore started the application process. Ms. Moore has not completed a criminal background check previously; therefore, she was informed that she had to leave the premises immediately and can not work in the child care facility until a qualification letter from DCDEE has been received and a copy of the letter is provided to Ms. Jacobs. I recommend you contact the owner to provide you additional assistance. You stated that she is not able to work in the classrooms; however, the owner can provide assistance with the required paperwork. I encourage you to review your staffing plan and work schedules for each staff member to ensure you are utilizing all staff member's in the most efficient way. STAFF RECORDS: While monitoring staff records for the two (2) new staff members, I observed incomplete staff records for both staff members. You stated that you have been short staffed and that you have not been able to complete the required paperwork for the new staff members. We reviewed that in your Administrative Action - Written Warning, it states in stipulation #1 that you are shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements. We reviewed that you must maintain accurate records to be in compliance with stipulation #1. Due to the number of violations received today, I am requesting that you complete a comprehensive corrective action plan that includes the following: - A plan for completing the required program paperwork; including staff records - A plan for organizing your records - Develop and implement a plan to ensure all staff complete the process for the criminal records check prior to employment and prior to the expiration date of their previous qualification. You can use a calendar to document when someone needs to complete the requalification process, use your phone or computer calendar and set up reminders for when staff are due, or maintain a separate notebook that contains copies of each staff member’s qualification letter and you document when the staff member needs to complete the requalification process. You can also attach documentation to the front of each staff member’s file specifying when information is due, such as a person’s requalification. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION: You have completed the following stipulations: Stipulation #2- Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Iris Jacobs, administrator, shall contact Ramie Doll, Lead Child Care Consultant, to arrange for a rules review on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a) (1-5) regarding staff/child ratios and supervision. The rules review was completed on 7/25/2024. Stipulation #3- Within two (2) weeks after completion of the rules review in Item #2, Ms. Jacobs shall review and revise written procedures for achieving and maintaining compliance with staff/child ratios and group size. The revised and approved written procedures were received on 7/24/2024. Stipulation #4 - Within two (2) weeks after this Notice is received, Ms. Jacobs shall develop a written plan that describes, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The revised and approved written plan was received on 7/29/2024. Stipulation #5 - Within one (1) week after approval of the written procedures in Item #3 and written plan in Item #4, a staff meeting shall be conducted to review the approved written procedures and written plan. The staff meeting took place on 8/12/2024. Once compliance is achieved, I will submit the required information to close out this action. I will email you a letter once I have submitted all required information to notify you of the closure of the administrative action and to document you have fulfilled all required stipulations of the corrective action plan. We discussed that you must continue incorporating the approved policies and procedures into your facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved policies and procedures shall be maintained in the facility files for review upon request. A follow-up visit will be conducted. 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/20/2024 Number Present: 72 Completed Date: 8/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor this program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow up visit based on staff/child ratios and supervision. Today's visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, Administrator at this facility. You were present for the duration of today’s visit. This facility currently operates with a Three Star Child Care Center license issued September 22, 2017. The last annual compliance visit was conducted March 12, 2024. The Administrative Action, cover letter, and corrective action plan was observed posted on the parent information board, to the left of the office as you walk in the front door of the facility and was visible to parents and visitors. Enrollment was completed. The group of infants and children one year of age were observed interacting with the caregivers. The children were being changed, being held, and playing on the floor with toys made available. Older children in the center were observed interacting with caregivers, having indoor free choice play, completing transitions, and having routine care needs met. Two new staff members have been hired since our last administrative action follow up visit completed on July 10, 2024. Although a staff/training worksheet was not available, the new staff files were monitored today. You were reminded that a compliance history score of at least 75% over an 18-month timeframe must be maintained in order to continue to qualify for a child care license. As of today, your compliance history score is 86%. Kinston Child Care Center, INC., is this facility’s current owner. This corporation is listed as “Current-Active” on the Secretary of State website. Prior to any changes with the status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was reviewed and a copy was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. A computer-generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 528 Food substitution was not of comparable food value or recorded on the menu prior to the meal or snack being served. A food substitution was not recorded on the menu prior to serving the meal. For breakfast, the fruit that was listed on the menu for today was blueberries; however, applesauce was served. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Located on the school-age playground, a swing was broken but not removed from the swing set. 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. A desk in the front office had correction fluid in the top drawer. This desk is accessible to all enrolled children. .2820(b) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. The application for employment for staff member Diasheila Moore was not available for review. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1034 All staff, including the director, did not have an annual health questionnaire on file following the initial medical statement. A health questionnaire was not on file for two staff members, Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore. .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. Staff members Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore did not have emergency information on file. .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Staff member Diasheila Moore did not complete a Criminal Background Check prior to employment. The employment date was 7/22/2024. The background check has not been completed as of 8/20/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. Two new staff members, Betty Morgan and Diasheila Moore have not received the required orientation. .1101(a) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. A valid qualification letter was not file for new staff member Diasheila Moore. The employment date was 7/22/2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. Documentation was not available for review for the review of the center's EPR plan with new staff members Betty Morgan and Diashelia Moore. .0607(f) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Signed documentation acknowledging the policy was reviewed with new staff members Betty Morgan and Diashelia Moore, was not available. .0608(d)(1-4) 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. Staff member, Betty Morgan's first date of employment was 5/4/2024. The required training was due by 8/4/2024. The training has not been completed. .1102(g) 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 September 3, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. QUALIFYING LETTER/CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: A new staff member with the employment date of 7/22/2024, did not complete criminal background check prior to the employment date. Diasheila Moore did not have a qualifying letter available for review. When asked, you stated that you would need to print the qualifying letter; however, when the letter was not able to be retrieved, I checked the ABCMS system to view the qualifying letter for this staff member. The ABCMS verified that the criminal background check for this staff member has not been completed. During the visit, Ms. Moore started the application process. Ms. Moore has not completed a criminal background check previously; therefore, she was informed that she had to leave the premises immediately and can not work in the child care facility until a qualification letter from DCDEE has been received and a copy of the letter is provided to Ms. Jacobs. I recommend you contact the owner to provide you additional assistance. You stated that she is not able to work in the classrooms; however, the owner can provide assistance with the required paperwork. I encourage you to review your staffing plan and work schedules for each staff member to ensure you are utilizing all staff member's in the most efficient way. STAFF RECORDS: While monitoring staff records for the two (2) new staff members, I observed incomplete staff records for both staff members. You stated that you have been short staffed and that you have not been able to complete the required paperwork for the new staff members. We reviewed that in your Administrative Action - Written Warning, it states in stipulation #1 that you are shall maintain compliance at all times with all applicable child care requirements. We reviewed that you must maintain accurate records to be in compliance with stipulation #1. Due to the number of violations received today, I am requesting that you complete a comprehensive corrective action plan that includes the following: - A plan for completing the required program paperwork; including staff records - A plan for organizing your records - Develop and implement a plan to ensure all staff complete the process for the criminal records check prior to employment and prior to the expiration date of their previous qualification. You can use a calendar to document when someone needs to complete the requalification process, use your phone or computer calendar and set up reminders for when staff are due, or maintain a separate notebook that contains copies of each staff member’s qualification letter and you document when the staff member needs to complete the requalification process. You can also attach documentation to the front of each staff member’s file specifying when information is due, such as a person’s requalification. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION: You have completed the following stipulations: Stipulation #2- Within one (1) week after this Notice is received, Iris Jacobs, administrator, shall contact Ramie Doll, Lead Child Care Consultant, to arrange for a rules review on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0713 and Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801(a) (1-5) regarding staff/child ratios and supervision. The rules review was completed on 7/25/2024. Stipulation #3- Within two (2) weeks after completion of the rules review in Item #2, Ms. Jacobs shall review and revise written procedures for achieving and maintaining compliance with staff/child ratios and group size. The revised and approved written procedures were received on 7/24/2024. Stipulation #4 - Within two (2) weeks after this Notice is received, Ms. Jacobs shall develop a written plan that describes, in detail, the steps the facility will take to ensure adequate supervision of children. The revised and approved written plan was received on 7/29/2024. Stipulation #5 - Within one (1) week after approval of the written procedures in Item #3 and written plan in Item #4, a staff meeting shall be conducted to review the approved written procedures and written plan. The staff meeting took place on 8/12/2024. Once compliance is achieved, I will submit the required information to close out this action. I will email you a letter once I have submitted all required information to notify you of the closure of the administrative action and to document you have fulfilled all required stipulations of the corrective action plan. We discussed that you must continue incorporating the approved policies and procedures into your facility’s operating procedures. A copy of the approved policies and procedures shall be maintained in the facility files for review upon request. A follow-up visit will be conducted. 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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 110-106 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-090L Visit Date: 4/10/2024 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 4/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 07:30 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements regarding staff child ratio, and grouping a developmentally appropriate environment. Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor accompanied me during the visit. The allegation report was reviewed with you, I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were given the opportunity to discuss the allegations and ask questions. One teaching staff were given the opportunity to discuss the allegations and ask questions. Forty (40) children ages infant to seven (7) years of age were present. Children were observed during morning drop-off, free choice activities, completing transitions, and completing routine care needs. Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score was 83%. We reviewed that any violation may affect your compliance score. FINDINGS/OBSERVATIONS: Limited but required sections of child care requirements were monitored. Supervision, staff/child ratio, adequate approved space, and permit restrictions were monitored. Allegation 1: There is a concern that appropriate ratios were not maintained. A walk-through of the facility was completed. Each classroom was observed in compliance of staff/child ratio. Upon arrival, four (4) classes were open. Space five (5) – A total of eighteen (18) children ages three (3) – seven (7) with one (2) teachers. Space four (4) – A total of six (6) children one (1) year of age with one (1) teacher. Space one (1) - A total of ten (10) children two and three years of age with one (1) teacher. Space two (2) – A total of five (5) infants with one (1) teacher. When asked if the facility has been able to maintain ratios, it was stated that there were at least two days when staff/child ratios were not in compliance with child care requirements. It was stated on April 5, 2024, one staff member took children to space B2. Space B2 is approved for school-age children only. On this day, staff member stated that approximately thirty (30) children were in attendance, ranging in age from three (3) years of age to twelve (12) years of age. Based on the observations and the information provided, the allegation regarding staff/child ratios not being followed is substantiated. Allegation 2: There is a concern that the grouping of children was not developmentally appropriate based on age and activities. A developmentally appropriate environment was observed for each child in care during this visit. Children ranging in age from three (3) to seven (7) years of age were grouped together in space 5; however, these ages can be grouped together as long as the staff/child ratio is maintained for the youngest in the group. Based on the observations and the information provided, the allegation regarding grouping of children is not substantiated. All violations were reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was provided to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. On April 5, 2024, a staff member was caring for children ranging from three (3) years of age to twelve (12) years of age in space B2. The permit restriction states that this space is designated for school-age children only. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. On April 5, 2024, it was reported that one staff member was caring for children in space B2. There were approximately thirty (30) children present ranging from three (3) years of age to twelve (12) years of age. The staff / child ratio required was one teacher to fifteen children. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 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 24, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. STAFF/CHILD RATIO: Standards for staff: child ratios and group sizes are a way to ensure the safety, well-being, and development of children in child care programs. Required ratios and group sizes help staff provide better supervision and care and provide children with more opportunities to develop social skills by allowing them to consistently interact with a smaller group of children and staff. When children are moved from the classroom that they are enrolled in, they must be added to the attendance of the classroom they are being moved to. We discussed adding a head count sheet that will show the name of the child that is attending a different classroom for that day. PERMIT RESTRICTION: We reviewed that there is a restriction on your license that states space B2 is license for school-age children only. We discussed reviewing this information with staff members to ensure they maintain compliance with this restriction. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: AGE APPROPRIATE ACTIVITES: Age appropriateness means considering what is typical for a child within a given age group. Developmentally appropriate toys and materials should be safe, appealing, age appropriate, avoid stereotypes, and reflect the needs and ethnic diversity of the children in the classroom. Caregivers should be intentional about planning learning experiences that are purposeful, challenging, and achievable. Caregiver must ensure the environment is safe for all ages in care. We discussed providing at least three (3) separate activities for the school-age children present during morning drop-off. This will help to ensure children are engaged and are not waiting without activities. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - We reviewed that I have recommended an Administrative Action for the substantiated complaint. We discussed that this complaint was substantiated as well. We reviewed that any violations could affect the type of Action you may receive. We discussed that additional unannounced visits will be made. 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-090L Visit Date: 4/10/2024 Number Present: 40 Completed Date: 4/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 07:30 AM Time Out: 10:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of child care requirements regarding staff child ratio, and grouping a developmentally appropriate environment. Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor accompanied me during the visit. The allegation report was reviewed with you, I. Jacobs, Administrator. You were given the opportunity to discuss the allegations and ask questions. One teaching staff were given the opportunity to discuss the allegations and ask questions. Forty (40) children ages infant to seven (7) years of age were present. Children were observed during morning drop-off, free choice activities, completing transitions, and completing routine care needs. Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score was 83%. We reviewed that any violation may affect your compliance score. FINDINGS/OBSERVATIONS: Limited but required sections of child care requirements were monitored. Supervision, staff/child ratio, adequate approved space, and permit restrictions were monitored. Allegation 1: There is a concern that appropriate ratios were not maintained. A walk-through of the facility was completed. Each classroom was observed in compliance of staff/child ratio. Upon arrival, four (4) classes were open. Space five (5) – A total of eighteen (18) children ages three (3) – seven (7) with one (2) teachers. Space four (4) – A total of six (6) children one (1) year of age with one (1) teacher. Space one (1) - A total of ten (10) children two and three years of age with one (1) teacher. Space two (2) – A total of five (5) infants with one (1) teacher. When asked if the facility has been able to maintain ratios, it was stated that there were at least two days when staff/child ratios were not in compliance with child care requirements. It was stated on April 5, 2024, one staff member took children to space B2. Space B2 is approved for school-age children only. On this day, staff member stated that approximately thirty (30) children were in attendance, ranging in age from three (3) years of age to twelve (12) years of age. Based on the observations and the information provided, the allegation regarding staff/child ratios not being followed is substantiated. Allegation 2: There is a concern that the grouping of children was not developmentally appropriate based on age and activities. A developmentally appropriate environment was observed for each child in care during this visit. Children ranging in age from three (3) to seven (7) years of age were grouped together in space 5; however, these ages can be grouped together as long as the staff/child ratio is maintained for the youngest in the group. Based on the observations and the information provided, the allegation regarding grouping of children is not substantiated. All violations were reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was provided to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 107 The center did not comply with the permit restrictions. On April 5, 2024, a staff member was caring for children ranging from three (3) years of age to twelve (12) years of age in space B2. The permit restriction states that this space is designated for school-age children only. GS 110-91; GS 110-106 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. On April 5, 2024, it was reported that one staff member was caring for children in space B2. There were approximately thirty (30) children present ranging from three (3) years of age to twelve (12) years of age. The staff / child ratio required was one teacher to fifteen children. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 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 24, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. STAFF/CHILD RATIO: Standards for staff: child ratios and group sizes are a way to ensure the safety, well-being, and development of children in child care programs. Required ratios and group sizes help staff provide better supervision and care and provide children with more opportunities to develop social skills by allowing them to consistently interact with a smaller group of children and staff. When children are moved from the classroom that they are enrolled in, they must be added to the attendance of the classroom they are being moved to. We discussed adding a head count sheet that will show the name of the child that is attending a different classroom for that day. PERMIT RESTRICTION: We reviewed that there is a restriction on your license that states space B2 is license for school-age children only. We discussed reviewing this information with staff members to ensure they maintain compliance with this restriction. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: AGE APPROPRIATE ACTIVITES: Age appropriateness means considering what is typical for a child within a given age group. Developmentally appropriate toys and materials should be safe, appealing, age appropriate, avoid stereotypes, and reflect the needs and ethnic diversity of the children in the classroom. Caregivers should be intentional about planning learning experiences that are purposeful, challenging, and achievable. Caregiver must ensure the environment is safe for all ages in care. We discussed providing at least three (3) separate activities for the school-age children present during morning drop-off. This will help to ensure children are engaged and are not waiting without activities. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - We reviewed that I have recommended an Administrative Action for the substantiated complaint. We discussed that this complaint was substantiated as well. We reviewed that any violations could affect the type of Action you may receive. We discussed that additional unannounced visits will be made. 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0324-276L Visit Date: 3/25/2024 Number Present: 49 Completed Date: 3/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 06:30 AM Time Out: 10:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of the child care requirements related to supervision. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 14, 2023. You, Iris Jacobs, administrator, were not present upon arrival; however, you arrived shortly afterwards and was notified of the purpose of the visit. Enrollment was completed. Limited but applicable child care requirements were monitored during the visit. Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score was 84%. Upon arrival, I observed one (1) teacher present, with two (2) additional teachers arriving shortly afterwards. Between 6:30am and 6:40am, nineteen (19) children, ranging in age from one (1) to seven (7) years of age were grouped together in space five (5), the classroom for four- to five-year-old children. Due to the youngest child in attendance being one (1) year of age, the maximum group size was required to be 12. During the morning arrival times, children’s arrival times were not documented. While waiting for Ms. Jacobs to arrive, I observed a child, four (4) years of age, leave space five (5) unsupervised. The child walked down the hall and entered the last classroom, space one (1). The teachers in space five (5) did not watch the child as she exited the room, and the teacher did not watch as the child walked down the hall. Ms. Jacobs arrived at 8:00am. The allegation was shared with you and two (2) additional staff members. You were given an opportunity to discuss the allegations in detail and ask questions. Allegation 1: There is a concern that children were not adequately supervised. While speaking with you, you stated that there was an incident that occurred on Friday, March 15, 2024. You stated that there was a teacher that was angry due to the counseling that you had to give this teacher. You stated that at some point during the afternoon, this teacher walked out of the classroom and left the facility. You stated that didn’t think the children were left unattended. When speaking with two additional staff members, they both consistently stated on Friday, March 15, 2024, a staff member walked out of the classroom without telling anyone and left the facility. One staff member stated that she saw the staff member leave. When she saw the staff member leave, she went and got help from an additional staff member. This staff member stated that the classroom was left unattended, without a staff member, for approximately two (2) minutes. Based on this information and observations, the allegation is substantiated. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was reviewed and provided to you at the conclusion of the visit. All violations were discussed with you. A computer-generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Arrival times were not documented for enrolled children arriving from 6:30am - 8:00am. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. Between 6:30am and 6:40am, nineteen (19) children, ranging in age from one (1) to seven (7) years of age were grouped together in space five (5), the classroom for four- to five-year-old children. Although there was adequate staff to ensure compliance with staff/child ratio, the maximum group size was required to be 12 due to the youngest child in attendance being one (1) year of age. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On Friday, March 15, 2024, a teaching staff member walked out of the classroom for two year old children, leaving the children alone and unsupervised. The classroom was without a teacher for approximately two minutes. On Monday, March 25, 2024, a child four years of age, left space 5 unsupervised. The child walked down the hall and entered space 4, the classroom for children one year of age. The teacher in space 5 did not know the child left the classroom. .1801(a)(1-5) 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 8, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. SUPERVISION- We reviewed that children shall be adequately supervised at all times. We discussed that on March 15, 2024, a staff member caring for children two years of age left the classroom unsupervised by walking out and leaving the facility. The classroom was without a teacher for approximately two minutes; therefore, adequate supervision was not provided. I shared with you my concerns for supervision during the visit today. A child four years of age, walked out of space five (5) and walked down the hall, unsupervised and alone. The child walked to space four (4). You stated that the child was the daughter of an employee and that she was walking to her mother’s classroom. We reviewed that even though this was a staff member's child, the child must be adequately supervised at all times. I shared safety concerns that could arise due to lack of supervision. I reminded you that children should always be supervised. We talked about ensuring staff are positioned in locations where children can be seen and heard. ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIMES- Arrival times were not documented for children arriving during today’s visit. We reviewed that arrival/departure times must be documented as children arrive and depart from the facility. The facility used an app to document arrival and departure times; however, the teachers also maintain arrival and departure times on a written log. I reviewed with you how hard it would be do document arrival times on that app today. I encourage you to have a staff meeting to discuss the requirement. GROUP SIZES- The group size for the number and ages of children in care were not met this morning. We reviewed that required ratios and group sizes address the health and safety of children and help staff provide better supervision and care and provide children with more opportunities to develop social skills by allowing them to consistently interact with a smaller group of children and staff. I encourage you to have a staff meeting and have staff complete a training on staff/child ratios and group sizes. This will help to ensure all staff are aware of how to place children if staff members are absent. You may reach out to your Quality Consultants at your local Partnership to provide additional support with training. They can also provide technical assistance on room arrangement, transitions, and interactions. Stephanie Sullivan - ssullivan@lgpfc.org Taylor Bowen - tbowen@lgpfc.org ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - We reviewed that I have recommended an Administrative Action for the substantiated complaint. We discussed that this complaint was substantiated as well. This visit will be added to the recommended Administrative Action. We discussed that additional unannounced visits will be made. 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0324-276L Visit Date: 3/25/2024 Number Present: 49 Completed Date: 3/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 06:30 AM Time Out: 10:30 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to investigate a report alleging violations of the child care requirements related to supervision. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 14, 2023. You, Iris Jacobs, administrator, were not present upon arrival; however, you arrived shortly afterwards and was notified of the purpose of the visit. Enrollment was completed. Limited but applicable child care requirements were monitored during the visit. Prior to today’s visit, the compliance history score was 84%. Upon arrival, I observed one (1) teacher present, with two (2) additional teachers arriving shortly afterwards. Between 6:30am and 6:40am, nineteen (19) children, ranging in age from one (1) to seven (7) years of age were grouped together in space five (5), the classroom for four- to five-year-old children. Due to the youngest child in attendance being one (1) year of age, the maximum group size was required to be 12. During the morning arrival times, children’s arrival times were not documented. While waiting for Ms. Jacobs to arrive, I observed a child, four (4) years of age, leave space five (5) unsupervised. The child walked down the hall and entered the last classroom, space one (1). The teachers in space five (5) did not watch the child as she exited the room, and the teacher did not watch as the child walked down the hall. Ms. Jacobs arrived at 8:00am. The allegation was shared with you and two (2) additional staff members. You were given an opportunity to discuss the allegations in detail and ask questions. Allegation 1: There is a concern that children were not adequately supervised. While speaking with you, you stated that there was an incident that occurred on Friday, March 15, 2024. You stated that there was a teacher that was angry due to the counseling that you had to give this teacher. You stated that at some point during the afternoon, this teacher walked out of the classroom and left the facility. You stated that didn’t think the children were left unattended. When speaking with two additional staff members, they both consistently stated on Friday, March 15, 2024, a staff member walked out of the classroom without telling anyone and left the facility. One staff member stated that she saw the staff member leave. When she saw the staff member leave, she went and got help from an additional staff member. This staff member stated that the classroom was left unattended, without a staff member, for approximately two (2) minutes. Based on this information and observations, the allegation is substantiated. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was reviewed and provided to you at the conclusion of the visit. All violations were discussed with you. A computer-generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. Arrival times were not documented for enrolled children arriving from 6:30am - 8:00am. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. Between 6:30am and 6:40am, nineteen (19) children, ranging in age from one (1) to seven (7) years of age were grouped together in space five (5), the classroom for four- to five-year-old children. Although there was adequate staff to ensure compliance with staff/child ratio, the maximum group size was required to be 12 due to the youngest child in attendance being one (1) year of age. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On Friday, March 15, 2024, a teaching staff member walked out of the classroom for two year old children, leaving the children alone and unsupervised. The classroom was without a teacher for approximately two minutes. On Monday, March 25, 2024, a child four years of age, left space 5 unsupervised. The child walked down the hall and entered space 4, the classroom for children one year of age. The teacher in space 5 did not know the child left the classroom. .1801(a)(1-5) 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 8, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. SUPERVISION- We reviewed that children shall be adequately supervised at all times. We discussed that on March 15, 2024, a staff member caring for children two years of age left the classroom unsupervised by walking out and leaving the facility. The classroom was without a teacher for approximately two minutes; therefore, adequate supervision was not provided. I shared with you my concerns for supervision during the visit today. A child four years of age, walked out of space five (5) and walked down the hall, unsupervised and alone. The child walked to space four (4). You stated that the child was the daughter of an employee and that she was walking to her mother’s classroom. We reviewed that even though this was a staff member's child, the child must be adequately supervised at all times. I shared safety concerns that could arise due to lack of supervision. I reminded you that children should always be supervised. We talked about ensuring staff are positioned in locations where children can be seen and heard. ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE TIMES- Arrival times were not documented for children arriving during today’s visit. We reviewed that arrival/departure times must be documented as children arrive and depart from the facility. The facility used an app to document arrival and departure times; however, the teachers also maintain arrival and departure times on a written log. I reviewed with you how hard it would be do document arrival times on that app today. I encourage you to have a staff meeting to discuss the requirement. GROUP SIZES- The group size for the number and ages of children in care were not met this morning. We reviewed that required ratios and group sizes address the health and safety of children and help staff provide better supervision and care and provide children with more opportunities to develop social skills by allowing them to consistently interact with a smaller group of children and staff. I encourage you to have a staff meeting and have staff complete a training on staff/child ratios and group sizes. This will help to ensure all staff are aware of how to place children if staff members are absent. You may reach out to your Quality Consultants at your local Partnership to provide additional support with training. They can also provide technical assistance on room arrangement, transitions, and interactions. Stephanie Sullivan - ssullivan@lgpfc.org Taylor Bowen - tbowen@lgpfc.org ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION - We reviewed that I have recommended an Administrative Action for the substantiated complaint. We discussed that this complaint was substantiated as well. This visit will be added to the recommended Administrative Action. We discussed that additional unannounced visits will be made. 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were not available during today’s visit. A follow-up visit will be made to monitor the staff files. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. Today’s visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, the new administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. Improper handwashing was observed in space 1. The teacher in space 1 did not wash hands after changing a pull-up. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 14, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was completed October 11, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed February 23, 2023. We reviewed that the annual fire inspection was due prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 86% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. Any violations documented today may affect your compliance history score. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. Upon returning to the office the computer- generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The facility did not receive an approved inspection prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. The previous inspection was completed on 9/14/2022 and the current inspection was completed on 10/11/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 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 facility has not obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection date of 2-23-2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the classroom for two year old children, space 2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted for the facility was not current. The date ended on 3/8/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. In space 2, K. Roberson did not wash her hands after changing a pull-up. The same teacher assisted a child with washing hands; however, the steps in washing hands were not followed correctly. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There were active fire ant mounds on the playground for school-age children. Paint was peeling off the walls in all classrooms. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. A tube of Neosporin was not returned to the parent when the authorization expired on 1/16/2023. .0803(12) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. A vehicle used to transport children did not have a rear-view mirror. I observed the rear-view mirror laying in the center console, detached from the windshield. 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. The photographs of children being transported was not available in each of the vehicles used for transporting children. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Five employee's did not have an annual staff evaluation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 March 26, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. STAR-RATED LICENSE STATUS: During today’s visit, we discussed your program is in Co-Hort 1; however, you are not required to complete the Environmental Rated License reassessment in your planning year. Today you informed me that your program is going to wait until your Reassessment year to complete the assessment. The preparation year is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. So many changes and challenges for programs across the state have occurred due to the pandemic, it will likely be helpful to set aside dedicated time to consider areas where refresher information might be helpful. For the Education Component: First, since you do not plan to have the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) conducted as part of your Prep year reassessment, you only need to ensure your staff’s most updated education is in WORKS. I can only use the information in WORKS when computing the education of your staff. Here is the hyperlink to access the portal to WORKS on our website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/DCDEE-WORKS For the Program Component: NCRLAP has the following resources and training available on their website: • Here is the hyperlink to the Thinking More About resources: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/ • Here is the hyperlink to videos you and your staff may find helpful: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Videos/ • NCRLAP offers contact hour earning online training. Go to https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/ to see their scale related training as well as additional trainings covering special topics such as language and interactions, outdoor learning environments, and requirements for materials in family child care homes. • Megan Porter, State Anchor, can provide personalized, on-site ERS focused trainings for programs upon request. She can be reached at meporter@uncg.edu Other Resources Available to You: Finally, be sure to reach out to your Quality Consultants at your local Partnership. They can also provide technical assistance on room arrangement, transitions, interactions, substantial portion of the day, schedules, etc. Stephanie Sullivan - ssullivan@lgpfc.org Taylor Bowen - tbowen@lgpfc.org RULES REVIEW: REQUIRED ANNUAL INSPECTIONS- We reviewed that each facility must obtain an annual fire and sanitation inspection prior to the expiration date of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection received was dated 2/23/2023. I encouraged you to contact your local fire inspector to schedule your inspection. The last sanitation inspection was completed 10/11/2023; however, the previous inspection was completed 9/14/2022. ACTIVITY PLAN- A current activity plan was not available for review in space 2. Activity plans are critical to the structure of the classroom. It assists in the teacher’s day-to-day routines and ensures the children receive developmentally appropriate instruction. POSTED MENU- With allergies, autoimmune diseases, and food intolerances on the rise, it's imperative that parents know what each child is eating. A current menu must be posted and available for parents to view. PROPER HANDWASHING- I observed the teacher in space 1 assisting a child with a pull-up change. After the staff changed the pull-up, the teacher failed to wash their hands immediately afterwards. Please review the proper handwashing steps with all staff members. Following these procedures helps to ensure that germs are not spread to children and can prevent illnesses. SAFE ENVIRONMENT- Please ensure the outdoor learning environment and premises of the facility is free of hazardous items. By monitoring the environment on a frequent and regular basis, you and your staff can ensure the area that is accessible to children is safe. I observed many active fire mounds on the playground for school-age children. I observed peeling paint from the walls of each classroom. Young children can swallow paint flakes when they put their hands and toys in their mouths. Ensure these areas are repainted or covered to avoid children encountering the peeling paint. MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION- I observed a tube of Neosporin ointment that had medical authorization that expired January 16, 2023. Ensure all medication are returned to the parent when the authorization expires to avoid giving children expired medication or medication that is no longer needed. TRANSPORTATION- The rear-view mirror on one of the vehicles used to transport children was not attached to the wind shield. This poses a hazard when transporting children. Ensure all safety checks are completed on the vehicles used to transport children prior to leaving the facility. The emergency information for children being transported must include a picture of all children being transported. The transportation notebooks did not include pictures of all children being transported. Include all photographs of children in the transportation notebooks to ensure children are easily identified in case of an emergency. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: LEAD WATER-PAINT/ASBESTOS TESTING: Child care operators, as defined under G.S. 110-86(7), shall test, once every three years, all water outlets used for drinking or food preparation. Samples shall also be collected and tested within 30 calendar days of completion of any renovations or repairs that may impact the facility's drinking water infrastructure, such as repair or replacement of all or part of drinking water service lines or faucets, at impacted outlets. The operator shall provide documentation of testing results for review by the Department during each unannounced routine sanitation inspection under Rule .2834(b) of this Section. Please visit www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina for instructions. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Links and additional details will be provided in the next issue of the newsletter provided by the Division 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were not available during today’s visit. A follow-up visit will be made to monitor the staff files. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. Today’s visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, the new administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. Improper handwashing was observed in space 1. The teacher in space 1 did not wash hands after changing a pull-up. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 14, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was completed October 11, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed February 23, 2023. We reviewed that the annual fire inspection was due prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 86% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. Any violations documented today may affect your compliance history score. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. Upon returning to the office the computer- generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The facility did not receive an approved inspection prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. The previous inspection was completed on 9/14/2022 and the current inspection was completed on 10/11/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 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 facility has not obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection date of 2-23-2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the classroom for two year old children, space 2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted for the facility was not current. The date ended on 3/8/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. In space 2, K. Roberson did not wash her hands after changing a pull-up. The same teacher assisted a child with washing hands; however, the steps in washing hands were not followed correctly. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There were active fire ant mounds on the playground for school-age children. Paint was peeling off the walls in all classrooms. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. A tube of Neosporin was not returned to the parent when the authorization expired on 1/16/2023. .0803(12) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. A vehicle used to transport children did not have a rear-view mirror. I observed the rear-view mirror laying in the center console, detached from the windshield. 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. The photographs of children being transported was not available in each of the vehicles used for transporting children. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Five employee's did not have an annual staff evaluation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 March 26, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. STAR-RATED LICENSE STATUS: During today’s visit, we discussed your program is in Co-Hort 1; however, you are not required to complete the Environmental Rated License reassessment in your planning year. Today you informed me that your program is going to wait until your Reassessment year to complete the assessment. The preparation year is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. So many changes and challenges for programs across the state have occurred due to the pandemic, it will likely be helpful to set aside dedicated time to consider areas where refresher information might be helpful. For the Education Component: First, since you do not plan to have the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) conducted as part of your Prep year reassessment, you only need to ensure your staff’s most updated education is in WORKS. I can only use the information in WORKS when computing the education of your staff. Here is the hyperlink to access the portal to WORKS on our website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/DCDEE-WORKS For the Program Component: NCRLAP has the following resources and training available on their website: • Here is the hyperlink to the Thinking More About resources: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/ • Here is the hyperlink to videos you and your staff may find helpful: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Videos/ • NCRLAP offers contact hour earning online training. Go to https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/ to see their scale related training as well as additional trainings covering special topics such as language and interactions, outdoor learning environments, and requirements for materials in family child care homes. • Megan Porter, State Anchor, can provide personalized, on-site ERS focused trainings for programs upon request. She can be reached at meporter@uncg.edu Other Resources Available to You: Finally, be sure to reach out to your Quality Consultants at your local Partnership. They can also provide technical assistance on room arrangement, transitions, interactions, substantial portion of the day, schedules, etc. Stephanie Sullivan - ssullivan@lgpfc.org Taylor Bowen - tbowen@lgpfc.org RULES REVIEW: REQUIRED ANNUAL INSPECTIONS- We reviewed that each facility must obtain an annual fire and sanitation inspection prior to the expiration date of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection received was dated 2/23/2023. I encouraged you to contact your local fire inspector to schedule your inspection. The last sanitation inspection was completed 10/11/2023; however, the previous inspection was completed 9/14/2022. ACTIVITY PLAN- A current activity plan was not available for review in space 2. Activity plans are critical to the structure of the classroom. It assists in the teacher’s day-to-day routines and ensures the children receive developmentally appropriate instruction. POSTED MENU- With allergies, autoimmune diseases, and food intolerances on the rise, it's imperative that parents know what each child is eating. A current menu must be posted and available for parents to view. PROPER HANDWASHING- I observed the teacher in space 1 assisting a child with a pull-up change. After the staff changed the pull-up, the teacher failed to wash their hands immediately afterwards. Please review the proper handwashing steps with all staff members. Following these procedures helps to ensure that germs are not spread to children and can prevent illnesses. SAFE ENVIRONMENT- Please ensure the outdoor learning environment and premises of the facility is free of hazardous items. By monitoring the environment on a frequent and regular basis, you and your staff can ensure the area that is accessible to children is safe. I observed many active fire mounds on the playground for school-age children. I observed peeling paint from the walls of each classroom. Young children can swallow paint flakes when they put their hands and toys in their mouths. Ensure these areas are repainted or covered to avoid children encountering the peeling paint. MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION- I observed a tube of Neosporin ointment that had medical authorization that expired January 16, 2023. Ensure all medication are returned to the parent when the authorization expires to avoid giving children expired medication or medication that is no longer needed. TRANSPORTATION- The rear-view mirror on one of the vehicles used to transport children was not attached to the wind shield. This poses a hazard when transporting children. Ensure all safety checks are completed on the vehicles used to transport children prior to leaving the facility. The emergency information for children being transported must include a picture of all children being transported. The transportation notebooks did not include pictures of all children being transported. Include all photographs of children in the transportation notebooks to ensure children are easily identified in case of an emergency. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: LEAD WATER-PAINT/ASBESTOS TESTING: Child care operators, as defined under G.S. 110-86(7), shall test, once every three years, all water outlets used for drinking or food preparation. Samples shall also be collected and tested within 30 calendar days of completion of any renovations or repairs that may impact the facility's drinking water infrastructure, such as repair or replacement of all or part of drinking water service lines or faucets, at impacted outlets. The operator shall provide documentation of testing results for review by the Department during each unannounced routine sanitation inspection under Rule .2834(b) of this Section. Please visit www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina for instructions. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Links and additional details will be provided in the next issue of the newsletter provided by the Division 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were not available during today’s visit. A follow-up visit will be made to monitor the staff files. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. Today’s visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, the new administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. Improper handwashing was observed in space 1. The teacher in space 1 did not wash hands after changing a pull-up. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 14, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was completed October 11, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed February 23, 2023. We reviewed that the annual fire inspection was due prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 86% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. Any violations documented today may affect your compliance history score. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. Upon returning to the office the computer- generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The facility did not receive an approved inspection prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. The previous inspection was completed on 9/14/2022 and the current inspection was completed on 10/11/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 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 facility has not obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection date of 2-23-2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the classroom for two year old children, space 2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted for the facility was not current. The date ended on 3/8/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. In space 2, K. Roberson did not wash her hands after changing a pull-up. The same teacher assisted a child with washing hands; however, the steps in washing hands were not followed correctly. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There were active fire ant mounds on the playground for school-age children. Paint was peeling off the walls in all classrooms. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. A tube of Neosporin was not returned to the parent when the authorization expired on 1/16/2023. .0803(12) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. A vehicle used to transport children did not have a rear-view mirror. I observed the rear-view mirror laying in the center console, detached from the windshield. 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. The photographs of children being transported was not available in each of the vehicles used for transporting children. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Five employee's did not have an annual staff evaluation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 March 26, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. STAR-RATED LICENSE STATUS: During today’s visit, we discussed your program is in Co-Hort 1; however, you are not required to complete the Environmental Rated License reassessment in your planning year. Today you informed me that your program is going to wait until your Reassessment year to complete the assessment. The preparation year is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. So many changes and challenges for programs across the state have occurred due to the pandemic, it will likely be helpful to set aside dedicated time to consider areas where refresher information might be helpful. For the Education Component: First, since you do not plan to have the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) conducted as part of your Prep year reassessment, you only need to ensure your staff’s most updated education is in WORKS. I can only use the information in WORKS when computing the education of your staff. Here is the hyperlink to access the portal to WORKS on our website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/DCDEE-WORKS For the Program Component: NCRLAP has the following resources and training available on their website: • Here is the hyperlink to the Thinking More About resources: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/ • Here is the hyperlink to videos you and your staff may find helpful: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Videos/ • NCRLAP offers contact hour earning online training. Go to https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/ to see their scale related training as well as additional trainings covering special topics such as language and interactions, outdoor learning environments, and requirements for materials in family child care homes. • Megan Porter, State Anchor, can provide personalized, on-site ERS focused trainings for programs upon request. She can be reached at meporter@uncg.edu Other Resources Available to You: Finally, be sure to reach out to your Quality Consultants at your local Partnership. They can also provide technical assistance on room arrangement, transitions, interactions, substantial portion of the day, schedules, etc. Stephanie Sullivan - ssullivan@lgpfc.org Taylor Bowen - tbowen@lgpfc.org RULES REVIEW: REQUIRED ANNUAL INSPECTIONS- We reviewed that each facility must obtain an annual fire and sanitation inspection prior to the expiration date of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection received was dated 2/23/2023. I encouraged you to contact your local fire inspector to schedule your inspection. The last sanitation inspection was completed 10/11/2023; however, the previous inspection was completed 9/14/2022. ACTIVITY PLAN- A current activity plan was not available for review in space 2. Activity plans are critical to the structure of the classroom. It assists in the teacher’s day-to-day routines and ensures the children receive developmentally appropriate instruction. POSTED MENU- With allergies, autoimmune diseases, and food intolerances on the rise, it's imperative that parents know what each child is eating. A current menu must be posted and available for parents to view. PROPER HANDWASHING- I observed the teacher in space 1 assisting a child with a pull-up change. After the staff changed the pull-up, the teacher failed to wash their hands immediately afterwards. Please review the proper handwashing steps with all staff members. Following these procedures helps to ensure that germs are not spread to children and can prevent illnesses. SAFE ENVIRONMENT- Please ensure the outdoor learning environment and premises of the facility is free of hazardous items. By monitoring the environment on a frequent and regular basis, you and your staff can ensure the area that is accessible to children is safe. I observed many active fire mounds on the playground for school-age children. I observed peeling paint from the walls of each classroom. Young children can swallow paint flakes when they put their hands and toys in their mouths. Ensure these areas are repainted or covered to avoid children encountering the peeling paint. MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION- I observed a tube of Neosporin ointment that had medical authorization that expired January 16, 2023. Ensure all medication are returned to the parent when the authorization expires to avoid giving children expired medication or medication that is no longer needed. TRANSPORTATION- The rear-view mirror on one of the vehicles used to transport children was not attached to the wind shield. This poses a hazard when transporting children. Ensure all safety checks are completed on the vehicles used to transport children prior to leaving the facility. The emergency information for children being transported must include a picture of all children being transported. The transportation notebooks did not include pictures of all children being transported. Include all photographs of children in the transportation notebooks to ensure children are easily identified in case of an emergency. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: LEAD WATER-PAINT/ASBESTOS TESTING: Child care operators, as defined under G.S. 110-86(7), shall test, once every three years, all water outlets used for drinking or food preparation. Samples shall also be collected and tested within 30 calendar days of completion of any renovations or repairs that may impact the facility's drinking water infrastructure, such as repair or replacement of all or part of drinking water service lines or faucets, at impacted outlets. The operator shall provide documentation of testing results for review by the Department during each unannounced routine sanitation inspection under Rule .2834(b) of this Section. Please visit www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina for instructions. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Links and additional details will be provided in the next issue of the newsletter provided by the Division 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were not available during today’s visit. A follow-up visit will be made to monitor the staff files. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. Today’s visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, the new administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. Improper handwashing was observed in space 1. The teacher in space 1 did not wash hands after changing a pull-up. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 14, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was completed October 11, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed February 23, 2023. We reviewed that the annual fire inspection was due prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 86% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. Any violations documented today may affect your compliance history score. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. Upon returning to the office the computer- generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The facility did not receive an approved inspection prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. The previous inspection was completed on 9/14/2022 and the current inspection was completed on 10/11/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 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 facility has not obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection date of 2-23-2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the classroom for two year old children, space 2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted for the facility was not current. The date ended on 3/8/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. In space 2, K. Roberson did not wash her hands after changing a pull-up. The same teacher assisted a child with washing hands; however, the steps in washing hands were not followed correctly. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There were active fire ant mounds on the playground for school-age children. Paint was peeling off the walls in all classrooms. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. A tube of Neosporin was not returned to the parent when the authorization expired on 1/16/2023. .0803(12) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. A vehicle used to transport children did not have a rear-view mirror. I observed the rear-view mirror laying in the center console, detached from the windshield. 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. The photographs of children being transported was not available in each of the vehicles used for transporting children. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Five employee's did not have an annual staff evaluation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 March 26, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. STAR-RATED LICENSE STATUS: During today’s visit, we discussed your program is in Co-Hort 1; however, you are not required to complete the Environmental Rated License reassessment in your planning year. Today you informed me that your program is going to wait until your Reassessment year to complete the assessment. The preparation year is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. So many changes and challenges for programs across the state have occurred due to the pandemic, it will likely be helpful to set aside dedicated time to consider areas where refresher information might be helpful. For the Education Component: First, since you do not plan to have the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) conducted as part of your Prep year reassessment, you only need to ensure your staff’s most updated education is in WORKS. I can only use the information in WORKS when computing the education of your staff. Here is the hyperlink to access the portal to WORKS on our website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/DCDEE-WORKS For the Program Component: NCRLAP has the following resources and training available on their website: • Here is the hyperlink to the Thinking More About resources: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/ • Here is the hyperlink to videos you and your staff may find helpful: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Videos/ • NCRLAP offers contact hour earning online training. Go to https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/ to see their scale related training as well as additional trainings covering special topics such as language and interactions, outdoor learning environments, and requirements for materials in family child care homes. • Megan Porter, State Anchor, can provide personalized, on-site ERS focused trainings for programs upon request. She can be reached at meporter@uncg.edu Other Resources Available to You: Finally, be sure to reach out to your Quality Consultants at your local Partnership. They can also provide technical assistance on room arrangement, transitions, interactions, substantial portion of the day, schedules, etc. Stephanie Sullivan - ssullivan@lgpfc.org Taylor Bowen - tbowen@lgpfc.org RULES REVIEW: REQUIRED ANNUAL INSPECTIONS- We reviewed that each facility must obtain an annual fire and sanitation inspection prior to the expiration date of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection received was dated 2/23/2023. I encouraged you to contact your local fire inspector to schedule your inspection. The last sanitation inspection was completed 10/11/2023; however, the previous inspection was completed 9/14/2022. ACTIVITY PLAN- A current activity plan was not available for review in space 2. Activity plans are critical to the structure of the classroom. It assists in the teacher’s day-to-day routines and ensures the children receive developmentally appropriate instruction. POSTED MENU- With allergies, autoimmune diseases, and food intolerances on the rise, it's imperative that parents know what each child is eating. A current menu must be posted and available for parents to view. PROPER HANDWASHING- I observed the teacher in space 1 assisting a child with a pull-up change. After the staff changed the pull-up, the teacher failed to wash their hands immediately afterwards. Please review the proper handwashing steps with all staff members. Following these procedures helps to ensure that germs are not spread to children and can prevent illnesses. SAFE ENVIRONMENT- Please ensure the outdoor learning environment and premises of the facility is free of hazardous items. By monitoring the environment on a frequent and regular basis, you and your staff can ensure the area that is accessible to children is safe. I observed many active fire mounds on the playground for school-age children. I observed peeling paint from the walls of each classroom. Young children can swallow paint flakes when they put their hands and toys in their mouths. Ensure these areas are repainted or covered to avoid children encountering the peeling paint. MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION- I observed a tube of Neosporin ointment that had medical authorization that expired January 16, 2023. Ensure all medication are returned to the parent when the authorization expires to avoid giving children expired medication or medication that is no longer needed. TRANSPORTATION- The rear-view mirror on one of the vehicles used to transport children was not attached to the wind shield. This poses a hazard when transporting children. Ensure all safety checks are completed on the vehicles used to transport children prior to leaving the facility. The emergency information for children being transported must include a picture of all children being transported. The transportation notebooks did not include pictures of all children being transported. Include all photographs of children in the transportation notebooks to ensure children are easily identified in case of an emergency. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: LEAD WATER-PAINT/ASBESTOS TESTING: Child care operators, as defined under G.S. 110-86(7), shall test, once every three years, all water outlets used for drinking or food preparation. Samples shall also be collected and tested within 30 calendar days of completion of any renovations or repairs that may impact the facility's drinking water infrastructure, such as repair or replacement of all or part of drinking water service lines or faucets, at impacted outlets. The operator shall provide documentation of testing results for review by the Department during each unannounced routine sanitation inspection under Rule .2834(b) of this Section. Please visit www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina for instructions. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Links and additional details will be provided in the next issue of the newsletter provided by the Division 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were not available during today’s visit. A follow-up visit will be made to monitor the staff files. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. Today’s visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, the new administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. Improper handwashing was observed in space 1. The teacher in space 1 did not wash hands after changing a pull-up. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 14, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was completed October 11, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed February 23, 2023. We reviewed that the annual fire inspection was due prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 86% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. Any violations documented today may affect your compliance history score. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. Upon returning to the office the computer- generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The facility did not receive an approved inspection prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. The previous inspection was completed on 9/14/2022 and the current inspection was completed on 10/11/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 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 facility has not obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection date of 2-23-2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the classroom for two year old children, space 2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted for the facility was not current. The date ended on 3/8/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. In space 2, K. Roberson did not wash her hands after changing a pull-up. The same teacher assisted a child with washing hands; however, the steps in washing hands were not followed correctly. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There were active fire ant mounds on the playground for school-age children. Paint was peeling off the walls in all classrooms. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. A tube of Neosporin was not returned to the parent when the authorization expired on 1/16/2023. .0803(12) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. A vehicle used to transport children did not have a rear-view mirror. I observed the rear-view mirror laying in the center console, detached from the windshield. 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. The photographs of children being transported was not available in each of the vehicles used for transporting children. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Five employee's did not have an annual staff evaluation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 March 26, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. STAR-RATED LICENSE STATUS: During today’s visit, we discussed your program is in Co-Hort 1; however, you are not required to complete the Environmental Rated License reassessment in your planning year. Today you informed me that your program is going to wait until your Reassessment year to complete the assessment. The preparation year is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. So many changes and challenges for programs across the state have occurred due to the pandemic, it will likely be helpful to set aside dedicated time to consider areas where refresher information might be helpful. For the Education Component: First, since you do not plan to have the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) conducted as part of your Prep year reassessment, you only need to ensure your staff’s most updated education is in WORKS. I can only use the information in WORKS when computing the education of your staff. Here is the hyperlink to access the portal to WORKS on our website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/DCDEE-WORKS For the Program Component: NCRLAP has the following resources and training available on their website: • Here is the hyperlink to the Thinking More About resources: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/ • Here is the hyperlink to videos you and your staff may find helpful: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Videos/ • NCRLAP offers contact hour earning online training. Go to https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/ to see their scale related training as well as additional trainings covering special topics such as language and interactions, outdoor learning environments, and requirements for materials in family child care homes. • Megan Porter, State Anchor, can provide personalized, on-site ERS focused trainings for programs upon request. She can be reached at meporter@uncg.edu Other Resources Available to You: Finally, be sure to reach out to your Quality Consultants at your local Partnership. They can also provide technical assistance on room arrangement, transitions, interactions, substantial portion of the day, schedules, etc. Stephanie Sullivan - ssullivan@lgpfc.org Taylor Bowen - tbowen@lgpfc.org RULES REVIEW: REQUIRED ANNUAL INSPECTIONS- We reviewed that each facility must obtain an annual fire and sanitation inspection prior to the expiration date of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection received was dated 2/23/2023. I encouraged you to contact your local fire inspector to schedule your inspection. The last sanitation inspection was completed 10/11/2023; however, the previous inspection was completed 9/14/2022. ACTIVITY PLAN- A current activity plan was not available for review in space 2. Activity plans are critical to the structure of the classroom. It assists in the teacher’s day-to-day routines and ensures the children receive developmentally appropriate instruction. POSTED MENU- With allergies, autoimmune diseases, and food intolerances on the rise, it's imperative that parents know what each child is eating. A current menu must be posted and available for parents to view. PROPER HANDWASHING- I observed the teacher in space 1 assisting a child with a pull-up change. After the staff changed the pull-up, the teacher failed to wash their hands immediately afterwards. Please review the proper handwashing steps with all staff members. Following these procedures helps to ensure that germs are not spread to children and can prevent illnesses. SAFE ENVIRONMENT- Please ensure the outdoor learning environment and premises of the facility is free of hazardous items. By monitoring the environment on a frequent and regular basis, you and your staff can ensure the area that is accessible to children is safe. I observed many active fire mounds on the playground for school-age children. I observed peeling paint from the walls of each classroom. Young children can swallow paint flakes when they put their hands and toys in their mouths. Ensure these areas are repainted or covered to avoid children encountering the peeling paint. MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION- I observed a tube of Neosporin ointment that had medical authorization that expired January 16, 2023. Ensure all medication are returned to the parent when the authorization expires to avoid giving children expired medication or medication that is no longer needed. TRANSPORTATION- The rear-view mirror on one of the vehicles used to transport children was not attached to the wind shield. This poses a hazard when transporting children. Ensure all safety checks are completed on the vehicles used to transport children prior to leaving the facility. The emergency information for children being transported must include a picture of all children being transported. The transportation notebooks did not include pictures of all children being transported. Include all photographs of children in the transportation notebooks to ensure children are easily identified in case of an emergency. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: LEAD WATER-PAINT/ASBESTOS TESTING: Child care operators, as defined under G.S. 110-86(7), shall test, once every three years, all water outlets used for drinking or food preparation. Samples shall also be collected and tested within 30 calendar days of completion of any renovations or repairs that may impact the facility's drinking water infrastructure, such as repair or replacement of all or part of drinking water service lines or faucets, at impacted outlets. The operator shall provide documentation of testing results for review by the Department during each unannounced routine sanitation inspection under Rule .2834(b) of this Section. Please visit www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina for instructions. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Links and additional details will be provided in the next issue of the newsletter provided by the Division 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were not available during today’s visit. A follow-up visit will be made to monitor the staff files. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. Today’s visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, the new administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. Improper handwashing was observed in space 1. The teacher in space 1 did not wash hands after changing a pull-up. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 14, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was completed October 11, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed February 23, 2023. We reviewed that the annual fire inspection was due prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 86% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. Any violations documented today may affect your compliance history score. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. Upon returning to the office the computer- generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The facility did not receive an approved inspection prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. The previous inspection was completed on 9/14/2022 and the current inspection was completed on 10/11/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 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 facility has not obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection date of 2-23-2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the classroom for two year old children, space 2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted for the facility was not current. The date ended on 3/8/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. In space 2, K. Roberson did not wash her hands after changing a pull-up. The same teacher assisted a child with washing hands; however, the steps in washing hands were not followed correctly. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There were active fire ant mounds on the playground for school-age children. Paint was peeling off the walls in all classrooms. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. A tube of Neosporin was not returned to the parent when the authorization expired on 1/16/2023. .0803(12) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. A vehicle used to transport children did not have a rear-view mirror. I observed the rear-view mirror laying in the center console, detached from the windshield. 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. The photographs of children being transported was not available in each of the vehicles used for transporting children. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Five employee's did not have an annual staff evaluation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 March 26, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. STAR-RATED LICENSE STATUS: During today’s visit, we discussed your program is in Co-Hort 1; however, you are not required to complete the Environmental Rated License reassessment in your planning year. Today you informed me that your program is going to wait until your Reassessment year to complete the assessment. The preparation year is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. So many changes and challenges for programs across the state have occurred due to the pandemic, it will likely be helpful to set aside dedicated time to consider areas where refresher information might be helpful. For the Education Component: First, since you do not plan to have the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) conducted as part of your Prep year reassessment, you only need to ensure your staff’s most updated education is in WORKS. I can only use the information in WORKS when computing the education of your staff. Here is the hyperlink to access the portal to WORKS on our website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/DCDEE-WORKS For the Program Component: NCRLAP has the following resources and training available on their website: • Here is the hyperlink to the Thinking More About resources: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/ • Here is the hyperlink to videos you and your staff may find helpful: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Videos/ • NCRLAP offers contact hour earning online training. Go to https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/ to see their scale related training as well as additional trainings covering special topics such as language and interactions, outdoor learning environments, and requirements for materials in family child care homes. • Megan Porter, State Anchor, can provide personalized, on-site ERS focused trainings for programs upon request. She can be reached at meporter@uncg.edu Other Resources Available to You: Finally, be sure to reach out to your Quality Consultants at your local Partnership. They can also provide technical assistance on room arrangement, transitions, interactions, substantial portion of the day, schedules, etc. Stephanie Sullivan - ssullivan@lgpfc.org Taylor Bowen - tbowen@lgpfc.org RULES REVIEW: REQUIRED ANNUAL INSPECTIONS- We reviewed that each facility must obtain an annual fire and sanitation inspection prior to the expiration date of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection received was dated 2/23/2023. I encouraged you to contact your local fire inspector to schedule your inspection. The last sanitation inspection was completed 10/11/2023; however, the previous inspection was completed 9/14/2022. ACTIVITY PLAN- A current activity plan was not available for review in space 2. Activity plans are critical to the structure of the classroom. It assists in the teacher’s day-to-day routines and ensures the children receive developmentally appropriate instruction. POSTED MENU- With allergies, autoimmune diseases, and food intolerances on the rise, it's imperative that parents know what each child is eating. A current menu must be posted and available for parents to view. PROPER HANDWASHING- I observed the teacher in space 1 assisting a child with a pull-up change. After the staff changed the pull-up, the teacher failed to wash their hands immediately afterwards. Please review the proper handwashing steps with all staff members. Following these procedures helps to ensure that germs are not spread to children and can prevent illnesses. SAFE ENVIRONMENT- Please ensure the outdoor learning environment and premises of the facility is free of hazardous items. By monitoring the environment on a frequent and regular basis, you and your staff can ensure the area that is accessible to children is safe. I observed many active fire mounds on the playground for school-age children. I observed peeling paint from the walls of each classroom. Young children can swallow paint flakes when they put their hands and toys in their mouths. Ensure these areas are repainted or covered to avoid children encountering the peeling paint. MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION- I observed a tube of Neosporin ointment that had medical authorization that expired January 16, 2023. Ensure all medication are returned to the parent when the authorization expires to avoid giving children expired medication or medication that is no longer needed. TRANSPORTATION- The rear-view mirror on one of the vehicles used to transport children was not attached to the wind shield. This poses a hazard when transporting children. Ensure all safety checks are completed on the vehicles used to transport children prior to leaving the facility. The emergency information for children being transported must include a picture of all children being transported. The transportation notebooks did not include pictures of all children being transported. Include all photographs of children in the transportation notebooks to ensure children are easily identified in case of an emergency. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: LEAD WATER-PAINT/ASBESTOS TESTING: Child care operators, as defined under G.S. 110-86(7), shall test, once every three years, all water outlets used for drinking or food preparation. Samples shall also be collected and tested within 30 calendar days of completion of any renovations or repairs that may impact the facility's drinking water infrastructure, such as repair or replacement of all or part of drinking water service lines or faucets, at impacted outlets. The operator shall provide documentation of testing results for review by the Department during each unannounced routine sanitation inspection under Rule .2834(b) of this Section. Please visit www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina for instructions. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Links and additional details will be provided in the next issue of the newsletter provided by the Division 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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. 110-86 · Violation

Name of Operation: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were not available during today’s visit. A follow-up visit will be made to monitor the staff files. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. Today’s visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, the new administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. Improper handwashing was observed in space 1. The teacher in space 1 did not wash hands after changing a pull-up. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 14, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was completed October 11, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed February 23, 2023. We reviewed that the annual fire inspection was due prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 86% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. Any violations documented today may affect your compliance history score. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. Upon returning to the office the computer- generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The facility did not receive an approved inspection prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. The previous inspection was completed on 9/14/2022 and the current inspection was completed on 10/11/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 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 facility has not obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection date of 2-23-2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the classroom for two year old children, space 2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted for the facility was not current. The date ended on 3/8/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. In space 2, K. Roberson did not wash her hands after changing a pull-up. The same teacher assisted a child with washing hands; however, the steps in washing hands were not followed correctly. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There were active fire ant mounds on the playground for school-age children. Paint was peeling off the walls in all classrooms. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. A tube of Neosporin was not returned to the parent when the authorization expired on 1/16/2023. .0803(12) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. A vehicle used to transport children did not have a rear-view mirror. I observed the rear-view mirror laying in the center console, detached from the windshield. 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. The photographs of children being transported was not available in each of the vehicles used for transporting children. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Five employee's did not have an annual staff evaluation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 March 26, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. STAR-RATED LICENSE STATUS: During today’s visit, we discussed your program is in Co-Hort 1; however, you are not required to complete the Environmental Rated License reassessment in your planning year. Today you informed me that your program is going to wait until your Reassessment year to complete the assessment. The preparation year is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. So many changes and challenges for programs across the state have occurred due to the pandemic, it will likely be helpful to set aside dedicated time to consider areas where refresher information might be helpful. For the Education Component: First, since you do not plan to have the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) conducted as part of your Prep year reassessment, you only need to ensure your staff’s most updated education is in WORKS. I can only use the information in WORKS when computing the education of your staff. Here is the hyperlink to access the portal to WORKS on our website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/DCDEE-WORKS For the Program Component: NCRLAP has the following resources and training available on their website: • Here is the hyperlink to the Thinking More About resources: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/ • Here is the hyperlink to videos you and your staff may find helpful: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Videos/ • NCRLAP offers contact hour earning online training. Go to https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/ to see their scale related training as well as additional trainings covering special topics such as language and interactions, outdoor learning environments, and requirements for materials in family child care homes. • Megan Porter, State Anchor, can provide personalized, on-site ERS focused trainings for programs upon request. She can be reached at meporter@uncg.edu Other Resources Available to You: Finally, be sure to reach out to your Quality Consultants at your local Partnership. They can also provide technical assistance on room arrangement, transitions, interactions, substantial portion of the day, schedules, etc. Stephanie Sullivan - ssullivan@lgpfc.org Taylor Bowen - tbowen@lgpfc.org RULES REVIEW: REQUIRED ANNUAL INSPECTIONS- We reviewed that each facility must obtain an annual fire and sanitation inspection prior to the expiration date of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection received was dated 2/23/2023. I encouraged you to contact your local fire inspector to schedule your inspection. The last sanitation inspection was completed 10/11/2023; however, the previous inspection was completed 9/14/2022. ACTIVITY PLAN- A current activity plan was not available for review in space 2. Activity plans are critical to the structure of the classroom. It assists in the teacher’s day-to-day routines and ensures the children receive developmentally appropriate instruction. POSTED MENU- With allergies, autoimmune diseases, and food intolerances on the rise, it's imperative that parents know what each child is eating. A current menu must be posted and available for parents to view. PROPER HANDWASHING- I observed the teacher in space 1 assisting a child with a pull-up change. After the staff changed the pull-up, the teacher failed to wash their hands immediately afterwards. Please review the proper handwashing steps with all staff members. Following these procedures helps to ensure that germs are not spread to children and can prevent illnesses. SAFE ENVIRONMENT- Please ensure the outdoor learning environment and premises of the facility is free of hazardous items. By monitoring the environment on a frequent and regular basis, you and your staff can ensure the area that is accessible to children is safe. I observed many active fire mounds on the playground for school-age children. I observed peeling paint from the walls of each classroom. Young children can swallow paint flakes when they put their hands and toys in their mouths. Ensure these areas are repainted or covered to avoid children encountering the peeling paint. MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION- I observed a tube of Neosporin ointment that had medical authorization that expired January 16, 2023. Ensure all medication are returned to the parent when the authorization expires to avoid giving children expired medication or medication that is no longer needed. TRANSPORTATION- The rear-view mirror on one of the vehicles used to transport children was not attached to the wind shield. This poses a hazard when transporting children. Ensure all safety checks are completed on the vehicles used to transport children prior to leaving the facility. The emergency information for children being transported must include a picture of all children being transported. The transportation notebooks did not include pictures of all children being transported. Include all photographs of children in the transportation notebooks to ensure children are easily identified in case of an emergency. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: LEAD WATER-PAINT/ASBESTOS TESTING: Child care operators, as defined under G.S. 110-86(7), shall test, once every three years, all water outlets used for drinking or food preparation. Samples shall also be collected and tested within 30 calendar days of completion of any renovations or repairs that may impact the facility's drinking water infrastructure, such as repair or replacement of all or part of drinking water service lines or faucets, at impacted outlets. The operator shall provide documentation of testing results for review by the Department during each unannounced routine sanitation inspection under Rule .2834(b) of this Section. Please visit www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina for instructions. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Links and additional details will be provided in the next issue of the newsletter provided by the Division 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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: KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER Facility ID: 5455069 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2024 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/12/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an Annual Compliance visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The staff and training worksheets were not available during today’s visit. A follow-up visit will be made to monitor the staff files. This center currently operates with a Three (3) Star License, earning four points in Staff Education, two points in Program Standards, and one quality point for having approved enhanced policies and an infrastructure of parent involvement. Today’s visit was conducted with you, I. Jacobs, the new administrator. You were notified of the purpose of the visit upon my arrival, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, completing transitions, completing routines such as handwashing and toileting and eating lunch. Improper handwashing was observed in space 1. The teacher in space 1 did not wash hands after changing a pull-up. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on March 14, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was completed October 11, 2023, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was completed February 23, 2023. We reviewed that the annual fire inspection was due prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the program’s compliance history was 86% over the current 18- month period. A copy of your compliance history report was left with you. Any violations documented today may affect your compliance history score. KINSTON CHILD CARE CENTER, INC.is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, this corporation remains Current and Active. Prior to making any changes in the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain Current and Active. Failure to comply may affect your child care license. You stated the mailing address, phone number and email address listed for your child care center are correct. I used the Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care and the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. Due to connection issues, a one-page visit summary was provided to you. I reviewed all violations with you at the conclusion of the visit. Upon returning to the office the computer- generated visit summary will be emailed to you. The following violations were documented: Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. The facility did not receive an approved inspection prior to the expiration of the previous inspection. The previous inspection was completed on 9/14/2022 and the current inspection was completed on 10/11/2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(b) 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 facility has not obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection date of 2-23-2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted for the classroom for two year old children, space 2. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted for the facility was not current. The date ended on 3/8/2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 609 Staff did not wash their hands thoroughly before beginning work, before/after handling food, before bottle feeding or serving to other children, after toileting or handling body fluids, after diaper changing and after handling soiled items. In space 2, K. Roberson did not wash her hands after changing a pull-up. The same teacher assisted a child with washing hands; however, the steps in washing hands were not followed correctly. 15A NCAC 18A .2803(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. There were active fire ant mounds on the playground for school-age children. Paint was peeling off the walls in all classrooms. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization. A tube of Neosporin was not returned to the parent when the authorization expired on 1/16/2023. .0803(12) 1123 All vehicles used to transport children were not free of hazards. A vehicle used to transport children did not have a rear-view mirror. I observed the rear-view mirror laying in the center console, detached from the windshield. 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. The photographs of children being transported was not available in each of the vehicles used for transporting children. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1232 Each employee's personnel file did not contain an annual staff evaluation and a staff development plan. Five employee's did not have an annual staff evaluation. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(f) 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 March 26, 2024, 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. Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare 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 childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. STAR-RATED LICENSE STATUS: During today’s visit, we discussed your program is in Co-Hort 1; however, you are not required to complete the Environmental Rated License reassessment in your planning year. Today you informed me that your program is going to wait until your Reassessment year to complete the assessment. The preparation year is an opportunity to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. So many changes and challenges for programs across the state have occurred due to the pandemic, it will likely be helpful to set aside dedicated time to consider areas where refresher information might be helpful. For the Education Component: First, since you do not plan to have the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) conducted as part of your Prep year reassessment, you only need to ensure your staff’s most updated education is in WORKS. I can only use the information in WORKS when computing the education of your staff. Here is the hyperlink to access the portal to WORKS on our website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/DCDEE-WORKS For the Program Component: NCRLAP has the following resources and training available on their website: • Here is the hyperlink to the Thinking More About resources: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/ • Here is the hyperlink to videos you and your staff may find helpful: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Videos/ • NCRLAP offers contact hour earning online training. Go to https://ncrlap.org/Resources/Training/Register/ to see their scale related training as well as additional trainings covering special topics such as language and interactions, outdoor learning environments, and requirements for materials in family child care homes. • Megan Porter, State Anchor, can provide personalized, on-site ERS focused trainings for programs upon request. She can be reached at meporter@uncg.edu Other Resources Available to You: Finally, be sure to reach out to your Quality Consultants at your local Partnership. They can also provide technical assistance on room arrangement, transitions, interactions, substantial portion of the day, schedules, etc. Stephanie Sullivan - ssullivan@lgpfc.org Taylor Bowen - tbowen@lgpfc.org RULES REVIEW: REQUIRED ANNUAL INSPECTIONS- We reviewed that each facility must obtain an annual fire and sanitation inspection prior to the expiration date of the previous inspection. The last fire inspection received was dated 2/23/2023. I encouraged you to contact your local fire inspector to schedule your inspection. The last sanitation inspection was completed 10/11/2023; however, the previous inspection was completed 9/14/2022. ACTIVITY PLAN- A current activity plan was not available for review in space 2. Activity plans are critical to the structure of the classroom. It assists in the teacher’s day-to-day routines and ensures the children receive developmentally appropriate instruction. POSTED MENU- With allergies, autoimmune diseases, and food intolerances on the rise, it's imperative that parents know what each child is eating. A current menu must be posted and available for parents to view. PROPER HANDWASHING- I observed the teacher in space 1 assisting a child with a pull-up change. After the staff changed the pull-up, the teacher failed to wash their hands immediately afterwards. Please review the proper handwashing steps with all staff members. Following these procedures helps to ensure that germs are not spread to children and can prevent illnesses. SAFE ENVIRONMENT- Please ensure the outdoor learning environment and premises of the facility is free of hazardous items. By monitoring the environment on a frequent and regular basis, you and your staff can ensure the area that is accessible to children is safe. I observed many active fire mounds on the playground for school-age children. I observed peeling paint from the walls of each classroom. Young children can swallow paint flakes when they put their hands and toys in their mouths. Ensure these areas are repainted or covered to avoid children encountering the peeling paint. MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION- I observed a tube of Neosporin ointment that had medical authorization that expired January 16, 2023. Ensure all medication are returned to the parent when the authorization expires to avoid giving children expired medication or medication that is no longer needed. TRANSPORTATION- The rear-view mirror on one of the vehicles used to transport children was not attached to the wind shield. This poses a hazard when transporting children. Ensure all safety checks are completed on the vehicles used to transport children prior to leaving the facility. The emergency information for children being transported must include a picture of all children being transported. The transportation notebooks did not include pictures of all children being transported. Include all photographs of children in the transportation notebooks to ensure children are easily identified in case of an emergency. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: LEAD WATER-PAINT/ASBESTOS TESTING: Child care operators, as defined under G.S. 110-86(7), shall test, once every three years, all water outlets used for drinking or food preparation. Samples shall also be collected and tested within 30 calendar days of completion of any renovations or repairs that may impact the facility's drinking water infrastructure, such as repair or replacement of all or part of drinking water service lines or faucets, at impacted outlets. The operator shall provide documentation of testing results for review by the Department during each unannounced routine sanitation inspection under Rule .2834(b) of this Section. Please visit www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina for instructions. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. Links and additional details will be provided in the next issue of the newsletter provided by the Division 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. Child care rules updated effective January 2024. RESOURCES: 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/ 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