Kids Educational Center IV

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDS EDUCATIONAL CENTER IV Facility ID: 92001789 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/9/2026 Number Present: 60 Completed Date: 6/9/2026 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:35 AM Time Out: 01:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with childcare requirements during your annual compliance (AC) visit. Your last AC was on 7-15-25, today’s AC was changed to balance my caseload. The center currently operates with a 4-star license, operating at 25 sq. ft. inside, 100 sq. ft outside & ratios at .2818 (b) and is approved for 134 children ages 0-12. Upon arrival, I was greeted at the door by Paula Z, Lead Teacher until Jordan Cauley from corporate office arrived. When Dare arrived, my visit was conducted with Dare, Director. Dare stated the center is currently working on Pathway 1 for the QRIS rated license process. Once your environment rating scales are completed, a rated license assessment visit will be conducted. The center has been awarded a grant with the Nation Learning Initiative with NC State College. Today, part of the playground was marked off with yellow tape, and a male was preparing to install a concrete bike path that should be completed this week. We discussed since the children cannot have access to heavy equipment and tools, a portion of the hallway can be marked off with cones for the infants and toddlers to play with riding toys, balls, etc. and the preschool children can play in the unused classroom used for the school-age children. The center is located on the corner of a heavily traveled intersection. We discussed that children are not allowed to play on the grass or in the field on this corner, even with permission to play outside the fenced in area form. If a personal or commercial vehicle were to run through the stop light or wreck, the vehicle(s) would most likely end up in this field. This area is not safe for children. We discussed the concrete area on the side of the building can only be used for special occasions. We’ve discussed this area in the past because it was being used weekly. All children must play inside the fence in playground. We also discussed the heat. It’s getting close to 100 degree days and children playing on asphalt/concrete is not safe. During my walk-through the children were playing in centers and preparing for lunch. The infants were being pushed in a bye-bye-buggy around the building. In two classrooms, I observed two students from Wake Tech. Community College completing their internship. I observed their health information and criminal background checks to be in compliance. We discussed student interns cannot count in child/staff ratios or be alone with the children. During today’s visit, a checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. Infant files were checked to verify they had permission to play outside the fenced in area as well as the additional required forms. No medications were at the center today. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection=7-31-25. Remember to send me your 2026 fire inspection within 5 days of inspection. The last fire drill was on 5-13-26 and SIP was on 4-30-26. *Last Monthly Playground Inspection=5-13-26 by S. Williams. Ms. Williams completed playground safety Training on 7-25-15. *Sanitation inspection=7-10-25. Remember to scan all inspections to me within 5 days of completion. The last water test for lead was on 2-7-24 & is due by 2-7-27. *Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Training was completed by Dare on 10-27-15. The Centers EPR plan was updated on 5-26-26. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Kids Educational Center IV, Inc.) listed as current-active. *The center transports children using 2 vehicles: 2016 Chevrolet Express G3500-mini-bus, tag beginning with# DJB4 and a 2019 Chevy Express van tag beginning with JC2. The older mini-bus is not being used. To maintain compliance with NC laws and rules regarding childcare operation, the following violation must be corrected immediately. Please email me a signed and dated corrective action letter with your ID # and facility name BY 6-23-26 to michelle.ezzell@dhhs.nc.gov. If you have any questions about today’s violation, contact me or my supervisor Michele Remington at Michele.Remington@dhhs.nc.gov Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. Two bottles belonging to infants had the child's initials vs. the child first and last name. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 601 Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. The refrigerator located in the classroom for infants did not have a thermometer. 15A NCAC 18A .2806(j)(2) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The ABCMS database has not been updated by the Director. All employees, including the executive director (TB) and (JC) corporate staff must be linked to the center's ID number in this portal. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* *Summertime and hot days are here! Remember water must be accessible to children. Dare stated she fills a cooler with water and supplies cups for the children. I suggested changing the daily schedule and going outside for longer sessions in the morning vs. the afternoon. *Remember to download the NEW staff/training worksheets from DCDEE’s website and start working on these before your next visit. *One former employee (I. Privette) has a disqualification letter that was submitted on 4-27-26, we talked about this when the letter was received and you stated she’s not been employed since our conversation. In 6-months she can reapply or if the charges are dropped or if charges change, she can apply earlier. You stated you left her name on the staff/training worksheet in hopes she will have an approved CBC. Until then, she cannot be present at the center/facility when children are in care. Refer to the letter from the CR unit dated 4-27-26. *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE for violations ****** *The refrigerator located in the room for infants was new and did not have a refrigerator thermometer. The refrigerator must have a thermometer indicating the temperature is at least 45 degrees or colder. *Two infants’ bottles had initials on the label vs. the child’s actual name. Bottles must have the child’s name on them to avoid grabbing the wrong bottle because a child could have the same initials as another one in the classroom. We also discussed using a bottle organizer or plastic pencil boxes to keep the bottles lined up with the tape on the shelf with the infant’s name. *ABCMS-We discussed adding Tammy Batts, Executive Director, Jordan Cauley, Corporate Office to this ID number in ABCMS. Employees that work at multiple centers must be connected to at least one facility ID. Also, when an employee is a new hire and/or, submits a 5-year CBC recheck, make sure under the facility ID is added under the application section. If you have any questions about this process, contact the CBC unit directly. Refer back to previous emails and visit summaries concerning the ABCMS database. ****QRIS/REMINDERS**** *We’ve discussed the pathways during numerous conversations. You have chosen to apply for pathway 1 and have been working with local partnerships and have already completed your “mock assessment”. A visit will be made within the next 6 months to issue a new license under the QRIS pathway. *Remember to keep staff’s education information on file with DCDEE/Workforce and current in the WORKS database. *Since you are choosing Pathway 1 remember to submit your request to order environment rating scales and your rated license application to me by August, 2026. Michelle Ezzell DCDEE Childcare Licensing Consultant 919-819-9304 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: KIDS EDUCATIONAL CENTER IV Facility ID: 92001789 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/3/2025 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 3/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 12:15 PM Time Out: 02:50 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 conduct a routine unannounced visit. My walk-through was conducted with Shannon Williams, Assistant Director and the remaining visit was conducted with Dare Woodruff, Director. The facility currently operates with a 4-star license. I conducted a partial assessment monitoring for safety issues, supervision, capacity, discipline, program records, posted documents, and permit restrictions. Five (5) new employees have been hired since my last visit; their files were monitored. The children were observed taking a nap, playing outside and preparing for a nap. The following violation was observed and corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. Two electrical cords were observed handing over two infant's cribs, making them accessible to the infants. One cord was to a sound machine and the other was to a light. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) *Electrical cords cannot be accessible to children. Today, two electrical cords were hanging over two cribs, one was for a light and the other was for a sound machine. Both cords hung higher on the wall by a hook, making them inaccessible to the children. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated about the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility has been provided by DHHS newsletters and emails I’ve sent to you. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. Michelle Ezzell, Childcare Licensing Consultant 919-819-9304 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 .2703 · Violation

Name of Operation: KIDS EDUCATIONAL CENTER IV Facility ID: 92001789 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/3/2025 Number Present: 70 Completed Date: 3/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 12:15 PM Time Out: 02:50 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 conduct a routine unannounced visit. My walk-through was conducted with Shannon Williams, Assistant Director and the remaining visit was conducted with Dare Woodruff, Director. The facility currently operates with a 4-star license. I conducted a partial assessment monitoring for safety issues, supervision, capacity, discipline, program records, posted documents, and permit restrictions. Five (5) new employees have been hired since my last visit; their files were monitored. The children were observed taking a nap, playing outside and preparing for a nap. The following violation was observed and corrected during the visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 815 Electrical cords were accessible to infants and toddlers. Two electrical cords were observed handing over two infant's cribs, making them accessible to the infants. One cord was to a sound machine and the other was to a light. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(f) *Electrical cords cannot be accessible to children. Today, two electrical cords were hanging over two cribs, one was for a light and the other was for a sound machine. Both cords hung higher on the wall by a hook, making them inaccessible to the children. *Linking Criminal Background Checks – Staff need to log into the Criminal Background Check Portal on the DCDEE website and link to the facility license number. It is important to do this so staff at DCDEE can contact the center if a random criminal history check uncovers a staff member with a criminal charge or conviction working in a childcare facility. It is also a way to for staff at the CBC Unit to keep you updated about the status of out-of-state checks if a new employee has a Provisional Qualification. Instructions on how to link to the facility has been provided by DHHS newsletters and emails I’ve sent to you. In the future, new staff need to link within five days of hire or transfer to your center. Review Criminal History Record Check Requirements for Child Care Centers in the NC Child Care Requirements 10A NCAC 09 .2703. Michelle Ezzell, Childcare Licensing Consultant 919-819-9304 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: KIDS EDUCATIONAL CENTER IV Facility ID: 92001789 Consultant: MICHELLE EZZELL Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/22/2024 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 7/22/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 190 Time In: 11:40 AM Time Out: 02:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with childcare requirements during your annual compliance visit. The center currently operates with a 4-star license, operating at 25 sq. ft. inside, 100 sq. ft. outside & ratios at .2818 (b) and is approved for 134 children ages 0-12. My visit was conducted with you, Dare, Director. The children were observed playing outside & preparing for naptime. A checklist was used to note the requirements monitored. VERIFICATION OF RECORDS: *Last fire inspection=7-31-23. Remember to send me your 2024 fire inspection on DCDEE’s form within 5 days of inspection. *The last fire drill was on 7-19-24 & The last SIP was on 7-2-24. *Last Monthly Playground Inspection=7-30-24 by S. Williams. Ms. Williams completed playground safety Training on 7-25-15. *Sanitation inspection=12-5-23. Remember to scan all inspections to me within 5 days of completion. The last water test for lead was on 2-7-24. *Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Training was completed by Dare on 10-27-15. The Centers EPR plan was updated on 7-8-24. *I reviewed the NC Secretary of State’s website and observed the owner of the facility (Kids Educational Center IV, Inc.) listed as current-active. *The center transports children using 3 vehicles: Chevrolet Express G3500, mini-bus, tag# KN5832, Chevrolet Express G3500-mini-bus, tag # DJB4187 and a 2019 Chevy Express van tag#JC2391. *The following violation was observed & corrected during the visit. No additional information is needed. Violation Number Comment Rule 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. Three (3) children did not have a photograph attached to their emergency information form. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) *****TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/REMINDERS: ******* *We discussed each child being transported must have a photo ID attached to their emergency information form. ****RATED LICENSE REMINDERS**** *The facilities rated license reassessment will be under COHORT 1, the preparation time is from 7-1-23 to 6-30-24 and your assessment will be due 7-1-24 to 6-30-25. *Remember to keep staff’s education information on file with DCDEE/Workforce and current in the WORKS database. ****Early Educator Certificate (EEC) **** The EEC certificate is optional for staff. Although, it may increase staff’s education points and may help keep or increase the number of STARS the facility has. I highly recommend you contact the NC Institute for Child Development Professionals website at http://ncicdp.org/certification-licensure/certification or by contacting the EEC office at 919-942-7442 or info@nceec.org Michelle Ezzell, DCDEE Licensing Consultant 919-819-9304 www.ncdhhs.gov/dcd 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