10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: LAGRANGE HEAD START Facility ID: 54000282 Consultant: TINA JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/12/2024 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 11/12/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 11:45 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable requirements during a Routine Unannounced visit. Today’s visit was completed with you, A. Shepherd, Administrator. You were not present upon arrival; however, you arrived shortly after the visit began and you were notified of the purpose of the visit, and you were available for consultation at the conclusion of the visit. Currently this center operates as a Head Start Program with a five-star license issued on March 12, 2019, earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for 75% of teachers having a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. The last Annual Compliance visit was completed on April 16, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed on January 5, 2024, with a superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed on September 25, 2023. The new inspection was completed on October 7, 2024. As a reminder, fire inspections must be completed annually and prior to the expiration of the previous inspection and a copy of the inspection must be sent to the consultant within 7 days of the inspection. Prior to today’s visit, the facility has earned a Compliance History score of 92% over an 18 - month time- period. A copy of the compliance history was provided to you. Two (2) new staff members have been hired since your last Annual Compliance visit completed on April 16, 2024. Although a staff/training worksheet was not provided for the new staff, the staff files were monitored and were found to be in compliance with all requirements. Children were observed participating in group activities, free play in centers, eating lunch, completing transitions, and completing routines such as handwashing and toileting. There were adequate staff supervising the enrolled children. The teachers supervised and interacted with the children in a positive manner. Lunch consisted of ravioli, carrots, pineapple, bread, and milk. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCD 0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements. A computer-generated visit summary was reviewed with you and a copy was provided to you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of a child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The previous fire inspection was completed on September 25, 2023. The new inspection was completed on October 7, 2024. The new inspection was not provided to the Division. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. There was no documentation to verify a fire drill was completed for the month of September. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. The required shelter-in-place or lockdown drill was not completed every three months as required. The last drill was completed in March of 2024. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) CONSULTATION/RESOURCES: Violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be mailed to me by November 26, 2024, describing and when the violations were corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. 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. NEW ADMINISTRATOR'S TRAINING: We discussed me completing a new administrator's training for you and for the staff at the center. In this training I would review paperwork requirements for the program, requirements for staff and for children. We would also review classroom requirements. Please contact with a date and we will schedule the training. RESOURCES: 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LAGRANGE HEAD START Facility ID: 54000282 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2024 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 4/16/2024 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:30 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 this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an unannounced annual compliance visit. You, M. Price, Teacher Assistant, were present and available to assist with today’s visit. You called to notify Ms. Vickie Kornegay, Education Specialist/Coach Mentor of my visit. I spoke to Ms. Kornegay on the phone, and she informed me that Alexandria Smith, Education Specialist, who is the offsite administrator for this program was not available to assist with today’s visit. Your program operates as a Head Start Program with a five-star license issued on March 12, 2019, earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for 75% of teachers having a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 7, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on January 5, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “0” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on September 25, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Eleven (11) children ages three (3) to four (4) years of age were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in the following activities: group time, which consisted of music and movement, and reading stories, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children were observed eating the following for lunch, spaghetti with meat sauce, corn, strawberries, and milk. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. Ms. Monica Price had a negative TB test on file; however the test was dated July 15, 2022, and Ms. Prices’ first day of employment was September 25, 2023. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Alexandria Smith, Education Specialist, is the off-site administrator for this program and did not have a file on-site. G.S. 110-91( 9) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 30, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 91%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNER/FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: Greene Lamp is listed as the current owner of this facility. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on April 16, 2024, Greene Lamp is listed as current an active. You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. The children’s records reviewed were in compliance. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored. Alexandria Smith, Education Specialist, is the off-site administrator for this program and did not have a file on-site. I discussed with Ms. Kornegay that Ms. Smith needed to keep a copy of her file on-site. I reviewed Ms. Smith most recent DCDEE WORKS letter dated January 25, 2024, the letter states that Ms. Smith is lead teacher qualified as of January 25, 2024, with a BA/BS of higher in EC/ED. If you are going to have Ms. Smith as the off-site administrator, she needs to apply for the qualifications for an administrator on DCDEE WORKS. According to your DCDEE WORKS letter dated August 31, 2022, you need to complete the following: To qualify as an Administrator, you need the following: • Complete (EDU 261 OR 262) at a NC Community College OR • Complete 3 sch in Child Care Administration OR • Complete 6 sch in Business Administration OR • Combination of the above coursework (Child Care Administration {NC community college or University} and Business Administration) equaling 9sch One (1) new staff record was reviewed today. Ms. Monica Price had a negative TB test on file; however the test was dated July 15, 2022, and Ms. Prices’ first day of employment was September 25, 2023. The TB test had to have been given within twelve (12) months of the first day of employment. RMINDERS/RESOURCES: OUTDOOR ENVIROMENT: As we are entering the warmer months, please continue to check on the outdoor environment, ensuring there are no active ant hills on the playground, the grass remains cut and check under climbing equipment and any awnings to make sure there are not insect hives in these places. ANNUAL COMPLIANCE VISIT MONTH: The annual compliance month has changed to April due to me conducting today’s visit in the month of April. I will update this in our system and document on a facility input form. COHORT ONE (1): You had questions about what cohort you were in for the Star Rated License Renewal. We discussed the following items since your child care center is in cohort two (2). Your preparation year will be July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Updating DCDEE WORKS with any additional education you may have completed. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). 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 making sure new employees you hire and any current staff working on education submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. 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 print each staff member’s DCDEE WORKS letter and file. 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. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids, you program has not started the enrollment process for lead water, lead paint, and asbestos testing. Please remember you have until May 1, 2024 to enroll in each program. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. 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. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. 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. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LAGRANGE HEAD START Facility ID: 54000282 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2024 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 4/16/2024 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:25 AM Time Out: 12:30 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 this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an unannounced annual compliance visit. You, M. Price, Teacher Assistant, were present and available to assist with today’s visit. You called to notify Ms. Vickie Kornegay, Education Specialist/Coach Mentor of my visit. I spoke to Ms. Kornegay on the phone, and she informed me that Alexandria Smith, Education Specialist, who is the offsite administrator for this program was not available to assist with today’s visit. Your program operates as a Head Start Program with a five-star license issued on March 12, 2019, earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for 75% of teachers having a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 7, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on January 5, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “0” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on September 25, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Eleven (11) children ages three (3) to four (4) years of age were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in the following activities: group time, which consisted of music and movement, and reading stories, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children were observed eating the following for lunch, spaghetti with meat sauce, corn, strawberries, and milk. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. Ms. Monica Price had a negative TB test on file; however the test was dated July 15, 2022, and Ms. Prices’ first day of employment was September 25, 2023. .0701(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Alexandria Smith, Education Specialist, is the off-site administrator for this program and did not have a file on-site. G.S. 110-91( 9) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 30, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 91%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNER/FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: Greene Lamp is listed as the current owner of this facility. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on April 16, 2024, Greene Lamp is listed as current an active. You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. The children’s records reviewed were in compliance. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored. Alexandria Smith, Education Specialist, is the off-site administrator for this program and did not have a file on-site. I discussed with Ms. Kornegay that Ms. Smith needed to keep a copy of her file on-site. I reviewed Ms. Smith most recent DCDEE WORKS letter dated January 25, 2024, the letter states that Ms. Smith is lead teacher qualified as of January 25, 2024, with a BA/BS of higher in EC/ED. If you are going to have Ms. Smith as the off-site administrator, she needs to apply for the qualifications for an administrator on DCDEE WORKS. According to your DCDEE WORKS letter dated August 31, 2022, you need to complete the following: To qualify as an Administrator, you need the following: • Complete (EDU 261 OR 262) at a NC Community College OR • Complete 3 sch in Child Care Administration OR • Complete 6 sch in Business Administration OR • Combination of the above coursework (Child Care Administration {NC community college or University} and Business Administration) equaling 9sch One (1) new staff record was reviewed today. Ms. Monica Price had a negative TB test on file; however the test was dated July 15, 2022, and Ms. Prices’ first day of employment was September 25, 2023. The TB test had to have been given within twelve (12) months of the first day of employment. RMINDERS/RESOURCES: OUTDOOR ENVIROMENT: As we are entering the warmer months, please continue to check on the outdoor environment, ensuring there are no active ant hills on the playground, the grass remains cut and check under climbing equipment and any awnings to make sure there are not insect hives in these places. ANNUAL COMPLIANCE VISIT MONTH: The annual compliance month has changed to April due to me conducting today’s visit in the month of April. I will update this in our system and document on a facility input form. COHORT ONE (1): You had questions about what cohort you were in for the Star Rated License Renewal. We discussed the following items since your child care center is in cohort two (2). Your preparation year will be July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Updating DCDEE WORKS with any additional education you may have completed. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). 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 making sure new employees you hire and any current staff working on education submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. 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 print each staff member’s DCDEE WORKS letter and file. 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. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids, you program has not started the enrollment process for lead water, lead paint, and asbestos testing. Please remember you have until May 1, 2024 to enroll in each program. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. 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. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. 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. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.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: LAGRANGE HEAD START Facility ID: 54000282 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/7/2023 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 9/7/2023 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 09:20 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 unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an unannounced annual compliance visit. A. Smith, Education Specialist, was present and available to assist with today’s visit. Your program operates as a Head Start Program with a five-star license issued on March 12, 2019, earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for 75% of teachers having a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 15, 2022. The sanitation inspection was completed on October 17, 2022, with a “Superior” classification “7” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on September 22, 2022, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Twelve (12) children ages three (3) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in the following activities: group time, which consisted of music and movement, and reading stories, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children were observed eating the following for lunch, waffle, baked apples, sweet potato fries, bacon, and milk. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The employee responsible for completing the playground safety checks did not have documentation on file of completing the playground safety training. .0605(q) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One staff member with the hire date of March 30, 2022, did not have an application for employment on file. The employee filled out an application and placed it in the file during the visit. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member with the first day of employment date of August 21, 2017 did not have current documentation of First Aid training on file. The documentation on file expired on August 19, 2023. .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. One staff member with the first day of employment date of August 21, 2017 did not have current documentation of CPR training on file. The documentation on file expired on August 19, 2023. .1102(d) 1061 One staff member had not completed training in playground safety. There were was not at least one staff member that had completed playground safety training. .1102(e) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before September 21, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 96%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNER/FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: Green Lamp is listed as the current owner of this facility. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 7, 2023, Green Lamp is listed as current an active. You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. The children’s records reviewed were in compliance. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored. One staff member with the hire date of August 21, 2023, did not have current documentation of CPR and First Aid available for review. The documentation on file for the CPR and First Aid expired on August 19, 2023. When asked, the teacher responded, she missed the last CPR and First Aid class that was offered. As discussed, all CPR and First aid documentation must be on file and current. Please refer to the approved list for CPR and First Aid training organizations so you can register for a class to complete the CPR and First Aid training. One (1) new staff record was reviewed today. The file reviewed was missing an employment application. The employment application must be kept on file for each employee. The employee filled out an employment application, the application is now on file. This item was corrected during the visit. Please use the staff file checklist to meet the requirements of information due. SPECIAL TRAINING (PLAYGROUND SAFETY): The lead teacher responsible for completing the playground safety checks did not have documentation of completion of the Playground Safety training available for review. The teacher stated she completed the training via the local partnership for children in 2019 but did not know where her certificate was. The teacher also stated she would call the local partnership and see if they could reissue her a certificate. Ms. Smith, Education Specialist, did not have playground safety training either. She stated she was registered to complete the playground safety training on October 17, 2023, and if the partnership could not reissue the playground safety certificate, she would enroll the teacher to complete the training. ADMINISTRATOR PRESERVICE REQUIREMENTS: The hold harmless for the star rating for education will continue through 6/30/2024. Please remember once the hold harmless state expires, all education will be evaluated. According to your most current DCDEE WORKS letter you need to complete the following: To qualify as an Administrator, you need the following: • Complete (EDU 261 OR 262) at a NC Community College OR • Complete 3 sch in Child Care Administration OR • Complete 6 sch in Business Administration OR • Combination of the above coursework (Child Care Administration {NC community college or University} and Business Administration) equaling 9sch You stated you are currently enrolled in classes and once you have completed the classes, you will submit your information to DCDEE WORKS. Once you have received your approved by DCDEE WORKS letter for an administrator, I will send you the preservice requirements for administrator of a child care center form. You will complete this form and submit to me and I will make the necessary changes to list you as the administrator in our system. COHORT ONE (1): You had questions about what cohort you were in for the Star Rated License Renewal. We discussed the following items since your child care center is in cohort two (2). Your preparation year will be July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Updating DCDEE WORKS with any additional education you may have completed. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). 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, or training. We discussed making sure you submit your education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so your education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in the education standards component. 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. WORKFORCE-REVISED ‘IN THE FIELD” DEGREES The NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is updating the list of degrees counted as degree in the field for both early childhood/child development and school age. Effective Monday, May 8, 2023, the DCDEE Workforce Education Unit’s determination of degree in the field will now include: For Early Childhood/Child Development • Elementary Education • Psychology • Sociology For School Age • Children and Nature • Outdoor Leadership • Trauma Informed Social Work in Children For NC Pre-K • These changes do not affect any lead NC Pre-K teacher. DCDEE must continue to follow DPI licensure requirements for lead teachers seeking licensure. • These changes do impact NC Pre-K teacher assistants in the NC Pre-K program. More detailed information will be shared as NC Pre-K updates program-related information to reflect this change. Evaluation of degrees will continue to be based on the position(s) requested, coursework completed, and the documented degree(s) awarded on official transcripts. More information will be distributed as the Workforce Education Unit moves towards implementation. Once fully implemented, documentation of the degree type and course of study will display in the individual’s DCDEE WORKS account and on their status letter. For general questions related to this change, please contact the Workforce Education Unit at 919-814-6350. EARLY CHILDHOOD EQUIVALENCY EXAM NOW ON DCDEE MOODLE: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. To take the exam, go to DCDEE Moodle and select Early Childhood Professional Development/Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)/North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam: https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/login/index.php NEW SANITATION RULES: DCDEE and the Department of Public Health have received feedback from child care programs that additional guidance would be helpful in implementing the child care sanitation rules that the Public Health Commission readopted effective July 1, 2023. Please know that no demerits will be taken for new requirements of these rules until January 2024. Until then, DPH and DCDEE will work together to make sure NC child care centers have the necessary training, technical assistance, and operational support needed to meet the new requirements. Trainings specifically for child care center operators will be hosted in the coming months. Stay tuned! TRAINING MODULES AVAIALABLE IN DCDEE MOODLE: The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2023 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission revised rules related to staff/child ratios for multi-age groups; cooperative arrangements; and enhanced space requirements. These rule changes may or may not impact your facility. The multi-age group staff/child ratio changes support a previous rule change submitted by Early Head Start and the new rule for defining cooperative arrangements provides clarification to a previous change in statute. Consultants will assist facilities impacted by the changes to the enhanced space requirements. A summary of the changes can be accessed here, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2023, rules, and enroll, if necessary, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle, learn how to navigate Moodle. To access Moodle, you will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, register for an individual NCID at https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. RESOURCES: DIVISION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND EARLY EDUCATION: • The most current provider documents, forms, checklist, and the new child care rules effective July 1, 2023, can be found on the Division of Child Development and Early’s website at https://ncchildcarencdhhs.gov . RMINDERS: FIRE INSPECTIONS: Your fire inspection is due prior to September 22, 2023. As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. WRITTEN ITEMS PROVIDED DURING VISIT: • HSB FLYER • APPROVED ORGANZATIONS FOR CPR AND FIRST AID • EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FLYER CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LAGRANGE HEAD START Facility ID: 54000282 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/7/2023 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 9/7/2023 Age: From 3 To 4 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 09:20 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 unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an unannounced annual compliance visit. A. Smith, Education Specialist, was present and available to assist with today’s visit. Your program operates as a Head Start Program with a five-star license issued on March 12, 2019, earning 7 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for 75% of teachers having a BA/BS or higher in ECE/CD. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 15, 2022. The sanitation inspection was completed on October 17, 2022, with a “Superior” classification “7” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on September 22, 2022, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Twelve (12) children ages three (3) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in the following activities: group time, which consisted of music and movement, and reading stories, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. Children were observed eating the following for lunch, waffle, baked apples, sweet potato fries, bacon, and milk. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. The employee responsible for completing the playground safety checks did not have documentation on file of completing the playground safety training. .0605(q) 1030 Application for employment and date of birth was not on file for all staff. One staff member with the hire date of March 30, 2022, did not have an application for employment on file. The employee filled out an application and placed it in the file during the visit. .0302(d)(1)(A) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. One staff member with the first day of employment date of August 21, 2017 did not have current documentation of First Aid training on file. The documentation on file expired on August 19, 2023. .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. One staff member with the first day of employment date of August 21, 2017 did not have current documentation of CPR training on file. The documentation on file expired on August 19, 2023. .1102(d) 1061 One staff member had not completed training in playground safety. There were was not at least one staff member that had completed playground safety training. .1102(e) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before September 21, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit 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. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 96%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNER/FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: Green Lamp is listed as the current owner of this facility. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on September 7, 2023, Green Lamp is listed as current an active. You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. The children’s records reviewed were in compliance. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored. One staff member with the hire date of August 21, 2023, did not have current documentation of CPR and First Aid available for review. The documentation on file for the CPR and First Aid expired on August 19, 2023. When asked, the teacher responded, she missed the last CPR and First Aid class that was offered. As discussed, all CPR and First aid documentation must be on file and current. Please refer to the approved list for CPR and First Aid training organizations so you can register for a class to complete the CPR and First Aid training. One (1) new staff record was reviewed today. The file reviewed was missing an employment application. The employment application must be kept on file for each employee. The employee filled out an employment application, the application is now on file. This item was corrected during the visit. Please use the staff file checklist to meet the requirements of information due. SPECIAL TRAINING (PLAYGROUND SAFETY): The lead teacher responsible for completing the playground safety checks did not have documentation of completion of the Playground Safety training available for review. The teacher stated she completed the training via the local partnership for children in 2019 but did not know where her certificate was. The teacher also stated she would call the local partnership and see if they could reissue her a certificate. Ms. Smith, Education Specialist, did not have playground safety training either. She stated she was registered to complete the playground safety training on October 17, 2023, and if the partnership could not reissue the playground safety certificate, she would enroll the teacher to complete the training. ADMINISTRATOR PRESERVICE REQUIREMENTS: The hold harmless for the star rating for education will continue through 6/30/2024. Please remember once the hold harmless state expires, all education will be evaluated. According to your most current DCDEE WORKS letter you need to complete the following: To qualify as an Administrator, you need the following: • Complete (EDU 261 OR 262) at a NC Community College OR • Complete 3 sch in Child Care Administration OR • Complete 6 sch in Business Administration OR • Combination of the above coursework (Child Care Administration {NC community college or University} and Business Administration) equaling 9sch You stated you are currently enrolled in classes and once you have completed the classes, you will submit your information to DCDEE WORKS. Once you have received your approved by DCDEE WORKS letter for an administrator, I will send you the preservice requirements for administrator of a child care center form. You will complete this form and submit to me and I will make the necessary changes to list you as the administrator in our system. COHORT ONE (1): You had questions about what cohort you were in for the Star Rated License Renewal. We discussed the following items since your child care center is in cohort two (2). Your preparation year will be July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Updating DCDEE WORKS with any additional education you may have completed. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). 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, or training. We discussed making sure you submit your education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so your education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in the education standards component. 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. WORKFORCE-REVISED ‘IN THE FIELD” DEGREES The NCDHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is updating the list of degrees counted as degree in the field for both early childhood/child development and school age. Effective Monday, May 8, 2023, the DCDEE Workforce Education Unit’s determination of degree in the field will now include: For Early Childhood/Child Development • Elementary Education • Psychology • Sociology For School Age • Children and Nature • Outdoor Leadership • Trauma Informed Social Work in Children For NC Pre-K • These changes do not affect any lead NC Pre-K teacher. DCDEE must continue to follow DPI licensure requirements for lead teachers seeking licensure. • These changes do impact NC Pre-K teacher assistants in the NC Pre-K program. More detailed information will be shared as NC Pre-K updates program-related information to reflect this change. Evaluation of degrees will continue to be based on the position(s) requested, coursework completed, and the documented degree(s) awarded on official transcripts. More information will be distributed as the Workforce Education Unit moves towards implementation. Once fully implemented, documentation of the degree type and course of study will display in the individual’s DCDEE WORKS account and on their status letter. For general questions related to this change, please contact the Workforce Education Unit at 919-814-6350. EARLY CHILDHOOD EQUIVALENCY EXAM NOW ON DCDEE MOODLE: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. To take the exam, go to DCDEE Moodle and select Early Childhood Professional Development/Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)/North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam: https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/login/index.php NEW SANITATION RULES: DCDEE and the Department of Public Health have received feedback from child care programs that additional guidance would be helpful in implementing the child care sanitation rules that the Public Health Commission readopted effective July 1, 2023. Please know that no demerits will be taken for new requirements of these rules until January 2024. Until then, DPH and DCDEE will work together to make sure NC child care centers have the necessary training, technical assistance, and operational support needed to meet the new requirements. Trainings specifically for child care center operators will be hosted in the coming months. Stay tuned! TRAINING MODULES AVAIALABLE IN DCDEE MOODLE: The Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) is excited to share information about the July 2023 child care rule changes. The Child Care Commission revised rules related to staff/child ratios for multi-age groups; cooperative arrangements; and enhanced space requirements. These rule changes may or may not impact your facility. The multi-age group staff/child ratio changes support a previous rule change submitted by Early Head Start and the new rule for defining cooperative arrangements provides clarification to a previous change in statute. Consultants will assist facilities impacted by the changes to the enhanced space requirements. A summary of the changes can be accessed here, but for specific details regarding these changes, please ensure you are using the updated July 1, 2023, rules, and enroll, if necessary, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle, learn how to navigate Moodle. To access Moodle, you will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, register for an individual NCID at https://ncid.nc.gov/ncidsspr/. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. RESOURCES: DIVISION OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND EARLY EDUCATION: • The most current provider documents, forms, checklist, and the new child care rules effective July 1, 2023, can be found on the Division of Child Development and Early’s website at https://ncchildcarencdhhs.gov . RMINDERS: FIRE INSPECTIONS: Your fire inspection is due prior to September 22, 2023. As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. WRITTEN ITEMS PROVIDED DURING VISIT: • HSB FLYER • APPROVED ORGANZATIONS FOR CPR AND FIRST AID • EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FLYER CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.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