10A NCAC 09 .1002 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAPPY DAY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 80000086 Consultant: ASHLYNN VAUGHAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-344L Visit Date: 10/28/2025 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 10/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 06:55 AM Time Out: 11:00 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 received in the Raleigh office. There are concerns regarding safe transportation procedures. You, Dawn Waldroup, Director and Owner, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility operates with a five-star license and is licensed for 79 children on first shift, ages 0-12 with an effective date of March 30, 2023. The following restrictions are listed: first shift, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, children under two and half years old in rooms with direct exits only, enhanced ratios reduced by 1, and age range extended to age 14. Permit restrictions, staff/child ratio, supervision, capacity, group size and space were monitored. This facility meets reduced enhanced ratios. When I arrived at the facility, I observed one staff member with eight children zero to seven years of age in Space 3. A second staff member arrived at the same time and dropped off their child in Space 3 and took two infant children to Space 1. I conducted a walkthrough of each classroom. The children were observed engaged in free choice activities indoors and eating breakfast. I interviewed two staff members. Allegation – Safe Transportation Procedures: During the transportation procedure, I observed you install two booster seats into the Tahoe for children six and seven years of age. I observed all four children in the back two rows of the vehicle. I monitored emergency and identifying information, written permission for transportation from a parent, documentation of attendance as children boarded and departed the vehicle, and the off-premises attendance roster. You stated that transportation is provided every morning and afternoon for school-aged children. The Tahoe is used to drop off four children in the mornings at one elementary school. The bus is used to pick up a total of nineteen children from two elementary schools in the afternoons. You stated that you are the driver in the mornings and afternoons. When you are absent another staff member, who is under 21 years of age, drives four school-aged children to school in the Kia. The children being transported in the morning are six to nine years of age. You stated that a staff member under 21 years of age drove the children to school October 20, 2025 through October 24, 2025. Information gathered during interviews indicated that the oldest child, who is nine years of age, sits in the front passenger seat of the Kia. The three younger children sit in the back seat. Two children, six and seven years of age, require a booster seat. It is reported that the driver will assist children with buckling if needed and ensure all children are properly secured in their seatbelts prior to getting in the driver’s seat. Children are required to keep their seatbelts on until they stop in the school car rider line to exit the vehicle. It was stated that under no circumstance would a child under the age of nine ride in the passenger seat of a vehicle. I monitored the Kia today for transportation requirements. I observed the vehicle to have valid liability insurance, inspection, and registration. The vehicle did not have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, or no smoking sign posted in the vehicle. These items were added to the vehicle during today's visit. Based on observations, review of documentation, and information gathered during staff interviews, the allegation regarding the concern could not be confirmed and is unsubstantiated. Today I approved the 2023 Kia Forte to use for transportation. Below is SECTION .1000 TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS: Please always review and adhered to these at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .1001 SEAT AND CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) When children enrolled in a child care center are being transported, each adult and child shall be restrained with an individual seat belt or child safety seat appropriate to the child’s age or weight in accordance with G.S. 20-135.2A located at http://www.buckleupnc.org/occupant-restraint-laws/seat-belt-law-summary/. (b) Only one person shall occupy each seat belt or child safety seat. 10A NCAC 09 .1002 SAFE VEHICLES (a) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall be free of hazards such as, but not limited to, torn upholstery that allows children to remove the interior padding, broken windows, holes in the floor or roof, or tire treads of less than 2/32 of an inch. (b) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations. (c) Vehicles shall be insured for liability as required by State laws governing transportation of passengers pursuant to G.S. 20-279.21. (d) Vehicles used to transport children in snowy, icy, and other hazardous weather conditions must be equipped with snow tires or chains as appropriate. 10A NCAC 09 .1003 SAFE PROCEDURES (a) The driver or other staff member in the vehicle shall ensure that all children are transferred to an individual who is indicated on the child's application as specified in Rule .0801(a)(7) of this Chapter or as authorized by the parent. (b) Each center shall establish procedures for pickup and delivery of children to ensure children are protected from danger and not exposed to risk of harm. These procedures shall be communicated to parents, and a copy shall be posted in the center where they can be seen by the parents. (c) A First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be located in each vehicle used to transport children. The First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be mounted or secured if kept in the passenger compartment. (d) For each child being transported, identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form required by Rule .0802(c) of this Chapter, shall be in the vehicle. (e) The driver shall: (1) be 21 years old or a licensed bus driver; (2) have a valid driver's license of the type required under North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law for the vehicle being driven or comparable license from the state in which the driver resides; and (3) have no convictions of Driving While Impaired (DWI) or any other impaired driving offense within the previous three years. (f) Each person in the vehicle shall be seated in the manufacturer's designated areas. No child shall ride in the load carrying area or floor of a vehicle. (g) Children shall not be left in a vehicle unattended by an adult. (h) Children shall be loaded and unloaded from curbside or in a safe, off street area, out of the flow of traffic, so that they are protected from all traffic hazards. (i) Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. (j) Parents may give standing permission, valid for up to 12 months, for transport of children to and from the center not including off premise activities as described in Rule .1005 of this Section. (k) When children are transported, staff in each vehicle shall have a functioning cellular telephone or other functioning two-way voice communication device. Staff shall not use cellular telephones or other functioning two-way voice communication devices except in the case of an emergency and only when the vehicle is parked in a safe location. (l) For routine transport of children to and from the center, staff shall have a list of the children being transported. Staff members shall use this list to document attendance as children board the vehicle and as they depart the vehicle. A list of all children being transported shall also be available at the center. 10A NCAC 09 .1004 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS (a) When children aged two years and older are being transported, the staff/child ratios required for compliance with child care center rules as set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter shall apply. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. (b) When three or more children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver shall not be counted in the staff/child ratio. (c) When less than three children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center’s licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity; (B) purpose of the activity; (C) time the activity will take place; (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premise activity shall also be available at the center. Though the allegation was unsubstantiated, the following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1101 The driver was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. The driver that transported children 10/20/2025-10/24/2025 was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(e)(1) 1115 First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area. The Kia used to transport children did not have a first aid kit or fire extinguished located in the vehicle. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(c) 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. There was no emergency and identifying information in the vehicle for one child being transported today. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. Two children did not have written permission from a parent prior to being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1844 The staff/child ratio for the youngest child was not maintained when children of all ages were cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day. In Space 3, there were eight children ages zero to seven years of age with one adult. .0713(a)(2) 1850 Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children. The Kia used to transport children did not have signage posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction. .0604(i) Technical Assistance: • To ensure safety when transporting children, the driver of the vehicle must be 21 years of age or a licensed bus driver. Today we discussed that you would need to assign a driver that is at least 21 years of age to provide transportation when you are unable to transport children. • Before children are transported, written permission from a parent must be obtained and include when and where the child will be transported, the expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. To ensure these forms are completed prior to transportation being provided, have parents provide the written permission for transportation at the time of enrollment. • Identifying information, including the child’s name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information must be in the vehicle. I suggest that you complete a monthly check to ensure all documents are still present in the transportation folder. You corrected the violation today by including the identifying information in the transportation folder. • When transporting children, the vehicle must have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. If kept in the passenger compartment, the first aid kit and fire extinguisher must be mounted or secured. Today you purchased a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and placed it in the vehicle. • Signage regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction must be posted in vehicles used to transport children. I suggest that the driver do a daily check of the vehicle being used to transport children to ensure this signage is posted. Today you corrected the violation by posting the signage in the Kia. • During the first operating hour of the day, children of all ages may be cared for together, provided that the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. You stated that you had children arrive earlier today than normal. To ensure the safety of children, I suggested that you have another staff member open the facility with you in case families bring their child early, or that you stop allowing children to be dropped off once you have met ratio until another staff member comes in. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. COMPLIANCE PLAN: Violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received by me no later than 11/11/2025. Your compliance documentation must include the following: • The name of your facility • The ID number of your facility • The date you write the letter • A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. • Your signature Please mail or email a signed copy of the letter to: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1078 Faith, NC 28041 Email: ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. If a letter is not received by the required date an unannounced follow-up visit may be conducted to confirm the violations were corrected or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Please Note: Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 330-3722 or by email at ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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.

10A NCAC 09 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAPPY DAY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 80000086 Consultant: ASHLYNN VAUGHAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-344L Visit Date: 10/28/2025 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 10/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 06:55 AM Time Out: 11:00 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 received in the Raleigh office. There are concerns regarding safe transportation procedures. You, Dawn Waldroup, Director and Owner, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility operates with a five-star license and is licensed for 79 children on first shift, ages 0-12 with an effective date of March 30, 2023. The following restrictions are listed: first shift, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, children under two and half years old in rooms with direct exits only, enhanced ratios reduced by 1, and age range extended to age 14. Permit restrictions, staff/child ratio, supervision, capacity, group size and space were monitored. This facility meets reduced enhanced ratios. When I arrived at the facility, I observed one staff member with eight children zero to seven years of age in Space 3. A second staff member arrived at the same time and dropped off their child in Space 3 and took two infant children to Space 1. I conducted a walkthrough of each classroom. The children were observed engaged in free choice activities indoors and eating breakfast. I interviewed two staff members. Allegation – Safe Transportation Procedures: During the transportation procedure, I observed you install two booster seats into the Tahoe for children six and seven years of age. I observed all four children in the back two rows of the vehicle. I monitored emergency and identifying information, written permission for transportation from a parent, documentation of attendance as children boarded and departed the vehicle, and the off-premises attendance roster. You stated that transportation is provided every morning and afternoon for school-aged children. The Tahoe is used to drop off four children in the mornings at one elementary school. The bus is used to pick up a total of nineteen children from two elementary schools in the afternoons. You stated that you are the driver in the mornings and afternoons. When you are absent another staff member, who is under 21 years of age, drives four school-aged children to school in the Kia. The children being transported in the morning are six to nine years of age. You stated that a staff member under 21 years of age drove the children to school October 20, 2025 through October 24, 2025. Information gathered during interviews indicated that the oldest child, who is nine years of age, sits in the front passenger seat of the Kia. The three younger children sit in the back seat. Two children, six and seven years of age, require a booster seat. It is reported that the driver will assist children with buckling if needed and ensure all children are properly secured in their seatbelts prior to getting in the driver’s seat. Children are required to keep their seatbelts on until they stop in the school car rider line to exit the vehicle. It was stated that under no circumstance would a child under the age of nine ride in the passenger seat of a vehicle. I monitored the Kia today for transportation requirements. I observed the vehicle to have valid liability insurance, inspection, and registration. The vehicle did not have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, or no smoking sign posted in the vehicle. These items were added to the vehicle during today's visit. Based on observations, review of documentation, and information gathered during staff interviews, the allegation regarding the concern could not be confirmed and is unsubstantiated. Today I approved the 2023 Kia Forte to use for transportation. Below is SECTION .1000 TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS: Please always review and adhered to these at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .1001 SEAT AND CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) When children enrolled in a child care center are being transported, each adult and child shall be restrained with an individual seat belt or child safety seat appropriate to the child’s age or weight in accordance with G.S. 20-135.2A located at http://www.buckleupnc.org/occupant-restraint-laws/seat-belt-law-summary/. (b) Only one person shall occupy each seat belt or child safety seat. 10A NCAC 09 .1002 SAFE VEHICLES (a) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall be free of hazards such as, but not limited to, torn upholstery that allows children to remove the interior padding, broken windows, holes in the floor or roof, or tire treads of less than 2/32 of an inch. (b) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations. (c) Vehicles shall be insured for liability as required by State laws governing transportation of passengers pursuant to G.S. 20-279.21. (d) Vehicles used to transport children in snowy, icy, and other hazardous weather conditions must be equipped with snow tires or chains as appropriate. 10A NCAC 09 .1003 SAFE PROCEDURES (a) The driver or other staff member in the vehicle shall ensure that all children are transferred to an individual who is indicated on the child's application as specified in Rule .0801(a)(7) of this Chapter or as authorized by the parent. (b) Each center shall establish procedures for pickup and delivery of children to ensure children are protected from danger and not exposed to risk of harm. These procedures shall be communicated to parents, and a copy shall be posted in the center where they can be seen by the parents. (c) A First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be located in each vehicle used to transport children. The First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be mounted or secured if kept in the passenger compartment. (d) For each child being transported, identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form required by Rule .0802(c) of this Chapter, shall be in the vehicle. (e) The driver shall: (1) be 21 years old or a licensed bus driver; (2) have a valid driver's license of the type required under North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law for the vehicle being driven or comparable license from the state in which the driver resides; and (3) have no convictions of Driving While Impaired (DWI) or any other impaired driving offense within the previous three years. (f) Each person in the vehicle shall be seated in the manufacturer's designated areas. No child shall ride in the load carrying area or floor of a vehicle. (g) Children shall not be left in a vehicle unattended by an adult. (h) Children shall be loaded and unloaded from curbside or in a safe, off street area, out of the flow of traffic, so that they are protected from all traffic hazards. (i) Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. (j) Parents may give standing permission, valid for up to 12 months, for transport of children to and from the center not including off premise activities as described in Rule .1005 of this Section. (k) When children are transported, staff in each vehicle shall have a functioning cellular telephone or other functioning two-way voice communication device. Staff shall not use cellular telephones or other functioning two-way voice communication devices except in the case of an emergency and only when the vehicle is parked in a safe location. (l) For routine transport of children to and from the center, staff shall have a list of the children being transported. Staff members shall use this list to document attendance as children board the vehicle and as they depart the vehicle. A list of all children being transported shall also be available at the center. 10A NCAC 09 .1004 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS (a) When children aged two years and older are being transported, the staff/child ratios required for compliance with child care center rules as set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter shall apply. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. (b) When three or more children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver shall not be counted in the staff/child ratio. (c) When less than three children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center’s licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity; (B) purpose of the activity; (C) time the activity will take place; (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premise activity shall also be available at the center. Though the allegation was unsubstantiated, the following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1101 The driver was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. The driver that transported children 10/20/2025-10/24/2025 was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(e)(1) 1115 First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area. The Kia used to transport children did not have a first aid kit or fire extinguished located in the vehicle. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(c) 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. There was no emergency and identifying information in the vehicle for one child being transported today. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. Two children did not have written permission from a parent prior to being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1844 The staff/child ratio for the youngest child was not maintained when children of all ages were cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day. In Space 3, there were eight children ages zero to seven years of age with one adult. .0713(a)(2) 1850 Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children. The Kia used to transport children did not have signage posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction. .0604(i) Technical Assistance: • To ensure safety when transporting children, the driver of the vehicle must be 21 years of age or a licensed bus driver. Today we discussed that you would need to assign a driver that is at least 21 years of age to provide transportation when you are unable to transport children. • Before children are transported, written permission from a parent must be obtained and include when and where the child will be transported, the expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. To ensure these forms are completed prior to transportation being provided, have parents provide the written permission for transportation at the time of enrollment. • Identifying information, including the child’s name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information must be in the vehicle. I suggest that you complete a monthly check to ensure all documents are still present in the transportation folder. You corrected the violation today by including the identifying information in the transportation folder. • When transporting children, the vehicle must have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. If kept in the passenger compartment, the first aid kit and fire extinguisher must be mounted or secured. Today you purchased a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and placed it in the vehicle. • Signage regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction must be posted in vehicles used to transport children. I suggest that the driver do a daily check of the vehicle being used to transport children to ensure this signage is posted. Today you corrected the violation by posting the signage in the Kia. • During the first operating hour of the day, children of all ages may be cared for together, provided that the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. You stated that you had children arrive earlier today than normal. To ensure the safety of children, I suggested that you have another staff member open the facility with you in case families bring their child early, or that you stop allowing children to be dropped off once you have met ratio until another staff member comes in. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. COMPLIANCE PLAN: Violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received by me no later than 11/11/2025. Your compliance documentation must include the following: • The name of your facility • The ID number of your facility • The date you write the letter • A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. • Your signature Please mail or email a signed copy of the letter to: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1078 Faith, NC 28041 Email: ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. If a letter is not received by the required date an unannounced follow-up visit may be conducted to confirm the violations were corrected or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Please Note: Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 330-3722 or by email at ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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.

10A NCAC 09 .1004 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAPPY DAY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 80000086 Consultant: ASHLYNN VAUGHAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-344L Visit Date: 10/28/2025 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 10/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 06:55 AM Time Out: 11:00 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 received in the Raleigh office. There are concerns regarding safe transportation procedures. You, Dawn Waldroup, Director and Owner, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility operates with a five-star license and is licensed for 79 children on first shift, ages 0-12 with an effective date of March 30, 2023. The following restrictions are listed: first shift, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, children under two and half years old in rooms with direct exits only, enhanced ratios reduced by 1, and age range extended to age 14. Permit restrictions, staff/child ratio, supervision, capacity, group size and space were monitored. This facility meets reduced enhanced ratios. When I arrived at the facility, I observed one staff member with eight children zero to seven years of age in Space 3. A second staff member arrived at the same time and dropped off their child in Space 3 and took two infant children to Space 1. I conducted a walkthrough of each classroom. The children were observed engaged in free choice activities indoors and eating breakfast. I interviewed two staff members. Allegation – Safe Transportation Procedures: During the transportation procedure, I observed you install two booster seats into the Tahoe for children six and seven years of age. I observed all four children in the back two rows of the vehicle. I monitored emergency and identifying information, written permission for transportation from a parent, documentation of attendance as children boarded and departed the vehicle, and the off-premises attendance roster. You stated that transportation is provided every morning and afternoon for school-aged children. The Tahoe is used to drop off four children in the mornings at one elementary school. The bus is used to pick up a total of nineteen children from two elementary schools in the afternoons. You stated that you are the driver in the mornings and afternoons. When you are absent another staff member, who is under 21 years of age, drives four school-aged children to school in the Kia. The children being transported in the morning are six to nine years of age. You stated that a staff member under 21 years of age drove the children to school October 20, 2025 through October 24, 2025. Information gathered during interviews indicated that the oldest child, who is nine years of age, sits in the front passenger seat of the Kia. The three younger children sit in the back seat. Two children, six and seven years of age, require a booster seat. It is reported that the driver will assist children with buckling if needed and ensure all children are properly secured in their seatbelts prior to getting in the driver’s seat. Children are required to keep their seatbelts on until they stop in the school car rider line to exit the vehicle. It was stated that under no circumstance would a child under the age of nine ride in the passenger seat of a vehicle. I monitored the Kia today for transportation requirements. I observed the vehicle to have valid liability insurance, inspection, and registration. The vehicle did not have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, or no smoking sign posted in the vehicle. These items were added to the vehicle during today's visit. Based on observations, review of documentation, and information gathered during staff interviews, the allegation regarding the concern could not be confirmed and is unsubstantiated. Today I approved the 2023 Kia Forte to use for transportation. Below is SECTION .1000 TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS: Please always review and adhered to these at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .1001 SEAT AND CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) When children enrolled in a child care center are being transported, each adult and child shall be restrained with an individual seat belt or child safety seat appropriate to the child’s age or weight in accordance with G.S. 20-135.2A located at http://www.buckleupnc.org/occupant-restraint-laws/seat-belt-law-summary/. (b) Only one person shall occupy each seat belt or child safety seat. 10A NCAC 09 .1002 SAFE VEHICLES (a) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall be free of hazards such as, but not limited to, torn upholstery that allows children to remove the interior padding, broken windows, holes in the floor or roof, or tire treads of less than 2/32 of an inch. (b) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations. (c) Vehicles shall be insured for liability as required by State laws governing transportation of passengers pursuant to G.S. 20-279.21. (d) Vehicles used to transport children in snowy, icy, and other hazardous weather conditions must be equipped with snow tires or chains as appropriate. 10A NCAC 09 .1003 SAFE PROCEDURES (a) The driver or other staff member in the vehicle shall ensure that all children are transferred to an individual who is indicated on the child's application as specified in Rule .0801(a)(7) of this Chapter or as authorized by the parent. (b) Each center shall establish procedures for pickup and delivery of children to ensure children are protected from danger and not exposed to risk of harm. These procedures shall be communicated to parents, and a copy shall be posted in the center where they can be seen by the parents. (c) A First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be located in each vehicle used to transport children. The First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be mounted or secured if kept in the passenger compartment. (d) For each child being transported, identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form required by Rule .0802(c) of this Chapter, shall be in the vehicle. (e) The driver shall: (1) be 21 years old or a licensed bus driver; (2) have a valid driver's license of the type required under North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law for the vehicle being driven or comparable license from the state in which the driver resides; and (3) have no convictions of Driving While Impaired (DWI) or any other impaired driving offense within the previous three years. (f) Each person in the vehicle shall be seated in the manufacturer's designated areas. No child shall ride in the load carrying area or floor of a vehicle. (g) Children shall not be left in a vehicle unattended by an adult. (h) Children shall be loaded and unloaded from curbside or in a safe, off street area, out of the flow of traffic, so that they are protected from all traffic hazards. (i) Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. (j) Parents may give standing permission, valid for up to 12 months, for transport of children to and from the center not including off premise activities as described in Rule .1005 of this Section. (k) When children are transported, staff in each vehicle shall have a functioning cellular telephone or other functioning two-way voice communication device. Staff shall not use cellular telephones or other functioning two-way voice communication devices except in the case of an emergency and only when the vehicle is parked in a safe location. (l) For routine transport of children to and from the center, staff shall have a list of the children being transported. Staff members shall use this list to document attendance as children board the vehicle and as they depart the vehicle. A list of all children being transported shall also be available at the center. 10A NCAC 09 .1004 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS (a) When children aged two years and older are being transported, the staff/child ratios required for compliance with child care center rules as set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter shall apply. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. (b) When three or more children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver shall not be counted in the staff/child ratio. (c) When less than three children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center’s licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity; (B) purpose of the activity; (C) time the activity will take place; (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premise activity shall also be available at the center. Though the allegation was unsubstantiated, the following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1101 The driver was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. The driver that transported children 10/20/2025-10/24/2025 was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(e)(1) 1115 First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area. The Kia used to transport children did not have a first aid kit or fire extinguished located in the vehicle. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(c) 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. There was no emergency and identifying information in the vehicle for one child being transported today. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. Two children did not have written permission from a parent prior to being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1844 The staff/child ratio for the youngest child was not maintained when children of all ages were cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day. In Space 3, there were eight children ages zero to seven years of age with one adult. .0713(a)(2) 1850 Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children. The Kia used to transport children did not have signage posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction. .0604(i) Technical Assistance: • To ensure safety when transporting children, the driver of the vehicle must be 21 years of age or a licensed bus driver. Today we discussed that you would need to assign a driver that is at least 21 years of age to provide transportation when you are unable to transport children. • Before children are transported, written permission from a parent must be obtained and include when and where the child will be transported, the expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. To ensure these forms are completed prior to transportation being provided, have parents provide the written permission for transportation at the time of enrollment. • Identifying information, including the child’s name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information must be in the vehicle. I suggest that you complete a monthly check to ensure all documents are still present in the transportation folder. You corrected the violation today by including the identifying information in the transportation folder. • When transporting children, the vehicle must have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. If kept in the passenger compartment, the first aid kit and fire extinguisher must be mounted or secured. Today you purchased a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and placed it in the vehicle. • Signage regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction must be posted in vehicles used to transport children. I suggest that the driver do a daily check of the vehicle being used to transport children to ensure this signage is posted. Today you corrected the violation by posting the signage in the Kia. • During the first operating hour of the day, children of all ages may be cared for together, provided that the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. You stated that you had children arrive earlier today than normal. To ensure the safety of children, I suggested that you have another staff member open the facility with you in case families bring their child early, or that you stop allowing children to be dropped off once you have met ratio until another staff member comes in. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. COMPLIANCE PLAN: Violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received by me no later than 11/11/2025. Your compliance documentation must include the following: • The name of your facility • The ID number of your facility • The date you write the letter • A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. • Your signature Please mail or email a signed copy of the letter to: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1078 Faith, NC 28041 Email: ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. If a letter is not received by the required date an unannounced follow-up visit may be conducted to confirm the violations were corrected or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Please Note: Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 330-3722 or by email at ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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.

10A NCAC 09 .1005 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAPPY DAY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 80000086 Consultant: ASHLYNN VAUGHAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-344L Visit Date: 10/28/2025 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 10/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 06:55 AM Time Out: 11:00 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 received in the Raleigh office. There are concerns regarding safe transportation procedures. You, Dawn Waldroup, Director and Owner, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility operates with a five-star license and is licensed for 79 children on first shift, ages 0-12 with an effective date of March 30, 2023. The following restrictions are listed: first shift, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, children under two and half years old in rooms with direct exits only, enhanced ratios reduced by 1, and age range extended to age 14. Permit restrictions, staff/child ratio, supervision, capacity, group size and space were monitored. This facility meets reduced enhanced ratios. When I arrived at the facility, I observed one staff member with eight children zero to seven years of age in Space 3. A second staff member arrived at the same time and dropped off their child in Space 3 and took two infant children to Space 1. I conducted a walkthrough of each classroom. The children were observed engaged in free choice activities indoors and eating breakfast. I interviewed two staff members. Allegation – Safe Transportation Procedures: During the transportation procedure, I observed you install two booster seats into the Tahoe for children six and seven years of age. I observed all four children in the back two rows of the vehicle. I monitored emergency and identifying information, written permission for transportation from a parent, documentation of attendance as children boarded and departed the vehicle, and the off-premises attendance roster. You stated that transportation is provided every morning and afternoon for school-aged children. The Tahoe is used to drop off four children in the mornings at one elementary school. The bus is used to pick up a total of nineteen children from two elementary schools in the afternoons. You stated that you are the driver in the mornings and afternoons. When you are absent another staff member, who is under 21 years of age, drives four school-aged children to school in the Kia. The children being transported in the morning are six to nine years of age. You stated that a staff member under 21 years of age drove the children to school October 20, 2025 through October 24, 2025. Information gathered during interviews indicated that the oldest child, who is nine years of age, sits in the front passenger seat of the Kia. The three younger children sit in the back seat. Two children, six and seven years of age, require a booster seat. It is reported that the driver will assist children with buckling if needed and ensure all children are properly secured in their seatbelts prior to getting in the driver’s seat. Children are required to keep their seatbelts on until they stop in the school car rider line to exit the vehicle. It was stated that under no circumstance would a child under the age of nine ride in the passenger seat of a vehicle. I monitored the Kia today for transportation requirements. I observed the vehicle to have valid liability insurance, inspection, and registration. The vehicle did not have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, or no smoking sign posted in the vehicle. These items were added to the vehicle during today's visit. Based on observations, review of documentation, and information gathered during staff interviews, the allegation regarding the concern could not be confirmed and is unsubstantiated. Today I approved the 2023 Kia Forte to use for transportation. Below is SECTION .1000 TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS: Please always review and adhered to these at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .1001 SEAT AND CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) When children enrolled in a child care center are being transported, each adult and child shall be restrained with an individual seat belt or child safety seat appropriate to the child’s age or weight in accordance with G.S. 20-135.2A located at http://www.buckleupnc.org/occupant-restraint-laws/seat-belt-law-summary/. (b) Only one person shall occupy each seat belt or child safety seat. 10A NCAC 09 .1002 SAFE VEHICLES (a) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall be free of hazards such as, but not limited to, torn upholstery that allows children to remove the interior padding, broken windows, holes in the floor or roof, or tire treads of less than 2/32 of an inch. (b) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations. (c) Vehicles shall be insured for liability as required by State laws governing transportation of passengers pursuant to G.S. 20-279.21. (d) Vehicles used to transport children in snowy, icy, and other hazardous weather conditions must be equipped with snow tires or chains as appropriate. 10A NCAC 09 .1003 SAFE PROCEDURES (a) The driver or other staff member in the vehicle shall ensure that all children are transferred to an individual who is indicated on the child's application as specified in Rule .0801(a)(7) of this Chapter or as authorized by the parent. (b) Each center shall establish procedures for pickup and delivery of children to ensure children are protected from danger and not exposed to risk of harm. These procedures shall be communicated to parents, and a copy shall be posted in the center where they can be seen by the parents. (c) A First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be located in each vehicle used to transport children. The First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be mounted or secured if kept in the passenger compartment. (d) For each child being transported, identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form required by Rule .0802(c) of this Chapter, shall be in the vehicle. (e) The driver shall: (1) be 21 years old or a licensed bus driver; (2) have a valid driver's license of the type required under North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law for the vehicle being driven or comparable license from the state in which the driver resides; and (3) have no convictions of Driving While Impaired (DWI) or any other impaired driving offense within the previous three years. (f) Each person in the vehicle shall be seated in the manufacturer's designated areas. No child shall ride in the load carrying area or floor of a vehicle. (g) Children shall not be left in a vehicle unattended by an adult. (h) Children shall be loaded and unloaded from curbside or in a safe, off street area, out of the flow of traffic, so that they are protected from all traffic hazards. (i) Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. (j) Parents may give standing permission, valid for up to 12 months, for transport of children to and from the center not including off premise activities as described in Rule .1005 of this Section. (k) When children are transported, staff in each vehicle shall have a functioning cellular telephone or other functioning two-way voice communication device. Staff shall not use cellular telephones or other functioning two-way voice communication devices except in the case of an emergency and only when the vehicle is parked in a safe location. (l) For routine transport of children to and from the center, staff shall have a list of the children being transported. Staff members shall use this list to document attendance as children board the vehicle and as they depart the vehicle. A list of all children being transported shall also be available at the center. 10A NCAC 09 .1004 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS (a) When children aged two years and older are being transported, the staff/child ratios required for compliance with child care center rules as set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter shall apply. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. (b) When three or more children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver shall not be counted in the staff/child ratio. (c) When less than three children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center’s licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity; (B) purpose of the activity; (C) time the activity will take place; (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premise activity shall also be available at the center. Though the allegation was unsubstantiated, the following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1101 The driver was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. The driver that transported children 10/20/2025-10/24/2025 was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(e)(1) 1115 First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area. The Kia used to transport children did not have a first aid kit or fire extinguished located in the vehicle. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(c) 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. There was no emergency and identifying information in the vehicle for one child being transported today. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. Two children did not have written permission from a parent prior to being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1844 The staff/child ratio for the youngest child was not maintained when children of all ages were cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day. In Space 3, there were eight children ages zero to seven years of age with one adult. .0713(a)(2) 1850 Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children. The Kia used to transport children did not have signage posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction. .0604(i) Technical Assistance: • To ensure safety when transporting children, the driver of the vehicle must be 21 years of age or a licensed bus driver. Today we discussed that you would need to assign a driver that is at least 21 years of age to provide transportation when you are unable to transport children. • Before children are transported, written permission from a parent must be obtained and include when and where the child will be transported, the expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. To ensure these forms are completed prior to transportation being provided, have parents provide the written permission for transportation at the time of enrollment. • Identifying information, including the child’s name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information must be in the vehicle. I suggest that you complete a monthly check to ensure all documents are still present in the transportation folder. You corrected the violation today by including the identifying information in the transportation folder. • When transporting children, the vehicle must have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. If kept in the passenger compartment, the first aid kit and fire extinguisher must be mounted or secured. Today you purchased a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and placed it in the vehicle. • Signage regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction must be posted in vehicles used to transport children. I suggest that the driver do a daily check of the vehicle being used to transport children to ensure this signage is posted. Today you corrected the violation by posting the signage in the Kia. • During the first operating hour of the day, children of all ages may be cared for together, provided that the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. You stated that you had children arrive earlier today than normal. To ensure the safety of children, I suggested that you have another staff member open the facility with you in case families bring their child early, or that you stop allowing children to be dropped off once you have met ratio until another staff member comes in. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. COMPLIANCE PLAN: Violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received by me no later than 11/11/2025. Your compliance documentation must include the following: • The name of your facility • The ID number of your facility • The date you write the letter • A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. • Your signature Please mail or email a signed copy of the letter to: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1078 Faith, NC 28041 Email: ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. If a letter is not received by the required date an unannounced follow-up visit may be conducted to confirm the violations were corrected or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Please Note: Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 330-3722 or by email at ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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.

10A NCAC 09 .1401 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAPPY DAY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 80000086 Consultant: ASHLYNN VAUGHAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-344L Visit Date: 10/28/2025 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 10/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 06:55 AM Time Out: 11:00 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 received in the Raleigh office. There are concerns regarding safe transportation procedures. You, Dawn Waldroup, Director and Owner, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility operates with a five-star license and is licensed for 79 children on first shift, ages 0-12 with an effective date of March 30, 2023. The following restrictions are listed: first shift, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, children under two and half years old in rooms with direct exits only, enhanced ratios reduced by 1, and age range extended to age 14. Permit restrictions, staff/child ratio, supervision, capacity, group size and space were monitored. This facility meets reduced enhanced ratios. When I arrived at the facility, I observed one staff member with eight children zero to seven years of age in Space 3. A second staff member arrived at the same time and dropped off their child in Space 3 and took two infant children to Space 1. I conducted a walkthrough of each classroom. The children were observed engaged in free choice activities indoors and eating breakfast. I interviewed two staff members. Allegation – Safe Transportation Procedures: During the transportation procedure, I observed you install two booster seats into the Tahoe for children six and seven years of age. I observed all four children in the back two rows of the vehicle. I monitored emergency and identifying information, written permission for transportation from a parent, documentation of attendance as children boarded and departed the vehicle, and the off-premises attendance roster. You stated that transportation is provided every morning and afternoon for school-aged children. The Tahoe is used to drop off four children in the mornings at one elementary school. The bus is used to pick up a total of nineteen children from two elementary schools in the afternoons. You stated that you are the driver in the mornings and afternoons. When you are absent another staff member, who is under 21 years of age, drives four school-aged children to school in the Kia. The children being transported in the morning are six to nine years of age. You stated that a staff member under 21 years of age drove the children to school October 20, 2025 through October 24, 2025. Information gathered during interviews indicated that the oldest child, who is nine years of age, sits in the front passenger seat of the Kia. The three younger children sit in the back seat. Two children, six and seven years of age, require a booster seat. It is reported that the driver will assist children with buckling if needed and ensure all children are properly secured in their seatbelts prior to getting in the driver’s seat. Children are required to keep their seatbelts on until they stop in the school car rider line to exit the vehicle. It was stated that under no circumstance would a child under the age of nine ride in the passenger seat of a vehicle. I monitored the Kia today for transportation requirements. I observed the vehicle to have valid liability insurance, inspection, and registration. The vehicle did not have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, or no smoking sign posted in the vehicle. These items were added to the vehicle during today's visit. Based on observations, review of documentation, and information gathered during staff interviews, the allegation regarding the concern could not be confirmed and is unsubstantiated. Today I approved the 2023 Kia Forte to use for transportation. Below is SECTION .1000 TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS: Please always review and adhered to these at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .1001 SEAT AND CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) When children enrolled in a child care center are being transported, each adult and child shall be restrained with an individual seat belt or child safety seat appropriate to the child’s age or weight in accordance with G.S. 20-135.2A located at http://www.buckleupnc.org/occupant-restraint-laws/seat-belt-law-summary/. (b) Only one person shall occupy each seat belt or child safety seat. 10A NCAC 09 .1002 SAFE VEHICLES (a) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall be free of hazards such as, but not limited to, torn upholstery that allows children to remove the interior padding, broken windows, holes in the floor or roof, or tire treads of less than 2/32 of an inch. (b) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations. (c) Vehicles shall be insured for liability as required by State laws governing transportation of passengers pursuant to G.S. 20-279.21. (d) Vehicles used to transport children in snowy, icy, and other hazardous weather conditions must be equipped with snow tires or chains as appropriate. 10A NCAC 09 .1003 SAFE PROCEDURES (a) The driver or other staff member in the vehicle shall ensure that all children are transferred to an individual who is indicated on the child's application as specified in Rule .0801(a)(7) of this Chapter or as authorized by the parent. (b) Each center shall establish procedures for pickup and delivery of children to ensure children are protected from danger and not exposed to risk of harm. These procedures shall be communicated to parents, and a copy shall be posted in the center where they can be seen by the parents. (c) A First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be located in each vehicle used to transport children. The First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be mounted or secured if kept in the passenger compartment. (d) For each child being transported, identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form required by Rule .0802(c) of this Chapter, shall be in the vehicle. (e) The driver shall: (1) be 21 years old or a licensed bus driver; (2) have a valid driver's license of the type required under North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law for the vehicle being driven or comparable license from the state in which the driver resides; and (3) have no convictions of Driving While Impaired (DWI) or any other impaired driving offense within the previous three years. (f) Each person in the vehicle shall be seated in the manufacturer's designated areas. No child shall ride in the load carrying area or floor of a vehicle. (g) Children shall not be left in a vehicle unattended by an adult. (h) Children shall be loaded and unloaded from curbside or in a safe, off street area, out of the flow of traffic, so that they are protected from all traffic hazards. (i) Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. (j) Parents may give standing permission, valid for up to 12 months, for transport of children to and from the center not including off premise activities as described in Rule .1005 of this Section. (k) When children are transported, staff in each vehicle shall have a functioning cellular telephone or other functioning two-way voice communication device. Staff shall not use cellular telephones or other functioning two-way voice communication devices except in the case of an emergency and only when the vehicle is parked in a safe location. (l) For routine transport of children to and from the center, staff shall have a list of the children being transported. Staff members shall use this list to document attendance as children board the vehicle and as they depart the vehicle. A list of all children being transported shall also be available at the center. 10A NCAC 09 .1004 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS (a) When children aged two years and older are being transported, the staff/child ratios required for compliance with child care center rules as set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter shall apply. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. (b) When three or more children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver shall not be counted in the staff/child ratio. (c) When less than three children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center’s licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity; (B) purpose of the activity; (C) time the activity will take place; (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premise activity shall also be available at the center. Though the allegation was unsubstantiated, the following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1101 The driver was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. The driver that transported children 10/20/2025-10/24/2025 was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(e)(1) 1115 First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area. The Kia used to transport children did not have a first aid kit or fire extinguished located in the vehicle. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(c) 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. There was no emergency and identifying information in the vehicle for one child being transported today. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. Two children did not have written permission from a parent prior to being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1844 The staff/child ratio for the youngest child was not maintained when children of all ages were cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day. In Space 3, there were eight children ages zero to seven years of age with one adult. .0713(a)(2) 1850 Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children. The Kia used to transport children did not have signage posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction. .0604(i) Technical Assistance: • To ensure safety when transporting children, the driver of the vehicle must be 21 years of age or a licensed bus driver. Today we discussed that you would need to assign a driver that is at least 21 years of age to provide transportation when you are unable to transport children. • Before children are transported, written permission from a parent must be obtained and include when and where the child will be transported, the expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. To ensure these forms are completed prior to transportation being provided, have parents provide the written permission for transportation at the time of enrollment. • Identifying information, including the child’s name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information must be in the vehicle. I suggest that you complete a monthly check to ensure all documents are still present in the transportation folder. You corrected the violation today by including the identifying information in the transportation folder. • When transporting children, the vehicle must have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. If kept in the passenger compartment, the first aid kit and fire extinguisher must be mounted or secured. Today you purchased a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and placed it in the vehicle. • Signage regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction must be posted in vehicles used to transport children. I suggest that the driver do a daily check of the vehicle being used to transport children to ensure this signage is posted. Today you corrected the violation by posting the signage in the Kia. • During the first operating hour of the day, children of all ages may be cared for together, provided that the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. You stated that you had children arrive earlier today than normal. To ensure the safety of children, I suggested that you have another staff member open the facility with you in case families bring their child early, or that you stop allowing children to be dropped off once you have met ratio until another staff member comes in. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. COMPLIANCE PLAN: Violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received by me no later than 11/11/2025. Your compliance documentation must include the following: • The name of your facility • The ID number of your facility • The date you write the letter • A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. • Your signature Please mail or email a signed copy of the letter to: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1078 Faith, NC 28041 Email: ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. If a letter is not received by the required date an unannounced follow-up visit may be conducted to confirm the violations were corrected or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Please Note: Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 330-3722 or by email at ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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.

10A NCAC 09 .1402 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAPPY DAY CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 80000086 Consultant: ASHLYNN VAUGHAN Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1025-344L Visit Date: 10/28/2025 Number Present: 9 Completed Date: 10/28/2025 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 245 Time In: 06:55 AM Time Out: 11:00 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 received in the Raleigh office. There are concerns regarding safe transportation procedures. You, Dawn Waldroup, Director and Owner, assisted me with today’s visit. This facility operates with a five-star license and is licensed for 79 children on first shift, ages 0-12 with an effective date of March 30, 2023. The following restrictions are listed: first shift, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, children under two and half years old in rooms with direct exits only, enhanced ratios reduced by 1, and age range extended to age 14. Permit restrictions, staff/child ratio, supervision, capacity, group size and space were monitored. This facility meets reduced enhanced ratios. When I arrived at the facility, I observed one staff member with eight children zero to seven years of age in Space 3. A second staff member arrived at the same time and dropped off their child in Space 3 and took two infant children to Space 1. I conducted a walkthrough of each classroom. The children were observed engaged in free choice activities indoors and eating breakfast. I interviewed two staff members. Allegation – Safe Transportation Procedures: During the transportation procedure, I observed you install two booster seats into the Tahoe for children six and seven years of age. I observed all four children in the back two rows of the vehicle. I monitored emergency and identifying information, written permission for transportation from a parent, documentation of attendance as children boarded and departed the vehicle, and the off-premises attendance roster. You stated that transportation is provided every morning and afternoon for school-aged children. The Tahoe is used to drop off four children in the mornings at one elementary school. The bus is used to pick up a total of nineteen children from two elementary schools in the afternoons. You stated that you are the driver in the mornings and afternoons. When you are absent another staff member, who is under 21 years of age, drives four school-aged children to school in the Kia. The children being transported in the morning are six to nine years of age. You stated that a staff member under 21 years of age drove the children to school October 20, 2025 through October 24, 2025. Information gathered during interviews indicated that the oldest child, who is nine years of age, sits in the front passenger seat of the Kia. The three younger children sit in the back seat. Two children, six and seven years of age, require a booster seat. It is reported that the driver will assist children with buckling if needed and ensure all children are properly secured in their seatbelts prior to getting in the driver’s seat. Children are required to keep their seatbelts on until they stop in the school car rider line to exit the vehicle. It was stated that under no circumstance would a child under the age of nine ride in the passenger seat of a vehicle. I monitored the Kia today for transportation requirements. I observed the vehicle to have valid liability insurance, inspection, and registration. The vehicle did not have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, or no smoking sign posted in the vehicle. These items were added to the vehicle during today's visit. Based on observations, review of documentation, and information gathered during staff interviews, the allegation regarding the concern could not be confirmed and is unsubstantiated. Today I approved the 2023 Kia Forte to use for transportation. Below is SECTION .1000 TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS: Please always review and adhered to these at all times. 10A NCAC 09 .1001 SEAT AND CHILD SAFETY SEATS IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) When children enrolled in a child care center are being transported, each adult and child shall be restrained with an individual seat belt or child safety seat appropriate to the child’s age or weight in accordance with G.S. 20-135.2A located at http://www.buckleupnc.org/occupant-restraint-laws/seat-belt-law-summary/. (b) Only one person shall occupy each seat belt or child safety seat. 10A NCAC 09 .1002 SAFE VEHICLES (a) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall be free of hazards such as, but not limited to, torn upholstery that allows children to remove the interior padding, broken windows, holes in the floor or roof, or tire treads of less than 2/32 of an inch. (b) Vehicles used to transport children enrolled in child care centers shall comply with all applicable State and federal laws and regulations. (c) Vehicles shall be insured for liability as required by State laws governing transportation of passengers pursuant to G.S. 20-279.21. (d) Vehicles used to transport children in snowy, icy, and other hazardous weather conditions must be equipped with snow tires or chains as appropriate. 10A NCAC 09 .1003 SAFE PROCEDURES (a) The driver or other staff member in the vehicle shall ensure that all children are transferred to an individual who is indicated on the child's application as specified in Rule .0801(a)(7) of this Chapter or as authorized by the parent. (b) Each center shall establish procedures for pickup and delivery of children to ensure children are protected from danger and not exposed to risk of harm. These procedures shall be communicated to parents, and a copy shall be posted in the center where they can be seen by the parents. (c) A First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be located in each vehicle used to transport children. The First Aid kit and fire extinguisher shall be mounted or secured if kept in the passenger compartment. (d) For each child being transported, identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information form required by Rule .0802(c) of this Chapter, shall be in the vehicle. (e) The driver shall: (1) be 21 years old or a licensed bus driver; (2) have a valid driver's license of the type required under North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law for the vehicle being driven or comparable license from the state in which the driver resides; and (3) have no convictions of Driving While Impaired (DWI) or any other impaired driving offense within the previous three years. (f) Each person in the vehicle shall be seated in the manufacturer's designated areas. No child shall ride in the load carrying area or floor of a vehicle. (g) Children shall not be left in a vehicle unattended by an adult. (h) Children shall be loaded and unloaded from curbside or in a safe, off street area, out of the flow of traffic, so that they are protected from all traffic hazards. (i) Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. (j) Parents may give standing permission, valid for up to 12 months, for transport of children to and from the center not including off premise activities as described in Rule .1005 of this Section. (k) When children are transported, staff in each vehicle shall have a functioning cellular telephone or other functioning two-way voice communication device. Staff shall not use cellular telephones or other functioning two-way voice communication devices except in the case of an emergency and only when the vehicle is parked in a safe location. (l) For routine transport of children to and from the center, staff shall have a list of the children being transported. Staff members shall use this list to document attendance as children board the vehicle and as they depart the vehicle. A list of all children being transported shall also be available at the center. 10A NCAC 09 .1004 STAFF/CHILD RATIOS (a) When children aged two years and older are being transported, the staff/child ratios required for compliance with child care center rules as set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter shall apply. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. (b) When three or more children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver shall not be counted in the staff/child ratio. (c) When less than three children under the age of two years are being transported, the staff/child ratio requirements for child care centers set forth in Rule .0713 of this Chapter for children under age two shall be maintained. The driver may be counted in the staff/child ratio. 10A NCAC 09 .1005 OFF PREMISE ACTIVITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (a) Off premise activities refer to any activity that takes place away from a child care center’s licensed and approved space. Licensed and approved space includes "primary space" as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1401(a), outdoor space as described in 10A NCAC 09 .1402, single use rooms, or other administrative areas. (b) When children participate in off premise activities the following shall apply: (1) Children under the age of three shall not participate in off premise activities that involve children being transported in a motor vehicle. (2) When children are transported in a motor vehicle for off premise activities, the provisions in Rule .1003(c) through (i) and (k) of this Chapter shall apply. (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A) location of the activity; (B) purpose of the activity; (C) time the activity will take place; (D) date of the activity; and (E) name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6) Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premise activity shall also be available at the center. Though the allegation was unsubstantiated, the following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1101 The driver was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. The driver that transported children 10/20/2025-10/24/2025 was not at least 21 years old or a licensed bus driver. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(e)(1) 1115 First aid kit and/or fire extinguisher was not located in vehicle; kit and/or extinguisher was not mounted or secured if in passenger area. The Kia used to transport children did not have a first aid kit or fire extinguished located in the vehicle. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(c) 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. There was no emergency and identifying information in the vehicle for one child being transported today. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. Two children did not have written permission from a parent prior to being transported. .1003(i)(j) 1844 The staff/child ratio for the youngest child was not maintained when children of all ages were cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day. In Space 3, there were eight children ages zero to seven years of age with one adult. .0713(a)(2) 1850 Signage was not posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction at the entrance of the center and/or in vehicles used to transport children. The Kia used to transport children did not have signage posted regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction. .0604(i) Technical Assistance: • To ensure safety when transporting children, the driver of the vehicle must be 21 years of age or a licensed bus driver. Today we discussed that you would need to assign a driver that is at least 21 years of age to provide transportation when you are unable to transport children. • Before children are transported, written permission from a parent must be obtained and include when and where the child will be transported, the expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. To ensure these forms are completed prior to transportation being provided, have parents provide the written permission for transportation at the time of enrollment. • Identifying information, including the child’s name, photograph, emergency contact information, and a copy of the emergency medical care information must be in the vehicle. I suggest that you complete a monthly check to ensure all documents are still present in the transportation folder. You corrected the violation today by including the identifying information in the transportation folder. • When transporting children, the vehicle must have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. If kept in the passenger compartment, the first aid kit and fire extinguisher must be mounted or secured. Today you purchased a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and placed it in the vehicle. • Signage regarding the smoking and tobacco restriction must be posted in vehicles used to transport children. I suggest that the driver do a daily check of the vehicle being used to transport children to ensure this signage is posted. Today you corrected the violation by posting the signage in the Kia. • During the first operating hour of the day, children of all ages may be cared for together, provided that the staff/child ratio for the youngest child in the group is maintained. You stated that you had children arrive earlier today than normal. To ensure the safety of children, I suggested that you have another staff member open the facility with you in case families bring their child early, or that you stop allowing children to be dropped off once you have met ratio until another staff member comes in. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. COMPLIANCE PLAN: Violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received by me no later than 11/11/2025. Your compliance documentation must include the following: • The name of your facility • The ID number of your facility • The date you write the letter • A corrective action statement for each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. • Your signature Please mail or email a signed copy of the letter to: Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1078 Faith, NC 28041 Email: ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. If a letter is not received by the required date an unannounced follow-up visit may be conducted to confirm the violations were corrected or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Please Note: Please be aware that any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 330-3722 or by email at ashlynn.vaughan@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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.