10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: LOCUST CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 84000232 Consultant: STEPHANIE PALMER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/30/2026 Number Present: 39 Completed Date: 3/30/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 140 Time In: 01:40 PM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of this visit was to monitor applicable child care rules during a routine unannounced visit. This facility currently hold a four-star rated license and the compliance history percentage prior to this visit was 100%. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Ms. Taylor Chapman, Assistant Director. I stated the reason for the visit. Ms. Chapman assisted me with today’s visit. The following was monitored during this visit: supervision, staff/child ratio, safety, adequate/approved space, program records, new staff records (if applicable), license posted, permit restrictions, discipline and storage of hazardous products and medications. There were a total of thirty-nine (39) children present during the visit. I observed children engaged in choice activities, table activities and the individual needs of the infants and young toddlers were being met by the teachers. The last sanitation inspection was on 12/5/25 with zero (0) demerits and a superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 1/23/26. Medication is not currently administered at this facility. There were four (4) new staff members hired since the facility’s last annual compliance visit on 8/14/25. The files were reviewed for compliance with NC Child Care Rules. The violation cited during the visit was discussed with Ms. Chapman and documented in the visit summary. The following violation was observed during the visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. The latest fire inspection report was not received by the division within one week of completion. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) All violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A letter needs to be sent to me stating how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Please include the violation number, statement of compliance, license ID and your signature in the letter. Your compliance letter must be received, via email by April 13, 2026. If needed, send your letter to: Stephanie Palmer PO Box 481335 Charlotte, NC 28269 Technical Assistance/Resources: • Before today’s visit, I had reviewed the QRIS Modernization system with Ms. Debra Hartley, owner/administrator. Today, she requested that I review the pathways with Ms. Chapman, however, due to staff/child ratio needs, we were unable to review the pathways. I shared with Ms. Chapman and Ms. Hartley that I will schedule an announced TA visit, via email, to meet with Ms. Chapman. • During today’s visit, I provided one (1) NC Foundations of Early Learning and Development book for Ms. Chapman to share with staff and use as a resource for activity plans. • During the visit, I reminded Ms. Chapman that fire inspection reports must be submitted to the child care consultant within one week of completion. • During today’s visit, I contacted the CBC unit regarding a new employee whose DOB on the qualification letter did not match the DOB on the driver’s license and application. The representative advised that the employee resubmit an application and redo fingerprints to update the letter with the correct DOB. Administration needs to contact the CBC unit prior to the employee redoing the application process in order to link the employee’s current OCA number. This information was shared with Ms. Chapman. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest updates. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact me at 980-867-8005 or via email at Stephanie.palmer@dhhs.nc.gov. Stephanie Palmer Child Care Consultant Regulatory Services Section/DHHS Division of Child Development and Early Education 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