10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: LONGWOOD HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 1055044 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/10/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 4/10/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 202 Time In: 08:53 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued April 19, 2023, earning 5 points in Program Standards, 7 points in Education and 1 Quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 60 children 3-5 years of age, meets enhanced space and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses The Creative Curriculum. Southeastern Community Action Partnership, Inc, the non-profit corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on March 25, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 19, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned September 28, 2023, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted March 11, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 100%. Administrator, T. Bellamy-Daniels, was present and available for consultation today. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for child care use. Upon arrival, a note was observed on the front door stating children could not yet come into the facility due to all staff members being out on the buses picking up children for the day. Several parents were observed waiting with their children in the parking lot, and Ms. Bellamy-Daniels was observed preparing breakfast. At 9:00 A.M., she let the waiting children into the facility and supervised them as she waited for staff members to return. Three buses arrived in the next few minutes, one carrying 10 children with two staff members, one carrying 13 children with two staff members, and one carrying 14 children with two staff members. As children unloaded from buses, staff members were observed counting children and using name to face recognition as they marked them off on a clipboard sheet. Each bus was checked to ensure all children had exited. Then, Ms. Bellamy-Daniels conducted her own check of counts and transportation rosters to ensure accuracy. Staff members escorted children into classrooms and assisted with hand washing routines prior to serving a breakfast of cheese toast, scrambled eggs, 100% grape juice, and milk. Next, staff assisted children with toileting and handwashing routines prior to transitioning to group time activities. At 10:00 A.M., 9 children from Space #2 went to the fenced in playground with one staff member, and the remaining 9 children stayed inside with the other staff member. Children enrolled in Space #1 also went outside, for a total of 27 children with three staff members. Staff members stated children from Space #2 typically go outside in two separate groups to ensure the capacity of 31 children outdoors is not exceeded. In Space #3, children participated in free choice activities prior to going outside at 11:00 A.M., their scheduled time. The remaining children from Space #2 also went outside during this time. It was observed today that the stationary climber which had been blocked off due to poor repair was removed and replaced with a new portable climber. Lunch planned for the day consisted of steamed broccoli, peaches, chicken nuggets, whole grain rolls, and milk. As this facility was previously under Administrative Action for the presence of lead hazards, it was verified that maintenance of standards in the remediation plan was monitored for and approved by Brunswick County Health Services in February 2024. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Eight staff members have repeated all topics within five years as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in Space #1 was dated March 4-8, 2024. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. A medical action plan was not on file for a child with a chronic condition requiring daily medication at school. .0801(b) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by April 24, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited For any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services, a medical action plan shall be attached to the application. The medical action plan shall be completed by the child's parent or a health care professional and must be updated as needed or at least annually. As discussed, to ensure staff have all required information to provide the best care possible, a Medical Action Plan must be completed for L. Frink. You may use the sample form from the DCDEE website and place a copy in the child’s file as well as in the classroom. Please send a copy with your compliance letter. Activity plans are detailed plans which outline activities that will encourage children’s growth and development. They must be current and posted for easy reference by caregivers and parents. Today you stated the lead teacher in Space #1 has been on leave since January, and the assistant teacher has been collaborating with another lead teacher to use her activity plan, but she must have forgotten to post the current one. You stated moving forward you would ensure that the current lesson plan is posted each week. Technical Assistance A violation was not observed today, however strategies to ensure children are treated in a nurturing and caring manner were discussed. It appeared today that some of the children were having difficulty returning back to school after Spring Break, and they were very emotional. I reminded you to ensure staff are emotionally supportive and responsive, validating children’s feelings and providing physical affection and comfort rather than just telling children to “stop crying” or they “will be okay.” Children who are adequately nurtured feel more secure, which leads to the healthy development of self-esteem and relationships with others. Even when the reasons for children’s emotional reactions seem “silly” to adults, they are real to the children and should be recognized and respected rather than dismissed. I also encouraged you to check in on staff who may feel overwhelmed when regular teachers are absent, and provide them breaks if possible to ensure their frustrations do not cause them to treat children in a less than nurturing manner. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in April 2023, which means that your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming reassessments. As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit October 10, 2023, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. As you typically have the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales- Revised (ECERS-R) conducted, we discussed that you will have the option to request an ECERS-R assessment during your planning year if you wish, or you may wait until your reassessment year. You may also wish to request an outreach assessment from NCRLAP prior to your planning year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. It was verified today that your facility is maintaining compliance with star rated license standards as nothing has changed since your last reassessment. Reminders Today you stated Ms. T. Brite, the individual authorized to act on behalf of the corporation which owns the facility, has retired and been replaced by another officer. As discussed, updated documentation must be completed to reflect this change. I will email you required forms; please return via email once completed and sign by the new authorized individual. You must schedule and obtain an approved sanitation inspection by September 28, 2024. Child Care Rules were revised January 1, 2024, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Training modules on the new rules are now available in Moodle under the Child Care Rule Rollout section. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LONGWOOD HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 1055044 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/10/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 4/10/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 202 Time In: 08:53 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued April 19, 2023, earning 5 points in Program Standards, 7 points in Education and 1 Quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 60 children 3-5 years of age, meets enhanced space and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses The Creative Curriculum. Southeastern Community Action Partnership, Inc, the non-profit corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on March 25, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 19, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned September 28, 2023, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted March 11, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 100%. Administrator, T. Bellamy-Daniels, was present and available for consultation today. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for child care use. Upon arrival, a note was observed on the front door stating children could not yet come into the facility due to all staff members being out on the buses picking up children for the day. Several parents were observed waiting with their children in the parking lot, and Ms. Bellamy-Daniels was observed preparing breakfast. At 9:00 A.M., she let the waiting children into the facility and supervised them as she waited for staff members to return. Three buses arrived in the next few minutes, one carrying 10 children with two staff members, one carrying 13 children with two staff members, and one carrying 14 children with two staff members. As children unloaded from buses, staff members were observed counting children and using name to face recognition as they marked them off on a clipboard sheet. Each bus was checked to ensure all children had exited. Then, Ms. Bellamy-Daniels conducted her own check of counts and transportation rosters to ensure accuracy. Staff members escorted children into classrooms and assisted with hand washing routines prior to serving a breakfast of cheese toast, scrambled eggs, 100% grape juice, and milk. Next, staff assisted children with toileting and handwashing routines prior to transitioning to group time activities. At 10:00 A.M., 9 children from Space #2 went to the fenced in playground with one staff member, and the remaining 9 children stayed inside with the other staff member. Children enrolled in Space #1 also went outside, for a total of 27 children with three staff members. Staff members stated children from Space #2 typically go outside in two separate groups to ensure the capacity of 31 children outdoors is not exceeded. In Space #3, children participated in free choice activities prior to going outside at 11:00 A.M., their scheduled time. The remaining children from Space #2 also went outside during this time. It was observed today that the stationary climber which had been blocked off due to poor repair was removed and replaced with a new portable climber. Lunch planned for the day consisted of steamed broccoli, peaches, chicken nuggets, whole grain rolls, and milk. As this facility was previously under Administrative Action for the presence of lead hazards, it was verified that maintenance of standards in the remediation plan was monitored for and approved by Brunswick County Health Services in February 2024. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Eight staff members have repeated all topics within five years as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in Space #1 was dated March 4-8, 2024. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. A medical action plan was not on file for a child with a chronic condition requiring daily medication at school. .0801(b) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by April 24, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited For any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services, a medical action plan shall be attached to the application. The medical action plan shall be completed by the child's parent or a health care professional and must be updated as needed or at least annually. As discussed, to ensure staff have all required information to provide the best care possible, a Medical Action Plan must be completed for L. Frink. You may use the sample form from the DCDEE website and place a copy in the child’s file as well as in the classroom. Please send a copy with your compliance letter. Activity plans are detailed plans which outline activities that will encourage children’s growth and development. They must be current and posted for easy reference by caregivers and parents. Today you stated the lead teacher in Space #1 has been on leave since January, and the assistant teacher has been collaborating with another lead teacher to use her activity plan, but she must have forgotten to post the current one. You stated moving forward you would ensure that the current lesson plan is posted each week. Technical Assistance A violation was not observed today, however strategies to ensure children are treated in a nurturing and caring manner were discussed. It appeared today that some of the children were having difficulty returning back to school after Spring Break, and they were very emotional. I reminded you to ensure staff are emotionally supportive and responsive, validating children’s feelings and providing physical affection and comfort rather than just telling children to “stop crying” or they “will be okay.” Children who are adequately nurtured feel more secure, which leads to the healthy development of self-esteem and relationships with others. Even when the reasons for children’s emotional reactions seem “silly” to adults, they are real to the children and should be recognized and respected rather than dismissed. I also encouraged you to check in on staff who may feel overwhelmed when regular teachers are absent, and provide them breaks if possible to ensure their frustrations do not cause them to treat children in a less than nurturing manner. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in April 2023, which means that your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming reassessments. As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit October 10, 2023, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. As you typically have the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales- Revised (ECERS-R) conducted, we discussed that you will have the option to request an ECERS-R assessment during your planning year if you wish, or you may wait until your reassessment year. You may also wish to request an outreach assessment from NCRLAP prior to your planning year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. It was verified today that your facility is maintaining compliance with star rated license standards as nothing has changed since your last reassessment. Reminders Today you stated Ms. T. Brite, the individual authorized to act on behalf of the corporation which owns the facility, has retired and been replaced by another officer. As discussed, updated documentation must be completed to reflect this change. I will email you required forms; please return via email once completed and sign by the new authorized individual. You must schedule and obtain an approved sanitation inspection by September 28, 2024. Child Care Rules were revised January 1, 2024, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Training modules on the new rules are now available in Moodle under the Child Care Rule Rollout section. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LONGWOOD HEAD START CENTER Facility ID: 1055044 Consultant: AMY WANGLER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/10/2024 Number Present: 51 Completed Date: 4/10/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 202 Time In: 08:53 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements pertinent to this visit type. This facility currently operates with a Five Star license issued April 19, 2023, earning 5 points in Program Standards, 7 points in Education and 1 Quality point. Restrictions on the permit include a first shift capacity of 60 children 3-5 years of age, meets enhanced space and meets enhanced ratios. Restrictions were in compliance today. The program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled; this program uses The Creative Curriculum. Southeastern Community Action Partnership, Inc, the non-profit corporation which owns the facility, was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State’s office on March 25, 2024. The last annual compliance visit was conducted April 19, 2023. A Superior sanitation rating was earned September 28, 2023, and a satisfactory fire inspection was conducted March 11, 2024; the facility was approved for day time care only. Prior to today’s visit, the facility had an eighteen-month compliance history score of 100%. Administrator, T. Bellamy-Daniels, was present and available for consultation today. Three indoor spaces and one outdoor space are approved for child care use. Upon arrival, a note was observed on the front door stating children could not yet come into the facility due to all staff members being out on the buses picking up children for the day. Several parents were observed waiting with their children in the parking lot, and Ms. Bellamy-Daniels was observed preparing breakfast. At 9:00 A.M., she let the waiting children into the facility and supervised them as she waited for staff members to return. Three buses arrived in the next few minutes, one carrying 10 children with two staff members, one carrying 13 children with two staff members, and one carrying 14 children with two staff members. As children unloaded from buses, staff members were observed counting children and using name to face recognition as they marked them off on a clipboard sheet. Each bus was checked to ensure all children had exited. Then, Ms. Bellamy-Daniels conducted her own check of counts and transportation rosters to ensure accuracy. Staff members escorted children into classrooms and assisted with hand washing routines prior to serving a breakfast of cheese toast, scrambled eggs, 100% grape juice, and milk. Next, staff assisted children with toileting and handwashing routines prior to transitioning to group time activities. At 10:00 A.M., 9 children from Space #2 went to the fenced in playground with one staff member, and the remaining 9 children stayed inside with the other staff member. Children enrolled in Space #1 also went outside, for a total of 27 children with three staff members. Staff members stated children from Space #2 typically go outside in two separate groups to ensure the capacity of 31 children outdoors is not exceeded. In Space #3, children participated in free choice activities prior to going outside at 11:00 A.M., their scheduled time. The remaining children from Space #2 also went outside during this time. It was observed today that the stationary climber which had been blocked off due to poor repair was removed and replaced with a new portable climber. Lunch planned for the day consisted of steamed broccoli, peaches, chicken nuggets, whole grain rolls, and milk. As this facility was previously under Administrative Action for the presence of lead hazards, it was verified that maintenance of standards in the remediation plan was monitored for and approved by Brunswick County Health Services in February 2024. All staff members employed at least one year have completed the required Health and Safety trainings as outlined in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1102. Eight staff members have repeated all topics within five years as required. Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules, and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The following violations were observed today and must be corrected immediately: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. The activity plan posted in Space #1 was dated March 4-8, 2024. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 1834 Application did not have a medical action plan attached for any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services. A medical action plan was not on file for a child with a chronic condition requiring daily medication at school. .0801(b) A compliance letter including detailed information about how all violations have been corrected must be received by April 24, 2024. Include any supporting documentation with your response (if applicable). Your letter will be used as verification that violations have been corrected and compliance is maintained; your written response is considered a legal document so must be accurate and truthful. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent using the email address registered with DCDEE and include your facility name and ID number. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Technical Assistance Regarding Violations Cited For any child with health care needs such as allergies, asthma, or other chronic conditions that require specialized health services, a medical action plan shall be attached to the application. The medical action plan shall be completed by the child's parent or a health care professional and must be updated as needed or at least annually. As discussed, to ensure staff have all required information to provide the best care possible, a Medical Action Plan must be completed for L. Frink. You may use the sample form from the DCDEE website and place a copy in the child’s file as well as in the classroom. Please send a copy with your compliance letter. Activity plans are detailed plans which outline activities that will encourage children’s growth and development. They must be current and posted for easy reference by caregivers and parents. Today you stated the lead teacher in Space #1 has been on leave since January, and the assistant teacher has been collaborating with another lead teacher to use her activity plan, but she must have forgotten to post the current one. You stated moving forward you would ensure that the current lesson plan is posted each week. Technical Assistance A violation was not observed today, however strategies to ensure children are treated in a nurturing and caring manner were discussed. It appeared today that some of the children were having difficulty returning back to school after Spring Break, and they were very emotional. I reminded you to ensure staff are emotionally supportive and responsive, validating children’s feelings and providing physical affection and comfort rather than just telling children to “stop crying” or they “will be okay.” Children who are adequately nurtured feel more secure, which leads to the healthy development of self-esteem and relationships with others. Even when the reasons for children’s emotional reactions seem “silly” to adults, they are real to the children and should be recognized and respected rather than dismissed. I also encouraged you to check in on staff who may feel overwhelmed when regular teachers are absent, and provide them breaks if possible to ensure their frustrations do not cause them to treat children in a less than nurturing manner. Rated License Information Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment was voluntarily conducted in April 2023, which means that your program has been assigned to “Cohort 3” in the recently announced “cohort model” of resuming reassessments. As discussed during the Routine Unannounced visit October 10, 2023, 7/1/25-6/30/26 will be your “planning/preparation” year, and your next reassessment will be required between 7/1/26-6/30/27. As you typically have the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales- Revised (ECERS-R) conducted, we discussed that you will have the option to request an ECERS-R assessment during your planning year if you wish, or you may wait until your reassessment year. You may also wish to request an outreach assessment from NCRLAP prior to your planning year. I will be in touch regarding timelines for reassessment as your planning year approaches. It was verified today that your facility is maintaining compliance with star rated license standards as nothing has changed since your last reassessment. Reminders Today you stated Ms. T. Brite, the individual authorized to act on behalf of the corporation which owns the facility, has retired and been replaced by another officer. As discussed, updated documentation must be completed to reflect this change. I will email you required forms; please return via email once completed and sign by the new authorized individual. You must schedule and obtain an approved sanitation inspection by September 28, 2024. Child Care Rules were revised January 1, 2024, and a new rule book was posted to the DCDEE website. As discussed, you should discard any old versions of the rules and ensure you are referring to the most current rule book when reviewing or researching requirements. Training modules on the new rules are now available in Moodle under the Child Care Rule Rollout section. For more information regarding the “cohort model” of resuming rated license reassessments, and opportunities for training and technical assistance as you prepare for a reassessment, you may visit https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-Star-Rated-License. It’s time to enroll your facility in the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure. This program is an expansion of Clean Water for Carolina Kids, which previously tested all child care centers in the state for lead in water at drinking and food preparation taps. As this is a legislatively mandated effort, facilities are required to meet rule requirements to have tap water tested every three years and to have inspections for lead paint and asbestos if applicable. Please see steps below: 1. Sign Up – Pre-enrollment webinars are available at cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar into your web browser to see available dates and times for the next month. 2. Enroll – At www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina using the PIN and complete the enrollment surveys for three program sections: 1) lead in water, 2) lead-based paint, and 3) asbestos. 3. Evaluate Hazards - The program will ship your facility a water sample kit and may coordinate an on-site visit by a professional to assess for lead-based paint and asbestos hazards, if needed. 4. Receive Results – Receive your results, recommendations, and water mitigation support, if needed. 5. Request Reimbursement - If you choose to conduct lead-based paint or asbestos mitigation, you can request reimbursement from NC DHHS. Visit the web site at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/asbestos-and-lead-based-paint-reimbursement-program-arpa At the end of this visit, documentation was completed electronically, printed and reviewed with you. Please remember it is your responsibility to comply with all child care rules and requirements at all times. If you have questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 910-338-7038 or amy.wangler@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times