Edward Best Elementary Pre-K

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDWARD BEST ELEMENTARY PRE-K Facility ID: 35000151 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/17/2025 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 12/17/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to an annual compliance visit. S. Harris, instructional assistant, was present and assisted with the visit. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star license issued on June 14, 2017, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, seven (7) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 16, 2025. The last sanitation inspection was completed May 1, 2025, earning a Superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed September 4, 2025, and was approved for daytime care only. Children were observed playing in activity centers, outdoor play, having lunch and completing toileting and handwashing routines. Observed interactions between teachers and children were positive and nurturing in nature. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. There were three (3) uncovered outlets near the bathroom used by enrolled children. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance can be mailed or emailed to me and must be received by December 31, 2025. If mailing, you must submit two (2) signed and dated copies. My mailing and email addresses are noted at the bottom. The letter of compliance must detail how the violation was corrected. Please be aware any written information you submit regarding the correction of the violation is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all submitted information is accurate and truthful. If it is determined that submitted information was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 97% over an eighteen (18) month period. FACILITY PROFILE This facility is owned by Franklin County Public Schools. I reviewed contact information for the owner and the facility with you and you verified the current information listed with DCDEE remains correct. CHILDREN RECORDS I monitored ten (10) percent, or more, of children’s records and no violations were documented. STAFF RECORDS I also monitored new staff and remaining staff records and no violations were documented. NC PRE-K This facility has one (1) NC Pre-K class in operation. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored today and found to be in compliance. The staff listed on the NC Pre-K Plan were present in the classroom and met requirements. The program continues to use creative curriculum for planning and implementing lessons. The Brigance EC Screen II was completed within the required timeframe and the program uses Teaching Strategies GOLD for formative assessments. Formative assessments were documented in the children’s records at the time of the visit. Transportation requirements applicable to a public-school program were monitored and found to be in compliance. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS: Technical assistance discussed related to ensuring that any non-aerosol cleaning products are stored at or above five (5) feet when not in use. These items could be kept on top of paper towel dispensers, with use of 3M hooks, or whatever works best for your program. QRIS RATED LICENSE TRANSITION I am currently in contact with T. Sidberry, Pre-K/before and after care program specialist, to schedule a technical assistance visit to discuss the programs options in detail. I recommend reviewing the “QRIS Modernization” page found beneath the “What’s New Tab” on the DCDEE website https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ and note any questions you may have. I will be able to answer these questions during the TA visit. We will also determine what pathway the program would like to use and discuss the transition plan at that time. ABCMS PROVIDER PORTAL TRAINING Upon checking the ABCMS website there is a roster available for your program. This confirms that T. Sidberry completed the required ABCMS provider portal training. She, or designated staff, must maintain the roster and add and remove staff as applicable. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program expanded to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in the paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. After reviewing the website I noted that you have completed your second round of lead water testing as of July 2025. However, the facility is listed as “Survey Review by RTI” on the website. I recommend you log into your facility account to ensure that no additional information needs to be submitted or contact RTI regarding the testing status. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated July 1, 2025, is available at the DCDEE website https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. There are also modules reviewing the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. You may also review a document summarizing the most recent changes to the Child Care Rules. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDWARD BEST ELEMENTARY PRE-K Facility ID: 35000151 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/16/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 1/16/2025 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 222 Time In: 09:18 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to an annual compliance visit. S. Harris, IA, and L. Watkins, substitute teacher, were present and assisted with the visit. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star license issued on June 14, 2017, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, seven (7) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 31, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed April 25, 2024, earning a Superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed September 12, 2024, and was approved for daytime care only. Children were observed playing in activity centers and free choice painting at the tables. I also observed gross motor activities and lunch time routines. Interactions between teachers and child were positive and nurturing in nature. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children enrolled at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The arrival times for five (5) children were not documented today. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. The BLS (CPR and AED) training taken by staff hired 9/30/24 does not indicate that pediatric First Aid was covered. .1102(c) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance can be mailed or emailed to me and must be received by January 30, 2025. If mailing, you must submit two (2) signed and dated copies. My mailing and email addresses are noted at the bottom. The letter of compliance must detail how the violation was corrected. Please be aware any written information you submit regarding the correction of the violation is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all submitted information is accurate and truthful. If it is determined that submitted information was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 98% over an eighteen (18) month period. FACILITY PROFILE This facility is owned by Franklin County Public Schools. I reviewed contact information for the owner and the facility with you and you verified the current information listed with DCDEE remains correct. CHILDREN RECORDS I monitored ten (10) percent, or more, of children’s records and no violations were documented. STAFF RECORDS I also monitored the new staff persons record and ten (10) percent of remaining staff records, and a violation was documented. The staff person hired 0/30/24, and indicated on the staff and training worksheet, completed the American Heart Association (AHA)- Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR and AED training. This training meets CPR requirements only the First Aid (FA) module is noted on the card, which it is not. The staff person said she completed the FA module and will contact the trainer regarding this. Should a card be issued that confirms FA was completed during that training on 9/23/24 the violation may be removed if warranted. NC PRE-K This facility has one (1) NC Pre-K class in operation. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored today and found to be in compliance. The long-term substitute lead teacher continues to meet requirements. The program continues to use creative curriculum for planning and implementing lessons. The Brigance EC Screen III was completed within the required time-frame and the program uses Teaching Strategies GOLD for formative assessments. Transportation requirements applicable to a public-school program were monitored and found to be in compliance. PROGRAM RECORDS The arrival and departure times for thirteen (13) children were documented but eighteen (18) were in attendance. Please ensure that the arrival and departure times of children who participate in school transportation are documented daily. This may be captured on the transportation log signed by the driver on the form used for parents and staff to sign children in and out daily. Technical assistance was discussed regarding arrival and departure times at the routine unannounced visit on 9/17/24. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS: The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program has expanded to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. After reviewing the website, I noted that your program has completed lead water testing in 2021 and are due to re-test. The program is not listed as enrolled in the lead paint and asbestos testing. The program should enroll in this as soon as possible to avoid a possible sanitation violation at the following website: https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/. RATED LICENSE ASSESSMENT I reminded you that the hold harmless state has been extended related to the rated license assessments. You be updated as more information is available. Programs that were listed in cohorts 1 and 2 will only go through the Environment Rating Scales or rated license assessment if they volunteer to do so. I encourage you to refer to the NCRLAP website at https://ncrlap.org and Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start, for more information. You can find information on the new ECERS-3 that will be used beginning February 1, 2025, to assess applicable programs. There are trainings and books available for review and purchase. Please contact me if you have any questions. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated November 1, 2024, is available at the DCDEE website https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. There are also modules reviewing the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. You may also review a document summarizing the most recent changes to the Child Care Rules. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. 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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDWARD BEST ELEMENTARY PRE-K Facility ID: 35000151 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/17/2024 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 9/17/2024 Age: From 4 To 4 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to a routine unannounced visit. L. Watkins, substitute lead teacher, was present and assisted in the completion of the visit. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star license issued on June 14, 2017, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, seven (7) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 31, 2024. Children were observed waking play in activity centers of their choosing, handwashing routines and lunch preparations. Interactions between teachers and children were positive and nurturing in nature. This is an NC Pre-K classroom; however, NC Pre-K requirements will be monitored at the Annual Compliance visit. The following violation of child care requirements was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There was no file available to review for the substitute TA. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). M. DeJesus has a criminal background check that is expired. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. There was no qualification letter available for M. DeJesus. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) STAFF/CHILD INTERACTION OBSERVATIONS & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE A current activity plan and schedule were observed in the classroom. The activity plan was posted, and the developmental domains were easily identified. Materials needed to implement the activity plan were present. There are a variety of age-appropriate materials and toys available for the children to use. The schedule noted that the children would be outdoors from 10am until 11am. Upon my arrival at 10:05am the children were engaging in activity center play, but the weather did not permit outdoor play due to a rain storm. I was informed that the class did go to the playground prior to my arrival but it was extremely wet, all children were not dressed for the weather, and it began raining harder. Therefore, they did not stay on the playground for the scheduled hour. However, L. Watkins noted then when weather does not permit outdoor play, they engage in gross motor movements in the classroom such as acting out the “Bear Hunt”, “Head and shoulders” songs. I observed the question of the day written on a mobile dry erase board. The question was "What is your favorite color?" Each child was asked and their answered documented by their name on the board. Children were given a chance to not only discuss different colors, but what they liked and why they liked it. This was a great vocabulary, social-emotional skills and cognitive skill building activity. Children practiced proper handwashing routines when returning from using the bathroom and prior to having lunch. SUBSTITUTE STAFF There was no file available for the new substitute TA working in the NC Pre-K classroom, nor is the staff on the off-site verification form. There criminal background check for Melayna DeJesus is currently expired as of May 2023. Therefore, there is also no qualification letter available for M. DeJesus. She may continue to substitute in the NC Pre-K class but must have a qualification within fifteen (15) days of this visit (October 2, 2024). If not completed by the close of business that day she cannot work with the NC Pre-K children until it is completed. As this employee is new, she has ninety (90) days from her date of hire to complete the required CPR/FA training which must include and document the child modules as K-12 is not adequate. I recommend ensuing that all substitute staff have files in the NC Pre-K classroom, are added to the off-site verification form for staff, and have a current qualification letter on file prior to working with the NC Pre-K children. FOLLOW-UP VISIT A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to ensure that M. DeJesus is not working in the licensed classroom if the qualification is not obtained prior to the visit. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS Technical assistance discussed related to the use of screen time. Substitute staff must be aware that screen time is limited to thirty (30) minutes/day for all enrolled children and must be documented on the DCDEE screen time log. L. Allan has a log posted on the wall by the quiet area. We also discussed that when parents do not sign children in and document arrival times a teacher should do so. Arrival and departure times must be documented at the times they occur, and an adult should leave their signature or initials when documenting. The arrival and departure times from the school should also be documented for bus riders and can be included on the bus documentation form. Prior to the day that enrolled children attend the program review staff emergency information to ensure it is current. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated January 1, 2024, is available at the DCDEE website https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. There are also modules reviewing the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. 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

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDWARD BEST ELEMENTARY PRE-K Facility ID: 35000151 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/17/2024 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 9/17/2024 Age: From 4 To 4 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 12:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to a routine unannounced visit. L. Watkins, substitute lead teacher, was present and assisted in the completion of the visit. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star license issued on June 14, 2017, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, seven (7) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on January 31, 2024. Children were observed waking play in activity centers of their choosing, handwashing routines and lunch preparations. Interactions between teachers and children were positive and nurturing in nature. This is an NC Pre-K classroom; however, NC Pre-K requirements will be monitored at the Annual Compliance visit. The following violation of child care requirements was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There was no file available to review for the substitute TA. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). M. DeJesus has a criminal background check that is expired. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. There was no qualification letter available for M. DeJesus. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) STAFF/CHILD INTERACTION OBSERVATIONS & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE A current activity plan and schedule were observed in the classroom. The activity plan was posted, and the developmental domains were easily identified. Materials needed to implement the activity plan were present. There are a variety of age-appropriate materials and toys available for the children to use. The schedule noted that the children would be outdoors from 10am until 11am. Upon my arrival at 10:05am the children were engaging in activity center play, but the weather did not permit outdoor play due to a rain storm. I was informed that the class did go to the playground prior to my arrival but it was extremely wet, all children were not dressed for the weather, and it began raining harder. Therefore, they did not stay on the playground for the scheduled hour. However, L. Watkins noted then when weather does not permit outdoor play, they engage in gross motor movements in the classroom such as acting out the “Bear Hunt”, “Head and shoulders” songs. I observed the question of the day written on a mobile dry erase board. The question was "What is your favorite color?" Each child was asked and their answered documented by their name on the board. Children were given a chance to not only discuss different colors, but what they liked and why they liked it. This was a great vocabulary, social-emotional skills and cognitive skill building activity. Children practiced proper handwashing routines when returning from using the bathroom and prior to having lunch. SUBSTITUTE STAFF There was no file available for the new substitute TA working in the NC Pre-K classroom, nor is the staff on the off-site verification form. There criminal background check for Melayna DeJesus is currently expired as of May 2023. Therefore, there is also no qualification letter available for M. DeJesus. She may continue to substitute in the NC Pre-K class but must have a qualification within fifteen (15) days of this visit (October 2, 2024). If not completed by the close of business that day she cannot work with the NC Pre-K children until it is completed. As this employee is new, she has ninety (90) days from her date of hire to complete the required CPR/FA training which must include and document the child modules as K-12 is not adequate. I recommend ensuing that all substitute staff have files in the NC Pre-K classroom, are added to the off-site verification form for staff, and have a current qualification letter on file prior to working with the NC Pre-K children. FOLLOW-UP VISIT A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to ensure that M. DeJesus is not working in the licensed classroom if the qualification is not obtained prior to the visit. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS Technical assistance discussed related to the use of screen time. Substitute staff must be aware that screen time is limited to thirty (30) minutes/day for all enrolled children and must be documented on the DCDEE screen time log. L. Allan has a log posted on the wall by the quiet area. We also discussed that when parents do not sign children in and document arrival times a teacher should do so. Arrival and departure times must be documented at the times they occur, and an adult should leave their signature or initials when documenting. The arrival and departure times from the school should also be documented for bus riders and can be included on the bus documentation form. Prior to the day that enrolled children attend the program review staff emergency information to ensure it is current. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated January 1, 2024, is available at the DCDEE website https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. There are also modules reviewing the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. 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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDWARD BEST ELEMENTARY PRE-K Facility ID: 35000151 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/31/2024 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 1/31/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to an annual compliance visit. L. Watkins, substitute teacher, was present and assisted with the visit. Due printer problems the computer-generated visit summary was emailed to principal Renze-Beer by the close of business today. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star license issued on June 14, 2017, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, seven (7) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on February9, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was completed December 14, 2042, earning a Superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed September 14, 2023, and was approved for daytime care only. Children were observed playing in activity centers, play dough at tables and painting. I also observed gross motor movement and lunch time routines. Teacher and child interactions were positive and nurturing in nature. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. There CBC process was not completed prior to hire to work in the NC Pre-K room for Lauren Watkins. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There was no file available to review for substitute and floater staff hired 10/17/23, 1/25/24. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. There is no qualification letter available to review for Lauren Watkins. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance can be mailed or emailed to me and must be received by February 14, 2024. If mailing, you must submit two (2) signed and dated copies. My mailing and email addresses are noted at the bottom. The letter of compliance must detail how the violation was corrected. Please be aware any written information you submit regarding the correction of the violation is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all submitted information is accurate and truthful. If it is determined that submitted information was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 99% over an eighteen (18) month period. FACILITY PROFILE This facility is owned by Franklin County Public Schools. I reviewed contact information for the owner and the facility with you and you verified the current information listed with DCDEE remains correct. CHILDREN RECORDS I monitored ten (10) percent, or more, of children’s records and no violations were documented. STAFF RECORDS I also monitored all new staff records and ten (10) percent of remaining staff records, and several violations were documented. There is no substitute file available to review for the substitute teachers L. Watkins, C. Baker and floater M. Ruffin. All staff that work in the NC Pre-K classroom are required to have specific information on-site and be included on the “Public school off-site records verification” form. There was also no current criminal background check (CBC) qualification letter available to review for Lauren Watkins. She will need to resubmit an application for the background check as well as her fingerprints. Therefore, she may not work in the classroom until she completes the CBC process and has a qualification letter. I would recommend having all staff print and keep their qualification letters on-site. Substitute staff must also sign documentation they reviewed the SBS/AHT policy, the school risk management plan (yearly), emergency information (yearly), CPR/FA and Recognizing and responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training (within the first three months of hire). Depending on how often they substitute they must also complete the health and safety trainings (within the first year of hire). You may find the substitute file checklist on the Division website, noted below, under “provider documents.” NC PRE-K This facility has one (1) NC Pre-K class in operation. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored today and found to be in compliance. The long-term substitute lead teacher and teacher continue to meet requirements. The program continues to use creative curriculum for planning and implementing lessons. Transportation requirements applicable to a public-school program were monitored and found to be in compliance. ENVIRONMENTAL RATING SCALES You were reminded that this facility is in cohort one related to resuming the environmental rating scales (ERS). This means that the preparation year for your facility began July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. The assessment year begins July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, and the program must complete the ERS process during that year. Please visit the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) website for informational webinars related to the current process and infographics with information on activities to complete during the preparation year (ncrlap.org). Ensure that all new and current staff have submitted all education to DCDEE WORKS for evaluation prior to completing the ERS. You may also complete an ERS assessment prior to your reassessment year and only use the scores if they are acceptable to you. FOLLOW-UP VISIT A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to ensure that L. Watkins is not working in the licensed classroom if the qualification is not obtained prior to the visit. The assigned lead teacher and teacher will be back tomorrow so staff/child ratio requirements will be maintained. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS Continue to ensure that all new staff medical forms (medical report, TB test/screening, health questionnaires, and doctor notes) be stored separate from their personnel files as required by rules. Technical assistance given regarding ensuring parents include the phone numbers for their hospital preferences on their child’s application as listed. This is important in case of a medical emergency and a fast reaction is important. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated January 1, 2024, is available at the DCDEE website https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. There are also modules reviewing the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. 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

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EDWARD BEST ELEMENTARY PRE-K Facility ID: 35000151 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/31/2024 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 1/31/2024 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to an annual compliance visit. L. Watkins, substitute teacher, was present and assisted with the visit. Due printer problems the computer-generated visit summary was emailed to principal Renze-Beer by the close of business today. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star license issued on June 14, 2017, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, seven (7) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on February9, 2023. The last sanitation inspection was completed December 14, 2042, earning a Superior rating. The last fire inspection was completed September 14, 2023, and was approved for daytime care only. Children were observed playing in activity centers, play dough at tables and painting. I also observed gross motor movement and lunch time routines. Teacher and child interactions were positive and nurturing in nature. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. There CBC process was not completed prior to hire to work in the NC Pre-K room for Lauren Watkins. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. There was no file available to review for substitute and floater staff hired 10/17/23, 1/25/24. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. There is no qualification letter available to review for Lauren Watkins. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance can be mailed or emailed to me and must be received by February 14, 2024. If mailing, you must submit two (2) signed and dated copies. My mailing and email addresses are noted at the bottom. The letter of compliance must detail how the violation was corrected. Please be aware any written information you submit regarding the correction of the violation is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all submitted information is accurate and truthful. If it is determined that submitted information was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 99% over an eighteen (18) month period. FACILITY PROFILE This facility is owned by Franklin County Public Schools. I reviewed contact information for the owner and the facility with you and you verified the current information listed with DCDEE remains correct. CHILDREN RECORDS I monitored ten (10) percent, or more, of children’s records and no violations were documented. STAFF RECORDS I also monitored all new staff records and ten (10) percent of remaining staff records, and several violations were documented. There is no substitute file available to review for the substitute teachers L. Watkins, C. Baker and floater M. Ruffin. All staff that work in the NC Pre-K classroom are required to have specific information on-site and be included on the “Public school off-site records verification” form. There was also no current criminal background check (CBC) qualification letter available to review for Lauren Watkins. She will need to resubmit an application for the background check as well as her fingerprints. Therefore, she may not work in the classroom until she completes the CBC process and has a qualification letter. I would recommend having all staff print and keep their qualification letters on-site. Substitute staff must also sign documentation they reviewed the SBS/AHT policy, the school risk management plan (yearly), emergency information (yearly), CPR/FA and Recognizing and responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training (within the first three months of hire). Depending on how often they substitute they must also complete the health and safety trainings (within the first year of hire). You may find the substitute file checklist on the Division website, noted below, under “provider documents.” NC PRE-K This facility has one (1) NC Pre-K class in operation. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored today and found to be in compliance. The long-term substitute lead teacher and teacher continue to meet requirements. The program continues to use creative curriculum for planning and implementing lessons. Transportation requirements applicable to a public-school program were monitored and found to be in compliance. ENVIRONMENTAL RATING SCALES You were reminded that this facility is in cohort one related to resuming the environmental rating scales (ERS). This means that the preparation year for your facility began July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. The assessment year begins July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, and the program must complete the ERS process during that year. Please visit the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) website for informational webinars related to the current process and infographics with information on activities to complete during the preparation year (ncrlap.org). Ensure that all new and current staff have submitted all education to DCDEE WORKS for evaluation prior to completing the ERS. You may also complete an ERS assessment prior to your reassessment year and only use the scores if they are acceptable to you. FOLLOW-UP VISIT A follow-up visit will be conducted in the near future to ensure that L. Watkins is not working in the licensed classroom if the qualification is not obtained prior to the visit. The assigned lead teacher and teacher will be back tomorrow so staff/child ratio requirements will be maintained. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS Continue to ensure that all new staff medical forms (medical report, TB test/screening, health questionnaires, and doctor notes) be stored separate from their personnel files as required by rules. Technical assistance given regarding ensuring parents include the phone numbers for their hospital preferences on their child’s application as listed. This is important in case of a medical emergency and a fast reaction is important. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated January 1, 2024, is available at the DCDEE website https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. There are also modules reviewing the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. 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