G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE KID'S CORNER Facility ID: 35000049 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/5/2025 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 2/5/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 372 Time In: 09:18 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: 01:00 PM Time Out: 04:00 PM 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. You J. Peoples, administrator, was present and assisted with the visit. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star license issued on July 11, 2019, earning seven (7) points in the Education Component, six (6) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on February 22, 2024. The last sanitation inspection was completed June 5, 2024, earning a Superior rating. The last fire inspection was conducted on January 29, 2025, and the facility was approved for daytime care only. Children were observed engaging in free choice center play, lunch, as well as diapering and handwashing routines. Observed interactions were positive and nurturing nature between teachers and children. FACILITY PROFILE This facility is owned by Merritt’s Child Care Inc. DBA Kid’s Corner. I informed you that the corporation listed as owner of this facility is documented as current and active in the Secretary of State Database and is required to remain so per child care rules. I reviewed contact information for the owner and the facility with you and you verified the current information listed with DCDEE remains correct. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 849 Leftover medicines were not returned to the parent after the course of treatment was completed, after authorization was withdrawn or after authorization had expired and/or medication was not discarded within 72 hours of completion of treatment or withdrawal of authorization .A container of Aquaphor stored in space #5 for a child expired 11/2024. Current authorization for a container of Aquaphor in space #1 was not completed and on site. .0803(12) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. A plastic grocery bag was observed in a child’s cubby in space #5 that was accessible to children. .0604(q) 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). The staff person hired 9/24/02 has a qualification letter dated 1/24/25, but the previous letter expired 9/3/24. 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 is no qualification letter on file for the person hired 9/24/02. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. There are several areas that measure 5 (five) inches beneath the large play equipment on the side with slides. .0605(k)(1-4) 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 19, 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 each 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 94% over an eighteen (18) month period. CHILD RECORDS I monitored ten (10) percent of children’s records, and they were found to be in compliance. STAFF RECORDS I also monitored new staff records and ten (10) percent, or more, of current staff records and two (2) violations was documented. The staff member hired 9/24/02 completed the criminal background check process on 1/24/25 but the previous letter was dated 9/3/24. There is no qualification letter in the staff member’s file. This person is specified on the staff and training worksheet. TRANSPORTATION This program offers transportation for enrolled children via van. The van meets all requirements regarding transporting children enrolled in licensed early education programs. MEDICATION While monitoring space #2 I observed a container of Aquaphor on-site for a child that did not have a current medication authorization form. I also observed a container of Aquaphor in space #1 that expired 11/2024. It may help if staff put expiration dates on the authorization forms they post on the wall and pick at least one day a month that they review forms and medications for expiration dates. GENERAL SAFETY While monitoring space #5 I observed a plastic grocery bag, containing clothing, in a child’s cubby. The cubbies are accessible to children and children aged two (2) and three (3) years are cared for in space. Plastic bags that can be torn and potentially swallowed must be kept five (5) feet above the floor to ensure they are not accessible to children under the age of three (3) years. You placed the clothes in the cubby and removed the bag from the room and said you would let mom know that plastic bags cannot be kept in cubbies when notified. This was corrected during the visit. Surfacing beneath the large play equipment on the middle playground measured five (5) inches in some areas. The side of the playground equipment with the slides and close to the building measures below the required six (6) inch depth for resilient surfacing. It appears that the surfacing may migrate toward the back (fence side) of the play equipment during inclement weather. However, the surfacing can be monitored during the monthly playground checks for signs of depletion. I would recommend tilling and redistributing the mulch then re-measure prior to ordering more mulch. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS Technical assistance discussed related to ensuring that when immunization records are received they are either signed or stamped by the health professional that completed it. This verifies that a health professional and not the parent completed it. I also recommend that you monitor the fire extinguisher for the van to ensure it is always in working order as well as the upholstery for signs of disrepair. 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. 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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.