10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: MILLERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRE K Facility ID: 97000190 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2026 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 4/22/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 410 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Rooms 201, 202, 203, and 204 where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Jessica Smith, Lead Teacher. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 2/21/18. Restrictions include 1st shift care, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and School Age playground equipment cannot be used by preschoolers. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children having free choice center time, individual and group time with teachers, outside gross motor play, and lunch during the visit. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/2025. A sanitation inspection was completed 4/20/2026 with a Superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12/01/2025. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 1/14/26. A shelter-in-place drill was documented on 12/04/25. An outdoor inspection was documented on 1/06/25. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. One new staff member was reported. The file for one new staff member and one existing staff member were monitored during the visit. The files for seven children enrolled were monitored during the visit. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed an Epi Pen, Benadryl, and an Albuterol Sulfate inhaler in Space 202. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. You stated that Wilkes County Schools does provide transportation in the morning and afternoon for NC Pre-K children. During today’s visit, I observed the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification signed by Eric Barker, Director of Transportation on 8/05/2025, the Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures signed by Nikki Patrick, Principal, on 9/12/24. I observed the School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms signed by six bus drivers on 8/22/24. I also observed the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses forms for children being transported on the public-school buses, and the Transportation Policies for Parents form. Your 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. Your facility uses Creative Curriculum and uses the Teaching Strategies Gold and Foundations embedded in the activity plan format. The DIAL-4 is used as a screening tool. Family services offered include parents volunteering to donate items for class celebrations and curriculum activities. Parents participate in optional home visits, individual parent meetings, Open House, Orientation, and parent projects sent home throughout the year. Parents are invited to Curriculum Nights, to visit the classroom to share any special skills or talents they have, and to participate in End-of-Study planned activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held two times per year, and an onsite orientation with parents when children register. Regular home projects are provided for families to engage in and complete together, and the program uses Ready Rosie. Teachers reach out to parents by the third day a child is absent to find out the reason for the absence. Teachers also send monthly newsletters and use Remind to send pictures and messages to parents, as well as having face-to-face contact in the mornings and afternoons. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today; Ms. Smith provided me a copy of this completed tool during the visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teachers, Jessica Smith, Emily Johnson, Victoria Norwood, and Teacher Assistants, Ashley Sheets and Mikhala Stanley, Karma Smith, Kristy Flake, and Heather Miller. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. DIAL-4 screenings were onsite for review during the visit and monitored. The site uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress; the next checkpoints for students enrolled will be completed in February (this month). The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year (October, January, and April/May). The first day of school was 8/18/2025. The Environment Rating Scale score received for the permit dated 2/21/18 was 5.81. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The arrival time for one child enrolled in Space 1 (Room 202) was not observed to be recorded. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not observed posted in Spaces 1 (Room 202), 2 (Room 201), and 4 (Room 203). GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202). One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Three outlets located in a hallway routinely accessed by children enrolled were observed without a safety cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201). .2820(b) 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. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025. .0803(12) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incidents were not observed to be recorded on an incident log in Space 3 (Room 204). .0802(g)(1-6) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. The job descriptions for two staff members were observed on file, but did not include a signature or date. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your Compliance Letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 4948 Martin View Lane, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided During Visit: Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. One staff member stated she is continuing to work to be linked to the facility and reported her NCID account is still under her maiden name and needs to be changed to her married name. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the center's facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. You may consider adding this task as a part of the onboarding process for new staff members. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025; Ms. Smith removed this medication from the classroom and took it to the office during the visit. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms; the child’s diagnosis was recorded on each of these forms during the visit. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant; the name and brand of this repellant was added to the form during the visit. It is critical for medication to be current and for medication administration forms to be complete, current, and on file prior to any child receiving medication or having topical medication applied for the health and safety of children enrolled. You may consider requiring parents to drop off all medications/ required forms to the office for review by administration before allowing them to be stored in classrooms. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202); these items were made inaccessible to children during the visit. One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203); this bin was made inaccessible to children during the visit. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock; this cabinet was locked during the visit. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. These items were placed into locked storage during the visit; shaving cream may not be used at all with children enrolled. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201); each of these items was placed greater than five feet from the ground during the visit. It is imperative for the indoor environment to be a safe place for the children to engage with and explore at all times. You may consider adding these items to a daily classroom check prior to children arriving to the classroom. Consultation Provided During Visit: The following General Statutes and Child Care Rules were reviewed with Ms. Smith during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (d)(2) regarding screen time logs 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS (d) regarding health questionnaire storage 10A NCAC 09 .0801 APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT (a)(6) regarding fears or behavior characteristics on the child application Benadryl must always be kept in locked storage, even if listed as the first step on a child’s medical action plan, as this is not considered a life-saving medication and cannot reach the bloodstream to take effect as quickly as an EpiPen. Consider using the Public School Offsite Records verification form for Staff Records either for all records listed on the form, or for none of these, as opposed to having some stored in Central Office and some stored in the Staff file. Monitor the metal border tacks on the playground to ensure all tacks are flush with the border; also monitor the border for developing cracks and consider covering these to ensure no sharp edges develop or are accessible to children in care. Remove D. Frederick and K. Reeves from the ABCMS Facility Roster. The Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures and School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms located in the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses packet were not observed to have been updated since the 2024/2025 school year. The CBC Qualification Letter for H. Miller must be renewed on or before 6/11/26; you may consider starting this process now. The CPR/FA certification for A. Sheets must be renewed prior to 11/05/2026. ASSISTANCE FOR NCID Related Questions: Password; Security Questions; Creating your NCID Phone: (919-754-6000 or Toll Free 1-800-722-3946Email: dit.incidents@its.nc.gov • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. As the Hold Harmless period has ended, and preparations for the new QRIS Modernization process are underway, I have included the link below to DCDEE’s NC Child Care Commission’s QRIS Modernization Plan (QRIS Reform) website link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization • Consider participating in an outreach assessment: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/outreachassessments/ • Visit the NCRLAP website: Get Ready for the 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3) https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local partners at Child Care Resource Center and/or Wilkes Community Partnership for children. Their teams are working diligently to support programs with training and more detailed information on the ERS-3 at this time. In October, 2025, child care consultants began discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license. Ms. Smith stated the facility will be choosing Pathway 1, Program Assessment and that the site will consider undergoing an Outreach Assessment in fall of 2026. She further stated this facility will likely complete the RL process in November, 2026. We additionally discussed the facility may choose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway which does not include the Self Study process. However, the facility would still be required to complete the ERS-3, per NCPK program requirements. On-Going Professional Development In addition to the required Health and Safety Trainings, staff can access professional development training on the DCDEE website in Moodle under Early Childhood Professional Development in the categories of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Orientation and Regulatory. Updated training modules are being added, including a Child Care Rule Rollout with new rules effective July 1, 2025, found under the Regulatory tab. Specifically, under the Orientation tab, I would encourage all staff to complete the training for “Child Development Module.” This training module provides a basic overview about child development and is designed to help early educators support infants, toddlers, and preschool children to reach their next developmental milestone. In addition to gaining introductory knowledge about child development, early educators will learn about the many resources and professional agencies available in North Carolina to help with promoting a responsive and engaging learning environment to support all children served. Upon completion, participants will receive one (1) contact hour credit (CHC). An individual NCID username and password is needed to access the DCDEE Moodle. If you experience problems with Moodle, contact dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov for assistance. For other training-related questions, please contact the Training and Program Development Consultant, Amia Eaton by calling (919) 814-6365 or emailing her at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time and assistance during this visit. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary, enrollment worksheet, and monitoring checklist were printed, and a copy was provided to you. You were given the opportunity to ask questions during the visit. Contact me, Cara McKeown, Child Care Consultant, at (336) 408-4849 or cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or Pamela Hauser, Licensing Supervisor, at (336) 317-5003 pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: MILLERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRE K Facility ID: 97000190 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2026 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 4/22/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 410 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Rooms 201, 202, 203, and 204 where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Jessica Smith, Lead Teacher. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 2/21/18. Restrictions include 1st shift care, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and School Age playground equipment cannot be used by preschoolers. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children having free choice center time, individual and group time with teachers, outside gross motor play, and lunch during the visit. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/2025. A sanitation inspection was completed 4/20/2026 with a Superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12/01/2025. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 1/14/26. A shelter-in-place drill was documented on 12/04/25. An outdoor inspection was documented on 1/06/25. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. One new staff member was reported. The file for one new staff member and one existing staff member were monitored during the visit. The files for seven children enrolled were monitored during the visit. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed an Epi Pen, Benadryl, and an Albuterol Sulfate inhaler in Space 202. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. You stated that Wilkes County Schools does provide transportation in the morning and afternoon for NC Pre-K children. During today’s visit, I observed the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification signed by Eric Barker, Director of Transportation on 8/05/2025, the Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures signed by Nikki Patrick, Principal, on 9/12/24. I observed the School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms signed by six bus drivers on 8/22/24. I also observed the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses forms for children being transported on the public-school buses, and the Transportation Policies for Parents form. Your 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. Your facility uses Creative Curriculum and uses the Teaching Strategies Gold and Foundations embedded in the activity plan format. The DIAL-4 is used as a screening tool. Family services offered include parents volunteering to donate items for class celebrations and curriculum activities. Parents participate in optional home visits, individual parent meetings, Open House, Orientation, and parent projects sent home throughout the year. Parents are invited to Curriculum Nights, to visit the classroom to share any special skills or talents they have, and to participate in End-of-Study planned activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held two times per year, and an onsite orientation with parents when children register. Regular home projects are provided for families to engage in and complete together, and the program uses Ready Rosie. Teachers reach out to parents by the third day a child is absent to find out the reason for the absence. Teachers also send monthly newsletters and use Remind to send pictures and messages to parents, as well as having face-to-face contact in the mornings and afternoons. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today; Ms. Smith provided me a copy of this completed tool during the visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teachers, Jessica Smith, Emily Johnson, Victoria Norwood, and Teacher Assistants, Ashley Sheets and Mikhala Stanley, Karma Smith, Kristy Flake, and Heather Miller. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. DIAL-4 screenings were onsite for review during the visit and monitored. The site uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress; the next checkpoints for students enrolled will be completed in February (this month). The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year (October, January, and April/May). The first day of school was 8/18/2025. The Environment Rating Scale score received for the permit dated 2/21/18 was 5.81. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The arrival time for one child enrolled in Space 1 (Room 202) was not observed to be recorded. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not observed posted in Spaces 1 (Room 202), 2 (Room 201), and 4 (Room 203). GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202). One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Three outlets located in a hallway routinely accessed by children enrolled were observed without a safety cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201). .2820(b) 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. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025. .0803(12) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incidents were not observed to be recorded on an incident log in Space 3 (Room 204). .0802(g)(1-6) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. The job descriptions for two staff members were observed on file, but did not include a signature or date. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your Compliance Letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 4948 Martin View Lane, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided During Visit: Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. One staff member stated she is continuing to work to be linked to the facility and reported her NCID account is still under her maiden name and needs to be changed to her married name. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the center's facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. You may consider adding this task as a part of the onboarding process for new staff members. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025; Ms. Smith removed this medication from the classroom and took it to the office during the visit. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms; the child’s diagnosis was recorded on each of these forms during the visit. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant; the name and brand of this repellant was added to the form during the visit. It is critical for medication to be current and for medication administration forms to be complete, current, and on file prior to any child receiving medication or having topical medication applied for the health and safety of children enrolled. You may consider requiring parents to drop off all medications/ required forms to the office for review by administration before allowing them to be stored in classrooms. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202); these items were made inaccessible to children during the visit. One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203); this bin was made inaccessible to children during the visit. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock; this cabinet was locked during the visit. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. These items were placed into locked storage during the visit; shaving cream may not be used at all with children enrolled. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201); each of these items was placed greater than five feet from the ground during the visit. It is imperative for the indoor environment to be a safe place for the children to engage with and explore at all times. You may consider adding these items to a daily classroom check prior to children arriving to the classroom. Consultation Provided During Visit: The following General Statutes and Child Care Rules were reviewed with Ms. Smith during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (d)(2) regarding screen time logs 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS (d) regarding health questionnaire storage 10A NCAC 09 .0801 APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT (a)(6) regarding fears or behavior characteristics on the child application Benadryl must always be kept in locked storage, even if listed as the first step on a child’s medical action plan, as this is not considered a life-saving medication and cannot reach the bloodstream to take effect as quickly as an EpiPen. Consider using the Public School Offsite Records verification form for Staff Records either for all records listed on the form, or for none of these, as opposed to having some stored in Central Office and some stored in the Staff file. Monitor the metal border tacks on the playground to ensure all tacks are flush with the border; also monitor the border for developing cracks and consider covering these to ensure no sharp edges develop or are accessible to children in care. Remove D. Frederick and K. Reeves from the ABCMS Facility Roster. The Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures and School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms located in the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses packet were not observed to have been updated since the 2024/2025 school year. The CBC Qualification Letter for H. Miller must be renewed on or before 6/11/26; you may consider starting this process now. The CPR/FA certification for A. Sheets must be renewed prior to 11/05/2026. ASSISTANCE FOR NCID Related Questions: Password; Security Questions; Creating your NCID Phone: (919-754-6000 or Toll Free 1-800-722-3946Email: dit.incidents@its.nc.gov • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. As the Hold Harmless period has ended, and preparations for the new QRIS Modernization process are underway, I have included the link below to DCDEE’s NC Child Care Commission’s QRIS Modernization Plan (QRIS Reform) website link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization • Consider participating in an outreach assessment: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/outreachassessments/ • Visit the NCRLAP website: Get Ready for the 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3) https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local partners at Child Care Resource Center and/or Wilkes Community Partnership for children. Their teams are working diligently to support programs with training and more detailed information on the ERS-3 at this time. In October, 2025, child care consultants began discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license. Ms. Smith stated the facility will be choosing Pathway 1, Program Assessment and that the site will consider undergoing an Outreach Assessment in fall of 2026. She further stated this facility will likely complete the RL process in November, 2026. We additionally discussed the facility may choose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway which does not include the Self Study process. However, the facility would still be required to complete the ERS-3, per NCPK program requirements. On-Going Professional Development In addition to the required Health and Safety Trainings, staff can access professional development training on the DCDEE website in Moodle under Early Childhood Professional Development in the categories of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Orientation and Regulatory. Updated training modules are being added, including a Child Care Rule Rollout with new rules effective July 1, 2025, found under the Regulatory tab. Specifically, under the Orientation tab, I would encourage all staff to complete the training for “Child Development Module.” This training module provides a basic overview about child development and is designed to help early educators support infants, toddlers, and preschool children to reach their next developmental milestone. In addition to gaining introductory knowledge about child development, early educators will learn about the many resources and professional agencies available in North Carolina to help with promoting a responsive and engaging learning environment to support all children served. Upon completion, participants will receive one (1) contact hour credit (CHC). An individual NCID username and password is needed to access the DCDEE Moodle. If you experience problems with Moodle, contact dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov for assistance. For other training-related questions, please contact the Training and Program Development Consultant, Amia Eaton by calling (919) 814-6365 or emailing her at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time and assistance during this visit. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary, enrollment worksheet, and monitoring checklist were printed, and a copy was provided to you. You were given the opportunity to ask questions during the visit. Contact me, Cara McKeown, Child Care Consultant, at (336) 408-4849 or cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or Pamela Hauser, Licensing Supervisor, at (336) 317-5003 pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0510 · Violation

Name of Operation: MILLERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRE K Facility ID: 97000190 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2026 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 4/22/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 410 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Rooms 201, 202, 203, and 204 where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Jessica Smith, Lead Teacher. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 2/21/18. Restrictions include 1st shift care, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and School Age playground equipment cannot be used by preschoolers. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children having free choice center time, individual and group time with teachers, outside gross motor play, and lunch during the visit. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/2025. A sanitation inspection was completed 4/20/2026 with a Superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12/01/2025. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 1/14/26. A shelter-in-place drill was documented on 12/04/25. An outdoor inspection was documented on 1/06/25. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. One new staff member was reported. The file for one new staff member and one existing staff member were monitored during the visit. The files for seven children enrolled were monitored during the visit. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed an Epi Pen, Benadryl, and an Albuterol Sulfate inhaler in Space 202. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. You stated that Wilkes County Schools does provide transportation in the morning and afternoon for NC Pre-K children. During today’s visit, I observed the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification signed by Eric Barker, Director of Transportation on 8/05/2025, the Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures signed by Nikki Patrick, Principal, on 9/12/24. I observed the School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms signed by six bus drivers on 8/22/24. I also observed the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses forms for children being transported on the public-school buses, and the Transportation Policies for Parents form. Your 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. Your facility uses Creative Curriculum and uses the Teaching Strategies Gold and Foundations embedded in the activity plan format. The DIAL-4 is used as a screening tool. Family services offered include parents volunteering to donate items for class celebrations and curriculum activities. Parents participate in optional home visits, individual parent meetings, Open House, Orientation, and parent projects sent home throughout the year. Parents are invited to Curriculum Nights, to visit the classroom to share any special skills or talents they have, and to participate in End-of-Study planned activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held two times per year, and an onsite orientation with parents when children register. Regular home projects are provided for families to engage in and complete together, and the program uses Ready Rosie. Teachers reach out to parents by the third day a child is absent to find out the reason for the absence. Teachers also send monthly newsletters and use Remind to send pictures and messages to parents, as well as having face-to-face contact in the mornings and afternoons. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today; Ms. Smith provided me a copy of this completed tool during the visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teachers, Jessica Smith, Emily Johnson, Victoria Norwood, and Teacher Assistants, Ashley Sheets and Mikhala Stanley, Karma Smith, Kristy Flake, and Heather Miller. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. DIAL-4 screenings were onsite for review during the visit and monitored. The site uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress; the next checkpoints for students enrolled will be completed in February (this month). The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year (October, January, and April/May). The first day of school was 8/18/2025. The Environment Rating Scale score received for the permit dated 2/21/18 was 5.81. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The arrival time for one child enrolled in Space 1 (Room 202) was not observed to be recorded. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not observed posted in Spaces 1 (Room 202), 2 (Room 201), and 4 (Room 203). GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202). One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Three outlets located in a hallway routinely accessed by children enrolled were observed without a safety cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201). .2820(b) 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. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025. .0803(12) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incidents were not observed to be recorded on an incident log in Space 3 (Room 204). .0802(g)(1-6) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. The job descriptions for two staff members were observed on file, but did not include a signature or date. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your Compliance Letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 4948 Martin View Lane, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided During Visit: Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. One staff member stated she is continuing to work to be linked to the facility and reported her NCID account is still under her maiden name and needs to be changed to her married name. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the center's facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. You may consider adding this task as a part of the onboarding process for new staff members. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025; Ms. Smith removed this medication from the classroom and took it to the office during the visit. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms; the child’s diagnosis was recorded on each of these forms during the visit. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant; the name and brand of this repellant was added to the form during the visit. It is critical for medication to be current and for medication administration forms to be complete, current, and on file prior to any child receiving medication or having topical medication applied for the health and safety of children enrolled. You may consider requiring parents to drop off all medications/ required forms to the office for review by administration before allowing them to be stored in classrooms. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202); these items were made inaccessible to children during the visit. One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203); this bin was made inaccessible to children during the visit. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock; this cabinet was locked during the visit. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. These items were placed into locked storage during the visit; shaving cream may not be used at all with children enrolled. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201); each of these items was placed greater than five feet from the ground during the visit. It is imperative for the indoor environment to be a safe place for the children to engage with and explore at all times. You may consider adding these items to a daily classroom check prior to children arriving to the classroom. Consultation Provided During Visit: The following General Statutes and Child Care Rules were reviewed with Ms. Smith during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (d)(2) regarding screen time logs 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS (d) regarding health questionnaire storage 10A NCAC 09 .0801 APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT (a)(6) regarding fears or behavior characteristics on the child application Benadryl must always be kept in locked storage, even if listed as the first step on a child’s medical action plan, as this is not considered a life-saving medication and cannot reach the bloodstream to take effect as quickly as an EpiPen. Consider using the Public School Offsite Records verification form for Staff Records either for all records listed on the form, or for none of these, as opposed to having some stored in Central Office and some stored in the Staff file. Monitor the metal border tacks on the playground to ensure all tacks are flush with the border; also monitor the border for developing cracks and consider covering these to ensure no sharp edges develop or are accessible to children in care. Remove D. Frederick and K. Reeves from the ABCMS Facility Roster. The Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures and School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms located in the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses packet were not observed to have been updated since the 2024/2025 school year. The CBC Qualification Letter for H. Miller must be renewed on or before 6/11/26; you may consider starting this process now. The CPR/FA certification for A. Sheets must be renewed prior to 11/05/2026. ASSISTANCE FOR NCID Related Questions: Password; Security Questions; Creating your NCID Phone: (919-754-6000 or Toll Free 1-800-722-3946Email: dit.incidents@its.nc.gov • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. As the Hold Harmless period has ended, and preparations for the new QRIS Modernization process are underway, I have included the link below to DCDEE’s NC Child Care Commission’s QRIS Modernization Plan (QRIS Reform) website link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization • Consider participating in an outreach assessment: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/outreachassessments/ • Visit the NCRLAP website: Get Ready for the 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3) https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local partners at Child Care Resource Center and/or Wilkes Community Partnership for children. Their teams are working diligently to support programs with training and more detailed information on the ERS-3 at this time. In October, 2025, child care consultants began discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license. Ms. Smith stated the facility will be choosing Pathway 1, Program Assessment and that the site will consider undergoing an Outreach Assessment in fall of 2026. She further stated this facility will likely complete the RL process in November, 2026. We additionally discussed the facility may choose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway which does not include the Self Study process. However, the facility would still be required to complete the ERS-3, per NCPK program requirements. On-Going Professional Development In addition to the required Health and Safety Trainings, staff can access professional development training on the DCDEE website in Moodle under Early Childhood Professional Development in the categories of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Orientation and Regulatory. Updated training modules are being added, including a Child Care Rule Rollout with new rules effective July 1, 2025, found under the Regulatory tab. Specifically, under the Orientation tab, I would encourage all staff to complete the training for “Child Development Module.” This training module provides a basic overview about child development and is designed to help early educators support infants, toddlers, and preschool children to reach their next developmental milestone. In addition to gaining introductory knowledge about child development, early educators will learn about the many resources and professional agencies available in North Carolina to help with promoting a responsive and engaging learning environment to support all children served. Upon completion, participants will receive one (1) contact hour credit (CHC). An individual NCID username and password is needed to access the DCDEE Moodle. If you experience problems with Moodle, contact dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov for assistance. For other training-related questions, please contact the Training and Program Development Consultant, Amia Eaton by calling (919) 814-6365 or emailing her at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time and assistance during this visit. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary, enrollment worksheet, and monitoring checklist were printed, and a copy was provided to you. You were given the opportunity to ask questions during the visit. Contact me, Cara McKeown, Child Care Consultant, at (336) 408-4849 or cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or Pamela Hauser, Licensing Supervisor, at (336) 317-5003 pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: MILLERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRE K Facility ID: 97000190 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2026 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 4/22/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 410 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Rooms 201, 202, 203, and 204 where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Jessica Smith, Lead Teacher. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 2/21/18. Restrictions include 1st shift care, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and School Age playground equipment cannot be used by preschoolers. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children having free choice center time, individual and group time with teachers, outside gross motor play, and lunch during the visit. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/2025. A sanitation inspection was completed 4/20/2026 with a Superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12/01/2025. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 1/14/26. A shelter-in-place drill was documented on 12/04/25. An outdoor inspection was documented on 1/06/25. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. One new staff member was reported. The file for one new staff member and one existing staff member were monitored during the visit. The files for seven children enrolled were monitored during the visit. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed an Epi Pen, Benadryl, and an Albuterol Sulfate inhaler in Space 202. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. You stated that Wilkes County Schools does provide transportation in the morning and afternoon for NC Pre-K children. During today’s visit, I observed the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification signed by Eric Barker, Director of Transportation on 8/05/2025, the Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures signed by Nikki Patrick, Principal, on 9/12/24. I observed the School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms signed by six bus drivers on 8/22/24. I also observed the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses forms for children being transported on the public-school buses, and the Transportation Policies for Parents form. Your 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. Your facility uses Creative Curriculum and uses the Teaching Strategies Gold and Foundations embedded in the activity plan format. The DIAL-4 is used as a screening tool. Family services offered include parents volunteering to donate items for class celebrations and curriculum activities. Parents participate in optional home visits, individual parent meetings, Open House, Orientation, and parent projects sent home throughout the year. Parents are invited to Curriculum Nights, to visit the classroom to share any special skills or talents they have, and to participate in End-of-Study planned activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held two times per year, and an onsite orientation with parents when children register. Regular home projects are provided for families to engage in and complete together, and the program uses Ready Rosie. Teachers reach out to parents by the third day a child is absent to find out the reason for the absence. Teachers also send monthly newsletters and use Remind to send pictures and messages to parents, as well as having face-to-face contact in the mornings and afternoons. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today; Ms. Smith provided me a copy of this completed tool during the visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teachers, Jessica Smith, Emily Johnson, Victoria Norwood, and Teacher Assistants, Ashley Sheets and Mikhala Stanley, Karma Smith, Kristy Flake, and Heather Miller. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. DIAL-4 screenings were onsite for review during the visit and monitored. The site uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress; the next checkpoints for students enrolled will be completed in February (this month). The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year (October, January, and April/May). The first day of school was 8/18/2025. The Environment Rating Scale score received for the permit dated 2/21/18 was 5.81. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The arrival time for one child enrolled in Space 1 (Room 202) was not observed to be recorded. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not observed posted in Spaces 1 (Room 202), 2 (Room 201), and 4 (Room 203). GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202). One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Three outlets located in a hallway routinely accessed by children enrolled were observed without a safety cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201). .2820(b) 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. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025. .0803(12) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incidents were not observed to be recorded on an incident log in Space 3 (Room 204). .0802(g)(1-6) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. The job descriptions for two staff members were observed on file, but did not include a signature or date. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your Compliance Letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 4948 Martin View Lane, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided During Visit: Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. One staff member stated she is continuing to work to be linked to the facility and reported her NCID account is still under her maiden name and needs to be changed to her married name. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the center's facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. You may consider adding this task as a part of the onboarding process for new staff members. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025; Ms. Smith removed this medication from the classroom and took it to the office during the visit. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms; the child’s diagnosis was recorded on each of these forms during the visit. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant; the name and brand of this repellant was added to the form during the visit. It is critical for medication to be current and for medication administration forms to be complete, current, and on file prior to any child receiving medication or having topical medication applied for the health and safety of children enrolled. You may consider requiring parents to drop off all medications/ required forms to the office for review by administration before allowing them to be stored in classrooms. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202); these items were made inaccessible to children during the visit. One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203); this bin was made inaccessible to children during the visit. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock; this cabinet was locked during the visit. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. These items were placed into locked storage during the visit; shaving cream may not be used at all with children enrolled. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201); each of these items was placed greater than five feet from the ground during the visit. It is imperative for the indoor environment to be a safe place for the children to engage with and explore at all times. You may consider adding these items to a daily classroom check prior to children arriving to the classroom. Consultation Provided During Visit: The following General Statutes and Child Care Rules were reviewed with Ms. Smith during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (d)(2) regarding screen time logs 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS (d) regarding health questionnaire storage 10A NCAC 09 .0801 APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT (a)(6) regarding fears or behavior characteristics on the child application Benadryl must always be kept in locked storage, even if listed as the first step on a child’s medical action plan, as this is not considered a life-saving medication and cannot reach the bloodstream to take effect as quickly as an EpiPen. Consider using the Public School Offsite Records verification form for Staff Records either for all records listed on the form, or for none of these, as opposed to having some stored in Central Office and some stored in the Staff file. Monitor the metal border tacks on the playground to ensure all tacks are flush with the border; also monitor the border for developing cracks and consider covering these to ensure no sharp edges develop or are accessible to children in care. Remove D. Frederick and K. Reeves from the ABCMS Facility Roster. The Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures and School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms located in the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses packet were not observed to have been updated since the 2024/2025 school year. The CBC Qualification Letter for H. Miller must be renewed on or before 6/11/26; you may consider starting this process now. The CPR/FA certification for A. Sheets must be renewed prior to 11/05/2026. ASSISTANCE FOR NCID Related Questions: Password; Security Questions; Creating your NCID Phone: (919-754-6000 or Toll Free 1-800-722-3946Email: dit.incidents@its.nc.gov • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. As the Hold Harmless period has ended, and preparations for the new QRIS Modernization process are underway, I have included the link below to DCDEE’s NC Child Care Commission’s QRIS Modernization Plan (QRIS Reform) website link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization • Consider participating in an outreach assessment: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/outreachassessments/ • Visit the NCRLAP website: Get Ready for the 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3) https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local partners at Child Care Resource Center and/or Wilkes Community Partnership for children. Their teams are working diligently to support programs with training and more detailed information on the ERS-3 at this time. In October, 2025, child care consultants began discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license. Ms. Smith stated the facility will be choosing Pathway 1, Program Assessment and that the site will consider undergoing an Outreach Assessment in fall of 2026. She further stated this facility will likely complete the RL process in November, 2026. We additionally discussed the facility may choose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway which does not include the Self Study process. However, the facility would still be required to complete the ERS-3, per NCPK program requirements. On-Going Professional Development In addition to the required Health and Safety Trainings, staff can access professional development training on the DCDEE website in Moodle under Early Childhood Professional Development in the categories of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Orientation and Regulatory. Updated training modules are being added, including a Child Care Rule Rollout with new rules effective July 1, 2025, found under the Regulatory tab. Specifically, under the Orientation tab, I would encourage all staff to complete the training for “Child Development Module.” This training module provides a basic overview about child development and is designed to help early educators support infants, toddlers, and preschool children to reach their next developmental milestone. In addition to gaining introductory knowledge about child development, early educators will learn about the many resources and professional agencies available in North Carolina to help with promoting a responsive and engaging learning environment to support all children served. Upon completion, participants will receive one (1) contact hour credit (CHC). An individual NCID username and password is needed to access the DCDEE Moodle. If you experience problems with Moodle, contact dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov for assistance. For other training-related questions, please contact the Training and Program Development Consultant, Amia Eaton by calling (919) 814-6365 or emailing her at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time and assistance during this visit. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary, enrollment worksheet, and monitoring checklist were printed, and a copy was provided to you. You were given the opportunity to ask questions during the visit. Contact me, Cara McKeown, Child Care Consultant, at (336) 408-4849 or cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or Pamela Hauser, Licensing Supervisor, at (336) 317-5003 pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: MILLERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRE K Facility ID: 97000190 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2026 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 4/22/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 410 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Rooms 201, 202, 203, and 204 where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Jessica Smith, Lead Teacher. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 2/21/18. Restrictions include 1st shift care, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and School Age playground equipment cannot be used by preschoolers. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children having free choice center time, individual and group time with teachers, outside gross motor play, and lunch during the visit. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/2025. A sanitation inspection was completed 4/20/2026 with a Superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12/01/2025. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 1/14/26. A shelter-in-place drill was documented on 12/04/25. An outdoor inspection was documented on 1/06/25. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. One new staff member was reported. The file for one new staff member and one existing staff member were monitored during the visit. The files for seven children enrolled were monitored during the visit. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed an Epi Pen, Benadryl, and an Albuterol Sulfate inhaler in Space 202. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. You stated that Wilkes County Schools does provide transportation in the morning and afternoon for NC Pre-K children. During today’s visit, I observed the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification signed by Eric Barker, Director of Transportation on 8/05/2025, the Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures signed by Nikki Patrick, Principal, on 9/12/24. I observed the School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms signed by six bus drivers on 8/22/24. I also observed the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses forms for children being transported on the public-school buses, and the Transportation Policies for Parents form. Your 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. Your facility uses Creative Curriculum and uses the Teaching Strategies Gold and Foundations embedded in the activity plan format. The DIAL-4 is used as a screening tool. Family services offered include parents volunteering to donate items for class celebrations and curriculum activities. Parents participate in optional home visits, individual parent meetings, Open House, Orientation, and parent projects sent home throughout the year. Parents are invited to Curriculum Nights, to visit the classroom to share any special skills or talents they have, and to participate in End-of-Study planned activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held two times per year, and an onsite orientation with parents when children register. Regular home projects are provided for families to engage in and complete together, and the program uses Ready Rosie. Teachers reach out to parents by the third day a child is absent to find out the reason for the absence. Teachers also send monthly newsletters and use Remind to send pictures and messages to parents, as well as having face-to-face contact in the mornings and afternoons. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today; Ms. Smith provided me a copy of this completed tool during the visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teachers, Jessica Smith, Emily Johnson, Victoria Norwood, and Teacher Assistants, Ashley Sheets and Mikhala Stanley, Karma Smith, Kristy Flake, and Heather Miller. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. DIAL-4 screenings were onsite for review during the visit and monitored. The site uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress; the next checkpoints for students enrolled will be completed in February (this month). The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year (October, January, and April/May). The first day of school was 8/18/2025. The Environment Rating Scale score received for the permit dated 2/21/18 was 5.81. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The arrival time for one child enrolled in Space 1 (Room 202) was not observed to be recorded. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not observed posted in Spaces 1 (Room 202), 2 (Room 201), and 4 (Room 203). GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202). One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Three outlets located in a hallway routinely accessed by children enrolled were observed without a safety cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201). .2820(b) 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. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025. .0803(12) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incidents were not observed to be recorded on an incident log in Space 3 (Room 204). .0802(g)(1-6) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. The job descriptions for two staff members were observed on file, but did not include a signature or date. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your Compliance Letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 4948 Martin View Lane, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided During Visit: Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. One staff member stated she is continuing to work to be linked to the facility and reported her NCID account is still under her maiden name and needs to be changed to her married name. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the center's facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. You may consider adding this task as a part of the onboarding process for new staff members. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025; Ms. Smith removed this medication from the classroom and took it to the office during the visit. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms; the child’s diagnosis was recorded on each of these forms during the visit. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant; the name and brand of this repellant was added to the form during the visit. It is critical for medication to be current and for medication administration forms to be complete, current, and on file prior to any child receiving medication or having topical medication applied for the health and safety of children enrolled. You may consider requiring parents to drop off all medications/ required forms to the office for review by administration before allowing them to be stored in classrooms. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202); these items were made inaccessible to children during the visit. One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203); this bin was made inaccessible to children during the visit. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock; this cabinet was locked during the visit. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. These items were placed into locked storage during the visit; shaving cream may not be used at all with children enrolled. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201); each of these items was placed greater than five feet from the ground during the visit. It is imperative for the indoor environment to be a safe place for the children to engage with and explore at all times. You may consider adding these items to a daily classroom check prior to children arriving to the classroom. Consultation Provided During Visit: The following General Statutes and Child Care Rules were reviewed with Ms. Smith during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (d)(2) regarding screen time logs 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS (d) regarding health questionnaire storage 10A NCAC 09 .0801 APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT (a)(6) regarding fears or behavior characteristics on the child application Benadryl must always be kept in locked storage, even if listed as the first step on a child’s medical action plan, as this is not considered a life-saving medication and cannot reach the bloodstream to take effect as quickly as an EpiPen. Consider using the Public School Offsite Records verification form for Staff Records either for all records listed on the form, or for none of these, as opposed to having some stored in Central Office and some stored in the Staff file. Monitor the metal border tacks on the playground to ensure all tacks are flush with the border; also monitor the border for developing cracks and consider covering these to ensure no sharp edges develop or are accessible to children in care. Remove D. Frederick and K. Reeves from the ABCMS Facility Roster. The Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures and School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms located in the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses packet were not observed to have been updated since the 2024/2025 school year. The CBC Qualification Letter for H. Miller must be renewed on or before 6/11/26; you may consider starting this process now. The CPR/FA certification for A. Sheets must be renewed prior to 11/05/2026. ASSISTANCE FOR NCID Related Questions: Password; Security Questions; Creating your NCID Phone: (919-754-6000 or Toll Free 1-800-722-3946Email: dit.incidents@its.nc.gov • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. As the Hold Harmless period has ended, and preparations for the new QRIS Modernization process are underway, I have included the link below to DCDEE’s NC Child Care Commission’s QRIS Modernization Plan (QRIS Reform) website link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization • Consider participating in an outreach assessment: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/outreachassessments/ • Visit the NCRLAP website: Get Ready for the 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3) https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local partners at Child Care Resource Center and/or Wilkes Community Partnership for children. Their teams are working diligently to support programs with training and more detailed information on the ERS-3 at this time. In October, 2025, child care consultants began discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license. Ms. Smith stated the facility will be choosing Pathway 1, Program Assessment and that the site will consider undergoing an Outreach Assessment in fall of 2026. She further stated this facility will likely complete the RL process in November, 2026. We additionally discussed the facility may choose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway which does not include the Self Study process. However, the facility would still be required to complete the ERS-3, per NCPK program requirements. On-Going Professional Development In addition to the required Health and Safety Trainings, staff can access professional development training on the DCDEE website in Moodle under Early Childhood Professional Development in the categories of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Orientation and Regulatory. Updated training modules are being added, including a Child Care Rule Rollout with new rules effective July 1, 2025, found under the Regulatory tab. Specifically, under the Orientation tab, I would encourage all staff to complete the training for “Child Development Module.” This training module provides a basic overview about child development and is designed to help early educators support infants, toddlers, and preschool children to reach their next developmental milestone. In addition to gaining introductory knowledge about child development, early educators will learn about the many resources and professional agencies available in North Carolina to help with promoting a responsive and engaging learning environment to support all children served. Upon completion, participants will receive one (1) contact hour credit (CHC). An individual NCID username and password is needed to access the DCDEE Moodle. If you experience problems with Moodle, contact dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov for assistance. For other training-related questions, please contact the Training and Program Development Consultant, Amia Eaton by calling (919) 814-6365 or emailing her at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time and assistance during this visit. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary, enrollment worksheet, and monitoring checklist were printed, and a copy was provided to you. You were given the opportunity to ask questions during the visit. Contact me, Cara McKeown, Child Care Consultant, at (336) 408-4849 or cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or Pamela Hauser, Licensing Supervisor, at (336) 317-5003 pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0801 · Violation

Name of Operation: MILLERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRE K Facility ID: 97000190 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2026 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 4/22/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 410 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Rooms 201, 202, 203, and 204 where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Jessica Smith, Lead Teacher. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 2/21/18. Restrictions include 1st shift care, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and School Age playground equipment cannot be used by preschoolers. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children having free choice center time, individual and group time with teachers, outside gross motor play, and lunch during the visit. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/2025. A sanitation inspection was completed 4/20/2026 with a Superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12/01/2025. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 1/14/26. A shelter-in-place drill was documented on 12/04/25. An outdoor inspection was documented on 1/06/25. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. One new staff member was reported. The file for one new staff member and one existing staff member were monitored during the visit. The files for seven children enrolled were monitored during the visit. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed an Epi Pen, Benadryl, and an Albuterol Sulfate inhaler in Space 202. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. You stated that Wilkes County Schools does provide transportation in the morning and afternoon for NC Pre-K children. During today’s visit, I observed the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification signed by Eric Barker, Director of Transportation on 8/05/2025, the Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures signed by Nikki Patrick, Principal, on 9/12/24. I observed the School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms signed by six bus drivers on 8/22/24. I also observed the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses forms for children being transported on the public-school buses, and the Transportation Policies for Parents form. Your 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. Your facility uses Creative Curriculum and uses the Teaching Strategies Gold and Foundations embedded in the activity plan format. The DIAL-4 is used as a screening tool. Family services offered include parents volunteering to donate items for class celebrations and curriculum activities. Parents participate in optional home visits, individual parent meetings, Open House, Orientation, and parent projects sent home throughout the year. Parents are invited to Curriculum Nights, to visit the classroom to share any special skills or talents they have, and to participate in End-of-Study planned activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held two times per year, and an onsite orientation with parents when children register. Regular home projects are provided for families to engage in and complete together, and the program uses Ready Rosie. Teachers reach out to parents by the third day a child is absent to find out the reason for the absence. Teachers also send monthly newsletters and use Remind to send pictures and messages to parents, as well as having face-to-face contact in the mornings and afternoons. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today; Ms. Smith provided me a copy of this completed tool during the visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teachers, Jessica Smith, Emily Johnson, Victoria Norwood, and Teacher Assistants, Ashley Sheets and Mikhala Stanley, Karma Smith, Kristy Flake, and Heather Miller. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. DIAL-4 screenings were onsite for review during the visit and monitored. The site uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress; the next checkpoints for students enrolled will be completed in February (this month). The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year (October, January, and April/May). The first day of school was 8/18/2025. The Environment Rating Scale score received for the permit dated 2/21/18 was 5.81. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The arrival time for one child enrolled in Space 1 (Room 202) was not observed to be recorded. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not observed posted in Spaces 1 (Room 202), 2 (Room 201), and 4 (Room 203). GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202). One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Three outlets located in a hallway routinely accessed by children enrolled were observed without a safety cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201). .2820(b) 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. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025. .0803(12) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incidents were not observed to be recorded on an incident log in Space 3 (Room 204). .0802(g)(1-6) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. The job descriptions for two staff members were observed on file, but did not include a signature or date. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your Compliance Letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 4948 Martin View Lane, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided During Visit: Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. One staff member stated she is continuing to work to be linked to the facility and reported her NCID account is still under her maiden name and needs to be changed to her married name. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the center's facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. You may consider adding this task as a part of the onboarding process for new staff members. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025; Ms. Smith removed this medication from the classroom and took it to the office during the visit. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms; the child’s diagnosis was recorded on each of these forms during the visit. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant; the name and brand of this repellant was added to the form during the visit. It is critical for medication to be current and for medication administration forms to be complete, current, and on file prior to any child receiving medication or having topical medication applied for the health and safety of children enrolled. You may consider requiring parents to drop off all medications/ required forms to the office for review by administration before allowing them to be stored in classrooms. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202); these items were made inaccessible to children during the visit. One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203); this bin was made inaccessible to children during the visit. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock; this cabinet was locked during the visit. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. These items were placed into locked storage during the visit; shaving cream may not be used at all with children enrolled. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201); each of these items was placed greater than five feet from the ground during the visit. It is imperative for the indoor environment to be a safe place for the children to engage with and explore at all times. You may consider adding these items to a daily classroom check prior to children arriving to the classroom. Consultation Provided During Visit: The following General Statutes and Child Care Rules were reviewed with Ms. Smith during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (d)(2) regarding screen time logs 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS (d) regarding health questionnaire storage 10A NCAC 09 .0801 APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT (a)(6) regarding fears or behavior characteristics on the child application Benadryl must always be kept in locked storage, even if listed as the first step on a child’s medical action plan, as this is not considered a life-saving medication and cannot reach the bloodstream to take effect as quickly as an EpiPen. Consider using the Public School Offsite Records verification form for Staff Records either for all records listed on the form, or for none of these, as opposed to having some stored in Central Office and some stored in the Staff file. Monitor the metal border tacks on the playground to ensure all tacks are flush with the border; also monitor the border for developing cracks and consider covering these to ensure no sharp edges develop or are accessible to children in care. Remove D. Frederick and K. Reeves from the ABCMS Facility Roster. The Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures and School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms located in the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses packet were not observed to have been updated since the 2024/2025 school year. The CBC Qualification Letter for H. Miller must be renewed on or before 6/11/26; you may consider starting this process now. The CPR/FA certification for A. Sheets must be renewed prior to 11/05/2026. ASSISTANCE FOR NCID Related Questions: Password; Security Questions; Creating your NCID Phone: (919-754-6000 or Toll Free 1-800-722-3946Email: dit.incidents@its.nc.gov • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. As the Hold Harmless period has ended, and preparations for the new QRIS Modernization process are underway, I have included the link below to DCDEE’s NC Child Care Commission’s QRIS Modernization Plan (QRIS Reform) website link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization • Consider participating in an outreach assessment: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/outreachassessments/ • Visit the NCRLAP website: Get Ready for the 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3) https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local partners at Child Care Resource Center and/or Wilkes Community Partnership for children. Their teams are working diligently to support programs with training and more detailed information on the ERS-3 at this time. In October, 2025, child care consultants began discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license. Ms. Smith stated the facility will be choosing Pathway 1, Program Assessment and that the site will consider undergoing an Outreach Assessment in fall of 2026. She further stated this facility will likely complete the RL process in November, 2026. We additionally discussed the facility may choose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway which does not include the Self Study process. However, the facility would still be required to complete the ERS-3, per NCPK program requirements. On-Going Professional Development In addition to the required Health and Safety Trainings, staff can access professional development training on the DCDEE website in Moodle under Early Childhood Professional Development in the categories of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Orientation and Regulatory. Updated training modules are being added, including a Child Care Rule Rollout with new rules effective July 1, 2025, found under the Regulatory tab. Specifically, under the Orientation tab, I would encourage all staff to complete the training for “Child Development Module.” This training module provides a basic overview about child development and is designed to help early educators support infants, toddlers, and preschool children to reach their next developmental milestone. In addition to gaining introductory knowledge about child development, early educators will learn about the many resources and professional agencies available in North Carolina to help with promoting a responsive and engaging learning environment to support all children served. Upon completion, participants will receive one (1) contact hour credit (CHC). An individual NCID username and password is needed to access the DCDEE Moodle. If you experience problems with Moodle, contact dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov for assistance. For other training-related questions, please contact the Training and Program Development Consultant, Amia Eaton by calling (919) 814-6365 or emailing her at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time and assistance during this visit. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary, enrollment worksheet, and monitoring checklist were printed, and a copy was provided to you. You were given the opportunity to ask questions during the visit. Contact me, Cara McKeown, Child Care Consultant, at (336) 408-4849 or cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or Pamela Hauser, Licensing Supervisor, at (336) 317-5003 pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: MILLERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRE K Facility ID: 97000190 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2026 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 4/22/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 410 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Rooms 201, 202, 203, and 204 where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Jessica Smith, Lead Teacher. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 2/21/18. Restrictions include 1st shift care, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and School Age playground equipment cannot be used by preschoolers. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children having free choice center time, individual and group time with teachers, outside gross motor play, and lunch during the visit. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/2025. A sanitation inspection was completed 4/20/2026 with a Superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12/01/2025. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 1/14/26. A shelter-in-place drill was documented on 12/04/25. An outdoor inspection was documented on 1/06/25. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. One new staff member was reported. The file for one new staff member and one existing staff member were monitored during the visit. The files for seven children enrolled were monitored during the visit. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed an Epi Pen, Benadryl, and an Albuterol Sulfate inhaler in Space 202. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. You stated that Wilkes County Schools does provide transportation in the morning and afternoon for NC Pre-K children. During today’s visit, I observed the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification signed by Eric Barker, Director of Transportation on 8/05/2025, the Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures signed by Nikki Patrick, Principal, on 9/12/24. I observed the School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms signed by six bus drivers on 8/22/24. I also observed the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses forms for children being transported on the public-school buses, and the Transportation Policies for Parents form. Your 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. Your facility uses Creative Curriculum and uses the Teaching Strategies Gold and Foundations embedded in the activity plan format. The DIAL-4 is used as a screening tool. Family services offered include parents volunteering to donate items for class celebrations and curriculum activities. Parents participate in optional home visits, individual parent meetings, Open House, Orientation, and parent projects sent home throughout the year. Parents are invited to Curriculum Nights, to visit the classroom to share any special skills or talents they have, and to participate in End-of-Study planned activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held two times per year, and an onsite orientation with parents when children register. Regular home projects are provided for families to engage in and complete together, and the program uses Ready Rosie. Teachers reach out to parents by the third day a child is absent to find out the reason for the absence. Teachers also send monthly newsletters and use Remind to send pictures and messages to parents, as well as having face-to-face contact in the mornings and afternoons. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today; Ms. Smith provided me a copy of this completed tool during the visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teachers, Jessica Smith, Emily Johnson, Victoria Norwood, and Teacher Assistants, Ashley Sheets and Mikhala Stanley, Karma Smith, Kristy Flake, and Heather Miller. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. DIAL-4 screenings were onsite for review during the visit and monitored. The site uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress; the next checkpoints for students enrolled will be completed in February (this month). The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year (October, January, and April/May). The first day of school was 8/18/2025. The Environment Rating Scale score received for the permit dated 2/21/18 was 5.81. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The arrival time for one child enrolled in Space 1 (Room 202) was not observed to be recorded. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not observed posted in Spaces 1 (Room 202), 2 (Room 201), and 4 (Room 203). GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202). One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Three outlets located in a hallway routinely accessed by children enrolled were observed without a safety cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201). .2820(b) 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. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025. .0803(12) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incidents were not observed to be recorded on an incident log in Space 3 (Room 204). .0802(g)(1-6) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. The job descriptions for two staff members were observed on file, but did not include a signature or date. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your Compliance Letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 4948 Martin View Lane, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided During Visit: Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. One staff member stated she is continuing to work to be linked to the facility and reported her NCID account is still under her maiden name and needs to be changed to her married name. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the center's facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. You may consider adding this task as a part of the onboarding process for new staff members. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025; Ms. Smith removed this medication from the classroom and took it to the office during the visit. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms; the child’s diagnosis was recorded on each of these forms during the visit. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant; the name and brand of this repellant was added to the form during the visit. It is critical for medication to be current and for medication administration forms to be complete, current, and on file prior to any child receiving medication or having topical medication applied for the health and safety of children enrolled. You may consider requiring parents to drop off all medications/ required forms to the office for review by administration before allowing them to be stored in classrooms. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202); these items were made inaccessible to children during the visit. One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203); this bin was made inaccessible to children during the visit. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock; this cabinet was locked during the visit. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. These items were placed into locked storage during the visit; shaving cream may not be used at all with children enrolled. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201); each of these items was placed greater than five feet from the ground during the visit. It is imperative for the indoor environment to be a safe place for the children to engage with and explore at all times. You may consider adding these items to a daily classroom check prior to children arriving to the classroom. Consultation Provided During Visit: The following General Statutes and Child Care Rules were reviewed with Ms. Smith during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (d)(2) regarding screen time logs 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS (d) regarding health questionnaire storage 10A NCAC 09 .0801 APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT (a)(6) regarding fears or behavior characteristics on the child application Benadryl must always be kept in locked storage, even if listed as the first step on a child’s medical action plan, as this is not considered a life-saving medication and cannot reach the bloodstream to take effect as quickly as an EpiPen. Consider using the Public School Offsite Records verification form for Staff Records either for all records listed on the form, or for none of these, as opposed to having some stored in Central Office and some stored in the Staff file. Monitor the metal border tacks on the playground to ensure all tacks are flush with the border; also monitor the border for developing cracks and consider covering these to ensure no sharp edges develop or are accessible to children in care. Remove D. Frederick and K. Reeves from the ABCMS Facility Roster. The Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures and School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms located in the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses packet were not observed to have been updated since the 2024/2025 school year. The CBC Qualification Letter for H. Miller must be renewed on or before 6/11/26; you may consider starting this process now. The CPR/FA certification for A. Sheets must be renewed prior to 11/05/2026. ASSISTANCE FOR NCID Related Questions: Password; Security Questions; Creating your NCID Phone: (919-754-6000 or Toll Free 1-800-722-3946Email: dit.incidents@its.nc.gov • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. As the Hold Harmless period has ended, and preparations for the new QRIS Modernization process are underway, I have included the link below to DCDEE’s NC Child Care Commission’s QRIS Modernization Plan (QRIS Reform) website link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization • Consider participating in an outreach assessment: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/outreachassessments/ • Visit the NCRLAP website: Get Ready for the 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3) https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local partners at Child Care Resource Center and/or Wilkes Community Partnership for children. Their teams are working diligently to support programs with training and more detailed information on the ERS-3 at this time. In October, 2025, child care consultants began discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license. Ms. Smith stated the facility will be choosing Pathway 1, Program Assessment and that the site will consider undergoing an Outreach Assessment in fall of 2026. She further stated this facility will likely complete the RL process in November, 2026. We additionally discussed the facility may choose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway which does not include the Self Study process. However, the facility would still be required to complete the ERS-3, per NCPK program requirements. On-Going Professional Development In addition to the required Health and Safety Trainings, staff can access professional development training on the DCDEE website in Moodle under Early Childhood Professional Development in the categories of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Orientation and Regulatory. Updated training modules are being added, including a Child Care Rule Rollout with new rules effective July 1, 2025, found under the Regulatory tab. Specifically, under the Orientation tab, I would encourage all staff to complete the training for “Child Development Module.” This training module provides a basic overview about child development and is designed to help early educators support infants, toddlers, and preschool children to reach their next developmental milestone. In addition to gaining introductory knowledge about child development, early educators will learn about the many resources and professional agencies available in North Carolina to help with promoting a responsive and engaging learning environment to support all children served. Upon completion, participants will receive one (1) contact hour credit (CHC). An individual NCID username and password is needed to access the DCDEE Moodle. If you experience problems with Moodle, contact dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov for assistance. For other training-related questions, please contact the Training and Program Development Consultant, Amia Eaton by calling (919) 814-6365 or emailing her at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time and assistance during this visit. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary, enrollment worksheet, and monitoring checklist were printed, and a copy was provided to you. You were given the opportunity to ask questions during the visit. Contact me, Cara McKeown, Child Care Consultant, at (336) 408-4849 or cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or Pamela Hauser, Licensing Supervisor, at (336) 317-5003 pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MILLERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRE K Facility ID: 97000190 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2026 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 4/22/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 410 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Rooms 201, 202, 203, and 204 where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Jessica Smith, Lead Teacher. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 2/21/18. Restrictions include 1st shift care, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and School Age playground equipment cannot be used by preschoolers. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children having free choice center time, individual and group time with teachers, outside gross motor play, and lunch during the visit. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/2025. A sanitation inspection was completed 4/20/2026 with a Superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12/01/2025. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 1/14/26. A shelter-in-place drill was documented on 12/04/25. An outdoor inspection was documented on 1/06/25. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. One new staff member was reported. The file for one new staff member and one existing staff member were monitored during the visit. The files for seven children enrolled were monitored during the visit. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed an Epi Pen, Benadryl, and an Albuterol Sulfate inhaler in Space 202. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. You stated that Wilkes County Schools does provide transportation in the morning and afternoon for NC Pre-K children. During today’s visit, I observed the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification signed by Eric Barker, Director of Transportation on 8/05/2025, the Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures signed by Nikki Patrick, Principal, on 9/12/24. I observed the School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms signed by six bus drivers on 8/22/24. I also observed the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses forms for children being transported on the public-school buses, and the Transportation Policies for Parents form. Your 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. Your facility uses Creative Curriculum and uses the Teaching Strategies Gold and Foundations embedded in the activity plan format. The DIAL-4 is used as a screening tool. Family services offered include parents volunteering to donate items for class celebrations and curriculum activities. Parents participate in optional home visits, individual parent meetings, Open House, Orientation, and parent projects sent home throughout the year. Parents are invited to Curriculum Nights, to visit the classroom to share any special skills or talents they have, and to participate in End-of-Study planned activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held two times per year, and an onsite orientation with parents when children register. Regular home projects are provided for families to engage in and complete together, and the program uses Ready Rosie. Teachers reach out to parents by the third day a child is absent to find out the reason for the absence. Teachers also send monthly newsletters and use Remind to send pictures and messages to parents, as well as having face-to-face contact in the mornings and afternoons. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today; Ms. Smith provided me a copy of this completed tool during the visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teachers, Jessica Smith, Emily Johnson, Victoria Norwood, and Teacher Assistants, Ashley Sheets and Mikhala Stanley, Karma Smith, Kristy Flake, and Heather Miller. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. DIAL-4 screenings were onsite for review during the visit and monitored. The site uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress; the next checkpoints for students enrolled will be completed in February (this month). The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year (October, January, and April/May). The first day of school was 8/18/2025. The Environment Rating Scale score received for the permit dated 2/21/18 was 5.81. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The arrival time for one child enrolled in Space 1 (Room 202) was not observed to be recorded. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not observed posted in Spaces 1 (Room 202), 2 (Room 201), and 4 (Room 203). GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202). One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Three outlets located in a hallway routinely accessed by children enrolled were observed without a safety cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201). .2820(b) 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. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025. .0803(12) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incidents were not observed to be recorded on an incident log in Space 3 (Room 204). .0802(g)(1-6) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. The job descriptions for two staff members were observed on file, but did not include a signature or date. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your Compliance Letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 4948 Martin View Lane, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided During Visit: Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. One staff member stated she is continuing to work to be linked to the facility and reported her NCID account is still under her maiden name and needs to be changed to her married name. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the center's facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. You may consider adding this task as a part of the onboarding process for new staff members. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025; Ms. Smith removed this medication from the classroom and took it to the office during the visit. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms; the child’s diagnosis was recorded on each of these forms during the visit. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant; the name and brand of this repellant was added to the form during the visit. It is critical for medication to be current and for medication administration forms to be complete, current, and on file prior to any child receiving medication or having topical medication applied for the health and safety of children enrolled. You may consider requiring parents to drop off all medications/ required forms to the office for review by administration before allowing them to be stored in classrooms. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202); these items were made inaccessible to children during the visit. One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203); this bin was made inaccessible to children during the visit. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock; this cabinet was locked during the visit. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. These items were placed into locked storage during the visit; shaving cream may not be used at all with children enrolled. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201); each of these items was placed greater than five feet from the ground during the visit. It is imperative for the indoor environment to be a safe place for the children to engage with and explore at all times. You may consider adding these items to a daily classroom check prior to children arriving to the classroom. Consultation Provided During Visit: The following General Statutes and Child Care Rules were reviewed with Ms. Smith during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (d)(2) regarding screen time logs 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS (d) regarding health questionnaire storage 10A NCAC 09 .0801 APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT (a)(6) regarding fears or behavior characteristics on the child application Benadryl must always be kept in locked storage, even if listed as the first step on a child’s medical action plan, as this is not considered a life-saving medication and cannot reach the bloodstream to take effect as quickly as an EpiPen. Consider using the Public School Offsite Records verification form for Staff Records either for all records listed on the form, or for none of these, as opposed to having some stored in Central Office and some stored in the Staff file. Monitor the metal border tacks on the playground to ensure all tacks are flush with the border; also monitor the border for developing cracks and consider covering these to ensure no sharp edges develop or are accessible to children in care. Remove D. Frederick and K. Reeves from the ABCMS Facility Roster. The Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures and School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms located in the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses packet were not observed to have been updated since the 2024/2025 school year. The CBC Qualification Letter for H. Miller must be renewed on or before 6/11/26; you may consider starting this process now. The CPR/FA certification for A. Sheets must be renewed prior to 11/05/2026. ASSISTANCE FOR NCID Related Questions: Password; Security Questions; Creating your NCID Phone: (919-754-6000 or Toll Free 1-800-722-3946Email: dit.incidents@its.nc.gov • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. As the Hold Harmless period has ended, and preparations for the new QRIS Modernization process are underway, I have included the link below to DCDEE’s NC Child Care Commission’s QRIS Modernization Plan (QRIS Reform) website link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization • Consider participating in an outreach assessment: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/outreachassessments/ • Visit the NCRLAP website: Get Ready for the 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3) https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local partners at Child Care Resource Center and/or Wilkes Community Partnership for children. Their teams are working diligently to support programs with training and more detailed information on the ERS-3 at this time. In October, 2025, child care consultants began discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license. Ms. Smith stated the facility will be choosing Pathway 1, Program Assessment and that the site will consider undergoing an Outreach Assessment in fall of 2026. She further stated this facility will likely complete the RL process in November, 2026. We additionally discussed the facility may choose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway which does not include the Self Study process. However, the facility would still be required to complete the ERS-3, per NCPK program requirements. On-Going Professional Development In addition to the required Health and Safety Trainings, staff can access professional development training on the DCDEE website in Moodle under Early Childhood Professional Development in the categories of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Orientation and Regulatory. Updated training modules are being added, including a Child Care Rule Rollout with new rules effective July 1, 2025, found under the Regulatory tab. Specifically, under the Orientation tab, I would encourage all staff to complete the training for “Child Development Module.” This training module provides a basic overview about child development and is designed to help early educators support infants, toddlers, and preschool children to reach their next developmental milestone. In addition to gaining introductory knowledge about child development, early educators will learn about the many resources and professional agencies available in North Carolina to help with promoting a responsive and engaging learning environment to support all children served. Upon completion, participants will receive one (1) contact hour credit (CHC). An individual NCID username and password is needed to access the DCDEE Moodle. If you experience problems with Moodle, contact dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov for assistance. For other training-related questions, please contact the Training and Program Development Consultant, Amia Eaton by calling (919) 814-6365 or emailing her at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time and assistance during this visit. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary, enrollment worksheet, and monitoring checklist were printed, and a copy was provided to you. You were given the opportunity to ask questions during the visit. Contact me, Cara McKeown, Child Care Consultant, at (336) 408-4849 or cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or Pamela Hauser, Licensing Supervisor, at (336) 317-5003 pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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: MILLERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRE K Facility ID: 97000190 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2026 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 4/22/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 410 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Rooms 201, 202, 203, and 204 where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Jessica Smith, Lead Teacher. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 2/21/18. Restrictions include 1st shift care, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and School Age playground equipment cannot be used by preschoolers. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children having free choice center time, individual and group time with teachers, outside gross motor play, and lunch during the visit. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/2025. A sanitation inspection was completed 4/20/2026 with a Superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12/01/2025. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 1/14/26. A shelter-in-place drill was documented on 12/04/25. An outdoor inspection was documented on 1/06/25. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. One new staff member was reported. The file for one new staff member and one existing staff member were monitored during the visit. The files for seven children enrolled were monitored during the visit. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed an Epi Pen, Benadryl, and an Albuterol Sulfate inhaler in Space 202. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. You stated that Wilkes County Schools does provide transportation in the morning and afternoon for NC Pre-K children. During today’s visit, I observed the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification signed by Eric Barker, Director of Transportation on 8/05/2025, the Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures signed by Nikki Patrick, Principal, on 9/12/24. I observed the School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms signed by six bus drivers on 8/22/24. I also observed the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses forms for children being transported on the public-school buses, and the Transportation Policies for Parents form. Your 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. Your facility uses Creative Curriculum and uses the Teaching Strategies Gold and Foundations embedded in the activity plan format. The DIAL-4 is used as a screening tool. Family services offered include parents volunteering to donate items for class celebrations and curriculum activities. Parents participate in optional home visits, individual parent meetings, Open House, Orientation, and parent projects sent home throughout the year. Parents are invited to Curriculum Nights, to visit the classroom to share any special skills or talents they have, and to participate in End-of-Study planned activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held two times per year, and an onsite orientation with parents when children register. Regular home projects are provided for families to engage in and complete together, and the program uses Ready Rosie. Teachers reach out to parents by the third day a child is absent to find out the reason for the absence. Teachers also send monthly newsletters and use Remind to send pictures and messages to parents, as well as having face-to-face contact in the mornings and afternoons. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today; Ms. Smith provided me a copy of this completed tool during the visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teachers, Jessica Smith, Emily Johnson, Victoria Norwood, and Teacher Assistants, Ashley Sheets and Mikhala Stanley, Karma Smith, Kristy Flake, and Heather Miller. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. DIAL-4 screenings were onsite for review during the visit and monitored. The site uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress; the next checkpoints for students enrolled will be completed in February (this month). The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year (October, January, and April/May). The first day of school was 8/18/2025. The Environment Rating Scale score received for the permit dated 2/21/18 was 5.81. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The arrival time for one child enrolled in Space 1 (Room 202) was not observed to be recorded. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not observed posted in Spaces 1 (Room 202), 2 (Room 201), and 4 (Room 203). GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202). One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Three outlets located in a hallway routinely accessed by children enrolled were observed without a safety cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201). .2820(b) 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. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025. .0803(12) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incidents were not observed to be recorded on an incident log in Space 3 (Room 204). .0802(g)(1-6) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. The job descriptions for two staff members were observed on file, but did not include a signature or date. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your Compliance Letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 4948 Martin View Lane, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided During Visit: Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. One staff member stated she is continuing to work to be linked to the facility and reported her NCID account is still under her maiden name and needs to be changed to her married name. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the center's facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. You may consider adding this task as a part of the onboarding process for new staff members. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025; Ms. Smith removed this medication from the classroom and took it to the office during the visit. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms; the child’s diagnosis was recorded on each of these forms during the visit. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant; the name and brand of this repellant was added to the form during the visit. It is critical for medication to be current and for medication administration forms to be complete, current, and on file prior to any child receiving medication or having topical medication applied for the health and safety of children enrolled. You may consider requiring parents to drop off all medications/ required forms to the office for review by administration before allowing them to be stored in classrooms. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202); these items were made inaccessible to children during the visit. One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203); this bin was made inaccessible to children during the visit. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock; this cabinet was locked during the visit. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. These items were placed into locked storage during the visit; shaving cream may not be used at all with children enrolled. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201); each of these items was placed greater than five feet from the ground during the visit. It is imperative for the indoor environment to be a safe place for the children to engage with and explore at all times. You may consider adding these items to a daily classroom check prior to children arriving to the classroom. Consultation Provided During Visit: The following General Statutes and Child Care Rules were reviewed with Ms. Smith during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (d)(2) regarding screen time logs 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS (d) regarding health questionnaire storage 10A NCAC 09 .0801 APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT (a)(6) regarding fears or behavior characteristics on the child application Benadryl must always be kept in locked storage, even if listed as the first step on a child’s medical action plan, as this is not considered a life-saving medication and cannot reach the bloodstream to take effect as quickly as an EpiPen. Consider using the Public School Offsite Records verification form for Staff Records either for all records listed on the form, or for none of these, as opposed to having some stored in Central Office and some stored in the Staff file. Monitor the metal border tacks on the playground to ensure all tacks are flush with the border; also monitor the border for developing cracks and consider covering these to ensure no sharp edges develop or are accessible to children in care. Remove D. Frederick and K. Reeves from the ABCMS Facility Roster. The Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures and School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms located in the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses packet were not observed to have been updated since the 2024/2025 school year. The CBC Qualification Letter for H. Miller must be renewed on or before 6/11/26; you may consider starting this process now. The CPR/FA certification for A. Sheets must be renewed prior to 11/05/2026. ASSISTANCE FOR NCID Related Questions: Password; Security Questions; Creating your NCID Phone: (919-754-6000 or Toll Free 1-800-722-3946Email: dit.incidents@its.nc.gov • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. As the Hold Harmless period has ended, and preparations for the new QRIS Modernization process are underway, I have included the link below to DCDEE’s NC Child Care Commission’s QRIS Modernization Plan (QRIS Reform) website link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization • Consider participating in an outreach assessment: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/outreachassessments/ • Visit the NCRLAP website: Get Ready for the 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3) https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local partners at Child Care Resource Center and/or Wilkes Community Partnership for children. Their teams are working diligently to support programs with training and more detailed information on the ERS-3 at this time. In October, 2025, child care consultants began discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license. Ms. Smith stated the facility will be choosing Pathway 1, Program Assessment and that the site will consider undergoing an Outreach Assessment in fall of 2026. She further stated this facility will likely complete the RL process in November, 2026. We additionally discussed the facility may choose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway which does not include the Self Study process. However, the facility would still be required to complete the ERS-3, per NCPK program requirements. On-Going Professional Development In addition to the required Health and Safety Trainings, staff can access professional development training on the DCDEE website in Moodle under Early Childhood Professional Development in the categories of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Orientation and Regulatory. Updated training modules are being added, including a Child Care Rule Rollout with new rules effective July 1, 2025, found under the Regulatory tab. Specifically, under the Orientation tab, I would encourage all staff to complete the training for “Child Development Module.” This training module provides a basic overview about child development and is designed to help early educators support infants, toddlers, and preschool children to reach their next developmental milestone. In addition to gaining introductory knowledge about child development, early educators will learn about the many resources and professional agencies available in North Carolina to help with promoting a responsive and engaging learning environment to support all children served. Upon completion, participants will receive one (1) contact hour credit (CHC). An individual NCID username and password is needed to access the DCDEE Moodle. If you experience problems with Moodle, contact dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov for assistance. For other training-related questions, please contact the Training and Program Development Consultant, Amia Eaton by calling (919) 814-6365 or emailing her at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time and assistance during this visit. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary, enrollment worksheet, and monitoring checklist were printed, and a copy was provided to you. You were given the opportunity to ask questions during the visit. Contact me, Cara McKeown, Child Care Consultant, at (336) 408-4849 or cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or Pamela Hauser, Licensing Supervisor, at (336) 317-5003 pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MILLERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRE K Facility ID: 97000190 Consultant: CARA MCKEOWN-STEWART Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/22/2026 Number Present: 58 Completed Date: 4/22/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 410 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 04:05 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced An unannounced annual compliance visit was conducted at this childcare center to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements, including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in Rooms 201, 202, 203, and 204 where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. This visit was conducted with Jessica Smith, Lead Teacher. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective 2/21/18. Restrictions include 1st shift care, meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space, and School Age playground equipment cannot be used by preschoolers. The license was observed, and the restrictions were found in compliance. The program’s compliance history was 95% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Indoor and outdoor areas were observed. Staff/child ratio and space capacity were monitored as indicated on the attached worksheet. Supervision was adequate during the visit. I observed staff/child interactions today. I observed children having free choice center time, individual and group time with teachers, outside gross motor play, and lunch during the visit. I observed materials and activities that were available to the children in the classrooms. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 5/19/2025. A sanitation inspection was completed 4/20/2026 with a Superior classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 12/01/2025. Program records and required postings were monitored. A fire drill was conducted on 1/14/26. A shelter-in-place drill was documented on 12/04/25. An outdoor inspection was documented on 1/06/25. Staff files and children’s records were monitored per DCDEE procedures. One new staff member was reported. The file for one new staff member and one existing staff member were monitored during the visit. The files for seven children enrolled were monitored during the visit. Storage of hazardous items was monitored today. Storage and administration of medication were monitored. Medication authorization was monitored. I observed an Epi Pen, Benadryl, and an Albuterol Sulfate inhaler in Space 202. Nutrition requirements were monitored per DCDEE procedures. You stated that Wilkes County Schools does provide transportation in the morning and afternoon for NC Pre-K children. During today’s visit, I observed the Public-School Off-Site Records Verification signed by Eric Barker, Director of Transportation on 8/05/2025, the Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures signed by Nikki Patrick, Principal, on 9/12/24. I observed the School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms signed by six bus drivers on 8/22/24. I also observed the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses forms for children being transported on the public-school buses, and the Transportation Policies for Parents form. Your 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. Your facility uses Creative Curriculum and uses the Teaching Strategies Gold and Foundations embedded in the activity plan format. The DIAL-4 is used as a screening tool. Family services offered include parents volunteering to donate items for class celebrations and curriculum activities. Parents participate in optional home visits, individual parent meetings, Open House, Orientation, and parent projects sent home throughout the year. Parents are invited to Curriculum Nights, to visit the classroom to share any special skills or talents they have, and to participate in End-of-Study planned activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held two times per year, and an onsite orientation with parents when children register. Regular home projects are provided for families to engage in and complete together, and the program uses Ready Rosie. Teachers reach out to parents by the third day a child is absent to find out the reason for the absence. Teachers also send monthly newsletters and use Remind to send pictures and messages to parents, as well as having face-to-face contact in the mornings and afternoons. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Site Monitoring Tool was reviewed today; Ms. Smith provided me a copy of this completed tool during the visit. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC Pre-K staff are lead teachers, Jessica Smith, Emily Johnson, Victoria Norwood, and Teacher Assistants, Ashley Sheets and Mikhala Stanley, Karma Smith, Kristy Flake, and Heather Miller. A selection of files was monitored for completed health assessments and developmental screenings. DIAL-4 screenings were onsite for review during the visit and monitored. The site uses the Teaching Strategies Gold instrument to document evidence of children's ongoing progress; the next checkpoints for students enrolled will be completed in February (this month). The checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year (October, January, and April/May). The first day of school was 8/18/2025. The Environment Rating Scale score received for the permit dated 2/21/18 was 5.81. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 125 Daily records of arrival and departure times for children at the center were not maintained as children arrive and depart and/or were not made available for review. The arrival time for one child enrolled in Space 1 (Room 202) was not observed to be recorded. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(4) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. An activity plan was not observed posted in Spaces 1 (Room 202), 2 (Room 201), and 4 (Room 203). GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202). One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203). 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) 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. Three outlets located in a hallway routinely accessed by children enrolled were observed without a safety cover. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201). .2820(b) 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. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025. .0803(12) 853 Incident logs were not completed and maintained as required. Incidents were not observed to be recorded on an incident log in Space 3 (Room 204). .0802(g)(1-6) 1233 Each employee's personnel file did not contain a signed and dated statement that they received a job description and that they have received personnel and operational policies. The job descriptions for two staff members were observed on file, but did not include a signature or date. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(g) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times 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. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Wednesday, May 6, 2026. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation If you state in your Compliance Letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. You may email the letter to cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Cara McKeown 4948 Martin View Lane, Unit #146 Winston Salem, NC 27104 Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical Assistance Provided During Visit: Three staff members (including the Principal) were not observed to linked to the facility’s ABCMS profile. One staff member stated she is continuing to work to be linked to the facility and reported her NCID account is still under her maiden name and needs to be changed to her married name. It is necessary for all staff members to be linked to the center's facility profile in the ABCMS system, as the process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed to include this process. You may consider adding this task as a part of the onboarding process for new staff members. The emergency inhaler for one child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was observed to expire in June, 2025; Ms. Smith removed this medication from the classroom and took it to the office during the visit. The diagnosis for a child enrolled in Space 2 (Room 201) was not observed recorded on two separate medication authorization forms; the child’s diagnosis was recorded on each of these forms during the visit. The topical medication authorization form for one child enrolled in Space 4 (Room 203) was observed to be labeled “bug repellant” and did not include the name or brand of the specific repellant; the name and brand of this repellant was added to the form during the visit. It is critical for medication to be current and for medication administration forms to be complete, current, and on file prior to any child receiving medication or having topical medication applied for the health and safety of children enrolled. You may consider requiring parents to drop off all medications/ required forms to the office for review by administration before allowing them to be stored in classrooms. Two loose AA batteries and an open container of sharp push pins were observed in an unlatched drawer less than five feet from the ground and accessible to children in Space 1 (Room 202); these items were made inaccessible to children during the visit. One plastic bin storing children’s materials was observed on a shelf less than five feet from the ground and cracked and sharp to the touch in Space 4 (Room 203); this bin was made inaccessible to children during the visit. A bag of Epsom salts labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children with additional warnings was observed in Space 2 (Room 201) inside an unlocked cabinet with the key still inside the lock; this cabinet was locked during the visit. In Space 3 (Room 204), two aerosol canisters of shaving cream and one canister of Clorox disinfectant wipes were observed stored greater than five feet from the ground, but in unlocked storage. These items were placed into locked storage during the visit; shaving cream may not be used at all with children enrolled. Two pump bottles of hand sanitizer were observed in Space 4 (Room 203) inside an unlatched drawer located less than five feet from the ground, and a bottle of hand sanitizer was observed on top of a filing cabinet, but less than five feet from the ground in Space 2 (Room 201); each of these items was placed greater than five feet from the ground during the visit. It is imperative for the indoor environment to be a safe place for the children to engage with and explore at all times. You may consider adding these items to a daily classroom check prior to children arriving to the classroom. Consultation Provided During Visit: The following General Statutes and Child Care Rules were reviewed with Ms. Smith during the visit: 10A NCAC 09 .0510 ACTIVITY AREAS (d)(2) regarding screen time logs 10A NCAC 09 .0701 HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDERS, SUBSTITUTE PROVIDERS, VOLUNTEERS, AND UNCOMPENSATED PROVIDERS (d) regarding health questionnaire storage 10A NCAC 09 .0801 APPLICATION FOR ENROLLMENT (a)(6) regarding fears or behavior characteristics on the child application Benadryl must always be kept in locked storage, even if listed as the first step on a child’s medical action plan, as this is not considered a life-saving medication and cannot reach the bloodstream to take effect as quickly as an EpiPen. Consider using the Public School Offsite Records verification form for Staff Records either for all records listed on the form, or for none of these, as opposed to having some stored in Central Office and some stored in the Staff file. Monitor the metal border tacks on the playground to ensure all tacks are flush with the border; also monitor the border for developing cracks and consider covering these to ensure no sharp edges develop or are accessible to children in care. Remove D. Frederick and K. Reeves from the ABCMS Facility Roster. The Center Director Responsibilities and Procedures and School Bus Driver Responsibilities and Procedures Orientation forms located in the Requirements for Preschool Children on Public School Buses packet were not observed to have been updated since the 2024/2025 school year. The CBC Qualification Letter for H. Miller must be renewed on or before 6/11/26; you may consider starting this process now. The CPR/FA certification for A. Sheets must be renewed prior to 11/05/2026. ASSISTANCE FOR NCID Related Questions: Password; Security Questions; Creating your NCID Phone: (919-754-6000 or Toll Free 1-800-722-3946Email: dit.incidents@its.nc.gov • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. As the Hold Harmless period has ended, and preparations for the new QRIS Modernization process are underway, I have included the link below to DCDEE’s NC Child Care Commission’s QRIS Modernization Plan (QRIS Reform) website link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization • Consider participating in an outreach assessment: https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/outreachassessments/ • Visit the NCRLAP website: Get Ready for the 3s (ECERS-3, ITERS-3, FCCERS-3) https://ncrlap.org/Resources/pages/get-ready-for-3s/ Additionally, you may consider reaching out to local partners at Child Care Resource Center and/or Wilkes Community Partnership for children. Their teams are working diligently to support programs with training and more detailed information on the ERS-3 at this time. In October, 2025, child care consultants began discussing the new rules in Section .3200; Standards for Two through Five Star Rated Licenses during licensing visits. Consultants will review the pathway options, identify facility needs, answer questions, and work with the facility operator to establish an individualized timeline for transition to a new rated license. Ms. Smith stated the facility will be choosing Pathway 1, Program Assessment and that the site will consider undergoing an Outreach Assessment in fall of 2026. She further stated this facility will likely complete the RL process in November, 2026. We additionally discussed the facility may choose the Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway which does not include the Self Study process. However, the facility would still be required to complete the ERS-3, per NCPK program requirements. On-Going Professional Development In addition to the required Health and Safety Trainings, staff can access professional development training on the DCDEE website in Moodle under Early Childhood Professional Development in the categories of Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Orientation and Regulatory. Updated training modules are being added, including a Child Care Rule Rollout with new rules effective July 1, 2025, found under the Regulatory tab. Specifically, under the Orientation tab, I would encourage all staff to complete the training for “Child Development Module.” This training module provides a basic overview about child development and is designed to help early educators support infants, toddlers, and preschool children to reach their next developmental milestone. In addition to gaining introductory knowledge about child development, early educators will learn about the many resources and professional agencies available in North Carolina to help with promoting a responsive and engaging learning environment to support all children served. Upon completion, participants will receive one (1) contact hour credit (CHC). An individual NCID username and password is needed to access the DCDEE Moodle. If you experience problems with Moodle, contact dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov for assistance. For other training-related questions, please contact the Training and Program Development Consultant, Amia Eaton by calling (919) 814-6365 or emailing her at Amia.Eaton@dhhs.nc.gov Thank you for your time and assistance during this visit. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary, enrollment worksheet, and monitoring checklist were printed, and a copy was provided to you. You were given the opportunity to ask questions during the visit. Contact me, Cara McKeown, Child Care Consultant, at (336) 408-4849 or cara.mckeown@dhhs.nc.gov or Pamela Hauser, Licensing Supervisor, at (336) 317-5003 pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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.