Advance Preschool/Mera Jams

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: ADVANCE PRESCHOOL/MERA JAMS Facility ID: 49000454 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/12/2026 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 6/12/2026 Age: From 3 To 11 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an Annual Compliance Rated License Visit. You, Sarah Carr, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on June 08, 2025. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility is, Advance Preschool/ Mera Jams . I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. I reviewed with you today the restrictions on your license, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your program’s compliance history was 90% as of June 11, 2026, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on March 13, 2020, earning four points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas, personal care routines, outside play, and children eating lunch. It was observed that a current lesson plan was not posted, this was corrected during the visit. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Lunch is prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Today’s lunch included cheese pizza, broccoli, applesauce, and Milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I observed and monitored two emergency medications and the emergency medical plans. You stated there are no children on medications at this time. I monitored that your last fire drill was dated March 03, 2026. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated March 03, 2026, and it was a Lockdown. It was observed that a fire drill needs to be conducted. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. 1.On June 12, 2026, I discussed with you about completing the Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers form. You have chosen Classroom & Instructional Quality Pathway (Pathway2). 2.On the Application for Assessment for a Rated License form you checked that you meet Reduced Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio and Enhanced Space. Today, I verified that Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio and space was in place and being maintained. 3.Today I did not receive the QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet. You stated you will send the Education worksheet to consultant, Toni Washington when you have completed the worksheet. I will verify through WORKS the education earned when I receive the Education worksheet. As a reminder, the staff’s education that has been evaluated by the Workforce Unit will be used to verify the individual’s education level, as well as the overall education level earned by the facility. 4. I have not received the Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers / Centers Located in a Residence form. •I verified the five foundational practices were in place by reviewing the plans you have documented in the facility’s operational policies dated August 2025. (Newsletters, electronic applications for parents, Parent square communication to parents, parent, family resource area, and in person conferences with parents at pick-up.) •I verified that the 0 additional Family Community Engagement Standards chosen by reviewing the plans you have documented in the facility’s operational policies at this time. 5.You have not completed the Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan form. It was stated by you that you have not completed the Individual CQI plans for the administrator. I verified that the Individual staff with caregiving responsibilities were not complete at the time of my visit. 6. You stated that the approved curriculum used by the facility for ages (ages of children 0-5) is Creative curriculum. I verified use by monitoring the curricula books/materials being on-site and available for use as well as the activity plans showing the use of the curricula. I verified curriculum planning to include modifications and adaptations made for children with special health and developmental needs by observing the activity plans. 7.You stated that the approved formative assessment used by the facility is Teaching Strategies/ Dial 4. I verified your plan for using an approved formative assessment by monitoring the plan in your operational policies which includes anecdotal notes, portfolio of child’s work samples, and developmental screenings. Today, I monitored the verification that the administrator has had training on the Creative curriculum and the teachers have received training related to the curriculum used through a virtual training. You stated that you, the administrator, will complete five (5) hours of ongoing training (or 0.5 CEU’s) in addition to the ongoing training required of Child Care Rule .1103. Please submit the following outstanding required documentation needed for verification to me no later than June 30, 2026. 1. QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet. Make sure all staff have WORKS letters. 2. The Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan form 3. The Individual CQI plans for the administrator and all staff members. 4. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .3224 (a & b) Recognition Of Quality Initiatives, a child care operator may choose to request one or more areas of recognition to accompany the issuance of a two through five-star rated license earned through compliance with any licensure pathway requirement of this Section. Quality initiatives will not be used to earn a star rating. Verification of requirements for each recognition shall be reassessed at least every three years, at the time of reassessment for a two through five-star rated license. Upon verification of the requirements, the Division will issue recognition of the following quality initiatives: • Education • Professional Development • Longevity and Experience • Staff Supports and Benefits • Health and Wellness Opportunities • Language Concentration • Culinary Emphasis • Ratio, Group Size, Enrollment Practices • Supplemental Environment • NC Breastfeeding – Friendly Child Care Designation Program • Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood – PLUS Recognition If you are interested in earning a Recognition Of Quality Initiatives send me verification of meeting them according to 10A NCAC 09 .3224 (a & b). I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during the visit today: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted. Current activity plan was posted during my visit. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Documentation on the fire log drill showed the last fire drill was 3/3/2026 .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Employee with the hire date of 6/12/2026 did not have a medical report on file the first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. employee with the hire date of 6/12/2026 did not have a Criminal Background Check completed. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Employee with the employment date of 06/12/2026 did not have a tuberculosis test on file. .0701(d) Technical Assistance: 1.It was discussed that a current activity plan must be posted for each group of children and be readily available for reference by staff, families, and licensing representatives. During the visit, it was noted that a current activity plan was not initially posted. The requirement was reviewed with staff, and a current activity plan was posted during the visit. Staff were encouraged to regularly review classroom postings to ensure activity plans remain current and accurately reflect the daily schedule and planned activities. 2.It was discussed that fire drills must be conducted and documented on a monthly basis. A review of the fire drill log indicated that the last documented fire drill was conducted on March 3, 2026. The importance of conducting monthly fire drills and maintaining complete and accurate documentation was reviewed with the director. It was recommended that administrative staff establish a system for monitoring drill schedules and records to ensure compliance with fire drill requirements and to help staff and children remain prepared in the event of an emergency. 3.It was discussed that all employees must have a qualifying Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment and before having responsibility for the care and supervision of children. A review of personnel records indicated that an employee with a hire date of June 12, 2026, did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. The director was advised of the requirement and reminded to verify that all background check qualifications have been completed and documented before allowing an individual to begin work. It was recommended that administrative staff implement a hiring checklist to ensure all required documentation is obtained and verified prior to an employee's start date. 4.It was discussed that all child care providers and uncompensated providers, including the director, must have a medical report completed and signed by a health care professional on file prior to employment. A review of personnel records indicated that an employee with a hire date of June 12, 2026, did not have a medical report on file on their first day of employment. The requirement was reviewed with the director, and the importance of obtaining and maintaining current medical reports for all applicable staff members was discussed. It was recommended that administrative staff review personnel files prior to an employee's start date and utilize a hiring checklist to ensure all required documentation is completed and maintained in accordance with licensing requirements. 5.It was discussed that each staff member must have the required medical documentation, including a medical report, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and a completed health questionnaire maintained in a medical file separate from the employee's personnel file. A review of records indicated that an employee with an employment date of June 12, 2026, did not have documentation of a tuberculosis test or screening on file. The requirement was reviewed with the director, and the importance of ensuring all required health documentation is obtained and maintained prior to employment was discussed. It was recommended that administrative staff review all personnel and medical files regularly and utilize a hiring checklist to verify that all required documentation is completed and properly filed before an employee begins work. CONSULTATION: 1.Please be reminded that all plans put in place as part of the Classroom and Instructional Quality for Child Care Centers, QRIS Pathway 2 must be completed within one year from the date of the new Rated License issued to your facility. Rated License components required to earn your star rated license will be monitored annually. 2. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 3.Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than June 26, 2026. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .3224 · Violation

Name of Operation: ADVANCE PRESCHOOL/MERA JAMS Facility ID: 49000454 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/12/2026 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 6/12/2026 Age: From 3 To 11 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an Annual Compliance Rated License Visit. You, Sarah Carr, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on June 08, 2025. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility is, Advance Preschool/ Mera Jams . I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. I reviewed with you today the restrictions on your license, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your program’s compliance history was 90% as of June 11, 2026, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on March 13, 2020, earning four points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas, personal care routines, outside play, and children eating lunch. It was observed that a current lesson plan was not posted, this was corrected during the visit. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Lunch is prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Today’s lunch included cheese pizza, broccoli, applesauce, and Milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I observed and monitored two emergency medications and the emergency medical plans. You stated there are no children on medications at this time. I monitored that your last fire drill was dated March 03, 2026. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated March 03, 2026, and it was a Lockdown. It was observed that a fire drill needs to be conducted. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. 1.On June 12, 2026, I discussed with you about completing the Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers form. You have chosen Classroom & Instructional Quality Pathway (Pathway2). 2.On the Application for Assessment for a Rated License form you checked that you meet Reduced Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio and Enhanced Space. Today, I verified that Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio and space was in place and being maintained. 3.Today I did not receive the QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet. You stated you will send the Education worksheet to consultant, Toni Washington when you have completed the worksheet. I will verify through WORKS the education earned when I receive the Education worksheet. As a reminder, the staff’s education that has been evaluated by the Workforce Unit will be used to verify the individual’s education level, as well as the overall education level earned by the facility. 4. I have not received the Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers / Centers Located in a Residence form. •I verified the five foundational practices were in place by reviewing the plans you have documented in the facility’s operational policies dated August 2025. (Newsletters, electronic applications for parents, Parent square communication to parents, parent, family resource area, and in person conferences with parents at pick-up.) •I verified that the 0 additional Family Community Engagement Standards chosen by reviewing the plans you have documented in the facility’s operational policies at this time. 5.You have not completed the Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan form. It was stated by you that you have not completed the Individual CQI plans for the administrator. I verified that the Individual staff with caregiving responsibilities were not complete at the time of my visit. 6. You stated that the approved curriculum used by the facility for ages (ages of children 0-5) is Creative curriculum. I verified use by monitoring the curricula books/materials being on-site and available for use as well as the activity plans showing the use of the curricula. I verified curriculum planning to include modifications and adaptations made for children with special health and developmental needs by observing the activity plans. 7.You stated that the approved formative assessment used by the facility is Teaching Strategies/ Dial 4. I verified your plan for using an approved formative assessment by monitoring the plan in your operational policies which includes anecdotal notes, portfolio of child’s work samples, and developmental screenings. Today, I monitored the verification that the administrator has had training on the Creative curriculum and the teachers have received training related to the curriculum used through a virtual training. You stated that you, the administrator, will complete five (5) hours of ongoing training (or 0.5 CEU’s) in addition to the ongoing training required of Child Care Rule .1103. Please submit the following outstanding required documentation needed for verification to me no later than June 30, 2026. 1. QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet. Make sure all staff have WORKS letters. 2. The Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan form 3. The Individual CQI plans for the administrator and all staff members. 4. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .3224 (a & b) Recognition Of Quality Initiatives, a child care operator may choose to request one or more areas of recognition to accompany the issuance of a two through five-star rated license earned through compliance with any licensure pathway requirement of this Section. Quality initiatives will not be used to earn a star rating. Verification of requirements for each recognition shall be reassessed at least every three years, at the time of reassessment for a two through five-star rated license. Upon verification of the requirements, the Division will issue recognition of the following quality initiatives: • Education • Professional Development • Longevity and Experience • Staff Supports and Benefits • Health and Wellness Opportunities • Language Concentration • Culinary Emphasis • Ratio, Group Size, Enrollment Practices • Supplemental Environment • NC Breastfeeding – Friendly Child Care Designation Program • Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood – PLUS Recognition If you are interested in earning a Recognition Of Quality Initiatives send me verification of meeting them according to 10A NCAC 09 .3224 (a & b). I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during the visit today: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted. Current activity plan was posted during my visit. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Documentation on the fire log drill showed the last fire drill was 3/3/2026 .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Employee with the hire date of 6/12/2026 did not have a medical report on file the first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. employee with the hire date of 6/12/2026 did not have a Criminal Background Check completed. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Employee with the employment date of 06/12/2026 did not have a tuberculosis test on file. .0701(d) Technical Assistance: 1.It was discussed that a current activity plan must be posted for each group of children and be readily available for reference by staff, families, and licensing representatives. During the visit, it was noted that a current activity plan was not initially posted. The requirement was reviewed with staff, and a current activity plan was posted during the visit. Staff were encouraged to regularly review classroom postings to ensure activity plans remain current and accurately reflect the daily schedule and planned activities. 2.It was discussed that fire drills must be conducted and documented on a monthly basis. A review of the fire drill log indicated that the last documented fire drill was conducted on March 3, 2026. The importance of conducting monthly fire drills and maintaining complete and accurate documentation was reviewed with the director. It was recommended that administrative staff establish a system for monitoring drill schedules and records to ensure compliance with fire drill requirements and to help staff and children remain prepared in the event of an emergency. 3.It was discussed that all employees must have a qualifying Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment and before having responsibility for the care and supervision of children. A review of personnel records indicated that an employee with a hire date of June 12, 2026, did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. The director was advised of the requirement and reminded to verify that all background check qualifications have been completed and documented before allowing an individual to begin work. It was recommended that administrative staff implement a hiring checklist to ensure all required documentation is obtained and verified prior to an employee's start date. 4.It was discussed that all child care providers and uncompensated providers, including the director, must have a medical report completed and signed by a health care professional on file prior to employment. A review of personnel records indicated that an employee with a hire date of June 12, 2026, did not have a medical report on file on their first day of employment. The requirement was reviewed with the director, and the importance of obtaining and maintaining current medical reports for all applicable staff members was discussed. It was recommended that administrative staff review personnel files prior to an employee's start date and utilize a hiring checklist to ensure all required documentation is completed and maintained in accordance with licensing requirements. 5.It was discussed that each staff member must have the required medical documentation, including a medical report, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and a completed health questionnaire maintained in a medical file separate from the employee's personnel file. A review of records indicated that an employee with an employment date of June 12, 2026, did not have documentation of a tuberculosis test or screening on file. The requirement was reviewed with the director, and the importance of ensuring all required health documentation is obtained and maintained prior to employment was discussed. It was recommended that administrative staff review all personnel and medical files regularly and utilize a hiring checklist to verify that all required documentation is completed and properly filed before an employee begins work. CONSULTATION: 1.Please be reminded that all plans put in place as part of the Classroom and Instructional Quality for Child Care Centers, QRIS Pathway 2 must be completed within one year from the date of the new Rated License issued to your facility. Rated License components required to earn your star rated license will be monitored annually. 2. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 3.Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than June 26, 2026. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: ADVANCE PRESCHOOL/MERA JAMS Facility ID: 49000454 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/12/2026 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 6/12/2026 Age: From 3 To 11 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an Annual Compliance Rated License Visit. You, Sarah Carr, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on June 08, 2025. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility is, Advance Preschool/ Mera Jams . I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. I reviewed with you today the restrictions on your license, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your program’s compliance history was 90% as of June 11, 2026, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on March 13, 2020, earning four points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas, personal care routines, outside play, and children eating lunch. It was observed that a current lesson plan was not posted, this was corrected during the visit. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Lunch is prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Today’s lunch included cheese pizza, broccoli, applesauce, and Milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I observed and monitored two emergency medications and the emergency medical plans. You stated there are no children on medications at this time. I monitored that your last fire drill was dated March 03, 2026. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated March 03, 2026, and it was a Lockdown. It was observed that a fire drill needs to be conducted. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. 1.On June 12, 2026, I discussed with you about completing the Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers form. You have chosen Classroom & Instructional Quality Pathway (Pathway2). 2.On the Application for Assessment for a Rated License form you checked that you meet Reduced Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio and Enhanced Space. Today, I verified that Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio and space was in place and being maintained. 3.Today I did not receive the QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet. You stated you will send the Education worksheet to consultant, Toni Washington when you have completed the worksheet. I will verify through WORKS the education earned when I receive the Education worksheet. As a reminder, the staff’s education that has been evaluated by the Workforce Unit will be used to verify the individual’s education level, as well as the overall education level earned by the facility. 4. I have not received the Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers / Centers Located in a Residence form. •I verified the five foundational practices were in place by reviewing the plans you have documented in the facility’s operational policies dated August 2025. (Newsletters, electronic applications for parents, Parent square communication to parents, parent, family resource area, and in person conferences with parents at pick-up.) •I verified that the 0 additional Family Community Engagement Standards chosen by reviewing the plans you have documented in the facility’s operational policies at this time. 5.You have not completed the Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan form. It was stated by you that you have not completed the Individual CQI plans for the administrator. I verified that the Individual staff with caregiving responsibilities were not complete at the time of my visit. 6. You stated that the approved curriculum used by the facility for ages (ages of children 0-5) is Creative curriculum. I verified use by monitoring the curricula books/materials being on-site and available for use as well as the activity plans showing the use of the curricula. I verified curriculum planning to include modifications and adaptations made for children with special health and developmental needs by observing the activity plans. 7.You stated that the approved formative assessment used by the facility is Teaching Strategies/ Dial 4. I verified your plan for using an approved formative assessment by monitoring the plan in your operational policies which includes anecdotal notes, portfolio of child’s work samples, and developmental screenings. Today, I monitored the verification that the administrator has had training on the Creative curriculum and the teachers have received training related to the curriculum used through a virtual training. You stated that you, the administrator, will complete five (5) hours of ongoing training (or 0.5 CEU’s) in addition to the ongoing training required of Child Care Rule .1103. Please submit the following outstanding required documentation needed for verification to me no later than June 30, 2026. 1. QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet. Make sure all staff have WORKS letters. 2. The Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan form 3. The Individual CQI plans for the administrator and all staff members. 4. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .3224 (a & b) Recognition Of Quality Initiatives, a child care operator may choose to request one or more areas of recognition to accompany the issuance of a two through five-star rated license earned through compliance with any licensure pathway requirement of this Section. Quality initiatives will not be used to earn a star rating. Verification of requirements for each recognition shall be reassessed at least every three years, at the time of reassessment for a two through five-star rated license. Upon verification of the requirements, the Division will issue recognition of the following quality initiatives: • Education • Professional Development • Longevity and Experience • Staff Supports and Benefits • Health and Wellness Opportunities • Language Concentration • Culinary Emphasis • Ratio, Group Size, Enrollment Practices • Supplemental Environment • NC Breastfeeding – Friendly Child Care Designation Program • Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood – PLUS Recognition If you are interested in earning a Recognition Of Quality Initiatives send me verification of meeting them according to 10A NCAC 09 .3224 (a & b). I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during the visit today: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted. Current activity plan was posted during my visit. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Documentation on the fire log drill showed the last fire drill was 3/3/2026 .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Employee with the hire date of 6/12/2026 did not have a medical report on file the first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. employee with the hire date of 6/12/2026 did not have a Criminal Background Check completed. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Employee with the employment date of 06/12/2026 did not have a tuberculosis test on file. .0701(d) Technical Assistance: 1.It was discussed that a current activity plan must be posted for each group of children and be readily available for reference by staff, families, and licensing representatives. During the visit, it was noted that a current activity plan was not initially posted. The requirement was reviewed with staff, and a current activity plan was posted during the visit. Staff were encouraged to regularly review classroom postings to ensure activity plans remain current and accurately reflect the daily schedule and planned activities. 2.It was discussed that fire drills must be conducted and documented on a monthly basis. A review of the fire drill log indicated that the last documented fire drill was conducted on March 3, 2026. The importance of conducting monthly fire drills and maintaining complete and accurate documentation was reviewed with the director. It was recommended that administrative staff establish a system for monitoring drill schedules and records to ensure compliance with fire drill requirements and to help staff and children remain prepared in the event of an emergency. 3.It was discussed that all employees must have a qualifying Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment and before having responsibility for the care and supervision of children. A review of personnel records indicated that an employee with a hire date of June 12, 2026, did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. The director was advised of the requirement and reminded to verify that all background check qualifications have been completed and documented before allowing an individual to begin work. It was recommended that administrative staff implement a hiring checklist to ensure all required documentation is obtained and verified prior to an employee's start date. 4.It was discussed that all child care providers and uncompensated providers, including the director, must have a medical report completed and signed by a health care professional on file prior to employment. A review of personnel records indicated that an employee with a hire date of June 12, 2026, did not have a medical report on file on their first day of employment. The requirement was reviewed with the director, and the importance of obtaining and maintaining current medical reports for all applicable staff members was discussed. It was recommended that administrative staff review personnel files prior to an employee's start date and utilize a hiring checklist to ensure all required documentation is completed and maintained in accordance with licensing requirements. 5.It was discussed that each staff member must have the required medical documentation, including a medical report, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and a completed health questionnaire maintained in a medical file separate from the employee's personnel file. A review of records indicated that an employee with an employment date of June 12, 2026, did not have documentation of a tuberculosis test or screening on file. The requirement was reviewed with the director, and the importance of ensuring all required health documentation is obtained and maintained prior to employment was discussed. It was recommended that administrative staff review all personnel and medical files regularly and utilize a hiring checklist to verify that all required documentation is completed and properly filed before an employee begins work. CONSULTATION: 1.Please be reminded that all plans put in place as part of the Classroom and Instructional Quality for Child Care Centers, QRIS Pathway 2 must be completed within one year from the date of the new Rated License issued to your facility. Rated License components required to earn your star rated license will be monitored annually. 2. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 3.Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than June 26, 2026. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: ADVANCE PRESCHOOL/MERA JAMS Facility ID: 49000454 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/12/2026 Number Present: 11 Completed Date: 6/12/2026 Age: From 3 To 11 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an Annual Compliance Rated License Visit. You, Sarah Carr, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on June 08, 2025. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility is, Advance Preschool/ Mera Jams . I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. I reviewed with you today the restrictions on your license, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your program’s compliance history was 90% as of June 11, 2026, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on March 13, 2020, earning four points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas, personal care routines, outside play, and children eating lunch. It was observed that a current lesson plan was not posted, this was corrected during the visit. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Lunch is prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Today’s lunch included cheese pizza, broccoli, applesauce, and Milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I observed and monitored two emergency medications and the emergency medical plans. You stated there are no children on medications at this time. I monitored that your last fire drill was dated March 03, 2026. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated March 03, 2026, and it was a Lockdown. It was observed that a fire drill needs to be conducted. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. 1.On June 12, 2026, I discussed with you about completing the Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers form. You have chosen Classroom & Instructional Quality Pathway (Pathway2). 2.On the Application for Assessment for a Rated License form you checked that you meet Reduced Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio and Enhanced Space. Today, I verified that Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio and space was in place and being maintained. 3.Today I did not receive the QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet. You stated you will send the Education worksheet to consultant, Toni Washington when you have completed the worksheet. I will verify through WORKS the education earned when I receive the Education worksheet. As a reminder, the staff’s education that has been evaluated by the Workforce Unit will be used to verify the individual’s education level, as well as the overall education level earned by the facility. 4. I have not received the Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers / Centers Located in a Residence form. •I verified the five foundational practices were in place by reviewing the plans you have documented in the facility’s operational policies dated August 2025. (Newsletters, electronic applications for parents, Parent square communication to parents, parent, family resource area, and in person conferences with parents at pick-up.) •I verified that the 0 additional Family Community Engagement Standards chosen by reviewing the plans you have documented in the facility’s operational policies at this time. 5.You have not completed the Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan form. It was stated by you that you have not completed the Individual CQI plans for the administrator. I verified that the Individual staff with caregiving responsibilities were not complete at the time of my visit. 6. You stated that the approved curriculum used by the facility for ages (ages of children 0-5) is Creative curriculum. I verified use by monitoring the curricula books/materials being on-site and available for use as well as the activity plans showing the use of the curricula. I verified curriculum planning to include modifications and adaptations made for children with special health and developmental needs by observing the activity plans. 7.You stated that the approved formative assessment used by the facility is Teaching Strategies/ Dial 4. I verified your plan for using an approved formative assessment by monitoring the plan in your operational policies which includes anecdotal notes, portfolio of child’s work samples, and developmental screenings. Today, I monitored the verification that the administrator has had training on the Creative curriculum and the teachers have received training related to the curriculum used through a virtual training. You stated that you, the administrator, will complete five (5) hours of ongoing training (or 0.5 CEU’s) in addition to the ongoing training required of Child Care Rule .1103. Please submit the following outstanding required documentation needed for verification to me no later than June 30, 2026. 1. QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet. Make sure all staff have WORKS letters. 2. The Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan form 3. The Individual CQI plans for the administrator and all staff members. 4. Family and Community Engagement Standards Child Care Centers Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .3224 (a & b) Recognition Of Quality Initiatives, a child care operator may choose to request one or more areas of recognition to accompany the issuance of a two through five-star rated license earned through compliance with any licensure pathway requirement of this Section. Quality initiatives will not be used to earn a star rating. Verification of requirements for each recognition shall be reassessed at least every three years, at the time of reassessment for a two through five-star rated license. Upon verification of the requirements, the Division will issue recognition of the following quality initiatives: • Education • Professional Development • Longevity and Experience • Staff Supports and Benefits • Health and Wellness Opportunities • Language Concentration • Culinary Emphasis • Ratio, Group Size, Enrollment Practices • Supplemental Environment • NC Breastfeeding – Friendly Child Care Designation Program • Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood – PLUS Recognition If you are interested in earning a Recognition Of Quality Initiatives send me verification of meeting them according to 10A NCAC 09 .3224 (a & b). I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during the visit today: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. A current activity plan was not posted. Current activity plan was posted during my visit. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Documentation on the fire log drill showed the last fire drill was 3/3/2026 .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. Employee with the hire date of 6/12/2026 did not have a medical report on file the first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. employee with the hire date of 6/12/2026 did not have a Criminal Background Check completed. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Employee with the employment date of 06/12/2026 did not have a tuberculosis test on file. .0701(d) Technical Assistance: 1.It was discussed that a current activity plan must be posted for each group of children and be readily available for reference by staff, families, and licensing representatives. During the visit, it was noted that a current activity plan was not initially posted. The requirement was reviewed with staff, and a current activity plan was posted during the visit. Staff were encouraged to regularly review classroom postings to ensure activity plans remain current and accurately reflect the daily schedule and planned activities. 2.It was discussed that fire drills must be conducted and documented on a monthly basis. A review of the fire drill log indicated that the last documented fire drill was conducted on March 3, 2026. The importance of conducting monthly fire drills and maintaining complete and accurate documentation was reviewed with the director. It was recommended that administrative staff establish a system for monitoring drill schedules and records to ensure compliance with fire drill requirements and to help staff and children remain prepared in the event of an emergency. 3.It was discussed that all employees must have a qualifying Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment and before having responsibility for the care and supervision of children. A review of personnel records indicated that an employee with a hire date of June 12, 2026, did not have a Criminal Background Check completed prior to employment. The director was advised of the requirement and reminded to verify that all background check qualifications have been completed and documented before allowing an individual to begin work. It was recommended that administrative staff implement a hiring checklist to ensure all required documentation is obtained and verified prior to an employee's start date. 4.It was discussed that all child care providers and uncompensated providers, including the director, must have a medical report completed and signed by a health care professional on file prior to employment. A review of personnel records indicated that an employee with a hire date of June 12, 2026, did not have a medical report on file on their first day of employment. The requirement was reviewed with the director, and the importance of obtaining and maintaining current medical reports for all applicable staff members was discussed. It was recommended that administrative staff review personnel files prior to an employee's start date and utilize a hiring checklist to ensure all required documentation is completed and maintained in accordance with licensing requirements. 5.It was discussed that each staff member must have the required medical documentation, including a medical report, proof of a tuberculosis test or screening, and a completed health questionnaire maintained in a medical file separate from the employee's personnel file. A review of records indicated that an employee with an employment date of June 12, 2026, did not have documentation of a tuberculosis test or screening on file. The requirement was reviewed with the director, and the importance of ensuring all required health documentation is obtained and maintained prior to employment was discussed. It was recommended that administrative staff review all personnel and medical files regularly and utilize a hiring checklist to verify that all required documentation is completed and properly filed before an employee begins work. CONSULTATION: 1.Please be reminded that all plans put in place as part of the Classroom and Instructional Quality for Child Care Centers, QRIS Pathway 2 must be completed within one year from the date of the new Rated License issued to your facility. Rated License components required to earn your star rated license will be monitored annually. 2. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 3.Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than June 26, 2026. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: ADVANCE PRESCHOOL/MERA JAMS Facility ID: 49000454 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/8/2025 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 8/8/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. You, Sarah Carr, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on September 30, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility, Advance Preschool Mera/Jams. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. I reviewed with you today the restrictions on your license, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your program’s compliance history was 96% as August 07, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on November 27, 2017, earning five points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated March 31, 2025, with a Superior classification and seven demerits Your last fire inspection was dated June 4, 2024. You need to call the I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas and eating lunch. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Lunch was prepared and served in the kitchen. Today’s lunch included cheese pizza, Toss salad/with ranch dressing, celery, and milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored one emergency medication and action plan. I monitored that your last fire drill was dated July 14, 2025. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated June 20, 2025, and it was a Shelter-in-Place drill. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. Fire inspection for the facility was dated 6/4/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Staff with the hire dates of 8/25/22,3/22/17 and 1/31/12 did not have First Aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Staff with the hire dates of 8/25/22,3/22/17 and 1/31/12 have not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff with the hire dates of 8/25/22 3/22/17 and 1/31/12 have not complete all the required training hours for year. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with the enrollment date of 3/3/25 did not have a medical exam on file. GS110-91(1) 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. Facility has not created an ABCMC portal. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:. 1) A Children’s Medical Report with section A completed by the parent and section B completed by the health care professional should be on file for each child within the first 30 days of the child’s attendance. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this document when received from the parent during the enrollment process prior to the child’s first day of attendance. 2) All staff shall complete an approved First Aid and CPR class and have the certificate on file for view. Staff should look at the approved agencies for this training before the certifications expire. 3) Staff required to receive on-going training have not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience each year. Staff can reach out to the local Iredell Partnership for Children for approved training as well as looking on the DCDEE website. CONSULTATION: 1 Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 2 Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. 3 The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. Technical Assistance Guidance As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. 1) Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than August 22, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: ADVANCE PRESCHOOL/MERA JAMS Facility ID: 49000454 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/8/2025 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 8/8/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. You, Sarah Carr, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on September 30, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility, Advance Preschool Mera/Jams. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. I reviewed with you today the restrictions on your license, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your program’s compliance history was 96% as August 07, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on November 27, 2017, earning five points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated March 31, 2025, with a Superior classification and seven demerits Your last fire inspection was dated June 4, 2024. You need to call the I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas and eating lunch. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Lunch was prepared and served in the kitchen. Today’s lunch included cheese pizza, Toss salad/with ranch dressing, celery, and milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored one emergency medication and action plan. I monitored that your last fire drill was dated July 14, 2025. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated June 20, 2025, and it was a Shelter-in-Place drill. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. Fire inspection for the facility was dated 6/4/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Staff with the hire dates of 8/25/22,3/22/17 and 1/31/12 did not have First Aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Staff with the hire dates of 8/25/22,3/22/17 and 1/31/12 have not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff with the hire dates of 8/25/22 3/22/17 and 1/31/12 have not complete all the required training hours for year. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with the enrollment date of 3/3/25 did not have a medical exam on file. GS110-91(1) 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. Facility has not created an ABCMC portal. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:. 1) A Children’s Medical Report with section A completed by the parent and section B completed by the health care professional should be on file for each child within the first 30 days of the child’s attendance. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this document when received from the parent during the enrollment process prior to the child’s first day of attendance. 2) All staff shall complete an approved First Aid and CPR class and have the certificate on file for view. Staff should look at the approved agencies for this training before the certifications expire. 3) Staff required to receive on-going training have not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience each year. Staff can reach out to the local Iredell Partnership for Children for approved training as well as looking on the DCDEE website. CONSULTATION: 1 Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 2 Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. 3 The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. Technical Assistance Guidance As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. 1) Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than August 22, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: ADVANCE PRESCHOOL/MERA JAMS Facility ID: 49000454 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/8/2025 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 8/8/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 150 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. You, Sarah Carr, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on September 30, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility, Advance Preschool Mera/Jams. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. I reviewed with you today the restrictions on your license, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your program’s compliance history was 96% as August 07, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on November 27, 2017, earning five points in staff education, seven points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated March 31, 2025, with a Superior classification and seven demerits Your last fire inspection was dated June 4, 2024. You need to call the I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas and eating lunch. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. Lunch was prepared and served in the kitchen. Today’s lunch included cheese pizza, Toss salad/with ranch dressing, celery, and milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline practices. I monitored one emergency medication and action plan. I monitored that your last fire drill was dated July 14, 2025. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated June 20, 2025, and it was a Shelter-in-Place drill. I monitored program records, child record files, staff record files. I monitored health and safety requirements. I monitored supervision of children, staff-child ratios and group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. I completed the “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” during today’s visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. Fire inspection for the facility was dated 6/4/24. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Staff with the hire dates of 8/25/22,3/22/17 and 1/31/12 did not have First Aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. Staff with the hire dates of 8/25/22,3/22/17 and 1/31/12 have not completed CPR training. .1102(d) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff with the hire dates of 8/25/22 3/22/17 and 1/31/12 have not complete all the required training hours for year. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with the enrollment date of 3/3/25 did not have a medical exam on file. GS110-91(1) 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. Facility has not created an ABCMC portal. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE:. 1) A Children’s Medical Report with section A completed by the parent and section B completed by the health care professional should be on file for each child within the first 30 days of the child’s attendance. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this document when received from the parent during the enrollment process prior to the child’s first day of attendance. 2) All staff shall complete an approved First Aid and CPR class and have the certificate on file for view. Staff should look at the approved agencies for this training before the certifications expire. 3) Staff required to receive on-going training have not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience each year. Staff can reach out to the local Iredell Partnership for Children for approved training as well as looking on the DCDEE website. CONSULTATION: 1 Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. 2 Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. 3 The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. Technical Assistance Guidance As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. COMPLIANCE PLAN: No compliance documentation is needed for those violations corrected during today’s visit. In the visit summary, I documented the corrective actions taken today to correct those violations. All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. 1) Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than August 22, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: ADVANCE PRESCHOOL/MERA JAMS Facility ID: 49000454 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/30/2024 Number Present: 6 Completed Date: 9/30/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 250 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a Annual Compliance visit. You, Sarah Carr, Center Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a Five-star license. Your last ACV was on October 10, 2023. I observed your Five-Star License, NC Child Care Summary of the Law, current menu, Sanitation placard, Emergency Medical Care Plan, smocking policy, daily schedule, activity plans posted as required. Your program’s compliance history was 91% as of September 26 ,2024 and was reviewed with you today. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed enhanced staff-child ratio maintained during today’s visit. I observed adequate approved space used during today’s visit. I observed permit restrictions maintained during today’s visit. I observed a menu posted for the week of September 30- October 05, 2024. Today’s lunch consisted of Turkey (cheese), sub rolls, pickles, sliced apples, and milk. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. I observed children throughout the child care facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed no hazardous materials or equipment to be accessible to the children during today’s visit. I observed and monitored no medications. You stated that there are no students on medications at this time. Your sanitation inspection was conducted on November 09, 2023, with a Superior classification and 9 demerits. I observed your last fire inspection was conducted on June 4, 2024. I observed your monthly Fire Drill Log, a drill was conducted on September 30, 2024. Fire drill log is current and in compliance. I observed your Emergency Drill Log and a Shelter in place drill was conducted on September 30, 2024. Emergency drills are to be conducted every three months. observed the outdoor play environment. I observed the equipment and materials to be in average condition. I observed the fence to be of adequate height and in good repair in all areas. I observed that some playground toys need to be repaired and all material in the playground area need to be washed and cleaned. Ramp area that children use to walk to playground area needs painting and wood repairs. I observed monthly outdoor inspections documented for the past twelve months. I observed the last outdoor inspection was dated September 11,2024. I observed your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan was last updated in August 27 2024. I observed your Incident Log to be current for the school year. You stated you do not provide transportation at your facility. I reviewed children files, and they were in compliance during my visit today. I reviewed all staff files during my visit today violation was cited. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 618 Diaper changing surfaces were not kept free of storage. Diaper changing area needs to be clear of items not used for diaper changing. 15A NCAC 18A .2819(b) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Walls and doors need to be cleaned. In classroom 1 door to the outside needs to be repaired. Handle needs to be replaced. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Children chairs need to be cleaned in all rooms. Some shelves that store children toys need to be repaired. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff with hire dates 8/25/22 and 3/22/17 need to complete on-going training hours. .1103(a) Technical Assistance: 1. When staff completes monthly Playground inspections it was discussed that cleaning of the toys and equipment is done at this time. It was also discussed that repairs should be completed as soon as possible when noted on playground inspection sheet. 2. It was discussed that staff need to complete the required number of on-going training hours each year. It was suggested that staff reach out to the Iredell Partnership for Children for a list of trainings offered each month, and the DCDEE website for a list of on-going trainings. 3. It was discussed that staff complete a weekly cleaning schedule to ensure that cleaning is done in the classroom. It was suggested that staff turn the cleaning list in on Friday and the list is checked by administrative staff. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov I must receive your compliance letter no later than October 14, 2024. Please Note: If you state in your letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date, you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Compliance History: You are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for having your Staff & Training Worksheet complete and available for review prior to today’s visit. The most up to date Staff & Training Worksheet form is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and “Provider Documents and Forms”. Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. or at (704)594-0153. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: ADVANCE PRESCHOOL/MERA JAMS Facility ID: 49000454 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/10/2023 Number Present: 16 Completed Date: 10/10/2023 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a Annual Compliance visit. You, Sarah Carr, Center Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a Five-star license. Your last ACV was on October 26, 2022. I observed your Five-Star License, NC Child Care Summary of the Law, current menu, Sanitation placard, Emergency Medical Care Plan, smocking policy, daily schedule, activity plans posted as required. Your program’s compliance history was 94% as of October 09 ,2023 and was reviewed with you today. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed enhanced staff-child ratio maintained during today’s visit. I observed adequate approved space used during today’s visit. I observed permit restrictions maintained during today’s visit. I observed a menu posted for the week of October 09 -13, 2023. Today’s lunch consisted of Mac and cheese (extra cheese), mixed vegetables, green peas, mixed fruit, rolls, and milk. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. I observed children throughout the child care facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. I observed no hazardous materials or equipment to be accessible to the children during today’s visit. I observed and monitored no medications. You stated that there are no students on medications at this time. Your sanitation inspection was conducted on November 08, 2022, with a Superior classification and 8 demerits. I observed your last fire inspection was conducted on May 3, 2023. I observed your monthly Fire Drill Log, a drill was conducted on September 11, 2023. Fire drill log is current and in compliance. I observed your Emergency Drill Log and a Shelter in place drill was conducted on September 11, 2023. Emergency drills are to be conducted every three months. I observed the outdoor play environment. I observed the equipment and materials to be in average condition. I observed the fence to be of adequate height and in good repair in all areas. I observed that some playground toys need to be repaired and all material in the playground area need to be washed and cleaned. I observed monthly outdoor inspections documented for the past twelve months. I observed the last outdoor inspection was dated October 2,2023. I observed your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan was last updated in August 2023. I observed your Incident Log to be current for the school year. You stated you do not provide transportation at this time. I reviewed children files, and they were in compliance during my visit today. I reviewed all staff files during my visit today violations were cited. The following violations observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 488 For children under three years of age, materials were not offered in sufficient quantity to allow all children to use them at some time during the day and to allow for a range of choices. Materials in the One and two year old class was not in sufficient quantity. .0510(e)(3) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Equipment and furnishing in all classrooms need to be checked, repaired and cleaned. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. Staff did not have the required on-going training hours needed. .1103(a) 1898 Staff did not complete the health and safety training within one year of employment. One staff member did not complete health and safety training as required. .1102(a) Technical Assistance: 1. On-going training should be completed by every year. Contact Stephanie Clark at the Partnership for children for information on trainings. 2. Playground need to be checked daily and toys and equipment need to be cleaned weekly. All violations cited must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, etc. should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Toni Washington Post Office Box 5347 Mooresville, NC 28117 For your convenience, your letter may be sent by email to: toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov I must receive your compliance letter no later than October 24, 2023. Please Note: If you state in your letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date, you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Compliance History: You are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past 18 months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Thank you for having your Staff & Training Worksheet complete and available for review prior to today’s visit. The most up to date Staff & Training Worksheet form is available on the DCDEE website under the Provider tab and “Provider Documents and Forms”. Thank you for your time today. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (704) 437-2549 or by email at toni.washington@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. or at (704)594-0153. 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