Little Tots Early Learning Center #2

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER #2 Facility ID: 49000503 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 6/18/2025 Age: From 5 To 12 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 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, Ronica Bowers, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 23, 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, Little Tots Early Learning Center #2. 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 97% as of June 18, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on February 05, 2024, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated November 22, 2024, with a Superior classification and four demerits Your last fire inspection was dated December 20, 2024. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed that outdoor equipment needs to be cleaned, and one piece of equipment had standing water in it. 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 in the kitchen and served in the classroom. Today’s lunch included pizza, applesauce, corn and milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. I observed there was not a current menu in the kitchen area. 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 June 2, 2025. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated June 12, 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 observed and cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. In space 2 staff/child ratio sheet was posted not completely filled out. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Floors in space 2 were not clean and base boards need to be cleaned. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. I observed that one piece of equipment had standing water. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1417 The equipment and materials were not age-appropriate for the children in care. I observed that furniture in a room that had 5 year old children had two/toddler size furniture. Shelves were not appropriate size and toys were not age appropriate. 10A NCAC 09 .2508(d) Technical Assistance: 1) Classroom Staff to Child Ratio Worksheets should be completed to reflect the maximum number of children allowed in the space as being the maximum number of students allowed in a group or the maximum space capacity whichever is the lesser number and posted in each classroom. 2)Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), safe indoor and outdoor environment shall be provided for the children in care including providing equipment and furnishings that are in good repair, sturdy, stable, and free of hazards. To maintain this child care requirement in your outdoor play areas, I suggested you place work orders for repairs and maintenance as soon as you notice needs and include vegetation removal along your fence lines as part of your routine work order when requesting mulch surfacing maintenance. 3) All material in the classroom shall be age appropriate. Toys and child furniture needs to be according to the age group that is in the classroom. It was discussed that the toys need to be age appropriate for the children that you serve in each classroom. 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 2) 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 July 2, 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

10A NCAC 09 .2508 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER #2 Facility ID: 49000503 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 6/18/2025 Age: From 5 To 12 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 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, Ronica Bowers, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 23, 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, Little Tots Early Learning Center #2. 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 97% as of June 18, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on February 05, 2024, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated November 22, 2024, with a Superior classification and four demerits Your last fire inspection was dated December 20, 2024. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed that outdoor equipment needs to be cleaned, and one piece of equipment had standing water in it. 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 in the kitchen and served in the classroom. Today’s lunch included pizza, applesauce, corn and milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. I observed there was not a current menu in the kitchen area. 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 June 2, 2025. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated June 12, 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 observed and cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. In space 2 staff/child ratio sheet was posted not completely filled out. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Floors in space 2 were not clean and base boards need to be cleaned. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. I observed that one piece of equipment had standing water. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1417 The equipment and materials were not age-appropriate for the children in care. I observed that furniture in a room that had 5 year old children had two/toddler size furniture. Shelves were not appropriate size and toys were not age appropriate. 10A NCAC 09 .2508(d) Technical Assistance: 1) Classroom Staff to Child Ratio Worksheets should be completed to reflect the maximum number of children allowed in the space as being the maximum number of students allowed in a group or the maximum space capacity whichever is the lesser number and posted in each classroom. 2)Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), safe indoor and outdoor environment shall be provided for the children in care including providing equipment and furnishings that are in good repair, sturdy, stable, and free of hazards. To maintain this child care requirement in your outdoor play areas, I suggested you place work orders for repairs and maintenance as soon as you notice needs and include vegetation removal along your fence lines as part of your routine work order when requesting mulch surfacing maintenance. 3) All material in the classroom shall be age appropriate. Toys and child furniture needs to be according to the age group that is in the classroom. It was discussed that the toys need to be age appropriate for the children that you serve in each classroom. 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 2) 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 July 2, 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: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER #2 Facility ID: 49000503 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/18/2025 Number Present: 15 Completed Date: 6/18/2025 Age: From 5 To 12 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:30 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, Ronica Bowers, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on July 23, 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, Little Tots Early Learning Center #2. 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 97% as of June 18, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on February 05, 2024, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated November 22, 2024, with a Superior classification and four demerits Your last fire inspection was dated December 20, 2024. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed that outdoor equipment needs to be cleaned, and one piece of equipment had standing water in it. 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 in the kitchen and served in the classroom. Today’s lunch included pizza, applesauce, corn and milk. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 36 degrees Fahrenheit. I observed there was not a current menu in the kitchen area. 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 June 2, 2025. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated June 12, 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 observed and cited during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 319 Staff/child ratios applicable to a classroom, were not posted in each classroom. In space 2 staff/child ratio sheet was posted not completely filled out. .0713(a)(10), (c) & (f)(3); .2818(e) 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Floors in space 2 were not clean and base boards need to be cleaned. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 808 The child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, was not clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and/or maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. I observed that one piece of equipment had standing water. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1417 The equipment and materials were not age-appropriate for the children in care. I observed that furniture in a room that had 5 year old children had two/toddler size furniture. Shelves were not appropriate size and toys were not age appropriate. 10A NCAC 09 .2508(d) Technical Assistance: 1) Classroom Staff to Child Ratio Worksheets should be completed to reflect the maximum number of children allowed in the space as being the maximum number of students allowed in a group or the maximum space capacity whichever is the lesser number and posted in each classroom. 2)Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a), safe indoor and outdoor environment shall be provided for the children in care including providing equipment and furnishings that are in good repair, sturdy, stable, and free of hazards. To maintain this child care requirement in your outdoor play areas, I suggested you place work orders for repairs and maintenance as soon as you notice needs and include vegetation removal along your fence lines as part of your routine work order when requesting mulch surfacing maintenance. 3) All material in the classroom shall be age appropriate. Toys and child furniture needs to be according to the age group that is in the classroom. It was discussed that the toys need to be age appropriate for the children that you serve in each classroom. 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 2) 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 July 2, 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: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER #2 Facility ID: 49000503 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0325-138L Visit Date: 3/13/2025 Number Present: 18 Completed Date: 3/13/2025 Age: From 2 To 12 Total Minutes: 100 Time In: 03:20 PM Time Out: 05:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements: 1. Children are not adequately supervised. 2. Children are not treated in a nurturing manner. 3. Some music choices are not developmentally appropriate. You, K. Torrence, Teacher, assisted me with my walk through today. You, Ronica Bowers, were given a chance to reply to the allegation listed above over the phone. You Ronica Bowers stated that you were currently out of town, and you gave me permission to discuss the allegation with you over the phone. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions, and the outdoor environment were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Fire drills and storage of hazardous products were also monitored. Additionally, I observed the indoor and outdoor space used by the children. I observed the teachers’ engagement with students in large group activities. I observed children in small group activities, center play, and personal care routines. Regarding the allegation there is a concern that children are not adequately supervised: I observed both classrooms at the facility. I observed that children were adequately supervised when in activity areas, personal care routines, and during large circle time. I observed that children were adequately supervised on the playground with teachers walking around and monitoring children while at play. I observed that name to face sheets were completed. Regarding the allegation there is a concern that children are not adequately supervised, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Regarding the allegation Children are not treated in a nurturing manner: I observed in both classrooms in the facility today. I observed that teachers were interacting with children in a nurturing manner. I observed teachers talking to children, playing with children in activity areas, and helping children with personal care routines. Regarding the allegation there is a concern children are not treated in a nurturing manner, this allegation is unsubstantiated. Regarding the allegation Some music choices are not developmentally appropriate: I interviewed two classroom teachers and the director of the facility about music being played in the classroom and outside on the playground. It was stated by one classroom teacher and the director that some music that was not developmentally appropriate was played. Music contained some inappropriate content. Regarding the allegation some music choices that are not developmentally appropriate is substantiated. Today the following violation was observed and cited during today’s visit. ( Violation will be added to visit) Violation Number Comment Rule 902 Each child was not attended to in a nurturing and appropriate manner, or in keeping with the child's developmental needs. Inappropriate music was being played on the playground area to a group of Pre-school and School age children. G.S. 110-91(10) Consultation: I explained to the director children listening to developmentally appropriate music is allowed. I suggested that kids listen to Kids Bop and other songs that are child friendly. Technical Assistance: 1. Make sure that teachers continue to make sure children are supervised at all times. 2. Keep making sure Name to Face sheets are done at all times. 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 2) 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 March 27, 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. 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER #2 Facility ID: 49000503 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 10 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 840 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Ronica Bowers, Administrator, and Regina Parsons, Teacher, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit July 23, 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. You stated there has been no change with the corporate owner, Ronica Bowers, that owns your facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Your facility, owned by Little Tots Early Learning Center LLC, was reviewed and listed as current- active on the NC Secretary of State website on February 12, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 100% as of February 12, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on February 05, 2024, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your most recent fire inspection was dated December 20, 2024, and received during my visit today. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 22, 2024, with a Superior classification and four demerits. I verified that you have completed the lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead paint/asbestos testing. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, outdoor play, and personal care routines . You and I completed a walk-through of the outdoor licensed spaces today. 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. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a residential refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. I observed that today lunch consisted of smokes sausages, mac and cheese, strawberries, crackers, and milk. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I observed that your Summary of N.C. Child Care Laws was not posted. I observed you posting it during the visit. I reviewed staff record files for 2 returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters ( all Criminal Background Check qualification letters were checked in the ABCMS System) , valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of Basic School Age Care training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for no new staff member hired since the last annual compliance visit on July 23, 2024 I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on March 01, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violation was observed and cited, and corrected during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. Summary of NC Child Care Laws was not posted. G.S. 110-102 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Documents required by child care rule to be posted, including Summary of the N.C. Child Care Law should be posted. It was suggested that administrative staff check to make sure all things that need to be posted are posted in the classroom when doing classroom observations. 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. 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) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Throughout the past year, I recommended you consider completing the following tasks and activities that would help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) •Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process. 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: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER #2 Facility ID: 49000503 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 10 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 2 To 5 Total Minutes: 840 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Ronica Bowers, Administrator, and Regina Parsons, Teacher, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit July 23, 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. You stated there has been no change with the corporate owner, Ronica Bowers, that owns your facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today including the restrictions, capacity, and age range and observed these being maintained today. Your facility, owned by Little Tots Early Learning Center LLC, was reviewed and listed as current- active on the NC Secretary of State website on February 12, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 100% as of February 12, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on February 05, 2024, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your most recent fire inspection was dated December 20, 2024, and received during my visit today. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated November 22, 2024, with a Superior classification and four demerits. I verified that you have completed the lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results indicated that your facilities drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you have registered for the lead paint/asbestos testing. You and I completed a walk-through of the indoor licensed spaces today. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, outdoor play, and personal care routines . You and I completed a walk-through of the outdoor licensed spaces today. 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. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a residential refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. I observed that today lunch consisted of smokes sausages, mac and cheese, strawberries, crackers, and milk. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I observed that your Summary of N.C. Child Care Laws was not posted. I observed you posting it during the visit. I reviewed staff record files for 2 returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters ( all Criminal Background Check qualification letters were checked in the ABCMS System) , valid CPR and First Aid training, valid ITS-SIDS training, completion of Basic School Age Care training, completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response training by at least one staff member. I reviewed staff record files for no new staff member hired since the last annual compliance visit on July 23, 2024 I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on March 01, 2024. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violation was observed and cited, and corrected during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. Summary of NC Child Care Laws was not posted. G.S. 110-102 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Documents required by child care rule to be posted, including Summary of the N.C. Child Care Law should be posted. It was suggested that administrative staff check to make sure all things that need to be posted are posted in the classroom when doing classroom observations. 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. 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) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Throughout the past year, I recommended you consider completing the following tasks and activities that would help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) •Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process. 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