Little Tots Early Learning Center

10A NCAC 09 .0509 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/23/2026 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 4/23/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 02:30 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 visit. You, Ronica Bowers, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on May 19, 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 Little Tots Early Learning Center LLC. 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 89% as of April 22, 2026, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on September 06, 2017, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated December 4, 2025, with a Approve classification and sixteen(16) demerits Your last fire inspection was dated March 30, 2026. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students engaged in activity areas, eating lunch, and participating in small group activities. It was observed that in Space 3, children were sitting at the tables prior to lunch with no activity provided. It was also observed that in Space 4, children were sitting in highchairs after lunch with no developmental activities or materials provided. 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 Sloppy Joe with ground beef, white bun, pears, 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 that your last fire drill was dated April 7, 2026. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated March 20, 2026, 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, capacities, and permit restrictions. It was observed that a child in Space 3 was allowed to wander out of the classroom unsupervised. The child wandered into a classroom that was unoccupied by children and was retrieved by another staff member. The child remained in the unoccupied classroom for approximately two minutes. On April 23, 2026, I received the Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers form. You have chosen Classroom & Instructional Quality Pathway (Pathway2). On the Application for Assessment for a Rated License form you checked that you meet Reduced Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio. Today, I verified that Reduced Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio was in place and being maintained. Two lead teacher and one teacher need to create a WORKS account and mail an official college transcript to the workforce unit to be evaluated in their position. 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. On April 23, 2026, I 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 November 2025. •I verified that the 2, additional Family Community Engagement Standards chosen by reviewing the plans you have documented in the facility’s operational policies dated January 2026. I verified operational policies. 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. You stated that the lead teachers 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 May 22, 2026: 1.Staff education form 2.Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan form. 3.approved curriculum used by the facility for ages ( will check list for curriculum used) 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 today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. It was observed that a child that was in space 3 was allowed to wander around the building with no supervision from teacher. Child left classroom and teacher did not alert other free staff members to return child to classroom. .1801(a)(1-5) 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. It was observed in space in space 3 child were sitting at the table waiting on lunch and not involved in any developmental appropriate activities and equipment and materials were not accessible to children. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 482 For children under three years of age, the caregiver did not provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development, on a daily basis. Children one year of age were in highchairs not during feeding time and were not allowed to have developmentally appropriate activities after lunch before laying on cots. .0510(e)(4) 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 in each class need to be cleaned and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. In space 3 there was a soda (Sun Drop Soda) can on shelf. Drink was not in a cup that children can not see the liquids in cup. .0901(i) Technical Assistance: 1.It was discussed with the teacher and administrative staff that children must not occupy any area without adult supervision. Additionally, children are not permitted to leave the classroom independently they must be accompanied by a staff member at all times. 2. It was discussed that children are to be engaged in activities at all times. It was discussed that children should not be sitting idle or waiting without activities. Children can be engaged in center play or group activities. It was also discussed that children cannot remain in highchairs after eating while waiting and not being engaged in an age-appropriate activity. 3. It was discussed that teachers should model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet nutritional requirements in front of children. It was also discussed that any drinks consumed by staff should be placed in cups that are not see-through. 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. 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 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 May 7, 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: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/23/2026 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 4/23/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 02:30 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 visit. You, Ronica Bowers, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on May 19, 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 Little Tots Early Learning Center LLC. 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 89% as of April 22, 2026, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on September 06, 2017, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated December 4, 2025, with a Approve classification and sixteen(16) demerits Your last fire inspection was dated March 30, 2026. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students engaged in activity areas, eating lunch, and participating in small group activities. It was observed that in Space 3, children were sitting at the tables prior to lunch with no activity provided. It was also observed that in Space 4, children were sitting in highchairs after lunch with no developmental activities or materials provided. 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 Sloppy Joe with ground beef, white bun, pears, 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 that your last fire drill was dated April 7, 2026. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated March 20, 2026, 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, capacities, and permit restrictions. It was observed that a child in Space 3 was allowed to wander out of the classroom unsupervised. The child wandered into a classroom that was unoccupied by children and was retrieved by another staff member. The child remained in the unoccupied classroom for approximately two minutes. On April 23, 2026, I received the Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers form. You have chosen Classroom & Instructional Quality Pathway (Pathway2). On the Application for Assessment for a Rated License form you checked that you meet Reduced Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio. Today, I verified that Reduced Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio was in place and being maintained. Two lead teacher and one teacher need to create a WORKS account and mail an official college transcript to the workforce unit to be evaluated in their position. 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. On April 23, 2026, I 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 November 2025. •I verified that the 2, additional Family Community Engagement Standards chosen by reviewing the plans you have documented in the facility’s operational policies dated January 2026. I verified operational policies. 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. You stated that the lead teachers 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 May 22, 2026: 1.Staff education form 2.Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan form. 3.approved curriculum used by the facility for ages ( will check list for curriculum used) 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 today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. It was observed that a child that was in space 3 was allowed to wander around the building with no supervision from teacher. Child left classroom and teacher did not alert other free staff members to return child to classroom. .1801(a)(1-5) 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. It was observed in space in space 3 child were sitting at the table waiting on lunch and not involved in any developmental appropriate activities and equipment and materials were not accessible to children. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 482 For children under three years of age, the caregiver did not provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development, on a daily basis. Children one year of age were in highchairs not during feeding time and were not allowed to have developmentally appropriate activities after lunch before laying on cots. .0510(e)(4) 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 in each class need to be cleaned and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. In space 3 there was a soda (Sun Drop Soda) can on shelf. Drink was not in a cup that children can not see the liquids in cup. .0901(i) Technical Assistance: 1.It was discussed with the teacher and administrative staff that children must not occupy any area without adult supervision. Additionally, children are not permitted to leave the classroom independently they must be accompanied by a staff member at all times. 2. It was discussed that children are to be engaged in activities at all times. It was discussed that children should not be sitting idle or waiting without activities. Children can be engaged in center play or group activities. It was also discussed that children cannot remain in highchairs after eating while waiting and not being engaged in an age-appropriate activity. 3. It was discussed that teachers should model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet nutritional requirements in front of children. It was also discussed that any drinks consumed by staff should be placed in cups that are not see-through. 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. 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 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 May 7, 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: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/23/2026 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 4/23/2026 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 315 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 02:30 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 visit. You, Ronica Bowers, Director, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on May 19, 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 Little Tots Early Learning Center LLC. 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 89% as of April 22, 2026, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on September 06, 2017, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated December 4, 2025, with a Approve classification and sixteen(16) demerits Your last fire inspection was dated March 30, 2026. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students engaged in activity areas, eating lunch, and participating in small group activities. It was observed that in Space 3, children were sitting at the tables prior to lunch with no activity provided. It was also observed that in Space 4, children were sitting in highchairs after lunch with no developmental activities or materials provided. 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 Sloppy Joe with ground beef, white bun, pears, 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 that your last fire drill was dated April 7, 2026. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated March 20, 2026, 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, capacities, and permit restrictions. It was observed that a child in Space 3 was allowed to wander out of the classroom unsupervised. The child wandered into a classroom that was unoccupied by children and was retrieved by another staff member. The child remained in the unoccupied classroom for approximately two minutes. On April 23, 2026, I received the Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers form. You have chosen Classroom & Instructional Quality Pathway (Pathway2). On the Application for Assessment for a Rated License form you checked that you meet Reduced Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio. Today, I verified that Reduced Enhanced Staff/Child Ratio was in place and being maintained. Two lead teacher and one teacher need to create a WORKS account and mail an official college transcript to the workforce unit to be evaluated in their position. 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. On April 23, 2026, I 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 November 2025. •I verified that the 2, additional Family Community Engagement Standards chosen by reviewing the plans you have documented in the facility’s operational policies dated January 2026. I verified operational policies. 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. You stated that the lead teachers 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 May 22, 2026: 1.Staff education form 2.Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan form. 3.approved curriculum used by the facility for ages ( will check list for curriculum used) 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 today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. It was observed that a child that was in space 3 was allowed to wander around the building with no supervision from teacher. Child left classroom and teacher did not alert other free staff members to return child to classroom. .1801(a)(1-5) 432 The center did not have developmentally appropriate equipment and materials accessible daily. It was observed in space in space 3 child were sitting at the table waiting on lunch and not involved in any developmental appropriate activities and equipment and materials were not accessible to children. GS 110-91(12);10A NCAC 09 .0509(1) 482 For children under three years of age, the caregiver did not provide developmentally appropriate activities that support health and physical development, on a daily basis. Children one year of age were in highchairs not during feeding time and were not allowed to have developmentally appropriate activities after lunch before laying on cots. .0510(e)(4) 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 in each class need to be cleaned and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 1792 Staff did not model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming food or beverages that meet the nutritional requirements specified in the Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs in the presence of children in care. In space 3 there was a soda (Sun Drop Soda) can on shelf. Drink was not in a cup that children can not see the liquids in cup. .0901(i) Technical Assistance: 1.It was discussed with the teacher and administrative staff that children must not occupy any area without adult supervision. Additionally, children are not permitted to leave the classroom independently they must be accompanied by a staff member at all times. 2. It was discussed that children are to be engaged in activities at all times. It was discussed that children should not be sitting idle or waiting without activities. Children can be engaged in center play or group activities. It was also discussed that children cannot remain in highchairs after eating while waiting and not being engaged in an age-appropriate activity. 3. It was discussed that teachers should model appropriate eating behaviors by consuming only food or beverages that meet nutritional requirements in front of children. It was also discussed that any drinks consumed by staff should be placed in cups that are not see-through. 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. 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 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 May 7, 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: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/4/2025 Number Present: 24 Completed Date: 11/4/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 195 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 12:30 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, Center Director, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a Three-star license. During today’s visit, we discussed the three QRIS Pathways to the Stars effective July 1, 2025. We covered staff education (including ensuring all staff have WORKS accounts, understanding the 50% requirement for lead teachers and for other educators, and how work experience may count), enhanced ratios and space expectations, the Family and Community Engagement Foundational Practices, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plans. We discussed that at this time your facility will be choosing to follow Pathway 2 at this time. Your last ACV was on May 19, 2025. I observed your Three-Star License, NC Child Care Summary of the Law, current menu, Sanitation placard, Emergency Medical Care Plan, daily schedule, activity plans posted as required. I observed children adequately supervised during today’s visit. I observed enhanced staff-child ratio maintained during today’s visit. I observed 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 November 3-7, 2025. Today’s lunch consisted of meat balls, mash potatoes, green beans, roll, and milk. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. I observed children throughout the child care facility children were participating in group time, free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines, outside play, and lunch. I observed no hazardous materials or equipment to be accessible to the children during today’s visit. I observed and monitored no medications today. You stated there are no children on medication in the facility at this time. I observed the outdoor play environment. I observed the equipment and materials to be in good condition. I observed the fence to be of adequate height and in good repair in all areas. I observed and monitored Playground inspections and the last was dated October 1, 2025. I found they were in compliance. Your sanitation inspection was conducted on December 02, 2024, with a Superior classification and 12 demerits. Your last fire inspection was conducted on December 20, 2024. I observed your monthly Fire Drill Log, a drill was conducted on October 01, 2025. Fire drill log is current and in compliance. I observed your Emergency Drill Log and a Lock down drill was conducted on September 04, 2025. Emergency drills are to be conducted every three months. I observed all staff criminal background qualifying letters. All staff members qualifying letters were checked in the ABCMS, CPR & First Aid trainings, ITS-SIDS, BSAC, and Recognizing & Responding to Suspicious of Child Maltreatment training. I monitored 2 new staff members hired since your Annual Compliance Visit dated May 19, 2025. I observed that an employee with the hire date of 6/9/2025 has not complete First Aid and CPR and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of child Maltreatment. I observed that you have not set up your ABCMS staff rooster at this time. I observed you have completed the training, but you have no staff listed in the roster for your facility. The following violations were observed and cited during this visit today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. Employee with the hire date of 6/9/25 has not completed First Aid within 90 of hire. .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. Employee with the hire date of 6/9/25 has not completed CPR within the first 90 days of hire. .1102(d) 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. ABCMS portal was not set up for the facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. Employee with the hire date of 6/9/25 did not complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within the first 90 days of hire. .1102(g) Technical Assistance 1. 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. 2.We reviewed and discussed making sure that the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is completed within 90 days of employment. Make staff aware of this training and where to find the training when they are hired. We reviewed and discussed that CPR and First Aid training must be completed within 90 days of employment. We discussed that CPR and First Aid training cannot be completed online. We also discussed that staff need to complete CPR and First Aid training that is applicable to the age children they work with. We discussed going to the website (www.ncchildcare.nc.gov) and check for agencies that are approved. Consultation: 3 On July 1, 2025, the North Carolina Rules Review Commission (RRC) approved the new child care rule language for the QRIS Modernization Plan, known as “Pathways to the Stars”. The Division of Child Development and Early Education is currently preparing a summary of the rules, an online training module for Moodle, and an implementation plan. Child care consultants will be conducting center administrator and FCCH owner/operator training/meetings in September 2025 as the next step for implementing the plan to transition to the “Pathways to the Stars”. The implementation plan will allow time for administrators and operators to learn and understand the different pathways and the changes within our system. An invitation and announcement of the date, time, and location for these important meetings will be shared as soon as details are finalized. Please make plans to attend. Please be reminded that any ERS assessment completed on or after February 1, 2025 will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. We encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 4 Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 5 Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings • QRIS Information: During today’s visit, we discussed the three QRIS Pathways to the Stars effective July 1, 2025. We covered staff education (including ensuring all staff have WORKS accounts, understanding the 50% requirement for lead teachers and for other educators, and how work experience may count), enhanced ratios and space expectations, the Family and Community Engagement Foundational Practices, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plans. Please visit the following link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/StarRated-License/QRIS-Modernization . You will find more information and details about the three different pathways so that your program can begin working towards the star rated license. The following steps are how you can begin preparing for the Rated License process: If you choose Pathway 1: • Complete the “Application For Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” electronically and submit to your child care consultant. • Complete the “Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) Assessment Request” form electronically and submit to your child care consultant. • Confirm all staff have active WORKS accounts. • Complete the QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet electronically. • Begin planning for your three-month self-study using the applicable ITERS-3, ECERS-3, SACERS-U, OR FCCERS-3 books. • Prepare for Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) assessments. o Access resources, trainings, and outreach via ncrlap.org. o Work with CCR&R or Smart Start for support in preparation. • Identify CQI goals and begin planning for implementation. • Develop strategies for Family and Community Engagement. • If four-year-old's are enrolled, select and implement an approved curriculum. If you choose Pathway 2: • Complete the “Application For Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” electronically and submit to your child care consultant. • Confirm all staff have active WORKS accounts. • Complete the QRIS Staff Information and Education Worksheet electronically. • Identify CQI goals and begin planning for implementation. • Develop strategies for Family and Community Engagement. • Select and implement a curriculum. (4- and 5-star centers must use an approved curriculum and formative assessment tool for all ages.) • Arranging coaching or training options for administrators and lead teachers. If you choose Pathway 3: • Complete the “Application For Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” electronically and submit to your child care consultant. • Ensure all staff have active WORKS accounts. • If you are accredited through NAFCC, NECPA, AMS, or IMC, you may earn a three star rated license with NO Education standards evaluation. • If you are accredited through NAFCC, NECPA, AMS, or IMC and would like to earn a four or five star rated license, the Education standard evaluation will determine the star rating earned. • If you are accredited through NAEYC, NAC, COGNIA, or your facility is Head Start and/or Early Head Start Education, NO Education standards evaluation is needed. • Documentation of accreditation status and Head Start designation must be submitted to process your star rated license. 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 Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/19/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 5/19/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 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 June 3, 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 Little Tots Early Learning Center LLC. 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 May 16, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on September 06, 2017, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated December 2, 2024, with a Superior classification and twelve demerits Your last fire inspection was dated December 20, 2024. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas and eating lunch and in small activity groups. 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 Lasagna, Toss salad/with ranch dressing, mandarin oranges, 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 May 12, 2025. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated March 4, 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. I observed and cited violations during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Floor in space 4 near counter needs to be repaired. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 604 Lavatories were not kept clean, in good repair and kept free of storage. bathroom in space 5 had toys and other material stored in the area. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(a) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Walls in space 5 need to be repaired there are placed where the paint has peeled off the wall near the back door. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Outdoor materials need to be cleaned and in good repair. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(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. Outdoor material need to be free of water and drained after rain. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. On child with enrollment date 3/10/25 does not have immunization records on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Items cannot be stored in the bathroom area. Materials need to be stored in another area. The teacher need to make sure that classroom materials are not stored in the bathroom. The materials can be stored in a storage closet or storage area outside the 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. Outdoor toys need to be cleaned and free of dirt and outdoor trash. 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 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) 814-8401 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. 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 June 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 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/19/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 5/19/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 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 June 3, 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 Little Tots Early Learning Center LLC. 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 May 16, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on September 06, 2017, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated December 2, 2024, with a Superior classification and twelve demerits Your last fire inspection was dated December 20, 2024. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas and eating lunch and in small activity groups. 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 Lasagna, Toss salad/with ranch dressing, mandarin oranges, 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 May 12, 2025. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated March 4, 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. I observed and cited violations during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Floor in space 4 near counter needs to be repaired. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 604 Lavatories were not kept clean, in good repair and kept free of storage. bathroom in space 5 had toys and other material stored in the area. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(a) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Walls in space 5 need to be repaired there are placed where the paint has peeled off the wall near the back door. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Outdoor materials need to be cleaned and in good repair. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(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. Outdoor material need to be free of water and drained after rain. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. On child with enrollment date 3/10/25 does not have immunization records on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Items cannot be stored in the bathroom area. Materials need to be stored in another area. The teacher need to make sure that classroom materials are not stored in the bathroom. The materials can be stored in a storage closet or storage area outside the 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. Outdoor toys need to be cleaned and free of dirt and outdoor trash. 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 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) 814-8401 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. 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 June 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 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/19/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 5/19/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 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 June 3, 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 Little Tots Early Learning Center LLC. 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 May 16, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on September 06, 2017, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated December 2, 2024, with a Superior classification and twelve demerits Your last fire inspection was dated December 20, 2024. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas and eating lunch and in small activity groups. 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 Lasagna, Toss salad/with ranch dressing, mandarin oranges, 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 May 12, 2025. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated March 4, 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. I observed and cited violations during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Floor in space 4 near counter needs to be repaired. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 604 Lavatories were not kept clean, in good repair and kept free of storage. bathroom in space 5 had toys and other material stored in the area. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(a) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Walls in space 5 need to be repaired there are placed where the paint has peeled off the wall near the back door. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Outdoor materials need to be cleaned and in good repair. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(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. Outdoor material need to be free of water and drained after rain. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. On child with enrollment date 3/10/25 does not have immunization records on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Items cannot be stored in the bathroom area. Materials need to be stored in another area. The teacher need to make sure that classroom materials are not stored in the bathroom. The materials can be stored in a storage closet or storage area outside the 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. Outdoor toys need to be cleaned and free of dirt and outdoor trash. 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 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) 814-8401 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. 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 June 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 Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/19/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 5/19/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 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 June 3, 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 Little Tots Early Learning Center LLC. 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 May 16, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on September 06, 2017, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point. Your last sanitation inspection was dated December 2, 2024, with a Superior classification and twelve demerits Your last fire inspection was dated December 20, 2024. I visited each licensed indoor and outdoor space with you today. I observed students playing in activity areas and eating lunch and in small activity groups. 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 Lasagna, Toss salad/with ranch dressing, mandarin oranges, 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 May 12, 2025. I observed that your last emergency drill was dated March 4, 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. I observed and cited violations during today's visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 603 All floors and floor coverings were not constructed of nonabsorbent material and/or were not kept clean and in good repair. Floor in space 4 near counter needs to be repaired. 15A NCAC 18A .2824(a)&(b) 604 Lavatories were not kept clean, in good repair and kept free of storage. bathroom in space 5 had toys and other material stored in the area. 15A NCAC 18A .2818(a) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Walls in space 5 need to be repaired there are placed where the paint has peeled off the wall near the back door. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Outdoor materials need to be cleaned and in good repair. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(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. Outdoor material need to be free of water and drained after rain. 15A NCAC 18A .2832(a) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. On child with enrollment date 3/10/25 does not have immunization records on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Items cannot be stored in the bathroom area. Materials need to be stored in another area. The teacher need to make sure that classroom materials are not stored in the bathroom. The materials can be stored in a storage closet or storage area outside the 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. Outdoor toys need to be cleaned and free of dirt and outdoor trash. 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 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) 814-8401 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. 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 June 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 .1005 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0325-134L Visit Date: 3/13/2025 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 3/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 03:15 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. There are concerns that: Groups of Pre-K children walk up the street to the location number 2 of this facility. It is unknown if this is done with parental consent of Knowledge. 2. On March 10, 2025, children were transported back to this facility from location number 2 in a red SUV because it was raining. The children were not in appropriate seat restraints. You, Courtney 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: Groups of Pre-K children walk up the street to the number 2 location of this facility. It is unknown if this is done with parental consent of Knowledge. I interviewed two staff members and the Director of this facility. It was stated by the staff members that I interview that Pre-K and School age students are walking from Little Tots Early Learning Center #2 to the facility Little Tots Early Learning Center. It was stated by the Director that the children transition to the main Little Tots Early Learning Center when the numbers get over ratio or when numbers are low at the end of the day. It was observed on each child’s application a statement stating “I hereby give permission to Little Tots Early Learning Center, for my child to participate in a walking trip or to be transported in a vehicle for a Field Trip. I further give permission to the facility for my child to participate in developmentally appropriate supervised activities outside of the fenced playground.” The allegation that there were concerns that Groups of Pre-K children walk up the street to the location number 2 of this facility, and It is unknown if this is done with parental consent or knowledge: this allegation is unsubstantiated. Regarding the allegation On March 10, 20205. Children were transported back to this facility from location number 2 in a red SUV because it was raining. The children were not in appropriate seat restraints. I interviewed 2 staff members and the director, and it was stated that the children were transported in a SUV to the facility because of rain. I viewed the attendance for March 10th and the sign-in and sign out sheet for March 10. I observed both documents showing there were 9 preschoolers present and 5 school-agers. I observed that on the sign-in and sign-out sheet 11 children were present at 3:25pm. It was discussed with the director that with the attendance at 11 children all children could have not been in the proper restraints in the vehicle. The allegations that on March 10, 2025. children were transported back to this facility from location number 2 in a red SUV because it was raining. The children were not in appropriate seat restraints this allegation is substantiated. Today the following violation was observed and cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1106 Each adult and child was not restrained by appropriate individual belt/device. On March 10, 2025, Eleven (11) children were transported by the facility in a SUV vehicle and there were not enough seatbelts for all of the children to be properly restrained in the vehicle. GS 110-91(13) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. On March 10 2025, Eleven (11) children were transported by the facility and the parent permission to transport form did not include the expected time of departure, arrival, and the transportation provider as required. .1003(i)(j) Consultation: When providing transportation and field trips for children the following child care rules need to be followed 10A NCAC 09 .1005 (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A)location of the activity; (B)purpose of the activity; (C)time the activity will take place; (D)date of the activity; and (E)name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6)Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premise activity shall also be available at the center. 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0325-134L Visit Date: 3/13/2025 Number Present: 21 Completed Date: 3/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 03:15 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. There are concerns that: Groups of Pre-K children walk up the street to the location number 2 of this facility. It is unknown if this is done with parental consent of Knowledge. 2. On March 10, 2025, children were transported back to this facility from location number 2 in a red SUV because it was raining. The children were not in appropriate seat restraints. You, Courtney 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: Groups of Pre-K children walk up the street to the number 2 location of this facility. It is unknown if this is done with parental consent of Knowledge. I interviewed two staff members and the Director of this facility. It was stated by the staff members that I interview that Pre-K and School age students are walking from Little Tots Early Learning Center #2 to the facility Little Tots Early Learning Center. It was stated by the Director that the children transition to the main Little Tots Early Learning Center when the numbers get over ratio or when numbers are low at the end of the day. It was observed on each child’s application a statement stating “I hereby give permission to Little Tots Early Learning Center, for my child to participate in a walking trip or to be transported in a vehicle for a Field Trip. I further give permission to the facility for my child to participate in developmentally appropriate supervised activities outside of the fenced playground.” The allegation that there were concerns that Groups of Pre-K children walk up the street to the location number 2 of this facility, and It is unknown if this is done with parental consent or knowledge: this allegation is unsubstantiated. Regarding the allegation On March 10, 20205. Children were transported back to this facility from location number 2 in a red SUV because it was raining. The children were not in appropriate seat restraints. I interviewed 2 staff members and the director, and it was stated that the children were transported in a SUV to the facility because of rain. I viewed the attendance for March 10th and the sign-in and sign out sheet for March 10. I observed both documents showing there were 9 preschoolers present and 5 school-agers. I observed that on the sign-in and sign-out sheet 11 children were present at 3:25pm. It was discussed with the director that with the attendance at 11 children all children could have not been in the proper restraints in the vehicle. The allegations that on March 10, 2025. children were transported back to this facility from location number 2 in a red SUV because it was raining. The children were not in appropriate seat restraints this allegation is substantiated. Today the following violation was observed and cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1106 Each adult and child was not restrained by appropriate individual belt/device. On March 10, 2025, Eleven (11) children were transported by the facility in a SUV vehicle and there were not enough seatbelts for all of the children to be properly restrained in the vehicle. GS 110-91(13) 1125 Before children were transported, written permission from a parent was not obtained that included when and where the child was to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. On March 10 2025, Eleven (11) children were transported by the facility and the parent permission to transport form did not include the expected time of departure, arrival, and the transportation provider as required. .1003(i)(j) Consultation: When providing transportation and field trips for children the following child care rules need to be followed 10A NCAC 09 .1005 (3) Before staff members walk children off premises for play or outings, the center shall obtain written permission from the parent of each child to be included in such activities. (4) Parents may provide a written statement giving standing permission which may be valid for up to 12 months for participation in off premise activities that occur on a regular basis. (5) The center shall post a schedule of off premise activities in each participating classroom where it can be viewed by parents, and a copy shall be given to parents. The schedule shall be current and shall include the: (A)location of the activity; (B)purpose of the activity; (C)time the activity will take place; (D)date of the activity; and (E)name of the person(s) to be contacted in the event of an emergency. (6)Each time that children are taken off the premises, staff shall take a list of the children participating in the activity with them. Staff members shall use this list to check attendance when leaving the center, periodically when the children are involved in the activity, before leaving the activity to return to the child care center, and upon return to the center. A list of all children participating in the off-premise activity shall also be available at the center. 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

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/10/2024 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 12/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 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, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on June 03, 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 daycare, Ronica Bowers, that owns the 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 Ronica Bowers., was reviewed and listed as current- active on the NC Secretary of State website on June 3, 2024. Your center's compliance history was 92% as of December 09, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on April 18, 2016, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point for using an age/developmentally appropriate curriculum. Your most recent fire inspection was dated August 15, 2023, and the fire inspector was called to set up a visit during my visit. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 02, 2024, with a Superior classification and twelve 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, and personal care routines. I observed infants engaged in floor play. 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. Infant bottles and food were stored at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit in a refrigerator in the kitchen. 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 reviewed staff record files for five returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, 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 one new staff member hired since the last annual compliance visit on June 4, 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 December 19, 2023. 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 violations were 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. Last Fire inspection was dated 8/15/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. One infant sleep log has not been completed since 12/5/24. .0606(g) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. Attendance for the infant classroom had not been completed for 12/09 or 12/10. GS 110-91(9) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1 Sleep log are to be completed each time an infant is laid down to sleep. The infant log must be completed every 15 minutes. If the infant did not attend the facility for the day, it must be marked on the sleep log the infant was absent. 2. Attendance must be completed daily. Attendance must be completed so the teacher will have an accurate record of the children attending. This helps also in emergency situations so the teacher will have an accurate record of the children attending that day. 3. Fire inspections must be conducted annually. If the director notices that it is time for an inspection you must call the fire inspection so that they can schedule a visit to your facility. 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 or connect the new employee to the facility through the ABCMS portal. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. Administrators may take the ABCMS training through DCDEE MOODLE to gain access codes necessary to complete the process in ABCMS. 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. 4 The Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report form should include the date of the assessment as the date the health exam was completed as well as the health care professional’s signature and date of signature. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you highlight the “date of the assessment” on the document so remind health care professionals that information is required in addition to their signature and date of signature. 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. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways o ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality o If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment o Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year o Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsid -DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process. 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 December 23, 2024. 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 Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/10/2024 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 12/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 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, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on June 03, 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 daycare, Ronica Bowers, that owns the 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 Ronica Bowers., was reviewed and listed as current- active on the NC Secretary of State website on June 3, 2024. Your center's compliance history was 92% as of December 09, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on April 18, 2016, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point for using an age/developmentally appropriate curriculum. Your most recent fire inspection was dated August 15, 2023, and the fire inspector was called to set up a visit during my visit. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 02, 2024, with a Superior classification and twelve 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, and personal care routines. I observed infants engaged in floor play. 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. Infant bottles and food were stored at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit in a refrigerator in the kitchen. 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 reviewed staff record files for five returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, 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 one new staff member hired since the last annual compliance visit on June 4, 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 December 19, 2023. 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 violations were 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. Last Fire inspection was dated 8/15/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. One infant sleep log has not been completed since 12/5/24. .0606(g) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. Attendance for the infant classroom had not been completed for 12/09 or 12/10. GS 110-91(9) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1 Sleep log are to be completed each time an infant is laid down to sleep. The infant log must be completed every 15 minutes. If the infant did not attend the facility for the day, it must be marked on the sleep log the infant was absent. 2. Attendance must be completed daily. Attendance must be completed so the teacher will have an accurate record of the children attending. This helps also in emergency situations so the teacher will have an accurate record of the children attending that day. 3. Fire inspections must be conducted annually. If the director notices that it is time for an inspection you must call the fire inspection so that they can schedule a visit to your facility. 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 or connect the new employee to the facility through the ABCMS portal. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. Administrators may take the ABCMS training through DCDEE MOODLE to gain access codes necessary to complete the process in ABCMS. 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. 4 The Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report form should include the date of the assessment as the date the health exam was completed as well as the health care professional’s signature and date of signature. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you highlight the “date of the assessment” on the document so remind health care professionals that information is required in addition to their signature and date of signature. 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. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways o ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality o If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment o Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year o Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsid -DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process. 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 December 23, 2024. 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: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/10/2024 Number Present: 17 Completed Date: 12/10/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:00 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, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on June 03, 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 daycare, Ronica Bowers, that owns the 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 Ronica Bowers., was reviewed and listed as current- active on the NC Secretary of State website on June 3, 2024. Your center's compliance history was 92% as of December 09, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on April 18, 2016, earning four points in staff education, two points in program standards, and one quality point for using an age/developmentally appropriate curriculum. Your most recent fire inspection was dated August 15, 2023, and the fire inspector was called to set up a visit during my visit. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 02, 2024, with a Superior classification and twelve 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, and personal care routines. I observed infants engaged in floor play. 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. Infant bottles and food were stored at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit in a refrigerator in the kitchen. 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 reviewed staff record files for five returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, 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 one new staff member hired since the last annual compliance visit on June 4, 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 December 19, 2023. 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 violations were 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. Last Fire inspection was dated 8/15/23. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. One infant sleep log has not been completed since 12/5/24. .0606(g) 1301 Center did not maintain a record of daily attendance. Attendance for the infant classroom had not been completed for 12/09 or 12/10. GS 110-91(9) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1 Sleep log are to be completed each time an infant is laid down to sleep. The infant log must be completed every 15 minutes. If the infant did not attend the facility for the day, it must be marked on the sleep log the infant was absent. 2. Attendance must be completed daily. Attendance must be completed so the teacher will have an accurate record of the children attending. This helps also in emergency situations so the teacher will have an accurate record of the children attending that day. 3. Fire inspections must be conducted annually. If the director notices that it is time for an inspection you must call the fire inspection so that they can schedule a visit to your facility. 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 or connect the new employee to the facility through the ABCMS portal. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. Administrators may take the ABCMS training through DCDEE MOODLE to gain access codes necessary to complete the process in ABCMS. 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. 4 The Staff Health Assessment/Medical Report form should include the date of the assessment as the date the health exam was completed as well as the health care professional’s signature and date of signature. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you highlight the “date of the assessment” on the document so remind health care professionals that information is required in addition to their signature and date of signature. 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. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways o ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality o If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment o Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year o Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: -Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License -Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development -Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings -Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsid -DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process. 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 December 23, 2024. 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 Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/3/2024 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 6/4/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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, were not available to assisted me with today’s visit so the walk through was conducted by the consultant. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 14, 2023. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on March 23, 2022, earning 4 points in staff education, 2 points in program standards, and 1 quality points. Your program’s compliance history was 94 % as of May 31, 2024, and was reviewed with you today. I observed your sanitation inspection was dated December 20, 2023, with a Approved classification and 17 demerits. I observed your last fire inspection was dated August 15, 2023. I visited each license indoor space and each outdoor space 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 enhanced space use maintained during today’s visit. I observed children engaged in free play activities indoor and outdoor. I observed toys, materials, and equipment to be child-sized, developmentally appropriate, and in good repair. I observed materials accessible to the children and of sufficient quantity. I reviewed children’s records today and observed no violation. Staff records were not reviewed today due to the fact the director was out of town and records were not available for review. I observed and monitored no medications, and you stated you do not have any medical action plans on file. You stated you currently have no students on medications. I observed the outdoor play environment. I observed the equipment and materials to be in good repair. I observed the fence to be of adequate height and in good repair in all areas. I observed that the playground does need mulch and playground toys need to washed. I observed no monthly outdoor inspections documented for the past twelve months. The last outdoor inspection was not available for review because records were not available. I observed your monthly fire drill log documented for the past twelve (12) months. I observed your last fire drill was May 28, 2024. I observed your quarterly shelter-in-place and lock-down drill log. I observed you last dill was a Shelter-in-Place drill, and it was dated March 12, 2024. I observed your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan was not updated annually. The EPR plan was updated during the consultants visit and this violation was marked corrected. I observed menus posted and current for the week of June 3-7th. I observed today’s lunch consisted of cheese pizza with tomato sauce, green beans, pineapples, and milk. I observed your Incident Log to be current and in compliance. I did not review your completed Staff and Training worksheet. The visit summary packet was discussed at the end of you visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Activity plan was not current in infant classroom space 4. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Walls in all classroom need to be cleaned. In space 2, 3, and 1 classroom walls need to be cleaned and painted. In classroom 3 wall where the air condition is in window spider webs need to be cleaned out of window and window cleaned. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Outside toys need to be checked for repair. All outside toys on the playground need to be pressure washed and cleaned. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Playground inspection were not available for review during my visit. I called director/owner and she was not available to supply information. .0605(q) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Staff record were not available for review. Consultant talked to director and was not able to review records at this time because the director was out of town. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The ERP plan was not reviewed annually or when information changed. .0607(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch needs to be added to playground area. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical Assistance: 1. Make sure staff are not engaged in phone call (on cell phones) while supervising children. Staff talking on the phone hinders the supervision and interaction with students in the classroom. 2. Playground area needs mulch in all areas. Playground toys need to be power washed and cleaned before children return to the playground to play. Toys and equipment have dirt and black mold from weather that needs to be cleaned from the toys. 3. It was discussed with the director that ERP plan needs to updated annually and when changes are made with the staff in the building. Compliance Plan: If you need an extension of time to correct any of the violations pertaining to training dates or building/grounds maintenance, please send a request by email no later three (3) business days prior to the due date of your Compliance Plan. Your extension request must include: 1. The violation item for which you are requesting an extension. 2. The reason you are requesting an extension to correct. 3. The steps you’ve taken thus far to correct the violation. 4. The estimated date you expect the violation to be corrected and in compliance. 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 June 18, 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/3/2024 Number Present: 27 Completed Date: 6/4/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 300 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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, were not available to assisted me with today’s visit so the walk through was conducted by the consultant. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 14, 2023. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on March 23, 2022, earning 4 points in staff education, 2 points in program standards, and 1 quality points. Your program’s compliance history was 94 % as of May 31, 2024, and was reviewed with you today. I observed your sanitation inspection was dated December 20, 2023, with a Approved classification and 17 demerits. I observed your last fire inspection was dated August 15, 2023. I visited each license indoor space and each outdoor space 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 enhanced space use maintained during today’s visit. I observed children engaged in free play activities indoor and outdoor. I observed toys, materials, and equipment to be child-sized, developmentally appropriate, and in good repair. I observed materials accessible to the children and of sufficient quantity. I reviewed children’s records today and observed no violation. Staff records were not reviewed today due to the fact the director was out of town and records were not available for review. I observed and monitored no medications, and you stated you do not have any medical action plans on file. You stated you currently have no students on medications. I observed the outdoor play environment. I observed the equipment and materials to be in good repair. I observed the fence to be of adequate height and in good repair in all areas. I observed that the playground does need mulch and playground toys need to washed. I observed no monthly outdoor inspections documented for the past twelve months. The last outdoor inspection was not available for review because records were not available. I observed your monthly fire drill log documented for the past twelve (12) months. I observed your last fire drill was May 28, 2024. I observed your quarterly shelter-in-place and lock-down drill log. I observed you last dill was a Shelter-in-Place drill, and it was dated March 12, 2024. I observed your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan was not updated annually. The EPR plan was updated during the consultants visit and this violation was marked corrected. I observed menus posted and current for the week of June 3-7th. I observed today’s lunch consisted of cheese pizza with tomato sauce, green beans, pineapples, and milk. I observed your Incident Log to be current and in compliance. I did not review your completed Staff and Training worksheet. The visit summary packet was discussed at the end of you visit. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. Activity plan was not current in infant classroom space 4. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. Walls in all classroom need to be cleaned. In space 2, 3, and 1 classroom walls need to be cleaned and painted. In classroom 3 wall where the air condition is in window spider webs need to be cleaned out of window and window cleaned. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. Outside toys need to be checked for repair. All outside toys on the playground need to be pressure washed and cleaned. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Playground inspection were not available for review during my visit. I called director/owner and she was not available to supply information. .0605(q) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. Staff record were not available for review. Consultant talked to director and was not able to review records at this time because the director was out of town. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The ERP plan was not reviewed annually or when information changed. .0607(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. Mulch needs to be added to playground area. .0605(k)(1-4) Technical Assistance: 1. Make sure staff are not engaged in phone call (on cell phones) while supervising children. Staff talking on the phone hinders the supervision and interaction with students in the classroom. 2. Playground area needs mulch in all areas. Playground toys need to be power washed and cleaned before children return to the playground to play. Toys and equipment have dirt and black mold from weather that needs to be cleaned from the toys. 3. It was discussed with the director that ERP plan needs to updated annually and when changes are made with the staff in the building. Compliance Plan: If you need an extension of time to correct any of the violations pertaining to training dates or building/grounds maintenance, please send a request by email no later three (3) business days prior to the due date of your Compliance Plan. Your extension request must include: 1. The violation item for which you are requesting an extension. 2. The reason you are requesting an extension to correct. 3. The steps you’ve taken thus far to correct the violation. 4. The estimated date you expect the violation to be corrected and in compliance. 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 June 18, 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: LITTLE TOTS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 49000206 Consultant: TONI WASHINGTON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0424-351L Visit Date: 4/25/2024 Number Present: 24 Completed Date: 4/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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. The allegations are as follows: There is a concern that staff members did not interact in a nurturing and caring manner while in the presence of children. You, Ronica Bowers, Director/Owner assisted me with the visit today. You were given a chance to respond to the allegations. Your program currently operates with a three-star license, issued on September 06, 2017, earning 4 points in staff education, 2 points in program standards, and 1 quality point. 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. 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 staff members did not interact in a nurturing and caring manner while in the presence of children. I observed all classrooms in the facility today for interaction with children and to see if teacher interacted with the children in a caring and nurturing manner. I observed teacher talking to children in a caring manner, teachers hugging children, and teachers instructing children in a caring manner. I reviewed documentation and interviews that were collected by the director. I interviewed one staff member and the director concerning the incident. The staff member explained the circumstance of the situation and stated that the conversation that was discussed in front of the children was not child appropriate. The staff member also stated that there was an verbal altercation. The director shared statements that were written and signed by both teachers and the administrator. Based on the observation of the documentation and the interview with the staff member this allegation is substantiated. The following violation was cited during today’s 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. Staff members were having a verbal confrontation in front of children. G.S. 110-91(10) Consultation: 1. It is suggested that you have a staff meeting with all staff members. 2. It is suggested that all staff members come to the director with concerns. 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 May 9, 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. 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 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