10A NCAC 09 .0605 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/22/2025 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 12/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective February 20, 2022. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five (95) percent as of December 22, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 22, 2025, and ELA KidsNet Holdings, LLC was listed as current-active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Inspections remain current. Cynthia Jackson, Administrator, was available for consultation during the visit. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. Sixty-four (64) children between the ages of zero (0) and four (4) are enrolled, and thirty-six (36) were present today. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in your classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Both indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Current activity plans were observed posted in all classrooms. Staff child ratios and supervision were monitored and found to be in compliance. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #1 were transitioning from morning snack to circle time. Infants assigned to indoor space #2 received care based on their individual needs. Three (3) infants were seated in high chairs eating cereal. One (1) infant was playing with soft toys on the carpet, and a staff member was holding an infant. Infant bottles, safe sleep checks, infant feeding plans, and medication permission slips were monitored and found to be in compliance. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor spaces #3 and #4 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included fire trucks, weight scales, cars, animals, and wooden blocks. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #5 were combined with toddlers in space #6. They were seated at tables eating morning snack which consisted of cereal, mandarin oranges, and milk. Food service and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, shopping carts, music walls, push toys, dramatic play sinks, small tricycles, scooters, a large maze manipulative box, art easels, hula hoops, a large tunnel, musical pipes, drums, a basketball goal, and balance beams. Shade is provided for the outdoor space. The surfacing under the large swing set in outdoor space #1 did not meet resilient surfacing requirements. There were two (2) large areas of compacted mulch in the swings landing zones. Health and Safety Trainings, the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy, and Safe Sleep Policy were monitored today and found to be in compliance. Two (2) new staff files were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 last date the EPR Plan was updated is June 11, 2024. The facility’s EPR Plan does not have current administrator information. .0607(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the mulch in outdoor space #1 under the large swing set was not nine (9) inches. .0605(k)(1-4) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Monday, January 5, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Importance of Resilient Surfacing Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). Fall Zones and ASTM Today we discussed fall zones on the preschool playground. The mulch under the swings in outdoor space #1 is not the appropriate six inches of loose surfacing. We discussed adding more mulch to the area to ensure that the depth of the mulch is a resilient six inches. We also discussed tilling or fluffing the mulch. EPR Plan Update: Following completion of the EPR in Child Care training, the trained staff member of the center, or the operator(s) of the family child care home, shall develop the EPR Plan within (4) four months. The EPR Plan addresses how a child care center, or a family child care home will respond to both natural and man-made disasters; to ensure the safety and protection of the children and staff. Natural and man-made disasters include but are not limited to the following: fire, tornado, flood, power failures, chemical spills, bomb threats, earthquakes, blizzards, nuclear disasters, or a dangerous person(s) in the vicinity. The last update to your facility’s EPR Plan is June 11.2024. Please update your EPR with current administrator information. Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Template In collaboration with NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center, and DCDEE, the NC Emergency Management developed a standard EPR template for use (statewide) by licensed child care programs. The content for this template aligns with the EPR in Child Care training and the EPR rules. The Child Care Rules state that programs must use the EPR template provided by the Division which is available from the NC Risk Management Portal. which houses emergency planning tools for a variety of hazards. Accessing the EPR Template To access the EPR Template, the trained staff must have an NCID. You may register for an NCID at the following link: https://ncid.nc.gov/ If you need help getting an NCID, here are detailed instructions for obtaining an NCID. Once you get an NCID, you will access the EPR template on the NC Risk Management Portal website. Once you are on the NC Risk Management Portal website, use the ‘Getting Started’ instructions listed to the right-side of the page. EPR Plan - Technical Assistance & On-going Support For technical assistance and on-going support regarding emergency preparedness and response in child care, contact the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center or 1-800-367-2229. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. Today, you provided me with your facility’s roster from the ABCMS Provider Portal. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway #1, and you plan to apply for a rated license by July 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on February 12, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete-N/A • Asbestos- Section Complete-No Hazards Identified Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/22/2025 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 12/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective February 20, 2022. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five (95) percent as of December 22, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 22, 2025, and ELA KidsNet Holdings, LLC was listed as current-active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Inspections remain current. Cynthia Jackson, Administrator, was available for consultation during the visit. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. Sixty-four (64) children between the ages of zero (0) and four (4) are enrolled, and thirty-six (36) were present today. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in your classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Both indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Current activity plans were observed posted in all classrooms. Staff child ratios and supervision were monitored and found to be in compliance. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #1 were transitioning from morning snack to circle time. Infants assigned to indoor space #2 received care based on their individual needs. Three (3) infants were seated in high chairs eating cereal. One (1) infant was playing with soft toys on the carpet, and a staff member was holding an infant. Infant bottles, safe sleep checks, infant feeding plans, and medication permission slips were monitored and found to be in compliance. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor spaces #3 and #4 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included fire trucks, weight scales, cars, animals, and wooden blocks. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #5 were combined with toddlers in space #6. They were seated at tables eating morning snack which consisted of cereal, mandarin oranges, and milk. Food service and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, shopping carts, music walls, push toys, dramatic play sinks, small tricycles, scooters, a large maze manipulative box, art easels, hula hoops, a large tunnel, musical pipes, drums, a basketball goal, and balance beams. Shade is provided for the outdoor space. The surfacing under the large swing set in outdoor space #1 did not meet resilient surfacing requirements. There were two (2) large areas of compacted mulch in the swings landing zones. Health and Safety Trainings, the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy, and Safe Sleep Policy were monitored today and found to be in compliance. Two (2) new staff files were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 last date the EPR Plan was updated is June 11, 2024. The facility’s EPR Plan does not have current administrator information. .0607(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the mulch in outdoor space #1 under the large swing set was not nine (9) inches. .0605(k)(1-4) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Monday, January 5, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Importance of Resilient Surfacing Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). Fall Zones and ASTM Today we discussed fall zones on the preschool playground. The mulch under the swings in outdoor space #1 is not the appropriate six inches of loose surfacing. We discussed adding more mulch to the area to ensure that the depth of the mulch is a resilient six inches. We also discussed tilling or fluffing the mulch. EPR Plan Update: Following completion of the EPR in Child Care training, the trained staff member of the center, or the operator(s) of the family child care home, shall develop the EPR Plan within (4) four months. The EPR Plan addresses how a child care center, or a family child care home will respond to both natural and man-made disasters; to ensure the safety and protection of the children and staff. Natural and man-made disasters include but are not limited to the following: fire, tornado, flood, power failures, chemical spills, bomb threats, earthquakes, blizzards, nuclear disasters, or a dangerous person(s) in the vicinity. The last update to your facility’s EPR Plan is June 11.2024. Please update your EPR with current administrator information. Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Template In collaboration with NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center, and DCDEE, the NC Emergency Management developed a standard EPR template for use (statewide) by licensed child care programs. The content for this template aligns with the EPR in Child Care training and the EPR rules. The Child Care Rules state that programs must use the EPR template provided by the Division which is available from the NC Risk Management Portal. which houses emergency planning tools for a variety of hazards. Accessing the EPR Template To access the EPR Template, the trained staff must have an NCID. You may register for an NCID at the following link: https://ncid.nc.gov/ If you need help getting an NCID, here are detailed instructions for obtaining an NCID. Once you get an NCID, you will access the EPR template on the NC Risk Management Portal website. Once you are on the NC Risk Management Portal website, use the ‘Getting Started’ instructions listed to the right-side of the page. EPR Plan - Technical Assistance & On-going Support For technical assistance and on-going support regarding emergency preparedness and response in child care, contact the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center or 1-800-367-2229. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. Today, you provided me with your facility’s roster from the ABCMS Provider Portal. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway #1, and you plan to apply for a rated license by July 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on February 12, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete-N/A • Asbestos- Section Complete-No Hazards Identified Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/22/2025 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 12/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 165 Time In: 08:45 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective February 20, 2022. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five (95) percent as of December 22, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 22, 2025, and ELA KidsNet Holdings, LLC was listed as current-active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Inspections remain current. Cynthia Jackson, Administrator, was available for consultation during the visit. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. Sixty-four (64) children between the ages of zero (0) and four (4) are enrolled, and thirty-six (36) were present today. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in your classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Both indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Current activity plans were observed posted in all classrooms. Staff child ratios and supervision were monitored and found to be in compliance. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #1 were transitioning from morning snack to circle time. Infants assigned to indoor space #2 received care based on their individual needs. Three (3) infants were seated in high chairs eating cereal. One (1) infant was playing with soft toys on the carpet, and a staff member was holding an infant. Infant bottles, safe sleep checks, infant feeding plans, and medication permission slips were monitored and found to be in compliance. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor spaces #3 and #4 were engaged in a variety of free play activities which included fire trucks, weight scales, cars, animals, and wooden blocks. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #5 were combined with toddlers in space #6. They were seated at tables eating morning snack which consisted of cereal, mandarin oranges, and milk. Food service and handwashing procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. The outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, shopping carts, music walls, push toys, dramatic play sinks, small tricycles, scooters, a large maze manipulative box, art easels, hula hoops, a large tunnel, musical pipes, drums, a basketball goal, and balance beams. Shade is provided for the outdoor space. The surfacing under the large swing set in outdoor space #1 did not meet resilient surfacing requirements. There were two (2) large areas of compacted mulch in the swings landing zones. Health and Safety Trainings, the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy, and Safe Sleep Policy were monitored today and found to be in compliance. Two (2) new staff files were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 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 last date the EPR Plan was updated is June 11, 2024. The facility’s EPR Plan does not have current administrator information. .0607(e) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the mulch in outdoor space #1 under the large swing set was not nine (9) inches. .0605(k)(1-4) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Monday, January 5, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Importance of Resilient Surfacing Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). Fall Zones and ASTM Today we discussed fall zones on the preschool playground. The mulch under the swings in outdoor space #1 is not the appropriate six inches of loose surfacing. We discussed adding more mulch to the area to ensure that the depth of the mulch is a resilient six inches. We also discussed tilling or fluffing the mulch. EPR Plan Update: Following completion of the EPR in Child Care training, the trained staff member of the center, or the operator(s) of the family child care home, shall develop the EPR Plan within (4) four months. The EPR Plan addresses how a child care center, or a family child care home will respond to both natural and man-made disasters; to ensure the safety and protection of the children and staff. Natural and man-made disasters include but are not limited to the following: fire, tornado, flood, power failures, chemical spills, bomb threats, earthquakes, blizzards, nuclear disasters, or a dangerous person(s) in the vicinity. The last update to your facility’s EPR Plan is June 11.2024. Please update your EPR with current administrator information. Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Template In collaboration with NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center, and DCDEE, the NC Emergency Management developed a standard EPR template for use (statewide) by licensed child care programs. The content for this template aligns with the EPR in Child Care training and the EPR rules. The Child Care Rules state that programs must use the EPR template provided by the Division which is available from the NC Risk Management Portal. which houses emergency planning tools for a variety of hazards. Accessing the EPR Template To access the EPR Template, the trained staff must have an NCID. You may register for an NCID at the following link: https://ncid.nc.gov/ If you need help getting an NCID, here are detailed instructions for obtaining an NCID. Once you get an NCID, you will access the EPR template on the NC Risk Management Portal website. Once you are on the NC Risk Management Portal website, use the ‘Getting Started’ instructions listed to the right-side of the page. EPR Plan - Technical Assistance & On-going Support For technical assistance and on-going support regarding emergency preparedness and response in child care, contact the North Carolina Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center or 1-800-367-2229. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. Today, you provided me with your facility’s roster from the ABCMS Provider Portal. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway #1, and you plan to apply for a rated license by July 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on February 12, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete-N/A • Asbestos- Section Complete-No Hazards Identified Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. 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 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/25/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 6/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:25 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 compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Natalie Pond, accompanied me on today’s visit. Due to travel time, we arrived at 9:30am. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 9, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed January 6, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 30, 2024. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, the facility meets enhanced ratios, enhanced space, and minus 1 in each group. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of June 25, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 25, 2025, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Sixty-one (61)children, between the ages of zero (0) and five (5) years old are enrolled and fifty-four (54) were present today. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #1 were engaged in free play activities which included animals, blocks, dress up, legos, baby dolls, and coloring with markers. Infants assigned to indoor space #2 received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep charts were monitored, and requirements were met. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 and #4 were engaged in free play activities which included legos, magnetic shapes, race cars, gears, and bristle blocks. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #5 and #6 were participating in indoor gross motor activities which included stepping stones, tunnel, and picnic baskets. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. Lunch consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, sweet potatoes, tropical fruit, and milk. Food service, handwashing, and toileting routines were monitored and found to be in compliance. Health and safety trainings were monitored. Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The large light blue bench in outdoor space one (1) has chipped paint and splintering wood. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the mulch in outdoor space one (1) under the large swings was not nine (9) inches. .0605(k)(1-4) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Wednesday, July 9, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Importance of Resilient Surfacing: Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). As we discussed today, mulch need to be added and tilled in outdoor space #1. Fall Zones with weeds: As discussed, fall zones should be weeded regularly and loose parts including pine cones, gumballs and sticks should be collected daily to ensure fall zones are kept free of hazards. For the safety of the children, you must ensure weeds and debris are removed and sand/mulch is tilled or added to the appropriate depth to avoid potential injuries to children. I also urged you again to create a regular weed removal and tilling schedule for the sand. Checking playground for hazards daily: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. The light blue wooden bench in outdoor space one (1) has chipped paint, that could be hazardous if ingested by children. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Infant Feeding Schedules: Today, we discussed the required information that must be written on the feeding schedule and the frequency that it must be updated. Today all your feeding schedules were up to date and contained all required information. However, we discussed that all lines on the feeding schedule should be completed and not left blank if it is not applicable. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on February 12, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt • Asbestos-On-Site Visit Inspection/No Asbestos Hazards Identified Moodle Helpful Hints: 1. When on the Moodle homepage, scroll down past the three-square boxes to find directions to self-register for various training opportunities. 2. If you do not access a training opportunity for 150 days, the training will be suspended. To regain access, email a request to set status to “active” including the name of the training course to dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov. Send any questions about DCDEE Moodle trainings to dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov. Tips for MY NCID Users: Did you know that if you do not log in to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Reminders: Emergency Drills: Please set a reminder on your calendar to conduct a fire drill and shelter in place or lockdown drill on or before June 30, 2025. Staff Qualifications: Staff member, C. Jackson, has two (2) additional health and safety trainings to complete on or before December 2, 2025. Diaper Creams/Permission Slips: Diaper creams in indoor space four (4) have expiration dates of July 1, 2025. Please set a reminder to update these medication permission slips. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: ratio. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0605 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/25/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 6/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:25 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 compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Natalie Pond, accompanied me on today’s visit. Due to travel time, we arrived at 9:30am. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 9, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed January 6, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 30, 2024. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, the facility meets enhanced ratios, enhanced space, and minus 1 in each group. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of June 25, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 25, 2025, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Sixty-one (61)children, between the ages of zero (0) and five (5) years old are enrolled and fifty-four (54) were present today. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #1 were engaged in free play activities which included animals, blocks, dress up, legos, baby dolls, and coloring with markers. Infants assigned to indoor space #2 received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep charts were monitored, and requirements were met. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 and #4 were engaged in free play activities which included legos, magnetic shapes, race cars, gears, and bristle blocks. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #5 and #6 were participating in indoor gross motor activities which included stepping stones, tunnel, and picnic baskets. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. Lunch consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, sweet potatoes, tropical fruit, and milk. Food service, handwashing, and toileting routines were monitored and found to be in compliance. Health and safety trainings were monitored. Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The large light blue bench in outdoor space one (1) has chipped paint and splintering wood. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the mulch in outdoor space one (1) under the large swings was not nine (9) inches. .0605(k)(1-4) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Wednesday, July 9, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Importance of Resilient Surfacing: Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). As we discussed today, mulch need to be added and tilled in outdoor space #1. Fall Zones with weeds: As discussed, fall zones should be weeded regularly and loose parts including pine cones, gumballs and sticks should be collected daily to ensure fall zones are kept free of hazards. For the safety of the children, you must ensure weeds and debris are removed and sand/mulch is tilled or added to the appropriate depth to avoid potential injuries to children. I also urged you again to create a regular weed removal and tilling schedule for the sand. Checking playground for hazards daily: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. The light blue wooden bench in outdoor space one (1) has chipped paint, that could be hazardous if ingested by children. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Infant Feeding Schedules: Today, we discussed the required information that must be written on the feeding schedule and the frequency that it must be updated. Today all your feeding schedules were up to date and contained all required information. However, we discussed that all lines on the feeding schedule should be completed and not left blank if it is not applicable. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on February 12, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt • Asbestos-On-Site Visit Inspection/No Asbestos Hazards Identified Moodle Helpful Hints: 1. When on the Moodle homepage, scroll down past the three-square boxes to find directions to self-register for various training opportunities. 2. If you do not access a training opportunity for 150 days, the training will be suspended. To regain access, email a request to set status to “active” including the name of the training course to dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov. Send any questions about DCDEE Moodle trainings to dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov. Tips for MY NCID Users: Did you know that if you do not log in to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Reminders: Emergency Drills: Please set a reminder on your calendar to conduct a fire drill and shelter in place or lockdown drill on or before June 30, 2025. Staff Qualifications: Staff member, C. Jackson, has two (2) additional health and safety trainings to complete on or before December 2, 2025. Diaper Creams/Permission Slips: Diaper creams in indoor space four (4) have expiration dates of July 1, 2025. Please set a reminder to update these medication permission slips. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/25/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 6/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:25 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 compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Natalie Pond, accompanied me on today’s visit. Due to travel time, we arrived at 9:30am. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 9, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed January 6, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 30, 2024. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, the facility meets enhanced ratios, enhanced space, and minus 1 in each group. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of June 25, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 25, 2025, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Sixty-one (61)children, between the ages of zero (0) and five (5) years old are enrolled and fifty-four (54) were present today. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #1 were engaged in free play activities which included animals, blocks, dress up, legos, baby dolls, and coloring with markers. Infants assigned to indoor space #2 received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep charts were monitored, and requirements were met. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 and #4 were engaged in free play activities which included legos, magnetic shapes, race cars, gears, and bristle blocks. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #5 and #6 were participating in indoor gross motor activities which included stepping stones, tunnel, and picnic baskets. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. Lunch consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, sweet potatoes, tropical fruit, and milk. Food service, handwashing, and toileting routines were monitored and found to be in compliance. Health and safety trainings were monitored. Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The large light blue bench in outdoor space one (1) has chipped paint and splintering wood. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the mulch in outdoor space one (1) under the large swings was not nine (9) inches. .0605(k)(1-4) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Wednesday, July 9, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Importance of Resilient Surfacing: Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). As we discussed today, mulch need to be added and tilled in outdoor space #1. Fall Zones with weeds: As discussed, fall zones should be weeded regularly and loose parts including pine cones, gumballs and sticks should be collected daily to ensure fall zones are kept free of hazards. For the safety of the children, you must ensure weeds and debris are removed and sand/mulch is tilled or added to the appropriate depth to avoid potential injuries to children. I also urged you again to create a regular weed removal and tilling schedule for the sand. Checking playground for hazards daily: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. The light blue wooden bench in outdoor space one (1) has chipped paint, that could be hazardous if ingested by children. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Infant Feeding Schedules: Today, we discussed the required information that must be written on the feeding schedule and the frequency that it must be updated. Today all your feeding schedules were up to date and contained all required information. However, we discussed that all lines on the feeding schedule should be completed and not left blank if it is not applicable. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on February 12, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt • Asbestos-On-Site Visit Inspection/No Asbestos Hazards Identified Moodle Helpful Hints: 1. When on the Moodle homepage, scroll down past the three-square boxes to find directions to self-register for various training opportunities. 2. If you do not access a training opportunity for 150 days, the training will be suspended. To regain access, email a request to set status to “active” including the name of the training course to dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov. Send any questions about DCDEE Moodle trainings to dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov. Tips for MY NCID Users: Did you know that if you do not log in to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Reminders: Emergency Drills: Please set a reminder on your calendar to conduct a fire drill and shelter in place or lockdown drill on or before June 30, 2025. Staff Qualifications: Staff member, C. Jackson, has two (2) additional health and safety trainings to complete on or before December 2, 2025. Diaper Creams/Permission Slips: Diaper creams in indoor space four (4) have expiration dates of July 1, 2025. Please set a reminder to update these medication permission slips. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/25/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 6/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:25 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 compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Natalie Pond, accompanied me on today’s visit. Due to travel time, we arrived at 9:30am. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 9, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed January 6, 2025, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 30, 2024. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, the facility meets enhanced ratios, enhanced space, and minus 1 in each group. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of June 25, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 25, 2025, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Sixty-one (61)children, between the ages of zero (0) and five (5) years old are enrolled and fifty-four (54) were present today. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space #1 were engaged in free play activities which included animals, blocks, dress up, legos, baby dolls, and coloring with markers. Infants assigned to indoor space #2 received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep charts were monitored, and requirements were met. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor space #3 and #4 were engaged in free play activities which included legos, magnetic shapes, race cars, gears, and bristle blocks. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #5 and #6 were participating in indoor gross motor activities which included stepping stones, tunnel, and picnic baskets. All staff members were actively engaged with the children. Lunch consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, sweet potatoes, tropical fruit, and milk. Food service, handwashing, and toileting routines were monitored and found to be in compliance. Health and safety trainings were monitored. Violation Number Comment Rule 721 All equipment and furnishings were not in good repair. The large light blue bench in outdoor space one (1) has chipped paint and splintering wood. G.S. 110-91(6); .0601(b) 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The depth of the mulch in outdoor space one (1) under the large swings was not nine (9) inches. .0605(k)(1-4) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Wednesday, July 9, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Importance of Resilient Surfacing: Nationally, nearly 70% of playground related injuries are from falls. Fall injuries are the result of two things: 1) The height a child falls from and 2) The material/surface the child falls upon. Provide “soft” resilient surfacing under and around stationary playground equipment. Refer to 10A NCAC 09 .0605(h)(i). As we discussed today, mulch need to be added and tilled in outdoor space #1. Fall Zones with weeds: As discussed, fall zones should be weeded regularly and loose parts including pine cones, gumballs and sticks should be collected daily to ensure fall zones are kept free of hazards. For the safety of the children, you must ensure weeds and debris are removed and sand/mulch is tilled or added to the appropriate depth to avoid potential injuries to children. I also urged you again to create a regular weed removal and tilling schedule for the sand. Checking playground for hazards daily: Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 (p) SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS states that once a day, prior to initial use, the indoor and outdoor premises shall be checked for debris, vandalism, and broken equipment. Debris shall be removed and disposed of. The light blue wooden bench in outdoor space one (1) has chipped paint, that could be hazardous if ingested by children. Before children enter the outdoor area each day, you must take time to observe the outdoor area and ensure there are no safety hazards or debris in the area. If there are any hazards, they must be addressed before children can enter the area. Infant Feeding Schedules: Today, we discussed the required information that must be written on the feeding schedule and the frequency that it must be updated. Today all your feeding schedules were up to date and contained all required information. However, we discussed that all lines on the feeding schedule should be completed and not left blank if it is not applicable. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on February 12, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt • Asbestos-On-Site Visit Inspection/No Asbestos Hazards Identified Moodle Helpful Hints: 1. When on the Moodle homepage, scroll down past the three-square boxes to find directions to self-register for various training opportunities. 2. If you do not access a training opportunity for 150 days, the training will be suspended. To regain access, email a request to set status to “active” including the name of the training course to dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov. Send any questions about DCDEE Moodle trainings to dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov. Tips for MY NCID Users: Did you know that if you do not log in to any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Reminders: Emergency Drills: Please set a reminder on your calendar to conduct a fire drill and shelter in place or lockdown drill on or before June 30, 2025. Staff Qualifications: Staff member, C. Jackson, has two (2) additional health and safety trainings to complete on or before December 2, 2025. Diaper Creams/Permission Slips: Diaper creams in indoor space four (4) have expiration dates of July 1, 2025. Please set a reminder to update these medication permission slips. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-104L Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 67 Time In: 12:38 PM Time Out: 01:45 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. This program currently operates with a Five Star License, issued February 20, 2022, earning five (5) points in Staff Education, seven (7) points in Program Standards, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. The last annual compliance visit was conducted July 9, 2024. Prior to this visit, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 96%. According to the Secretary of State’s website, Ela Kidsnet Holdings, LLC corporation’s status is current and active. I visited all spaces used with the children unaccompanied. Infants assigned to indoor space #2 were receiving care based on their individual needs. Toddlers and all other preschool children were observed during nap time. Each child was lying on their individual mat with individual linens. Soft music was being played in the background, and appropriate lighting was observed. Allegation: There is a concern that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment. All staff members were interviewed separately and privately. All staff members reported that they clean their classrooms after meals, when accidents occur, and at the end of the day. One (1) staff member reported that Fabulosa, a cleaning chemical, is used during the day when children are in care. One (1) staff member reported that Fabulosa is used when accidents occur, and children are in care. Five (5) staff members reported that cleaning chemicals are not used until the end of the day and children are not in care. The allegation of this report was discussed with Cynthia Jackson, Director. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. You reported that the cleaning chemical, Fabulosa, is used for mopping while children are napping and in care. Based on observations, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is substantiated. The following violation was observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The cleaning chemical, Fabulosa, was used to clean the indoor space floors while children were napping and in care. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Thursday, February 20, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 Andrea.johnson@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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Safe Indoor Environment: Childcare rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 states the following: (a) In child care centers, potentially hazardous items, including power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, and gasoline or kerosene, whether or not intended for use by children, shall be stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or otherwise inaccessible to children. Fabulosa is a chemical that should not be accessible to children. Using this chemical to mop floors, while children are on their cots, could be hazardous if inhaled by the children. Keeping your child care facility clean is vital for the health, safety and well-being of children and you. One of the most important steps you can take to reduce the spread of germs (i.e. bacteria, viruses and fungi) is keeping your environment clean throughout the day. Daily Practices That Matter: • Wash your hands often • Understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting • Choose the right product(s) for the job • Read, understand and follow instructions for the time between using and rinsing products • Never mix products unless the label indicates that it is safe to do so • Store products in a locked location that children cannot access • Call the Poison help line at (800) 222-1222 if an accidental exposure occurs • Always look for the EPA registration number on the product label to verify you are using a product that sanitizes or disinfects. What are the differences between cleaning and disinfecting or sanitizing? Cleaning: This involves removing unwanted contaminants, such as soil, dirt and grease, from the surface, material, or your hands. It’s usually what you’re doing when washing with soap and water. Cleaning along with rinsing and using a cloth or paper towel may remove some germs as well when they’re washed or wiped away. Sanitizing: When sanitizing, you’re reducing (but not necessarily eliminating) the number of germs on the surface to levels considered safe as determined by public health codes or regulations. Disinfecting: When disinfecting, on surfaces and objects you’re irreversibly inactivating pathogens (microorganisms that cause infections and disease) including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, signed, and a copy was left with you. A follow-up visit will be conducted to verify compliance. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor, Lynette Robbins Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov Office: 910-824-0235 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-104L Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 67 Time In: 12:38 PM Time Out: 01:45 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. This program currently operates with a Five Star License, issued February 20, 2022, earning five (5) points in Staff Education, seven (7) points in Program Standards, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. The last annual compliance visit was conducted July 9, 2024. Prior to this visit, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 96%. According to the Secretary of State’s website, Ela Kidsnet Holdings, LLC corporation’s status is current and active. I visited all spaces used with the children unaccompanied. Infants assigned to indoor space #2 were receiving care based on their individual needs. Toddlers and all other preschool children were observed during nap time. Each child was lying on their individual mat with individual linens. Soft music was being played in the background, and appropriate lighting was observed. Allegation: There is a concern that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment. All staff members were interviewed separately and privately. All staff members reported that they clean their classrooms after meals, when accidents occur, and at the end of the day. One (1) staff member reported that Fabulosa, a cleaning chemical, is used during the day when children are in care. One (1) staff member reported that Fabulosa is used when accidents occur, and children are in care. Five (5) staff members reported that cleaning chemicals are not used until the end of the day and children are not in care. The allegation of this report was discussed with Cynthia Jackson, Director. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. You reported that the cleaning chemical, Fabulosa, is used for mopping while children are napping and in care. Based on observations, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is substantiated. The following violation was observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The cleaning chemical, Fabulosa, was used to clean the indoor space floors while children were napping and in care. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Thursday, February 20, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 Andrea.johnson@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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Safe Indoor Environment: Childcare rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 states the following: (a) In child care centers, potentially hazardous items, including power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, and gasoline or kerosene, whether or not intended for use by children, shall be stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or otherwise inaccessible to children. Fabulosa is a chemical that should not be accessible to children. Using this chemical to mop floors, while children are on their cots, could be hazardous if inhaled by the children. Keeping your child care facility clean is vital for the health, safety and well-being of children and you. One of the most important steps you can take to reduce the spread of germs (i.e. bacteria, viruses and fungi) is keeping your environment clean throughout the day. Daily Practices That Matter: • Wash your hands often • Understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting • Choose the right product(s) for the job • Read, understand and follow instructions for the time between using and rinsing products • Never mix products unless the label indicates that it is safe to do so • Store products in a locked location that children cannot access • Call the Poison help line at (800) 222-1222 if an accidental exposure occurs • Always look for the EPA registration number on the product label to verify you are using a product that sanitizes or disinfects. What are the differences between cleaning and disinfecting or sanitizing? Cleaning: This involves removing unwanted contaminants, such as soil, dirt and grease, from the surface, material, or your hands. It’s usually what you’re doing when washing with soap and water. Cleaning along with rinsing and using a cloth or paper towel may remove some germs as well when they’re washed or wiped away. Sanitizing: When sanitizing, you’re reducing (but not necessarily eliminating) the number of germs on the surface to levels considered safe as determined by public health codes or regulations. Disinfecting: When disinfecting, on surfaces and objects you’re irreversibly inactivating pathogens (microorganisms that cause infections and disease) including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, signed, and a copy was left with you. A follow-up visit will be conducted to verify compliance. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor, Lynette Robbins Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov Office: 910-824-0235 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0225-104L Visit Date: 2/13/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 2/13/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 67 Time In: 12:38 PM Time Out: 01:45 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. This program currently operates with a Five Star License, issued February 20, 2022, earning five (5) points in Staff Education, seven (7) points in Program Standards, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. The last annual compliance visit was conducted July 9, 2024. Prior to this visit, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 96%. According to the Secretary of State’s website, Ela Kidsnet Holdings, LLC corporation’s status is current and active. I visited all spaces used with the children unaccompanied. Infants assigned to indoor space #2 were receiving care based on their individual needs. Toddlers and all other preschool children were observed during nap time. Each child was lying on their individual mat with individual linens. Soft music was being played in the background, and appropriate lighting was observed. Allegation: There is a concern that children are being cared for in an unsafe environment. All staff members were interviewed separately and privately. All staff members reported that they clean their classrooms after meals, when accidents occur, and at the end of the day. One (1) staff member reported that Fabulosa, a cleaning chemical, is used during the day when children are in care. One (1) staff member reported that Fabulosa is used when accidents occur, and children are in care. Five (5) staff members reported that cleaning chemicals are not used until the end of the day and children are not in care. The allegation of this report was discussed with Cynthia Jackson, Director. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. You reported that the cleaning chemical, Fabulosa, is used for mopping while children are napping and in care. Based on observations, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is substantiated. The following violation was observed. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. The cleaning chemical, Fabulosa, was used to clean the indoor space floors while children were napping and in care. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Thursday, February 20, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 Andrea.johnson@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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Safe Indoor Environment: Childcare rule 10A NCAC 09 .0604 states the following: (a) In child care centers, potentially hazardous items, including power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, and gasoline or kerosene, whether or not intended for use by children, shall be stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or otherwise inaccessible to children. Fabulosa is a chemical that should not be accessible to children. Using this chemical to mop floors, while children are on their cots, could be hazardous if inhaled by the children. Keeping your child care facility clean is vital for the health, safety and well-being of children and you. One of the most important steps you can take to reduce the spread of germs (i.e. bacteria, viruses and fungi) is keeping your environment clean throughout the day. Daily Practices That Matter: • Wash your hands often • Understand the difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting • Choose the right product(s) for the job • Read, understand and follow instructions for the time between using and rinsing products • Never mix products unless the label indicates that it is safe to do so • Store products in a locked location that children cannot access • Call the Poison help line at (800) 222-1222 if an accidental exposure occurs • Always look for the EPA registration number on the product label to verify you are using a product that sanitizes or disinfects. What are the differences between cleaning and disinfecting or sanitizing? Cleaning: This involves removing unwanted contaminants, such as soil, dirt and grease, from the surface, material, or your hands. It’s usually what you’re doing when washing with soap and water. Cleaning along with rinsing and using a cloth or paper towel may remove some germs as well when they’re washed or wiped away. Sanitizing: When sanitizing, you’re reducing (but not necessarily eliminating) the number of germs on the surface to levels considered safe as determined by public health codes or regulations. Disinfecting: When disinfecting, on surfaces and objects you’re irreversibly inactivating pathogens (microorganisms that cause infections and disease) including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, signed, and a copy was left with you. A follow-up visit will be conducted to verify compliance. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor, Lynette Robbins Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov Office: 910-824-0235 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/9/2024 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 7/9/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 221 Time In: 08:49 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 13, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed February 7, 2024, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on October 5, 2023. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, the facility meets enhanced ratios, enhanced space, and minus 1 in each group. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-five (95) percent. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on July 9, 2024, and ELA KidsNet Holdings, LLC. was listed as current-active. Sixty-eight (68) children, between the ages of zero (0) and four (4) years old are enrolled and fifty-three (53) children were present today. There are six (6) approved indoor spaces and three (3) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Infants assigned to indoor space #1 received routine care based on their individual needs. Toddlers assigned to indoor spaces #5 and #6 were engaged in free play activities which included books, connecting stars, and large bristle blocks. Younger and older preschool children played in a variety of activity areas. Activities included dressing baby dolls, coloring with crayons, cutting paper, gluing, magnetic shape building, connecting gears, cooking pizza, and large floor puzzles. Toileting, handwashing, and food service requirements were monitored, and found to be in compliance. The outdoor space had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, shopping carts, music walls, push toys, dramatic play sinks, small tricycles, scooters, a large maze manipulative box, art easels, hula hoops, a large tunnel, musical pipes, drums, a basketball goal, and balance beams. Shade is provided for the outdoor space, and there is a garden with snap peas and non-toxic flowers. Health and safety trainings, safe sleep policies, and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. One (1) diaper cream (Desitin) permission slip in indoor space #2 did not have the length of time the authorization was valid. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. Violation #1882 was corrected during the visit; therefore, a compliance letter is not required. Technical Assistance: Medication Administration: All medications must be accompanied by written authorizations from parents with complete instructions for administration. Today I suggested that you review medication requirements with staff and periodically check behind them to ensure all requirements are met. I suggest you develop a plan to check the classroom medicine boxes on a regular basis to ensure all requirements are being met. For licensing, it is required to obtain written parental permission to give prescription and over-the-counter medication. Providers must obtain written permission and instructions for giving OTC and prescription medication from a health care and the child’s parent. Rated License: Your facility’s three-year rated license reassessment would be due to be completed in November 2024 but will not be completed due to reassessments being voluntary during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we discussed today, reassessments are now effective, and your facility has been placed into “Cohort 3.” Placement in this cohort means you had from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, to plan and prepare for your reassessment, with your reassessment being due between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. You may review resources available at www.ncrlap.org and contact Carteret County Partnership for Children for assistance at (252) 727-0445. I am also available to assist you upon request. Remember to focus on your Star Rated License and consider strategies to help maintain or increase your star rating. Review topics related to the Environment Rating Scales or other quality initiatives. For example, if transitions are challenging, ask yourself what strategies help. Engage to brainstorm, offer support and clarification, and set goals. Allocate resources so you can focus on self-study as part of the workday to help you become more familiar and confident with the assessment process. Reminders: For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies were printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, my contact information is below. Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 You may also contact my supervisor, Lynette Robbins Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov Office: 910-824-0235 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0823-378L Visit Date: 9/6/2023 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 9/6/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 177 Time In: 10:28 AM Time Out: 01:25 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. This program currently operates with a Five Star License, issued February 20, 2022, earning six (6) points in Staff Education, seven (7) points in Program Standards, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. The last annual compliance visit was conducted July 13, 2023. Prior to this visit, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 97%. According to the Secretary of State’s website, ELA KidsNet Holdings, LLC corporation’s status is current and active. I visited all spaces used with the children unaccompanied. Preschool children assigned to indoor spaces #1, #3, and #4 were observed engaged in a variety of free play activities including playdough, trucks, puzzles, connecting cubes, dot markers, coloring, and tracing cards. Three (3) infants assigned to indoor space #2 were asleep in their individual cribs, and one (1) staff member was holding an infant. Toddlers assigned to indoor space #5 were transitioning from the outdoor space. Staff members assisted the toddlers with handwashing routines, and they transitioned to free play activities. A variety of gross motor equipment was available for the children. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Staff/child ratios and supervision were monitored and found to be in compliance today. The allegation is as follows: Allegation: There are concerns that children were not adequately supervised. Selected staff members were interviewed separately and privately. Staff members reported that children were adequately supervised in both indoor and outdoor spaces. The allegation of this report was discussed with Chelsea Wilson, Director. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. You reported on August 24, 2023, at approximately 4:20 in the afternoon, two (2) staff members began transitioning from the playground to the classroom. One (1) staff member had twelve (12) children who were lined up at the door. The other staff member had three (3) children with her helping to clean up toys that were not put away on the playground. While in line, two (2) children got into a small altercation that was quickly address by the you and the staff member that had the twelve (12) children in line. Once the conflict between the two children had been resolved, the first group of lined up children and the staff member entered the classroom. A few minutes later, the second group of three (3) children and the other staff member entered the classroom. At approximately 4:30pm another staff member was walking to their car and saw a child on the playground. The staff member immediately walked to the door of the lobby to notify you that the child was outside. You ran to the playground and made contact with the child. You reported the child did not visibly appear upset, was in good spirits, and physically looked in good condition. This incident was self-reported by Chelsea Wilson, Director. Based on observations, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is substantiated. The following violation was observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On August 24, 2023, one (1) child, aged three (3) years old, was left in the outdoor space unsupervised for approximately ten (10) minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Friday, September 8, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 Andrea.johnson@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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Supervision: Supervision is basic to the safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality childcare. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing, bullying, or inappropriate behavior. It is the responsibility of staff to regularly count children (name to face recognition) on a routine basis, at every transition, and whenever leaving one area and arriving at another. Active and positive supervision involves knowing each child’s abilities, establishing clear and simple safety rules, being aware of potential hazards, standing in strategic positions, and scanning play areas and circulating around the space. Focus on the positive rather than the negative to teach a child what is safe. Teach children the appropriate and safe use of each piece of equipment. It is imperative that caregivers supervise children at all times, not just for the safety of children, but to ensure children get the attention they need for optimal growth and development. Children like to test their skills and abilities. Serious injuries can occur in indoor and outdoor play areas if constant supervision is not maintained. Caregivers who are actively involved, aware, and appreciative of young children’s behaviors are in the best position to keep children safe. Low staff-child ratios make it easier for caregivers to supervise children adequately while interacting. Adequate supervision means that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor and outdoor area and can hear and/or see the children at all times, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. A PLAN OF CORRECTIVE MEASURES: This facility made a self-report. The facility’s Playground Supervision Policy was reviewed with all staff during a staff meeting on August 29, 2023. The policy review included the following: • Count children by matching name to face • When transitioning to and from the outside play space conduct a name to face count • Count on a scheduled basis, at every transition, and when leaving one area and arriving at another. You should count children approximately every 15 minutes. • Be sure you can state the number of children in your care at all times • Record the count on an attendance sheet or pocket card • Note any children who leave the group (for example, those who are picked up early) The facility has revised the policy to include a Child Supervision Record. This supervision record includes what staff members should do at the beginning of the day, throughout the day, transition times, and management checks. The revised policy and new Child Supervision Record was reviewed and signed by all staff members. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, printed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor, Lynette Robbins Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov PMB 361 Office: 910-824-0235 3600 S. College Road, Suite E Wilmington, NC 28412 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #III Facility ID: 16000214 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/13/2023 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 7/13/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 235 Time In: 08:50 AM Time Out: 12:45 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 compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to your annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 21, 2022. The sanitation inspection was completed April 11, 20223, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted September 23, 2022. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, enhanced ratios, and enhanced space, and minus one (1) child in each group. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-nine (99%). The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on July 13, 2023, and ELA KidsNet Holdings, LLC was listed as current-active. Sixty (60) children between the ages of zero (0) and four (4) are enrolled and forty-two (42) were present today. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in all classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Older preschool children assigned to indoor space one (1) transitioned from group time to free play activities which included magnetic blocks, legos, magnetic mazes, block building with wooden blocks, and stuffed animal play in the library. Infants assigned to indoor space two (2) received routine care based on their individual needs. Four (4) infants were playing with soft toys on the floor, one (1) infant was in tummy time, and one (1) infant was being fed. Both staff members were actively engaged with the infants. Younger preschool children assigned to indoor spaces three (3) and four (4) were engaged in free play activities including block building, legos, play concerts, coloring, painting, dot markers, cooking, and cash register play. Toddlers assigned to indoor space five (5) were coloring ice cream cones. Safe sleep checks, handwashing, and food service were monitored, and requirements were met. Lunch consisted of turkey and cheese wraps, green beans, oranges, and milk. All outdoor spaces had a variety of gross motor equipment including riding cars, shopping carts, music walls, push toys, dramatic play sinks, small tricycles, scooters, a large maze manipulative box, art easels, hula hoops, a large tunnel, musical pipes, drums, a basketball goal, balance beams, and a garden with squash and cucumbers. Violation Number Comment Rule 601 Refrigerator(s) did not maintain a temperature of 45 degrees F. or below. Because a thermometer was not present in the refrigerator, it could not be determined what the temperature of the refrigerator was. 15A NCAC 18A .2806(j)(2) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed for March, April, and May of 2023. .0605(q) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violation documented must be corrected immediately. Violation number 601 was corrected during the visit: therefore, it doesn’t require a compliance letter. On or before Friday, July 21, 2023, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when violation 859 was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance: Playground Inspection Checklist: To ensure your outdoor spaces are free from hazards, you are required to inspect your playgrounds monthly. Setting a reminder on your calendar will help you remember to conduct playground inspections monthly. Building Bright Futures: Gov. Cooper announced the Building Bright Futures (BBF) early childhood education pre-apprenticeship-to-apprenticeship program. This program is a partnership between the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE) and the NCDHHS' Division of Child Development and Early Education to pilot new pathways to entering the early childhood profession. BBF creates supportive pathways for high school and postsecondary students to earn credentials, while also obtaining hands-on, work-based learning experiences in the early childhood education field. BBF offers a variety of benefits to participating early child care providers and students including mentorship, professional development, career awareness, and other enrichment activities. Further, the program provides monetary support for transportation, books and materials, a 50 percent wage match reimbursement to providers for work-based learning hours, and other items and services. Learn more about the Building Bright Futures program and how it can support you. Reminders: Upcoming Staff Requirements: J. DeChristopher-CPR and First Aid due on or before 08/30/2023 N. Hand- Staff Development Plan due on or before 09/09/2023 A. Herbert-ITS-SIDS due on or before 07/25/2023 K. Rogers-Morse-Staff Development Plan due on or before 8/18/2023 New Administrator: Due to the change in administrator, the new administrator needs to complete Emergency Preparedness and Response Training on or before September 19, 2023. Once The EPR training is completed, please remember to update your facility’s EPR Plan with the new administrator’s information. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, signed, emailed to you, and copies were printed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor, Lynette Robbins Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov PMB 361 Office: 910-824-0235 3600 S. College Road, Suite E Wilmington, NC 28412 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.