Creative Beginnings, LLC

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: CREATIVE BEGINNINGS, LLC Facility ID: 12000189 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/20/2026 Number Present: 184 Completed Date: 4/20/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 475 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 05:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an Annual Compliance with Rated License visit, including health and safety. The visit was conducted with you, Denise Hudson, Administrator. The purpose of the visit was reviewed with you upon arrival. This program currently operates with a five-star license issued on July 1, 2019. The permit restrictions include daytime care only, enhanced space, enhanced space. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year -old children are enrolled. Creative curriculum is used with NC Pre -K children, additional classrooms use Learning Beyond Paper curriculum. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 5/6/25. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on3/11/26. A superior sanitation classification was issued with 2 demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent approved fire inspection for your facility was conducted on 11/13/25 approved for daytime care only. The most recent monthly fire drill was conducted on 4/10/26. The most recent quarterly lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 3/30/26. The facilities EPR Plan was reviewed on 1/19/26 The most recent monthly playground inspection was completed on 4/9/26 by Denise Hudson. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 4/20/26 and Creative Beginnings LLC was listed as current-active. The facilities contact information was reviewed and confirmed with you. You accompanied me on a walkthrough of the facility. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play activities, gross motor activities, handwashing/bathroom routines, lunch, nap and departure. Infants in space #1 and space #2 were engaged in tummy time, napping, and being held. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. After school children arrived during the visit. Some enrolled children share slots. NC Pre-K and afterschool children share space #13. The preschool program ends before schoolage children arrive. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The analysis date for the most recent lead water test was 5/7/24. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You may review your facilities results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. This website also indicated “complete” for required asbestos and lead-based paint testing. You provided me with applicable program, staff, and children’s records for review. Files for six new staff, three existing staff, and applicable records for all staff were reviewed. All staff were listed on the ABCMS Provider Portal roster for this facility. A sample of twenty children’s records were reviewed. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored today. Medication was monitored and violation noted and discussed with you. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the handwritten Visit Summary left with you at the conclusion of this visit. The computer-generated Visit Summary was emailed to you. Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One staff, Kayla Buchanana, did not submit infomation for renewal before the qualifying letter expired on 4/5/26. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Employee, Kayla Buchanan, had a qulification letter on file that expired on 4/5/26. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Five current staff were not listed with the facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In space #6, an over-the-counter permisssion to administer medication form listed Gentle Steps. The diaper cream in the medication box was Desitin. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 4, 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: Gail Dula Child Care Consultant P O Box 1598 Morganton NC 28655 gail.dula@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 The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was (#) percent as of 4/20/26. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. TA -Make adding new staff a part of the hiring process and add this to the hiring packet. Prior to the expiration date of the current qualifying letter, all staff members must complete and submit the required forms and information to complete a criminal background check. TA- I suggested you set calendar reminders, or create a working document to track the expiration dates of the qualifying letters for all staff members to ensure all staff members maintain a current and valid qualifying letter. I suggested you use the ABCMS Provider Portal to keep track of expiration dates of qualifying letters for all staff members. I also suggested you remind staff two (2) months prior to the expiration date of their qualifying letter to complete an application for an updated qualifying letter to begin the process. Additionally, I suggested that you review staff files regularly to ensure no qualifying letters have expired. TA-I suggested you create a working document or use the ABCMS Provider Portal to track the expiration dates of qualifying letters to ensure all staff members maintain a current and valid qualifying letter. TA-I suggested that administrative staff, or a designated staff member, review all medication permission forms to ensure all required information is obtained prior to accepting the medication from the child’s parent or guardian. Consultation: The ABCMS provider portal facility roster should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401. QRIS information Visit the following website for additional information. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. -I suggested that you review Environment Rating Scale information and resources at www.ncrlap.org for the following assessments: ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and SACERS-U. -Reach out to your local Resource and Referral Agency for additional technical assistance and support. Child Care Connections -You stated you intend to follow Pathway #1 for your upcoming rated license reassessment. Self-studies for all Lead Teachers had been completed and were reviewed during today’s visit. You plan to move forward with Pathway #1. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Thank you for your time and assistance today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance , you may contact me at 828-782-0858 or gail.dula@dhhs.nc.gov 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: CREATIVE BEGINNINGS, LLC Facility ID: 12000189 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/20/2026 Number Present: 184 Completed Date: 4/20/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 475 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 05:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an Annual Compliance with Rated License visit, including health and safety. The visit was conducted with you, Denise Hudson, Administrator. The purpose of the visit was reviewed with you upon arrival. This program currently operates with a five-star license issued on July 1, 2019. The permit restrictions include daytime care only, enhanced space, enhanced space. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four and five star licensed facilities where four-year -old children are enrolled. Creative curriculum is used with NC Pre -K children, additional classrooms use Learning Beyond Paper curriculum. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 5/6/25. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on3/11/26. A superior sanitation classification was issued with 2 demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent approved fire inspection for your facility was conducted on 11/13/25 approved for daytime care only. The most recent monthly fire drill was conducted on 4/10/26. The most recent quarterly lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 3/30/26. The facilities EPR Plan was reviewed on 1/19/26 The most recent monthly playground inspection was completed on 4/9/26 by Denise Hudson. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 4/20/26 and Creative Beginnings LLC was listed as current-active. The facilities contact information was reviewed and confirmed with you. You accompanied me on a walkthrough of the facility. All indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play activities, gross motor activities, handwashing/bathroom routines, lunch, nap and departure. Infants in space #1 and space #2 were engaged in tummy time, napping, and being held. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. After school children arrived during the visit. Some enrolled children share slots. NC Pre-K and afterschool children share space #13. The preschool program ends before schoolage children arrive. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The analysis date for the most recent lead water test was 5/7/24. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You may review your facilities results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. This website also indicated “complete” for required asbestos and lead-based paint testing. You provided me with applicable program, staff, and children’s records for review. Files for six new staff, three existing staff, and applicable records for all staff were reviewed. All staff were listed on the ABCMS Provider Portal roster for this facility. A sample of twenty children’s records were reviewed. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored today. Medication was monitored and violation noted and discussed with you. Violations observed today were discussed with you and documented in the handwritten Visit Summary left with you at the conclusion of this visit. The computer-generated Visit Summary was emailed to you. Violation Number Comment Rule 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). One staff, Kayla Buchanana, did not submit infomation for renewal before the qualifying letter expired on 4/5/26. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. Employee, Kayla Buchanan, had a qulification letter on file that expired on 4/5/26. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Five current staff were not listed with the facility. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In space #6, an over-the-counter permisssion to administer medication form listed Gentle Steps. The diaper cream in the medication box was Desitin. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 4, 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: Gail Dula Child Care Consultant P O Box 1598 Morganton NC 28655 gail.dula@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 The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was (#) percent as of 4/20/26. Technical Assistance was provided on the following: As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. TA -Make adding new staff a part of the hiring process and add this to the hiring packet. Prior to the expiration date of the current qualifying letter, all staff members must complete and submit the required forms and information to complete a criminal background check. TA- I suggested you set calendar reminders, or create a working document to track the expiration dates of the qualifying letters for all staff members to ensure all staff members maintain a current and valid qualifying letter. I suggested you use the ABCMS Provider Portal to keep track of expiration dates of qualifying letters for all staff members. I also suggested you remind staff two (2) months prior to the expiration date of their qualifying letter to complete an application for an updated qualifying letter to begin the process. Additionally, I suggested that you review staff files regularly to ensure no qualifying letters have expired. TA-I suggested you create a working document or use the ABCMS Provider Portal to track the expiration dates of qualifying letters to ensure all staff members maintain a current and valid qualifying letter. TA-I suggested that administrative staff, or a designated staff member, review all medication permission forms to ensure all required information is obtained prior to accepting the medication from the child’s parent or guardian. Consultation: The ABCMS provider portal facility roster should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401. QRIS information Visit the following website for additional information. https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization. -I suggested that you review Environment Rating Scale information and resources at www.ncrlap.org for the following assessments: ITERS-3, ECERS-3, and SACERS-U. -Reach out to your local Resource and Referral Agency for additional technical assistance and support. Child Care Connections -You stated you intend to follow Pathway #1 for your upcoming rated license reassessment. Self-studies for all Lead Teachers had been completed and were reviewed during today’s visit. You plan to move forward with Pathway #1. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development and Early Education by visiting https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. Thank you for your time and assistance today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance , you may contact me at 828-782-0858 or gail.dula@dhhs.nc.gov 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 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: CREATIVE BEGINNINGS, LLC Facility ID: 12000189 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/28/2024 Number Present: 171 Completed Date: 5/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:15 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival the purpose of the visit was explained to the director. You, Denise Hudson, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective July 1, 2019. The permit restrictions include: Daytime care only, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The restrictions were in compliance. The Secretary of State website was checked on May 28, 2024, and your facility Creative Beginnings LLC, is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You accompanied me on the walkthrough of the facility. Children in attendance were observed during free play activities, outdoor gross motor activities, hand washing/bathroom routines, a teacher directed music activity, lunch, and departure. Infants and toddlers were observed during floor play, tummy time, free play activities, and while being held. Supervision and staff/child ratios were in compliance. The caregivers interacted with the children and responded to the children’s needs in a nurturing manner. A sample of twenty children’s files were reviewed with no violations. Due to time constraints staff files were not monitored today. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 15, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with (6) demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on June 16, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on May 10, 2024. The last lockdown drill was practiced on May 10,2024. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on May 15, 2024. Medication: one violation was documented regarding medication. One violation were observed /documented during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In space #8, eight (8) topical permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #12, eleven (11) permission to administer sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #13, fourteen (14) permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) The above uncorrected violation(s) must be brought into compliance immediately. You shall submit a written, signed and dated statement or email to me at the address below detailing specifically how the above violation(s) was corrected. The violations must be corrected no later than June 11, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above, noncompliance, may lead to an administrative action. As discussed, violations cited today and/or during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75%. The center's compliance history was at 98% prior to today’s visit. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Your current score is 99%. Technical Assistance #842 In space #8, eight (8) topical permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #12, eleven (11) permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #13, fourteen (14) permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. Teachers should check Permission to Administer Medication Forms when brought into the facility and regularly thereafter to ensure they are filled out completely and properly and to ensure permission has not expired. A parent may give standing authorization for up to six months to administer prescription or over-the-counter medication to a child, when needed, for chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, and for allergic reactions. A parent may give standing authorization for up to 12 months to apply over-the-counter, topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder, to a child, when needed. Consultation or other topics discussed today: -I reminded you to contact the Fire Marshal and schedule an inspection. -Per 10A NCAC 09.0304, The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. If the fire inspection report is not submitted to your Child Care Consultant within one week after the fire inspection is conducted. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information: As a reminder your facility is in cohort 2 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-StarRated-License -Child Care Rule Effective January 1, 2024 Lead Testing: Child Care Rule .0601(f)- Safe Environments Rule Amendment- This rule was amended to include the specific requirements that child care centers must be free of asbestos hazards. This is in addition to the existing requirement that they be free of lead poisoning hazards. In addition to the updates to this rule, 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 and 15A NCAC 18A .2816, require all child care facilities (homes and centers) to test for lead in drinking, water, identify lead-based paint hazard, and mitigate or restrict access to identified hazards. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar All licensed child care programs must register by May 1, 2024, at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina and watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars. Child Care Centers have until July 1, 2024, to complete the required lead testing. Lead water testing was completed on November 4, 2020. A new sample sent and was received for testing on April 24, 2024. Results are pending. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. -The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. -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/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit a hand written summary was signed due to time constraints. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me 828-782-0858 or Gail Dula Child Care Consultant P O Box 1598 Morganton NC 28655 gail.dula@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09.0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: CREATIVE BEGINNINGS, LLC Facility ID: 12000189 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/28/2024 Number Present: 171 Completed Date: 5/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:15 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival the purpose of the visit was explained to the director. You, Denise Hudson, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective July 1, 2019. The permit restrictions include: Daytime care only, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The restrictions were in compliance. The Secretary of State website was checked on May 28, 2024, and your facility Creative Beginnings LLC, is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You accompanied me on the walkthrough of the facility. Children in attendance were observed during free play activities, outdoor gross motor activities, hand washing/bathroom routines, a teacher directed music activity, lunch, and departure. Infants and toddlers were observed during floor play, tummy time, free play activities, and while being held. Supervision and staff/child ratios were in compliance. The caregivers interacted with the children and responded to the children’s needs in a nurturing manner. A sample of twenty children’s files were reviewed with no violations. Due to time constraints staff files were not monitored today. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 15, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with (6) demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on June 16, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on May 10, 2024. The last lockdown drill was practiced on May 10,2024. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on May 15, 2024. Medication: one violation was documented regarding medication. One violation were observed /documented during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In space #8, eight (8) topical permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #12, eleven (11) permission to administer sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #13, fourteen (14) permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) The above uncorrected violation(s) must be brought into compliance immediately. You shall submit a written, signed and dated statement or email to me at the address below detailing specifically how the above violation(s) was corrected. The violations must be corrected no later than June 11, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above, noncompliance, may lead to an administrative action. As discussed, violations cited today and/or during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75%. The center's compliance history was at 98% prior to today’s visit. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Your current score is 99%. Technical Assistance #842 In space #8, eight (8) topical permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #12, eleven (11) permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #13, fourteen (14) permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. Teachers should check Permission to Administer Medication Forms when brought into the facility and regularly thereafter to ensure they are filled out completely and properly and to ensure permission has not expired. A parent may give standing authorization for up to six months to administer prescription or over-the-counter medication to a child, when needed, for chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, and for allergic reactions. A parent may give standing authorization for up to 12 months to apply over-the-counter, topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder, to a child, when needed. Consultation or other topics discussed today: -I reminded you to contact the Fire Marshal and schedule an inspection. -Per 10A NCAC 09.0304, The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. If the fire inspection report is not submitted to your Child Care Consultant within one week after the fire inspection is conducted. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information: As a reminder your facility is in cohort 2 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-StarRated-License -Child Care Rule Effective January 1, 2024 Lead Testing: Child Care Rule .0601(f)- Safe Environments Rule Amendment- This rule was amended to include the specific requirements that child care centers must be free of asbestos hazards. This is in addition to the existing requirement that they be free of lead poisoning hazards. In addition to the updates to this rule, 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 and 15A NCAC 18A .2816, require all child care facilities (homes and centers) to test for lead in drinking, water, identify lead-based paint hazard, and mitigate or restrict access to identified hazards. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar All licensed child care programs must register by May 1, 2024, at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina and watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars. Child Care Centers have until July 1, 2024, to complete the required lead testing. Lead water testing was completed on November 4, 2020. A new sample sent and was received for testing on April 24, 2024. Results are pending. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. -The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. -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/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit a hand written summary was signed due to time constraints. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me 828-782-0858 or Gail Dula Child Care Consultant P O Box 1598 Morganton NC 28655 gail.dula@dhhs.nc.gov 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: CREATIVE BEGINNINGS, LLC Facility ID: 12000189 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/28/2024 Number Present: 171 Completed Date: 5/28/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: 03:00 PM Time Out: 05:15 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced annual compliance visit was to monitor your compliance with all applicable child care requirements, including health and safety. Upon arrival the purpose of the visit was explained to the director. You, Denise Hudson, Administrator, assisted me with the visit. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective July 1, 2019. The permit restrictions include: Daytime care only, meets enhanced ratios and meets enhanced space. The restrictions were in compliance. The Secretary of State website was checked on May 28, 2024, and your facility Creative Beginnings LLC, is active and in good standing. If any changes to the corporation need to be made or you decide to sell your business, then you must notify me, your consultant at least thirty days prior to any changes occurring. The license cannot be bought, sold, subleased, transferred to another person or location, or inherited. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You accompanied me on the walkthrough of the facility. Children in attendance were observed during free play activities, outdoor gross motor activities, hand washing/bathroom routines, a teacher directed music activity, lunch, and departure. Infants and toddlers were observed during floor play, tummy time, free play activities, and while being held. Supervision and staff/child ratios were in compliance. The caregivers interacted with the children and responded to the children’s needs in a nurturing manner. A sample of twenty children’s files were reviewed with no violations. Due to time constraints staff files were not monitored today. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 15, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with (6) demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on June 16, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The last monthly fire drill was practiced on May 10, 2024. The last lockdown drill was practiced on May 10,2024. The last monthly playground inspection was completed on May 15, 2024. Medication: one violation was documented regarding medication. One violation were observed /documented during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In space #8, eight (8) topical permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #12, eleven (11) permission to administer sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #13, fourteen (14) permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) The above uncorrected violation(s) must be brought into compliance immediately. You shall submit a written, signed and dated statement or email to me at the address below detailing specifically how the above violation(s) was corrected. The violations must be corrected no later than June 11, 2024. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above, noncompliance, may lead to an administrative action. As discussed, violations cited today and/or during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75%. The center's compliance history was at 98% prior to today’s visit. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Your current score is 99%. Technical Assistance #842 In space #8, eight (8) topical permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #12, eleven (11) permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. In space #13, fourteen (14) permission to apply sunscreen forms did not contain all required information. Permission including valid dates had not been completed. Teachers should check Permission to Administer Medication Forms when brought into the facility and regularly thereafter to ensure they are filled out completely and properly and to ensure permission has not expired. A parent may give standing authorization for up to six months to administer prescription or over-the-counter medication to a child, when needed, for chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, and for allergic reactions. A parent may give standing authorization for up to 12 months to apply over-the-counter, topical ointments, topical teething ointment or gel, insect repellents, lotions, creams, fluoridated toothpaste, and powders, such as sunscreen, diapering creams, baby lotion, and baby powder, to a child, when needed. Consultation or other topics discussed today: -I reminded you to contact the Fire Marshal and schedule an inspection. -Per 10A NCAC 09.0304, The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. If the fire inspection report is not submitted to your Child Care Consultant within one week after the fire inspection is conducted. -Resuming Star Rated License Reassessment Information: As a reminder your facility is in cohort 2 for resuming the star rated license reassessment. Your child care program’s prep year will begin on July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your child care program’s reassessment year will begin on July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. For more information, please visit the DCDEE website under the providers tab. The link is https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/Resuming-StarRated-License -Child Care Rule Effective January 1, 2024 Lead Testing: Child Care Rule .0601(f)- Safe Environments Rule Amendment- This rule was amended to include the specific requirements that child care centers must be free of asbestos hazards. This is in addition to the existing requirement that they be free of lead poisoning hazards. In addition to the updates to this rule, 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 and 15A NCAC 18A .2816, require all child care facilities (homes and centers) to test for lead in drinking, water, identify lead-based paint hazard, and mitigate or restrict access to identified hazards. The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program is designed to identify and eliminate exposure to lead and asbestos hazards in building infrastructure, while providing child care facilities with the support needed to meet all rule requirements. The program is free, and the first step is to watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars, which are available at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina or paste https://bit.ly/3CK-webinar All licensed child care programs must register by May 1, 2024, at www.cleanwaterforUSkids.org/carolina and watch one of the pre-enrollment webinars. Child Care Centers have until July 1, 2024, to complete the required lead testing. Lead water testing was completed on November 4, 2020. A new sample sent and was received for testing on April 24, 2024. Results are pending. -Moodle Support: The Division offers early childhood professionals a wide range of professional development opportunities through our online learning platform Moodle. As we continue expanding our training offerings, DCDEE has established a new email address and phone number for Moodle support. To get help with Moodle, email at DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-6326. -The Healthy Social Behavior Project is offering technical assistance with challenging behaviors to programs. Please see the link below for more information. Website Link: https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/challenging-behaviors-helpline To speak to a Healthy Social Behavior Specialist, please contact the helpline at 1-888-600-1685 Option 1. -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/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit a hand written summary was signed due to time constraints. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, Tammy.McGalliard@dhhs.nc.gov . If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me 828-782-0858 or Gail Dula Child Care Consultant P O Box 1598 Morganton NC 28655 gail.dula@dhhs.nc.gov 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: CREATIVE BEGINNINGS, LLC Facility ID: 12000189 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/12/2023 Number Present: 163 Completed Date: 12/12/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Denise Hudson Administrator. Dinah Brown Child Care Consultant accompanied me on the visit. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective July 1, 2019. The permit restrictions were in compliance including daytime care only, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space. Your program was also monitored for compliance with implementing an approved curriculum as required for all four- and five-star licensed facilities where four-year-old children are enrolled. Your program uses Creative Curriculum. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 11, 2023, and was listed as current/active. You reported no changes to the ownership of the facility. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. You accompanied me on the walkthrough of the facility. I observed children in both the indoor classrooms and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in group time, free play in activity areas and personal care routines. Infants were engaged in tummy time, napping, and diapering routines, and being held while being rocked. Sleep checks were completed, recorded, and maintained as required. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Eight new staff files were reviewed. Limited monitoring of staff files was conducted for the purpose of reviewing training regarding CPR/First Aid, EPR, Playground Safety, ITS-SIDS, Special Training including Health and Safety Training and Criminal Background Checks. One violation was documented and discussed with you. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on June 15, 2023. A sanitation classification was issued with 6 demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on June 16, 2023. The facility was approved for day time. A fire drill was conducted on November 29, 2023. One violation was observed today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff, employed on 9/11/23, did not have verification of having received the training within 90 days on file. .1102(g) The violation documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 26, 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 may be completed. Mail or email the information to the address listed below. If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. The Division of Child Development may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. The center's compliance history prior to today’s visit was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 99%. Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. Technical assistance on the violation was reviewed with you. #1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff employed on 9/11/23 did not have verification of having received the training within 90 days on file. All staff members must complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. This training can be found at https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognizing-responding-online-course/ I suggested you set calendar reminders to ensure all new staff complete this training within the first 90 days of employment. I also suggested you use the Health and Safety Training Record to keep track of required trainings and to ensure trainings are completed on time. This form can be found on the DCDEE website under the “Provider” tab. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today): -we discussed your rated license. Your facility is in cohort 2. Your prep year is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. -we discussed activity plans. I reminded you to review enhanced requirements with new staff. -The ChildCareStrongNC Public Health Toolkit has been updated. You may access the toolkit from the DCDEE website (https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov), under the Coronavirus Information tab. 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/ . This website enables you to view the entire Law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. I encourage you to click on the "What's New" tab for important updates impacting child care in North Carolina. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, and a copy will be emailed to you for your records. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammymcgallird@dhhs.nc.gov If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 828-782-0858 or Gail Dula P O Box 1598 Morganton NC 28655 Gail.dula@dhhs.nc.gov 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