Giggles N' Grins Child Care AND Learning Center

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: GIGGLES N' GRINS CHILD CARE AND LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 12000251 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/16/2026 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 1/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s 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. You, Markie Abernathy, administrator, assisted me with the visit today. The facility currently operates with a 5-star rated license issued on March 17, 2023, earning seven (7) points in staff education, seven (7) points in the program standards, and no (0) quality point. The program's license restrictions include the following: daytime care, enhanced ratios, and enhanced space, enhanced ratios minus 1 in each group. Children under 2 ½ years old in rooms with direct exits only. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 1/23/25. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on 7/7/25. A superior sanitation classification was issued with two (2) demerits noted on the grade card. The most recent approved fire inspection for your facility was conducted on 11/18/25 for daytime care only. The most recent monthly fire drill was conducted on 1/14/26. The most recent quarterly lockdown/shelter-in-place drill was conducted on 11/15/25. The most recent monthly playground inspection was completed on 12/26/25. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 100% percent as of 1/16/26. You accompanied me on a walkthrough of the facility. I observed children during snack, bathroom/handwashing, outdoor gross motor, and lunch. Supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Due to staffing issues, four children were visiting other rooms. Child/staff ratio was maintained. Infants were observed while being fed, during nap, and tummy time. A checklist was used to note the requirements I monitored today. The analysis date for the most recent lead water test was 7/27/24. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You may review your facilities results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. T This website also indicated complete for required asbestos and lead-based paint testing. There were no new staff, two existing staff files were reviewed with no violations. All staff were listed on the ABCMS Provider Portal roster for this facility. A sample of three children’s records were reviewed. NC Pre-K requirements were monitored today and in compliance. Medication was in compliance. Creative curriculum is being used for children four and five years of age. Two violations were observed and discussed with you during the visit. Due to a connectivity issue a handwritten summary was signed. Violation Number Comment Rule 1867 The depth of the loose surfacing was not based on critical height of the equipment. The required depth of mulch in and around the composite structure is six inches in depth. The mulch around the structure measured three inches or less in depth. .0605(k)(1-4) 1907 A copy of the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not given to or explained to parents of newly enrolled children up to five years of age on or before the first day the child receives care at the center. One child enrolled on 8/4/25, had a shaken baby acknowledgement form that did not include the date of enrollment and the date the policy was explained to the parent. .0608(b) 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 violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before January 30, 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 Technical Assistance was provided on the following: All stationary outdoor equipment more than 18 inches high must be installed over protective surfacing. Based on the critical height of the stationary equipment on the playground, the mulch surfacing must be a depth of six (6) inches at all times. The mulch around the composite structure measured three inches or less in depth. Since mulch has been delivered, add mulch now and as needed to ensure an appropriate depth. I suggested you check the depth of the mulch monthly, as required, during the playground inspection and note any deficiencies on the playground inspection form. I also suggested you rake and fluff the mulch regularly when needed to ensure a proper depth. I reviewed the following: The Shaken Baby acknowledgement form must contain the following: (1) The child's name; (2) The date the child first attended the center; (3) The date the operator's policy was given and explained to the parent; (4) The parent's name; (5) The parent's signature; and (6) The date the parent signed the acknowledgment One child’s acknowledgement form did not have the date of enrollment and the date the parent signed the acknowledgement form. I suggested all forms be checked during the enrollment process and before being placed in the child’s file. 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 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 was reviewed with you Markie Abernathy The facility is using pathway #1. This was discussed and reviewed today. Pathway 1: Program Assessment • Application For Assessment for a Rated License for Centers • Facility Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan • Individual Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) / Professional Development (PD) Plan • Education standards for the different staff positions: 50% of Lead Teachers evaluated, 50% of Other Educators evaluated • Approved Curriculum when four-year-olds are enrolled • Applicable Assessments for your facility and average scores required for the 4- and 5-star level • Program Assessment Self-Study for the applicable Environment Rating Scales for all classrooms • Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessment Request • Staff Information & Education Worksheet • Enhanced Ratios and Enhanced Space Options requirements at the different star levels -I suggested that you review Environment Rating Scale information and resources at www.ncrlap.org for the following assessments: ITERS-3 and ECERS-3 -Reach out to your local Resource and Referral Agency for additional technical assistance and support. Child Care connection 828-439-2328. 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 gail.dula@dhhs.nc.gov Gail Dula Child Care Consultant P O Box 1598 Morganton NC 28655 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: GIGGLES N' GRINS CHILD CARE AND LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 12000251 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/6/2024 Number Present: 74 Completed Date: 6/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Ericka Reid. The administrator was not on site today. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective March 17, 2023. The permit restrictions were in compliance. Seven classrooms and the outdoor gross motor area were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor areas. The children in care were observed during nap, hand washing, snack, while a teacher read a book to the children, outdoor gross motor activities, free play activities, and departure. Infants /toddlers were observed during tummy time, floor play activities, and while being held. There was one new staff. A staff training worksheet had not been completed. An other visit will be conducted to review the staff information. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on March 27, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with 13 demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on December 1, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The latest fire drill was conducted on April 12, 2024. Medication was in compliance. One violation was observed/ documented and discussed with you today. Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. A yearly sanitation inspection had not been conducted. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on March 27, 2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(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 was corrected. The violations must be corrected no later than June 20, 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 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% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c). Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 94%. Technical Assistance: # 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating.0304(b). A yearly sanitation inspection had not been conducted. The last inspection conducted by environmental health was completed on March 27, 2023. I recommended you call the Burke County Environmental Health office and request an inspection. Consultation: 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 compliance score is 94%. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today. -The most recent lead water testing results were received on May 7, 2021. Lead testing must be completed every three years. A new Lead Water test is due for your facility this year. You may review the status of your results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. Lead & Asbestos Testing The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program is providing free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket cost to child care centers and public schools. Enroll today at www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/carolina. 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. Facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by November 1, 2024. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement. You must enroll in both sections including lead based paint and asbestos testing to comply with the rule requirements. As a reminder: The required water testing for child care centers is not affected by the November 1, 2024 deadline. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You complete this process by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ -always check incident reports before filing to ensure that all required areas have been filed 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 handwritten summary was signed due to connectivity issues a computer generated summary was not completed during the visit. Thank you for your time and assistance during today’s visit. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, tammymcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 828-782-0858 or at 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

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: GIGGLES N' GRINS CHILD CARE AND LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 12000251 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/6/2024 Number Present: 74 Completed Date: 6/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Ericka Reid. The administrator was not on site today. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective March 17, 2023. The permit restrictions were in compliance. Seven classrooms and the outdoor gross motor area were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor areas. The children in care were observed during nap, hand washing, snack, while a teacher read a book to the children, outdoor gross motor activities, free play activities, and departure. Infants /toddlers were observed during tummy time, floor play activities, and while being held. There was one new staff. A staff training worksheet had not been completed. An other visit will be conducted to review the staff information. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on March 27, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with 13 demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on December 1, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The latest fire drill was conducted on April 12, 2024. Medication was in compliance. One violation was observed/ documented and discussed with you today. Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. A yearly sanitation inspection had not been conducted. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on March 27, 2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(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 was corrected. The violations must be corrected no later than June 20, 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 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% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c). Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 94%. Technical Assistance: # 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating.0304(b). A yearly sanitation inspection had not been conducted. The last inspection conducted by environmental health was completed on March 27, 2023. I recommended you call the Burke County Environmental Health office and request an inspection. Consultation: 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 compliance score is 94%. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today. -The most recent lead water testing results were received on May 7, 2021. Lead testing must be completed every three years. A new Lead Water test is due for your facility this year. You may review the status of your results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. Lead & Asbestos Testing The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program is providing free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket cost to child care centers and public schools. Enroll today at www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/carolina. 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. Facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by November 1, 2024. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement. You must enroll in both sections including lead based paint and asbestos testing to comply with the rule requirements. As a reminder: The required water testing for child care centers is not affected by the November 1, 2024 deadline. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You complete this process by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ -always check incident reports before filing to ensure that all required areas have been filed 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 handwritten summary was signed due to connectivity issues a computer generated summary was not completed during the visit. Thank you for your time and assistance during today’s visit. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, tammymcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 828-782-0858 or at 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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: GIGGLES N' GRINS CHILD CARE AND LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 12000251 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/6/2024 Number Present: 74 Completed Date: 6/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 01:15 PM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Ericka Reid. The administrator was not on site today. Your program currently operates with a five star license effective March 17, 2023. The permit restrictions were in compliance. Seven classrooms and the outdoor gross motor area were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor areas. The children in care were observed during nap, hand washing, snack, while a teacher read a book to the children, outdoor gross motor activities, free play activities, and departure. Infants /toddlers were observed during tummy time, floor play activities, and while being held. There was one new staff. A staff training worksheet had not been completed. An other visit will be conducted to review the staff information. The most recent sanitation inspection for your facility was conducted on March 27, 2023. A superior sanitation classification was issued with 13 demerits. The most recent fire inspection for your facility was conducted on December 1, 2023. The facility was approved for day time care. The latest fire drill was conducted on April 12, 2024. Medication was in compliance. One violation was observed/ documented and discussed with you today. Violation Number Comment Rule 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating. A yearly sanitation inspection had not been conducted. The last sanitation inspection was conducted on March 27, 2023. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(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 was corrected. The violations must be corrected no later than June 20, 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 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% as required by G.S. 110-90 (4)(c). Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 94%. Technical Assistance: # 104 Center has not passed required sanitation inspection and received an approved or superior rating.0304(b). A yearly sanitation inspection had not been conducted. The last inspection conducted by environmental health was completed on March 27, 2023. I recommended you call the Burke County Environmental Health office and request an inspection. Consultation: 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 compliance score is 94%. Consultation or other topics discussed today (the following items reviewed were in compliance today. -The most recent lead water testing results were received on May 7, 2021. Lead testing must be completed every three years. A new Lead Water test is due for your facility this year. You may review the status of your results by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. Lead & Asbestos Testing The Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids Program is providing free facility-wide testing and inspections without any out-of-pocket cost to child care centers and public schools. Enroll today at www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/carolina. 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. Facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by November 1, 2024. Due to the volume of testing and inspections, completion of the online enrollment process in the program is considered temporary compliance with the testing and inspection requirement. You must enroll in both sections including lead based paint and asbestos testing to comply with the rule requirements. As a reminder: The required water testing for child care centers is not affected by the November 1, 2024 deadline. Lead testing must be completed every three years. You complete this process by visiting https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ -always check incident reports before filing to ensure that all required areas have been filed 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 handwritten summary was signed due to connectivity issues a computer generated summary was not completed during the visit. Thank you for your time and assistance during today’s visit. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard, tammymcgalliard@dhhs.nc.gov. If I can be of further assistance, you may contact me at 828-782-0858 or at 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