Little Hands Learning Center

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HANDS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 12000411 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/3/2025 Number Present: 8 Completed Date: 6/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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, including health and safety, during a Routine Unannounced visit. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Teresia Kurtz, owner/provider. Also present today was an additional caregiver who works part time, Aleah Royal. Your program currently operates with a 4-star license effective April 7, 2022. Permit restrictions are as follows: Daytime and overnight, maximum of 5 preschool children at any time, no more than 2 children under one year of age, trampoline may not be used, no more than 3 children less than 1 year old, fireplace/woodstove not used during operating hours. When I arrived eight (8) children were present including (3) school age children, four (4) preschool age children, and one (1) infant. The children present were observed during indoor and outdoor free play activities, handwashing /bathroom routines, lunch and nap. Two children enrolled on first and third shift, were present. Ratio was maintained. You have a designated space in the basement for child care. Children enter on the ground level. Fire: A fire drill was conducted on 5/20/25. A shelter-in place was conducted on 4/9/25. The Lead Water was tested on 8/21/23. The Lead Paint and Asbestos testing has not been started but has not been completed. The file for additional staff was reviewed and two violations were cited and reviewed with you. One violation was cited regarding children who live in the home and have turned sixteen years so age. None of the enrolled children had medication. Three violations were cited and reviewed with you. You were given an opportunity to ask questions. Due to a connectivity issues a handwritten summary was completed. Violation Number Comment Rule 939 Individuals who provide care for 5 hours or more a week, during planned absences of the operator, did not have proof of negative TB test or screening results completed within the last 12 months prior to the first day providing care. An employee who started work on 4/10/25 had a TB test result on file dated 6/23/21. GS 110-91(7)(b) 1846 An individual over the age of 15, who resides in a family child care home or a center located in a residence on a permanent or temporary basis, or those who had their 16th birthday after the initial licensing of a family child care home; did not complete and submit required forms within five business days. Two children, living in your home, turned 16 in April 2025. Required Criminal Background check forms and finger printing forms had not been submitted. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(q) 2015 Operator did not review the abusive head trauma and shaken baby syndrome policy with staff and/or the acknowledgement of the review did not contain required items or was not available for review. One staff, employed on 4/10/25 did not have documentation of having reviewed the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .1726(d)(1-4) The above uncorrected violations 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 17, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above, noncompliance, may lead to an administrative action. Compliance History As discussed, violations cited today and/or during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead administrative action. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75%. Your compliance history before today's visit was 96%. Technical Assistance: #2015 One additional staff employed on 4/10/25 did not have documentation of having received the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy. All staff who care for children up to five (5) years of age must review the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy prior to the staff member caring for children. An acknowledgment of receipt and review must be on file. The acknowledgement of the review shall contain:(1) the individual's name;(2)the date the center's policy was given and explained to the individual;(3) the individual's signature; and (4)the date the individual signed the acknowledgment. You reviewed the policy with new staff, and it was signed during the visit. I reminded you to review the policy with any new staff before the first day of caring for children. #1846 An individual over the age of 15, who resides in a family child care home or a center located in a residence on a permanent or temporary basis, or those who had their 16th birthday after the initial licensing of a family child care home; did not complete and submit required forms within five business days. G.S. 110-90.2 &.2703(q). Your twins turned 16 in April 2025. Required Criminal Background check forms had not been submitted for review. You said you would take care of this immediately. I suggested you check your file, your husband's file, and extra staff files to ensure that background checks are current and review renewal dates. I reminded you that your renewal date is 8/28/25. #939 An employee who started work on 4/10/25 had a TB test result on file dated 6/2/3/21. I reminded you that a current TB test result must be on file the first day of caring for children. I suggested you review this information at the time staff is hired. I reviewed the following with you and Ms. Royal; Individuals who provide care for 5 hours or more a week, during planned absences of the operator, did not have proof of negative TB test or screening results completed within the last 12 months prior to the first day providing care. 1729(a)(5) Consultation: The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Add new staff and family members to your provider portal. We discussed adding transportation. You have a van you want to use when school starts. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development by visiting this website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov site enables you to view the entire law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Professional Development opportunities and Moodle trainings are available on the website. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Due to a connectivity issue, a hand written summary was reviewed with you and you signed the summary. If I can be of further assistance, please call me at ***828-782-0858*** or contact me at: Gail Dula Child Care Consultant P O Box 1598 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

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HANDS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 12000411 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/3/2025 Number Present: 8 Completed Date: 6/3/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 135 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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, including health and safety, during a Routine Unannounced visit. Upon arrival, the purpose of today’s visit was reviewed with you, Teresia Kurtz, owner/provider. Also present today was an additional caregiver who works part time, Aleah Royal. Your program currently operates with a 4-star license effective April 7, 2022. Permit restrictions are as follows: Daytime and overnight, maximum of 5 preschool children at any time, no more than 2 children under one year of age, trampoline may not be used, no more than 3 children less than 1 year old, fireplace/woodstove not used during operating hours. When I arrived eight (8) children were present including (3) school age children, four (4) preschool age children, and one (1) infant. The children present were observed during indoor and outdoor free play activities, handwashing /bathroom routines, lunch and nap. Two children enrolled on first and third shift, were present. Ratio was maintained. You have a designated space in the basement for child care. Children enter on the ground level. Fire: A fire drill was conducted on 5/20/25. A shelter-in place was conducted on 4/9/25. The Lead Water was tested on 8/21/23. The Lead Paint and Asbestos testing has not been started but has not been completed. The file for additional staff was reviewed and two violations were cited and reviewed with you. One violation was cited regarding children who live in the home and have turned sixteen years so age. None of the enrolled children had medication. Three violations were cited and reviewed with you. You were given an opportunity to ask questions. Due to a connectivity issues a handwritten summary was completed. Violation Number Comment Rule 939 Individuals who provide care for 5 hours or more a week, during planned absences of the operator, did not have proof of negative TB test or screening results completed within the last 12 months prior to the first day providing care. An employee who started work on 4/10/25 had a TB test result on file dated 6/23/21. GS 110-91(7)(b) 1846 An individual over the age of 15, who resides in a family child care home or a center located in a residence on a permanent or temporary basis, or those who had their 16th birthday after the initial licensing of a family child care home; did not complete and submit required forms within five business days. Two children, living in your home, turned 16 in April 2025. Required Criminal Background check forms and finger printing forms had not been submitted. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(q) 2015 Operator did not review the abusive head trauma and shaken baby syndrome policy with staff and/or the acknowledgement of the review did not contain required items or was not available for review. One staff, employed on 4/10/25 did not have documentation of having reviewed the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy. .1726(d)(1-4) The above uncorrected violations 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 17, 2025. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above, noncompliance, may lead to an administrative action. Compliance History As discussed, violations cited today and/or during future visits will negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead administrative action. Your program must maintain a compliance score of at least 75%. Your compliance history before today's visit was 96%. Technical Assistance: #2015 One additional staff employed on 4/10/25 did not have documentation of having received the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy. All staff who care for children up to five (5) years of age must review the facility's Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy prior to the staff member caring for children. An acknowledgment of receipt and review must be on file. The acknowledgement of the review shall contain:(1) the individual's name;(2)the date the center's policy was given and explained to the individual;(3) the individual's signature; and (4)the date the individual signed the acknowledgment. You reviewed the policy with new staff, and it was signed during the visit. I reminded you to review the policy with any new staff before the first day of caring for children. #1846 An individual over the age of 15, who resides in a family child care home or a center located in a residence on a permanent or temporary basis, or those who had their 16th birthday after the initial licensing of a family child care home; did not complete and submit required forms within five business days. G.S. 110-90.2 &.2703(q). Your twins turned 16 in April 2025. Required Criminal Background check forms had not been submitted for review. You said you would take care of this immediately. I suggested you check your file, your husband's file, and extra staff files to ensure that background checks are current and review renewal dates. I reminded you that your renewal date is 8/28/25. #939 An employee who started work on 4/10/25 had a TB test result on file dated 6/2/3/21. I reminded you that a current TB test result must be on file the first day of caring for children. I suggested you review this information at the time staff is hired. I reviewed the following with you and Ms. Royal; Individuals who provide care for 5 hours or more a week, during planned absences of the operator, did not have proof of negative TB test or screening results completed within the last 12 months prior to the first day providing care. 1729(a)(5) Consultation: The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. Add new staff and family members to your provider portal. We discussed adding transportation. You have a van you want to use when school starts. Stay up to date with the Division of Child Development by visiting this website www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov site enables you to view the entire law and Child Care Requirements for North Carolina as well as download required forms. Professional Development opportunities and Moodle trainings are available on the website. Thank you for your time and assistance today. Due to a connectivity issue, a hand written summary was reviewed with you and you signed the summary. If I can be of further assistance, please call me at ***828-782-0858*** or contact me at: Gail Dula Child Care Consultant P O Box 1598 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: LITTLE HANDS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 12000411 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/10/2024 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 6/10/2024 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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, Teresa Kurtz, owner/operator. Your program currently operates with a four star license issued on April 7, 2022. The following restrictions were in compliance: daytime care only, maximum of 5 preschool children at any time, fireplace/woodstove not used during operating hours, trampoline may not be used, no more than 2 children under one year of age. When I arrived, four children were in attendance. All of the children present were preschool age. The children in care were observed during free play activities, handwashing, lunch, and nap. You use your basement including a bathroom and for child care. A variety of toys are available for the children to use. The fire extinguisher was fully charged and located on the wall near the entrance. None of the enrolled children had medication. Storage of household medication was in compliance. One violation was observed or documented and discussed with you during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1306 Operator has not completed ITS-SIDS training every three years from the completion date of the previous ITS-SIDS training. The operator completed the training on 5/24/21. The expiation date was 5/24/24. .1703(a)(4) 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 24, 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 96%. 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 Technical Assistance: #1306 Operator has not completed ITS-SIDS training every three years from the completion date of previous ITS-SIDS training. The operator completed the training on 5/24/21. The expiation date was 5/2424. I reminded you to review all training regularly in ensure that renewal dates are met. Consultation or other topics discussed today. -you have made some changes in preparation of possibly moving to a Center in Residence. You have contacted zoning, and the building inspections. -we discussed available training through Child Care Connections. -we discussed health & safety training. -I reminded you to check the outdoor area before children play. -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. -Per the following child care requirement, 15A NCAC 18A .2816 LEAD POISONING HAZARDS IN CHILD CARE CENTERS child care operators must test all water outlets used for drinking and food preparation only once every three years. Sinks used for handwashing do not need to be tested. Many facilities are due for the three year water testing. You may visit http://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/carolina and click on the Facility Data tab to find out when your facilities last water test results were completed. If lead water testing is not complete, Environmental Health Specialists may give a Provisional sanitation rating. Your safety staff has submitted water sample recently. The most recent lead water testing results were completed on August 21, 2023. Family Child Care Homes have until January 1, 2025, to complete the required lead testing. Check to the website to ensure your program is registered for the asbestos/lead paint review. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard@dhh.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

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: LITTLE HANDS LEARNING CENTER Facility ID: 12000411 Consultant: GAIL DULA Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 6/10/2024 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 6/10/2024 Age: From 2 To 4 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 10:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home 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, Teresa Kurtz, owner/operator. Your program currently operates with a four star license issued on April 7, 2022. The following restrictions were in compliance: daytime care only, maximum of 5 preschool children at any time, fireplace/woodstove not used during operating hours, trampoline may not be used, no more than 2 children under one year of age. When I arrived, four children were in attendance. All of the children present were preschool age. The children in care were observed during free play activities, handwashing, lunch, and nap. You use your basement including a bathroom and for child care. A variety of toys are available for the children to use. The fire extinguisher was fully charged and located on the wall near the entrance. None of the enrolled children had medication. Storage of household medication was in compliance. One violation was observed or documented and discussed with you during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1306 Operator has not completed ITS-SIDS training every three years from the completion date of the previous ITS-SIDS training. The operator completed the training on 5/24/21. The expiation date was 5/24/24. .1703(a)(4) 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 24, 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 96%. 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 Technical Assistance: #1306 Operator has not completed ITS-SIDS training every three years from the completion date of previous ITS-SIDS training. The operator completed the training on 5/24/21. The expiation date was 5/2424. I reminded you to review all training regularly in ensure that renewal dates are met. Consultation or other topics discussed today. -you have made some changes in preparation of possibly moving to a Center in Residence. You have contacted zoning, and the building inspections. -we discussed available training through Child Care Connections. -we discussed health & safety training. -I reminded you to check the outdoor area before children play. -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. -Per the following child care requirement, 15A NCAC 18A .2816 LEAD POISONING HAZARDS IN CHILD CARE CENTERS child care operators must test all water outlets used for drinking and food preparation only once every three years. Sinks used for handwashing do not need to be tested. Many facilities are due for the three year water testing. You may visit http://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/carolina and click on the Facility Data tab to find out when your facilities last water test results were completed. If lead water testing is not complete, Environmental Health Specialists may give a Provisional sanitation rating. Your safety staff has submitted water sample recently. The most recent lead water testing results were completed on August 21, 2023. Family Child Care Homes have until January 1, 2025, to complete the required lead testing. Check to the website to ensure your program is registered for the asbestos/lead paint review. Thank you for your time today. If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me or my supervisor, Tammy McGalliard@dhh.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