10A NCAC 09 .1102 · Violation

Name of Operation: MARTINS CREEK SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 20000058 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2026 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/12/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Lance Bristol, Administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Today, Hillary Chastain, Lead Teacher was available to answer any questions today. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was one hundred (100%) percentage as of 03/10/2026 The ownership of the child care facility is Cherokee County Public Schools Permit type – Five Star Rated License issued on 6/1/2021 Special Services/Restrictions – Day time care only; No children in diapers; Meets reduced ratios; Meets enhance ratios, NCPK approved and approved for transportation The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/2/25 The last fire drill was practiced on 2/25/2026 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 2/16/2026 The last playground inspection was documented on 3/9/2026 The last fire inspection was approved on 9/8/2025 The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/17/2025 with zero (0) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum Creative Curriculum Lead water testing was completed on 01/2/2024 without hazards. Lead paint and asbestos testing was completed on 5/20/2025 Upon arrival, there were fourteen (14) children between four (4) and five (5) years of age present. I observed the children participating in free play activities, circle time, and transitioning to lunch. Lunch consisted of orange chicken, fried rice, ginger-glazed carrots, steamed broccoli, an orange, and milk. All items were accurately listed on the menu. Playground: The preschool group of children washed their hands and transitioned to the playground. While on the playground, the children played with balls, climbers, a movable see-saw, a purple dinosaur, a cash register, play kitchen food, and other equipment. Staff members adequately supervised the children and their activities. Standing water was observed in the grassy area, and the teacher stated that a work order was submitted in February 2026 to address the issue. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Medication: There was no medication on the premises. The teacher stated that there were currently no children who required medication. File Review: I reviewed one (1) existing staff file and one (1) new staff file. Three (3) additional staff members were listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet; however, their files were not available for review because the staff members were either off-site or an off-site transportation form had been completed. Two (2) children's files were also reviewed. Supervision and staff/child interactions were adequate. The program does provide transportation. The program uses public school buses. There was a public-school off-site records verification form on file for transportation records. The off-site form was completed and current. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The classroom operates from 7:20a.m. to 2:50p.m. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. G.S. 110-102 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent. .0604(a) 9995 Sanitation Rule: 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a)Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Technical assistance was provided as follows: Standing Water on the Playground-Item # 9995: In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. You stated that a work order was put in February 2026 to be fixed. 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a) Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. Batteries-# 811: There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent, which is potentially hazardous when accessible to children. Batteries should be stored locked. This item was corrected during the visit. Summary of Law-Item # 0115: The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. The 2025 Summary of Law was given to the Lead teacher and posted. This item was corrected during the visit. Public off-site record verification- Item # 124 Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 03/26/2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114 Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424, or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, 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. Consultation is provided as follows: Rated License Consultation: Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, and Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, met with Thomas Graham, Administrator, on 01/05/2026 to provide technical assistance regarding new child care rules in SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES for all Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K Programs. After reviewing the three pathway options to achieve a star license, the Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K programs have chosen the classroom and instructional quality pathway. Please reach out with your questions as needed and be prepared to submit a rated license application in 2026. An ERS request will be submitted at the time of the rated license application to complete ECERS-3 assessment as required by NC Pre-K requirements. This assessment will not be part of the rated license process, but is required to meet NC Pre-K requirements. We discussed that the bus drivers criminal background application will need to be linked to Martins Creek Elementary School Pre-K as it will be sited as a violation at the next routine unannounced visit. See rule below: New and terminated staff notification requirement As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. 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.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .1703 · Violation

Name of Operation: MARTINS CREEK SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 20000058 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2026 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/12/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Lance Bristol, Administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Today, Hillary Chastain, Lead Teacher was available to answer any questions today. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was one hundred (100%) percentage as of 03/10/2026 The ownership of the child care facility is Cherokee County Public Schools Permit type – Five Star Rated License issued on 6/1/2021 Special Services/Restrictions – Day time care only; No children in diapers; Meets reduced ratios; Meets enhance ratios, NCPK approved and approved for transportation The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/2/25 The last fire drill was practiced on 2/25/2026 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 2/16/2026 The last playground inspection was documented on 3/9/2026 The last fire inspection was approved on 9/8/2025 The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/17/2025 with zero (0) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum Creative Curriculum Lead water testing was completed on 01/2/2024 without hazards. Lead paint and asbestos testing was completed on 5/20/2025 Upon arrival, there were fourteen (14) children between four (4) and five (5) years of age present. I observed the children participating in free play activities, circle time, and transitioning to lunch. Lunch consisted of orange chicken, fried rice, ginger-glazed carrots, steamed broccoli, an orange, and milk. All items were accurately listed on the menu. Playground: The preschool group of children washed their hands and transitioned to the playground. While on the playground, the children played with balls, climbers, a movable see-saw, a purple dinosaur, a cash register, play kitchen food, and other equipment. Staff members adequately supervised the children and their activities. Standing water was observed in the grassy area, and the teacher stated that a work order was submitted in February 2026 to address the issue. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Medication: There was no medication on the premises. The teacher stated that there were currently no children who required medication. File Review: I reviewed one (1) existing staff file and one (1) new staff file. Three (3) additional staff members were listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet; however, their files were not available for review because the staff members were either off-site or an off-site transportation form had been completed. Two (2) children's files were also reviewed. Supervision and staff/child interactions were adequate. The program does provide transportation. The program uses public school buses. There was a public-school off-site records verification form on file for transportation records. The off-site form was completed and current. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The classroom operates from 7:20a.m. to 2:50p.m. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. G.S. 110-102 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent. .0604(a) 9995 Sanitation Rule: 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a)Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Technical assistance was provided as follows: Standing Water on the Playground-Item # 9995: In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. You stated that a work order was put in February 2026 to be fixed. 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a) Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. Batteries-# 811: There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent, which is potentially hazardous when accessible to children. Batteries should be stored locked. This item was corrected during the visit. Summary of Law-Item # 0115: The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. The 2025 Summary of Law was given to the Lead teacher and posted. This item was corrected during the visit. Public off-site record verification- Item # 124 Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 03/26/2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114 Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424, or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, 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. Consultation is provided as follows: Rated License Consultation: Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, and Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, met with Thomas Graham, Administrator, on 01/05/2026 to provide technical assistance regarding new child care rules in SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES for all Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K Programs. After reviewing the three pathway options to achieve a star license, the Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K programs have chosen the classroom and instructional quality pathway. Please reach out with your questions as needed and be prepared to submit a rated license application in 2026. An ERS request will be submitted at the time of the rated license application to complete ECERS-3 assessment as required by NC Pre-K requirements. This assessment will not be part of the rated license process, but is required to meet NC Pre-K requirements. We discussed that the bus drivers criminal background application will need to be linked to Martins Creek Elementary School Pre-K as it will be sited as a violation at the next routine unannounced visit. See rule below: New and terminated staff notification requirement As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. 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.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

10A NCAC 09 .3222 · Violation

Name of Operation: MARTINS CREEK SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 20000058 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2026 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/12/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Lance Bristol, Administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Today, Hillary Chastain, Lead Teacher was available to answer any questions today. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was one hundred (100%) percentage as of 03/10/2026 The ownership of the child care facility is Cherokee County Public Schools Permit type – Five Star Rated License issued on 6/1/2021 Special Services/Restrictions – Day time care only; No children in diapers; Meets reduced ratios; Meets enhance ratios, NCPK approved and approved for transportation The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/2/25 The last fire drill was practiced on 2/25/2026 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 2/16/2026 The last playground inspection was documented on 3/9/2026 The last fire inspection was approved on 9/8/2025 The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/17/2025 with zero (0) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum Creative Curriculum Lead water testing was completed on 01/2/2024 without hazards. Lead paint and asbestos testing was completed on 5/20/2025 Upon arrival, there were fourteen (14) children between four (4) and five (5) years of age present. I observed the children participating in free play activities, circle time, and transitioning to lunch. Lunch consisted of orange chicken, fried rice, ginger-glazed carrots, steamed broccoli, an orange, and milk. All items were accurately listed on the menu. Playground: The preschool group of children washed their hands and transitioned to the playground. While on the playground, the children played with balls, climbers, a movable see-saw, a purple dinosaur, a cash register, play kitchen food, and other equipment. Staff members adequately supervised the children and their activities. Standing water was observed in the grassy area, and the teacher stated that a work order was submitted in February 2026 to address the issue. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Medication: There was no medication on the premises. The teacher stated that there were currently no children who required medication. File Review: I reviewed one (1) existing staff file and one (1) new staff file. Three (3) additional staff members were listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet; however, their files were not available for review because the staff members were either off-site or an off-site transportation form had been completed. Two (2) children's files were also reviewed. Supervision and staff/child interactions were adequate. The program does provide transportation. The program uses public school buses. There was a public-school off-site records verification form on file for transportation records. The off-site form was completed and current. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The classroom operates from 7:20a.m. to 2:50p.m. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. G.S. 110-102 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent. .0604(a) 9995 Sanitation Rule: 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a)Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Technical assistance was provided as follows: Standing Water on the Playground-Item # 9995: In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. You stated that a work order was put in February 2026 to be fixed. 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a) Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. Batteries-# 811: There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent, which is potentially hazardous when accessible to children. Batteries should be stored locked. This item was corrected during the visit. Summary of Law-Item # 0115: The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. The 2025 Summary of Law was given to the Lead teacher and posted. This item was corrected during the visit. Public off-site record verification- Item # 124 Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 03/26/2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114 Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424, or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, 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. Consultation is provided as follows: Rated License Consultation: Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, and Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, met with Thomas Graham, Administrator, on 01/05/2026 to provide technical assistance regarding new child care rules in SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES for all Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K Programs. After reviewing the three pathway options to achieve a star license, the Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K programs have chosen the classroom and instructional quality pathway. Please reach out with your questions as needed and be prepared to submit a rated license application in 2026. An ERS request will be submitted at the time of the rated license application to complete ECERS-3 assessment as required by NC Pre-K requirements. This assessment will not be part of the rated license process, but is required to meet NC Pre-K requirements. We discussed that the bus drivers criminal background application will need to be linked to Martins Creek Elementary School Pre-K as it will be sited as a violation at the next routine unannounced visit. See rule below: New and terminated staff notification requirement As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. 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.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: MARTINS CREEK SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 20000058 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2026 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/12/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Lance Bristol, Administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Today, Hillary Chastain, Lead Teacher was available to answer any questions today. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was one hundred (100%) percentage as of 03/10/2026 The ownership of the child care facility is Cherokee County Public Schools Permit type – Five Star Rated License issued on 6/1/2021 Special Services/Restrictions – Day time care only; No children in diapers; Meets reduced ratios; Meets enhance ratios, NCPK approved and approved for transportation The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/2/25 The last fire drill was practiced on 2/25/2026 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 2/16/2026 The last playground inspection was documented on 3/9/2026 The last fire inspection was approved on 9/8/2025 The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/17/2025 with zero (0) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum Creative Curriculum Lead water testing was completed on 01/2/2024 without hazards. Lead paint and asbestos testing was completed on 5/20/2025 Upon arrival, there were fourteen (14) children between four (4) and five (5) years of age present. I observed the children participating in free play activities, circle time, and transitioning to lunch. Lunch consisted of orange chicken, fried rice, ginger-glazed carrots, steamed broccoli, an orange, and milk. All items were accurately listed on the menu. Playground: The preschool group of children washed their hands and transitioned to the playground. While on the playground, the children played with balls, climbers, a movable see-saw, a purple dinosaur, a cash register, play kitchen food, and other equipment. Staff members adequately supervised the children and their activities. Standing water was observed in the grassy area, and the teacher stated that a work order was submitted in February 2026 to address the issue. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Medication: There was no medication on the premises. The teacher stated that there were currently no children who required medication. File Review: I reviewed one (1) existing staff file and one (1) new staff file. Three (3) additional staff members were listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet; however, their files were not available for review because the staff members were either off-site or an off-site transportation form had been completed. Two (2) children's files were also reviewed. Supervision and staff/child interactions were adequate. The program does provide transportation. The program uses public school buses. There was a public-school off-site records verification form on file for transportation records. The off-site form was completed and current. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The classroom operates from 7:20a.m. to 2:50p.m. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. G.S. 110-102 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent. .0604(a) 9995 Sanitation Rule: 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a)Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Technical assistance was provided as follows: Standing Water on the Playground-Item # 9995: In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. You stated that a work order was put in February 2026 to be fixed. 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a) Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. Batteries-# 811: There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent, which is potentially hazardous when accessible to children. Batteries should be stored locked. This item was corrected during the visit. Summary of Law-Item # 0115: The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. The 2025 Summary of Law was given to the Lead teacher and posted. This item was corrected during the visit. Public off-site record verification- Item # 124 Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 03/26/2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114 Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424, or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, 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. Consultation is provided as follows: Rated License Consultation: Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, and Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, met with Thomas Graham, Administrator, on 01/05/2026 to provide technical assistance regarding new child care rules in SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES for all Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K Programs. After reviewing the three pathway options to achieve a star license, the Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K programs have chosen the classroom and instructional quality pathway. Please reach out with your questions as needed and be prepared to submit a rated license application in 2026. An ERS request will be submitted at the time of the rated license application to complete ECERS-3 assessment as required by NC Pre-K requirements. This assessment will not be part of the rated license process, but is required to meet NC Pre-K requirements. We discussed that the bus drivers criminal background application will need to be linked to Martins Creek Elementary School Pre-K as it will be sited as a violation at the next routine unannounced visit. See rule below: New and terminated staff notification requirement As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. 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.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MARTINS CREEK SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 20000058 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2026 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/12/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Lance Bristol, Administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Today, Hillary Chastain, Lead Teacher was available to answer any questions today. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was one hundred (100%) percentage as of 03/10/2026 The ownership of the child care facility is Cherokee County Public Schools Permit type – Five Star Rated License issued on 6/1/2021 Special Services/Restrictions – Day time care only; No children in diapers; Meets reduced ratios; Meets enhance ratios, NCPK approved and approved for transportation The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/2/25 The last fire drill was practiced on 2/25/2026 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 2/16/2026 The last playground inspection was documented on 3/9/2026 The last fire inspection was approved on 9/8/2025 The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/17/2025 with zero (0) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum Creative Curriculum Lead water testing was completed on 01/2/2024 without hazards. Lead paint and asbestos testing was completed on 5/20/2025 Upon arrival, there were fourteen (14) children between four (4) and five (5) years of age present. I observed the children participating in free play activities, circle time, and transitioning to lunch. Lunch consisted of orange chicken, fried rice, ginger-glazed carrots, steamed broccoli, an orange, and milk. All items were accurately listed on the menu. Playground: The preschool group of children washed their hands and transitioned to the playground. While on the playground, the children played with balls, climbers, a movable see-saw, a purple dinosaur, a cash register, play kitchen food, and other equipment. Staff members adequately supervised the children and their activities. Standing water was observed in the grassy area, and the teacher stated that a work order was submitted in February 2026 to address the issue. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Medication: There was no medication on the premises. The teacher stated that there were currently no children who required medication. File Review: I reviewed one (1) existing staff file and one (1) new staff file. Three (3) additional staff members were listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet; however, their files were not available for review because the staff members were either off-site or an off-site transportation form had been completed. Two (2) children's files were also reviewed. Supervision and staff/child interactions were adequate. The program does provide transportation. The program uses public school buses. There was a public-school off-site records verification form on file for transportation records. The off-site form was completed and current. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The classroom operates from 7:20a.m. to 2:50p.m. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. G.S. 110-102 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent. .0604(a) 9995 Sanitation Rule: 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a)Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Technical assistance was provided as follows: Standing Water on the Playground-Item # 9995: In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. You stated that a work order was put in February 2026 to be fixed. 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a) Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. Batteries-# 811: There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent, which is potentially hazardous when accessible to children. Batteries should be stored locked. This item was corrected during the visit. Summary of Law-Item # 0115: The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. The 2025 Summary of Law was given to the Lead teacher and posted. This item was corrected during the visit. Public off-site record verification- Item # 124 Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 03/26/2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114 Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424, or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, 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. Consultation is provided as follows: Rated License Consultation: Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, and Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, met with Thomas Graham, Administrator, on 01/05/2026 to provide technical assistance regarding new child care rules in SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES for all Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K Programs. After reviewing the three pathway options to achieve a star license, the Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K programs have chosen the classroom and instructional quality pathway. Please reach out with your questions as needed and be prepared to submit a rated license application in 2026. An ERS request will be submitted at the time of the rated license application to complete ECERS-3 assessment as required by NC Pre-K requirements. This assessment will not be part of the rated license process, but is required to meet NC Pre-K requirements. We discussed that the bus drivers criminal background application will need to be linked to Martins Creek Elementary School Pre-K as it will be sited as a violation at the next routine unannounced visit. See rule below: New and terminated staff notification requirement As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. 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.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: MARTINS CREEK SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 20000058 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2026 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/12/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Lance Bristol, Administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Today, Hillary Chastain, Lead Teacher was available to answer any questions today. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was one hundred (100%) percentage as of 03/10/2026 The ownership of the child care facility is Cherokee County Public Schools Permit type – Five Star Rated License issued on 6/1/2021 Special Services/Restrictions – Day time care only; No children in diapers; Meets reduced ratios; Meets enhance ratios, NCPK approved and approved for transportation The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/2/25 The last fire drill was practiced on 2/25/2026 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 2/16/2026 The last playground inspection was documented on 3/9/2026 The last fire inspection was approved on 9/8/2025 The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/17/2025 with zero (0) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum Creative Curriculum Lead water testing was completed on 01/2/2024 without hazards. Lead paint and asbestos testing was completed on 5/20/2025 Upon arrival, there were fourteen (14) children between four (4) and five (5) years of age present. I observed the children participating in free play activities, circle time, and transitioning to lunch. Lunch consisted of orange chicken, fried rice, ginger-glazed carrots, steamed broccoli, an orange, and milk. All items were accurately listed on the menu. Playground: The preschool group of children washed their hands and transitioned to the playground. While on the playground, the children played with balls, climbers, a movable see-saw, a purple dinosaur, a cash register, play kitchen food, and other equipment. Staff members adequately supervised the children and their activities. Standing water was observed in the grassy area, and the teacher stated that a work order was submitted in February 2026 to address the issue. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Medication: There was no medication on the premises. The teacher stated that there were currently no children who required medication. File Review: I reviewed one (1) existing staff file and one (1) new staff file. Three (3) additional staff members were listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet; however, their files were not available for review because the staff members were either off-site or an off-site transportation form had been completed. Two (2) children's files were also reviewed. Supervision and staff/child interactions were adequate. The program does provide transportation. The program uses public school buses. There was a public-school off-site records verification form on file for transportation records. The off-site form was completed and current. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The classroom operates from 7:20a.m. to 2:50p.m. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. G.S. 110-102 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent. .0604(a) 9995 Sanitation Rule: 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a)Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Technical assistance was provided as follows: Standing Water on the Playground-Item # 9995: In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. You stated that a work order was put in February 2026 to be fixed. 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a) Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. Batteries-# 811: There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent, which is potentially hazardous when accessible to children. Batteries should be stored locked. This item was corrected during the visit. Summary of Law-Item # 0115: The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. The 2025 Summary of Law was given to the Lead teacher and posted. This item was corrected during the visit. Public off-site record verification- Item # 124 Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 03/26/2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114 Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424, or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, 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. Consultation is provided as follows: Rated License Consultation: Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, and Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, met with Thomas Graham, Administrator, on 01/05/2026 to provide technical assistance regarding new child care rules in SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES for all Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K Programs. After reviewing the three pathway options to achieve a star license, the Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K programs have chosen the classroom and instructional quality pathway. Please reach out with your questions as needed and be prepared to submit a rated license application in 2026. An ERS request will be submitted at the time of the rated license application to complete ECERS-3 assessment as required by NC Pre-K requirements. This assessment will not be part of the rated license process, but is required to meet NC Pre-K requirements. We discussed that the bus drivers criminal background application will need to be linked to Martins Creek Elementary School Pre-K as it will be sited as a violation at the next routine unannounced visit. See rule below: New and terminated staff notification requirement As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. 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.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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

Open Not marked corrected in the state record

Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: MARTINS CREEK SCHOOL PRE-K Facility ID: 20000058 Consultant: BRIDGET OWEN Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/12/2026 Number Present: 14 Completed Date: 3/12/2026 Age: From 4 To 5 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance during an annual compliance visit. A computerized generated report of today’s visit was completed, reviewed with you, and signed by Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant and also signed by Lance Bristol, Administrator, during the visit. An electronic signed copy of the visit summary was left on-site to you. Today, Hillary Chastain, Lead Teacher was available to answer any questions today. The indoor and outdoor areas were monitored today, including supervision, staff/child ratios, permit restrictions, discipline, nutrition and routine caregiving activities. An annual compliance monitoring checklist for child care centers was used to note the requirements monitored and is attached to the computerized generated visit summary for your records. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was one hundred (100%) percentage as of 03/10/2026 The ownership of the child care facility is Cherokee County Public Schools Permit type – Five Star Rated License issued on 6/1/2021 Special Services/Restrictions – Day time care only; No children in diapers; Meets reduced ratios; Meets enhance ratios, NCPK approved and approved for transportation The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 4/2/25 The last fire drill was practiced on 2/25/2026 The last shelter-in-place drill was practiced on 2/16/2026 The last playground inspection was documented on 3/9/2026 The last fire inspection was approved on 9/8/2025 The last sanitation inspection was conducted on 9/17/2025 with zero (0) demerits for a superior classification. The Emergency Medical Care plan was posted and current. The approved curriculum Creative Curriculum Lead water testing was completed on 01/2/2024 without hazards. Lead paint and asbestos testing was completed on 5/20/2025 Upon arrival, there were fourteen (14) children between four (4) and five (5) years of age present. I observed the children participating in free play activities, circle time, and transitioning to lunch. Lunch consisted of orange chicken, fried rice, ginger-glazed carrots, steamed broccoli, an orange, and milk. All items were accurately listed on the menu. Playground: The preschool group of children washed their hands and transitioned to the playground. While on the playground, the children played with balls, climbers, a movable see-saw, a purple dinosaur, a cash register, play kitchen food, and other equipment. Staff members adequately supervised the children and their activities. Standing water was observed in the grassy area, and the teacher stated that a work order was submitted in February 2026 to address the issue. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Medication: There was no medication on the premises. The teacher stated that there were currently no children who required medication. File Review: I reviewed one (1) existing staff file and one (1) new staff file. Three (3) additional staff members were listed on the Staff and Training Worksheet; however, their files were not available for review because the staff members were either off-site or an off-site transportation form had been completed. Two (2) children's files were also reviewed. Supervision and staff/child interactions were adequate. The program does provide transportation. The program uses public school buses. There was a public-school off-site records verification form on file for transportation records. The off-site form was completed and current. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the childcare rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. The classroom operates from 7:20a.m. to 2:50p.m. I used the Child Care Center Item Number Listing (DCDEE-0357) as a basic monitoring tool to assess compliance with all applicable child care requirements pertinent to this facility. For specific rule references, refer to Chapter 110 General Statues Child Care Facilities, Chapter nine (9) Child Care Rule (10A NCAC 09) and Section 2800 Sanitation of Child Care Center (15A NCAC 18A) for additional information. Updated copies of these rules can be located on our website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ The following violations were documented during today’s visit Violation Number Comment Rule 115 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not posted in a prominent place in the center. The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. G.S. 110-102 124 The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. The center did not maintain records as required in rule, and/or were not made available to the Division for review. Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. G.S. 110-91(9); .0304(g); .2318 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent. .0604(a) 9995 Sanitation Rule: 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a)Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. Technical assistance was provided as follows: Standing Water on the Playground-Item # 9995: In the grassy area at the bottom of the hill to the right of the playhouse was standing water. Additionally, standing water was present in the grassy area to the left of the door exiting to the playground. You stated that a work order was put in February 2026 to be fixed. 15A NCAC 18A .2832 OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND PREMISES (a) Child care center premises, including the outdoor learning environment, shall be kept clean, drained to minimize standing water, free of litter and hazards, and maintained in a manner which does not create conditions that attract or harbor pests. Debris, glass, dilapidated structures, and broken play equipment shall be removed from areas accessible to children. Wells, grease traps, cisterns, and utility equipment shall be made inaccessible to children. Batteries-# 811: There were batteries stored in an unlocked cabinet accessible to preschool age children. Batteries are a corrosive agent, which is potentially hazardous when accessible to children. Batteries should be stored locked. This item was corrected during the visit. Summary of Law-Item # 0115: The summary of law posted was dated 2003 and not current. The 2025 Summary of Law was given to the Lead teacher and posted. This item was corrected during the visit. Public off-site record verification- Item # 124 Off-site record verification was not on site or the file available for review for the administrator. This was corrected during the visit. Achieving Compliance: 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. 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. The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. Send me a letter of compliance describing in detail specifically how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. Include the following: • Facility name • Facility ID# • Name and position of individual submitting compliance statement • Date of visit • Violation item number • Signed statement of compliance I must receive your compliance statement by 03/26/2026 Email the compliance letter on signed letterhead or it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) to: bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or you can mail to: Department of Health and Human Services Division of Child Development and Early Education Attn: Bridget Owen Po Box 114 Rosman, NC 28772 Please call me at 828-530-2424, or email bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov, if you need assistance. Please note: if mailing the letter of compliance, I must receive it by the due date listed above. You will need to mail a compliance statement three to five days prior to the due date to ensure receipt is within the designated timeline. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, 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. Consultation is provided as follows: Rated License Consultation: Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, and Bridget Owen, Child Care Consultant, met with Thomas Graham, Administrator, on 01/05/2026 to provide technical assistance regarding new child care rules in SECTION .3200 - STANDARDS FOR TWO THROUGH FIVE STAR RATED LICENSES for all Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K Programs. After reviewing the three pathway options to achieve a star license, the Cherokee County Schools NC Pre-K programs have chosen the classroom and instructional quality pathway. Please reach out with your questions as needed and be prepared to submit a rated license application in 2026. An ERS request will be submitted at the time of the rated license application to complete ECERS-3 assessment as required by NC Pre-K requirements. This assessment will not be part of the rated license process, but is required to meet NC Pre-K requirements. We discussed that the bus drivers criminal background application will need to be linked to Martins Creek Elementary School Pre-K as it will be sited as a violation at the next routine unannounced visit. See rule below: New and terminated staff notification requirement As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) child care operators are to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-6401 and someone will assist you. If you elect to change and/or alter any previously approved spaces used by children as indicated on the approved indoor and outdoor floor plan, you will need to contact me within thirty (30) days prior to the change. Failure to notify a DCDEE representative may result in a violation of child care requirements. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) states “Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. 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.” As child care providers, you are a vital part in the prevention and intervention of child maltreatment! You may see potential indicators of maltreatment in the children under your care. Some children may even be more likely to disclose maltreatment to a child care provider than to a family member. It is required that all providers are aware of maltreatment indicators and to report any suspicions of maltreatment. Follow child care rules related to child maltreatment training: 10A NCAC 09 .1102(g) and 10A NCAC 09 .1703(a)(5) states the child care administrator, operator, and all staff members shall complete Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. It is the center operator’s responsibility to make sure each staff person has registered for a WORKS account, submit an official transcript (if applicable) and apply for a position for evaluation. This should be completed immediately upon hiring or at the latest, by the end of the six-week orientation process. Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3222 (c) If employment-related changes occur at a facility that result in noncompliance with or failure to meet the standards in the Section for the star rating issued, the operator shall correct the noncompliance within six months. If the operator does not correct the noncompliance within six months, the operator shall notify the Division. It is your responsibility to understand the health and safety requirements in child care rule .1102. If the program is out of compliance in accordance with health and safety requirements, Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), it may affect subsidy funding. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/.It is your responsibility to understand the rules and laws that are applicable your program. All rules/laws cannot be verbally reviewed during any monitoring visit. Please ask questions if you are having difficulty and would like additional technical assistance. I welcome your questions and want to be a resource for you. We appreciate all you are doing to serve the children and families of NC. If you have questions, please contact me at bridget.owen@dhhs.nc.gov or 828.530-2424 or Bonnie Mathis, Licensing Supervisor, at bonnie.mathis@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

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Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.