10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPPING STONE PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE LLC Facility ID: 64000371 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/25/2025 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 9/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to an annual compliance visit. C. Hedgepeth, administrator, was present and assisted with the visit. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star License issued July 20, 2018, earning six (6) points in the Education Component, six (6) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 2, 2024. The posted sanitation inspection was completed July 8, 2025 earning a “Superior” rating. The last fire inspection was completed March 17, 2025 and the facility was approved for daytime and nighttime care. Children were observed during outdoor play, free choice center play, teacher directed art and completing lunch and handwashing routines. Interactions between teachers and children were nurturing in nature. This program has two (2) NC Pre-K classes that began last month. I will monitor NC Pre-K requirements during the next monitoring visit. FACILITY PROFILE This facility is owned by Stepping Stone Pre-School & Child Care LLC. The corporation is listed as active and current in the NC Secretary of State Database. Child Care Rules require that all programs have a status of “current and active”. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Children enrolled 8/1/25 and 9/17/24 have medical exams dated after the required timeframe. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child enrolled on 8/1/25 did not have immunization within the required time frame. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance can be mailed or emailed to me and must be received by October 9, 2025. If mailing, you must submit two (2) signed and dated copies. My mailing and email addresses are noted at the bottom. The letter of compliance must detail how the violations were corrected. Please be aware any written information you submit regarding the correction of the violation is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all submitted information is accurate and truthful. If it is determined that submitted information was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 96% over an eighteen (18) month period. STAFF RECORDS I reviewed all new staff and ten (10) percent of remaining staff records, and no violations were documented. CHILDREN RECORDS I reviewed ten (10) percent, or more, of children records, and three (3) violations were documented. One (1) enrolled infant did not have signed documentation parents reviewed the program’s safe sleep policy. The same infant, who enrolled 8/1/25 does not have medical report on file. There is a medical report dated 10/23/24 on file for a child that enrolled 9/17/24. The infant enrolled 8/1/25 has an immunization record dated 9/17/25 and this is past the required time frame. These items are required within a specific timeframe to ensure that parents are aware of program policies and available resources and to ensure they are medically cleared to participate in early education activities. TRANSPORTATION This program continues to provide transportation. Both vans (FKK9796) and (KAY-5972) meet current requirements. ABCMS-CRMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK PORTAL 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. I confirmed that you have taken the ABCMS Provider Portal training through the DCDEE Moodle website. You have not created the roster for your program yet and this should be done as soon as possible. I emailed three (3) guides to you regarding portal access, applicant instructions and connecting applications. There are also email addresses and phone numbers to reference for technical assistance related to the ABCMS Provider Portal. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program has expanded to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. After reviewing the website, I observed that this program completed the required second round of lead water testing in August 2024. The testing for lead in paint and asbestos was noted as no hazards identified as of June 12, 2025. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS Technical assistance given related to monitoring each classroom to see what materials or toys, if any, need to be replenished. There should be enough for multiple children to play in each center at a time. Please keep an eye on walls and window sills for signs of chipping or peeling paint as they will need to be repainted. All walls must be in good repair. I recommend you, or other administrative staff, review all applications to ensure that parents note their preferred hospital and doctors, as well as phone numbers, if their children suffer a medical emergency during their attendance. Some items discussed as technical assistance could result in a violation if not in compliance. Review infant activity plans created by staff to ensure all activities are developmentally appropriate. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated January 1, 2024, is available at the DCDEE website. There are also modules reviewing the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. 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: STEPPING STONE PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE LLC Facility ID: 64000371 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/25/2025 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 9/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to an annual compliance visit. C. Hedgepeth, administrator, was present and assisted with the visit. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star License issued July 20, 2018, earning six (6) points in the Education Component, six (6) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 2, 2024. The posted sanitation inspection was completed July 8, 2025 earning a “Superior” rating. The last fire inspection was completed March 17, 2025 and the facility was approved for daytime and nighttime care. Children were observed during outdoor play, free choice center play, teacher directed art and completing lunch and handwashing routines. Interactions between teachers and children were nurturing in nature. This program has two (2) NC Pre-K classes that began last month. I will monitor NC Pre-K requirements during the next monitoring visit. FACILITY PROFILE This facility is owned by Stepping Stone Pre-School & Child Care LLC. The corporation is listed as active and current in the NC Secretary of State Database. Child Care Rules require that all programs have a status of “current and active”. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Children enrolled 8/1/25 and 9/17/24 have medical exams dated after the required timeframe. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child enrolled on 8/1/25 did not have immunization within the required time frame. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance can be mailed or emailed to me and must be received by October 9, 2025. If mailing, you must submit two (2) signed and dated copies. My mailing and email addresses are noted at the bottom. The letter of compliance must detail how the violations were corrected. Please be aware any written information you submit regarding the correction of the violation is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all submitted information is accurate and truthful. If it is determined that submitted information was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 96% over an eighteen (18) month period. STAFF RECORDS I reviewed all new staff and ten (10) percent of remaining staff records, and no violations were documented. CHILDREN RECORDS I reviewed ten (10) percent, or more, of children records, and three (3) violations were documented. One (1) enrolled infant did not have signed documentation parents reviewed the program’s safe sleep policy. The same infant, who enrolled 8/1/25 does not have medical report on file. There is a medical report dated 10/23/24 on file for a child that enrolled 9/17/24. The infant enrolled 8/1/25 has an immunization record dated 9/17/25 and this is past the required time frame. These items are required within a specific timeframe to ensure that parents are aware of program policies and available resources and to ensure they are medically cleared to participate in early education activities. TRANSPORTATION This program continues to provide transportation. Both vans (FKK9796) and (KAY-5972) meet current requirements. ABCMS-CRMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK PORTAL 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. I confirmed that you have taken the ABCMS Provider Portal training through the DCDEE Moodle website. You have not created the roster for your program yet and this should be done as soon as possible. I emailed three (3) guides to you regarding portal access, applicant instructions and connecting applications. There are also email addresses and phone numbers to reference for technical assistance related to the ABCMS Provider Portal. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program has expanded to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. After reviewing the website, I observed that this program completed the required second round of lead water testing in August 2024. The testing for lead in paint and asbestos was noted as no hazards identified as of June 12, 2025. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS Technical assistance given related to monitoring each classroom to see what materials or toys, if any, need to be replenished. There should be enough for multiple children to play in each center at a time. Please keep an eye on walls and window sills for signs of chipping or peeling paint as they will need to be repainted. All walls must be in good repair. I recommend you, or other administrative staff, review all applications to ensure that parents note their preferred hospital and doctors, as well as phone numbers, if their children suffer a medical emergency during their attendance. Some items discussed as technical assistance could result in a violation if not in compliance. Review infant activity plans created by staff to ensure all activities are developmentally appropriate. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated January 1, 2024, is available at the DCDEE website. There are also modules reviewing the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. 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

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPPING STONE PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE LLC Facility ID: 64000371 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/25/2025 Number Present: 53 Completed Date: 9/25/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to an annual compliance visit. C. Hedgepeth, administrator, was present and assisted with the visit. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star License issued July 20, 2018, earning six (6) points in the Education Component, six (6) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 2, 2024. The posted sanitation inspection was completed July 8, 2025 earning a “Superior” rating. The last fire inspection was completed March 17, 2025 and the facility was approved for daytime and nighttime care. Children were observed during outdoor play, free choice center play, teacher directed art and completing lunch and handwashing routines. Interactions between teachers and children were nurturing in nature. This program has two (2) NC Pre-K classes that began last month. I will monitor NC Pre-K requirements during the next monitoring visit. FACILITY PROFILE This facility is owned by Stepping Stone Pre-School & Child Care LLC. The corporation is listed as active and current in the NC Secretary of State Database. Child Care Rules require that all programs have a status of “current and active”. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Children enrolled 8/1/25 and 9/17/24 have medical exams dated after the required timeframe. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child enrolled on 8/1/25 did not have immunization within the required time frame. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance can be mailed or emailed to me and must be received by October 9, 2025. If mailing, you must submit two (2) signed and dated copies. My mailing and email addresses are noted at the bottom. The letter of compliance must detail how the violations were corrected. Please be aware any written information you submit regarding the correction of the violation is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all submitted information is accurate and truthful. If it is determined that submitted information was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 96% over an eighteen (18) month period. STAFF RECORDS I reviewed all new staff and ten (10) percent of remaining staff records, and no violations were documented. CHILDREN RECORDS I reviewed ten (10) percent, or more, of children records, and three (3) violations were documented. One (1) enrolled infant did not have signed documentation parents reviewed the program’s safe sleep policy. The same infant, who enrolled 8/1/25 does not have medical report on file. There is a medical report dated 10/23/24 on file for a child that enrolled 9/17/24. The infant enrolled 8/1/25 has an immunization record dated 9/17/25 and this is past the required time frame. These items are required within a specific timeframe to ensure that parents are aware of program policies and available resources and to ensure they are medically cleared to participate in early education activities. TRANSPORTATION This program continues to provide transportation. Both vans (FKK9796) and (KAY-5972) meet current requirements. ABCMS-CRMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK PORTAL 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. I confirmed that you have taken the ABCMS Provider Portal training through the DCDEE Moodle website. You have not created the roster for your program yet and this should be done as soon as possible. I emailed three (3) guides to you regarding portal access, applicant instructions and connecting applications. There are also email addresses and phone numbers to reference for technical assistance related to the ABCMS Provider Portal. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program has expanded to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. After reviewing the website, I observed that this program completed the required second round of lead water testing in August 2024. The testing for lead in paint and asbestos was noted as no hazards identified as of June 12, 2025. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS Technical assistance given related to monitoring each classroom to see what materials or toys, if any, need to be replenished. There should be enough for multiple children to play in each center at a time. Please keep an eye on walls and window sills for signs of chipping or peeling paint as they will need to be repainted. All walls must be in good repair. I recommend you, or other administrative staff, review all applications to ensure that parents note their preferred hospital and doctors, as well as phone numbers, if their children suffer a medical emergency during their attendance. Some items discussed as technical assistance could result in a violation if not in compliance. Review infant activity plans created by staff to ensure all activities are developmentally appropriate. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated January 1, 2024, is available at the DCDEE website. There are also modules reviewing the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPPING STONE PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE LLC Facility ID: 64000371 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/2/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 10/2/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 390 Time In: 09:15 AM Time Out: 03:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to an annual compliance visit. C. Hedgepeth, administrator, was present and assisted with the visit. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star License issued July 20, 2018, earning six (6) points in the Education Component, six (6) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on October 26, 2023. The posted sanitation inspection was completed July 1, 2024 earning a “Superior” rating. The last fire inspection was completed March 12, 2024 and the facility was approved for daytime and nighttime care. Children were observed engaging in free choice center play, group time, teacher directed writing practice, outdoor play, and completing lunch. Interactions between teachers and children were familiar and nurturing in nature. This program has two (2) NC Pre-K classes and requirements for NC Pre-K standards were monitored today. All three (3) NC Pre-K staff are listed in the NC Pre-K plan for this program. FACILITY PROFILE This facility is owned by Stepping Stone Pre-School & Child Care LLC. The corporation listed as owner of this facility is documented as active but not current in the Secretary of State Database. Child Care Rules require that all programs have a status of “current and active”. I recommend you contact the NC Secretary of State and any staff that assist with the maintenance of your corporation to rectify this as soon as possible. If a licensed program is owned by a corporation that does not have a “Current and Active” status an Administrative Action is warranted. You logged into the database during the visit to complete the required report and payment. Continue to check the website to ensure the status is changed to current and active. I reviewed contact information for the owner and the facility with you and you verified the current information listed with DCDEE remains correct. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. The employee hired 1/29/24 did not have the emergency information on file for review. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. There was no documentation available that the employee hired 1/29/24 completed the required staff orientation. .1101(a) 1327 Accurate records were not maintained for all children. There was no signed statement that a parent received the center’s discipline policy for three (3) enrolled children. G.S. 110-91(9) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. The child enrolled 6/3/24 did not have signed acknowledgement on file that parents reviewed the SBS/AHT policy. .0608(b)(1-6) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance can be mailed or emailed to me and must be received by October 16, 2024. If mailing, you must submit two (2) signed and dated copies. My mailing and email addresses are noted at the bottom. The letter of compliance must detail how the violations were corrected. Please be aware any written information you submit regarding the correction of the violation is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all submitted information is accurate and truthful. If it is determined that submitted information was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 98% over an eighteen (18) month period. STAFF RECORDS I reviewed all new staff and ten (10) percent of remaining staff records, and two (2) violations were documented. The staff person hired 1/29/24 did not have documentation of orientation or emergency information on file during the visit. The violation related to emergency information was corrected during the visit as the staff member completed the form today. Orientation must be documented on the DCDEE form found on our website noted below, to note the required 2-week and 6-weeks of program orientation. CHILDREN RECORDS I reviewed ten (10) percent, or more, of children records, and two (2) violations were documented. Documentation that families reviewed and were given a copy of the program’s discipline policy was not on file for three (3) enrolled children. There is one (1) enrolled child who does not have a parent signed acknowledgement that they reviewed the programs shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma (SBS/AHT) policy by their first day of enrollment. This is required to ensure that parents are aware of the policy and resources related to SBS/AHT. TRANSPORTATION This program continues to provide transportation, and the van (FKK9796) meets current requirements. The key for the second van (KAY-5972) is not on-site. I will monitor this van during the next monitoring visit. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS Technical assistance given related to the playground fencing facing the street on the playground near the kitchen. It appears that any heavy rain washes much of the dirt, sand, leaves, etc. to the bottom of fencing. This could cause the fence to measure below the required four (4) feet of height. This may result in a violation if not addressed prior. I recommend you, or other administrative staff, review all applications to ensure that parents note their preferred hospital and doctors if their children should suffer a medical emergency during their attendance. Technical assistance discussed regarding ensuring that cleaning agents stored outside be locked in the storage shed if they cannot be made completely inaccessible. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by November 1, 2024. While reviewing the website I observed that your program has completed your three (3) re-test for lead water. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated January 1, 2024, is available at the DCDEE website. There are also modules reviewing the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. 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 .0801 · Violation

Name of Operation: STEPPING STONE PRESCHOOL & CHILDCARE LLC Facility ID: 64000371 Consultant: FELICIA FAISON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/26/2023 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 10/27/2023 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 433 Time In: 09:12 AM Time Out: 04:25 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor compliance with child care requirements applicable to an annual compliance visit. C. Hedgepeth, administrator, was present and assisted with the visit. Due printer issues a handwritten visit summary was left with at the conclusion of the visit. The computer-generated visit will be emailed to you by the close of business tomorrow. Currently, this center operates with a Five-Star License issued July 20, 2018, earning six (6) points in the Education Component, six (6) points in the Program Component and one (1) Quality point. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on November 16, 2022. The posted sanitation inspection was completed August 29, 2023 earning a “Superior” rating. The last fire inspection was completed April 18, 2023 and the facility was approved for daytime and nighttime care. Children were observed engaging in free choice center play, group time, teacher directed art projects, outdoor play, and completing lunch. Interactions between teachers and children were familiar and nurturing in nature. This program has two (2) NC Pre-K classes and requirements for NC Pre-K standards were monitored today. FACILITY PROFILE This facility is owned by Stepping Stone Pre-School & Child Care LLC. The corporation listed as owner of this facility is documented as current and active in the Secretary of State Database and is required to remain so per child care rules. I reviewed contact information for the owner and the facility with you and you verified the current information listed with DCDEE remains correct. The following violations of child care requirements were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 887 Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger and/or the documents were not maintained for a minimum of one month. A month of visual sleep checks were not available for review. .0606(g) 1303 Application was not signed by the parent. The application for a child enrolled 10/23/23 did not have a parent signature. 10A NCAC 09 .0801(a) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. There was no signed statement that a parent received the center’s discipline policy for three (3) enrolled children. .1804(c) 1764 A health assessment was not on file at the NC Pre-K site within 30 days after a child entered the NC Pre-K program or the health assessment was more than 12 months old at the time of program entry. The health assessment for a child enrolled 8/17/23 was completed 10/9/23. .3005(a) 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. Health information was not stored separately from staff personnel files. .0701(d) The violations documented above must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance can be mailed or emailed to me and must be received by November 9, 2023. If mailing, you must submit two (2) signed and dated copies. My mailing and email addresses are noted at the bottom. The letter of compliance must detail how the violations were corrected. Please be aware any written information you submit regarding the correction of the violation is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all submitted information is accurate and truthful. If it is determined that submitted information was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility’s license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY Prior to today’s visit your compliance history was 96% over an eighteen (18) month period. STAFF RECORDS I reviewed all new staff and ten (10) percent of remaining staff records, and one violation was documented. Staff medical forms (health assessment, TB screening/test, health questionnaire, and doctor notes) were stored in their personnel files. These forms must be stored separate from personnel records due to HIPAA laws. CHILDREN RECORDS I reviewed ten (10) percent, or more, of children records, and three (3) violations were documented. The application on file for a child enrolled 10/23/23 has not been signed by a parent or guardian. This document must be signed to ensure that parents agree that the information documented is correct and consent to emergency medical care. Documentation that families reviewed and were given a copy of the program’s discipline policy was not on file for three (3) enrolled children. The child who enrolled 8/17/23 completed the required health assessment, screenings, and immunization report on 10/9/23. These items are required to be on file within thirty (30) days of enrollment per Child Care Rules. TRANSPORTATION While monitoring the facility vans a violation was documented. The facility van (FKK-9796) used to transport children has two (2) back tires with a tread less than 2/32 of an inch. I would closely monitor the back tires on the van (KAY-5972) for appropriate tread depth. SAFE SLEEP A month’s worth of visual sleep check documentation was not available for review for the two infants. Two (2) forms were not dated to indicate when the sleep checks were completed. Staff completing the checks should also note the infants sleep position as listed on the form and in case this information is ever called into question. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & REMINDERS You stated that you have not been able to log in to the Risk Management Portal to review your program’s EPR Plan. I recommended trying to access the portal from a different web browser. You may also contact Mahmood Hasan at (919)825-2319 for technical assistance. You informed me you have called the number before and have not reached him as of yet. Technical assistance given regarding ensuring that any document a parent/guardian signs includes the date of signature. For some forms this is required by Child Care Rule, but it is also best practice in case any conflict comes up regarding the document. Technical assistance discussed related to making sure new staff are aware that purses and personal belongings must be kept in locked storage. Otherwise, the belonging may be monitored to ensure no potentially hazardous items are kept inside and a violation may be warranted. Continue to document all incident reports on the Division Incident Report Log. This may be completed by you or the staff person in the classroom. Licensing fee invoices will be emailed out prior to the end of the year. Ensure that your email address remains current and once received that the payment is made online, on the Division website. Please be reminded that failure to pay the license fee is a violation of General Statutes 110-90(1a) and will result in a penalty assessment, accrued interest, and issuance of an Administrative Action. This year's Child Care Immunization Reports are due by midnight on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and will not be accepted after that date. Failure to submit an annual child care immunization report per G.S. 130A-155 will be reported to the Local Health Director for your county. The NC Commission for Public Health adopted and approved the amended rule regarding lead water testing effective October 1, 2019. The rule requires all licensed child care centers to test all drinking water faucets and food preparation sinks for lead contamination once every three years. If a child care center finds elevated concentrations of lead in the center’s water, they will be required to take immediate action. If your center was tested in 2020 you are due to re-test this year. I recommend you go to cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org regarding the second round of testing. Child care licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy child care environment. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with all applicable laws and rules. The best way to do so is to periodically review the child care laws and rules. The current rule book dated July 1, 2023, is available at the DCDEE website. There are also modules reviewing the new Child Care Rules available on Moodle, which can be found on the Division website. I recommend you frequently click the “What’s New” tab to stay informed of all updates on the DCDEE website. Please feel free to contact me at (984) 867-7089 or email at Felicia.faison@dhhs.nc.gov for questions and assistance. If needed my mailing address is PO Box 61161, Raleigh NC 27661. You may also contact Susan Fuller, Licensing Supervisor at (252) 373-9809. 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.