Childcare Network #76

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #76 Facility ID: 25000628 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/19/2026 Number Present: 41 Completed Date: 2/19/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 320 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 03:00 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. M. Ricci, Administrator, and K. Wheeler, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/14/2019, earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component (meeting enhanced space) and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/24/25. The sanitation inspection was completed 11/25/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 3/10/25. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety seven percent as of 2/13/26. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 2/13/26 and Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. You visited each indoor and outdoor space with me. Children throughout the center were engaged in free play in activity centers, personal care routines, and transitions. Children under twelve months old received care according to individual needs including bottle feeding and napping. Toddlers were observed coloring on paper with markers. Preschoolers were creating shapes with playdough. Older preschoolers were observed in the outdoor space swinging on swings, riding on trikes, and going down slides. The outdoor spaces were observed to have stationary climbers, swings, basketball hoop, and stepping stone blocks for the children to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of chicken nuggets, corn, sweet potatoes, whole grain biscuit, and milk. The following violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1914 The person identified as the person or alternate person responsible for carrying out the emergency medical care plan was not on the premises at all times and/or did not accompany children for off premise activities. The emergency medical care plan reflect two (2) staff members that were no longer employed at the facility. .0802(b)(1-2) 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. Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Emergency Medical Care Plan: Your program’s Emergency Medical Care plan was created to assist you with following a plan in the event of an emergency and who is responsible for each task list. You must update the plan whenever changes occur in your program. Your facilities emergency medical care plan must be reviewed with staff annually or when changes occur. Upon review of the emergency medical care plan, it was found that it needed to be updated with current staff and what they will be responsible for. You stated that the staff members had recently left the facility and immediately corrected the plan to correct the violation. Review the emergency medical care plan monthly when completing the fire drill to ensure that all information listed is current. Resources: As a licensed child care facility, it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the child care laws and rules and to teach your staff the rules to ensure your center remains in compliance. The following resources are available to you: 1. DCDEE website, www.ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov – current laws and rules regarding child care facilities in North Carolina, “What’s New” tab, Items Number Listing which you can use as a checklist for your program. 2. Raise NC Newsletter – weekly newsletter emailed to facility email including relevant information from the Division, training opportunities, grants, and more. You can sign up to receive Raise NC on the What’s New tab. 3. NC Health & Safety Resource Center publishes a quarterly newsletter which provides topical information on a variety of health and safety topics. If you are not receiving these emails and newsletters, then please go to https://healthychildcare.unc.edu/resources/nc-child-care-health-and-safety-e-news/ and click on ‘Newsletter Signup’ to join their mailing list. The Winter 2026 edition, “Ready, Set, Action!” includes articles on the emergency medical care plan and responding to infant/toddler emergencies. The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP), www.ncrlap.org , has resources to help you and your staff prepare for the third editions of the Environment Rating Scales (ECERS-3 and ITERS-3). Visit the website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, self-assessments and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. At this time the SACERS-U will continue to be the program assessment tool for school-age programs and classrooms. Southwestern Child Development Commission, www.swcdcinc.org, Child Care Resources Inc., https://www.childcareresourcesinc.org/ and Early Years, https://www.earlyyearsnc.org/ offer DCDEE approved, on-line, self-paced and virtual real-time training and CEUs. SWCDC also offers affordable annual packages allowing you to take as many courses as you need or want for one price. The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® North Carolina Scholarship Program provides educational scholarships to early care professionals and those who perform specialized functions in the early care system. https://www.childcareservices.org/programs/teach-north-carolina/ Additional Comments: Language: Using positive language during interactions with children is important because a supportive and caring environment, where children feel respected, encourages active participation in the learning process. The role of the teacher in supporting preschool children’s cognitive and social/emotional development is in recognizing the child’s current capabilities and guiding interactions to appropriately meet the children’s needs, while also challenging them to engage with new concepts or learn new skills. We discussed the importance of the use of language in the classrooms and as you get ready for the program assessment. Staff Education and Works: Assist staff with getting education posted in Works to count for your upcoming QRIS rated license reassessment. QRIS (Quality Rating Improvement System) Technical Assistance: All information on the QRIS rated license assessments and documents will be posted at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization and will also be provided through emails and Raise NC newsletters. During the visit we completed the QRIS Conversation Template with a focus on the selected pathway. Your QRIS assessment is due by 12/31/2026. You have decided to follow Pathway #1: Program Assessment Pathway. We reviewed all forms for pathway #1 and accessed them at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov. North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID: Did you know that if you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Outdoor Learning Environments Work Plan: Bring nature to children by naturalizing childcare centers and family child care homes, schools, residential neighborhoods, parks and greenways, community centers, cultural facilities, botanical gardens, museums and other nonformal education institutions. Today, we discussed adding a science center with a thermometer and rain gauge and soft furnishings and books beneath the wooden teepees. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0601 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #76 Facility ID: 25000628 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2025 Number Present: 56 Completed Date: 3/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 02:45 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. M. Ricci, Administrator, and K. Wheeler, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 6/6/2024 earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/10/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/5/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 3/10/25. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety seven percent as of 3/11/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 3/11/25 and Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. You visited each indoor and outdoor space with me. Children throughout the center were engaged in free play in activity centers, transitions, and personal care routines. Preschoolers were playing in the sand table and building structures with manipulatives. Children under twelve months old received care according to individual needs including bottle feeding and napping. School age children transitioned inside, washed their hands, and created travel brochures for different states in groups. Toddlers were observed in the outdoor spaces kicking balls, pushing riding toys, and going down slides. The outdoor spaces were observed to have stationary climbers, swings, basketball hoop, and stepping stone blocks for the children to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of cheese pizza, green beans, mixed fruit, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #1, there were rusted hooks observed on the kitchen sets. There were several active ant hills observed in outdoor space #2. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/7/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Outdoor Environment: Emerging research tells us that children need to spend time outdoors to be healthy as they grow and develop. They will be smarter, better able to get along with others, healthier and happier when they have regular opportunities for free and unstructured play outdoors. Outdoor play is beneficial to children as well as caregivers. Research tells us that spending time outdoors, exposed to fresh air, sunlight, and natural elements such as trees and grass provides many health benefits. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. In outdoor space #1, there were rusted hooks observed on the kitchen sets. There were several active ant hills observed in outdoor space #2. You stated that you have the outdoor spaces treated regularly for ants. You also stated that you are considering removing the kitchen sets or the hooks from the kitchen sets. During the visit, you placed a maintenance order for the ants and the kitchen sets. Check the outdoor spaces daily before the children arrive to ensure that hazards are removed and inspect equipment thoroughly each month during the playground inspections for hazards. Additional Comments: ABCMS Provider Portal: During the visit, you generated the provider id code needed to connect applications and began connecting applications. Complete this process for all employees to complete the roster for your facility. QRIS Public Comment Period Now Open: The Child Care Commission intends to adopt the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .3201-.3226 and amend the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .0102, .2902, .2905, .3002, .3009, and .3010. • Read the Proposed Amendments and Adoptions. • Read the Fiscal Impact Analysis approved by the Office of State Budget Management. This set of rules is proposed for adoption and amendment by the N.C. Child Care Commission in response to Session Laws 2023-40 and 2024-34 regarding the modernization of the state’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). Proposed Effective Date: August 1, 2025 Send written comments on the proposed QRIS rules to: Julie Peck, DCDEE Rulemaking Coordinator 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 Julie.peck@dhhs.nc.gov PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS: APRIL 4, 2025 There will be a public hearing at the March 26 meeting of the N.C. Child Care Commission. The meeting starts at 1:00 and the public hearing will begin at 1:15 pm. Meeting will be held at the DCDEE offices: 333 Six Forks Road, Room 165, Raleigh, NC 27609 and By WebEx Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. We discussed the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. We collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. The website ncrlap.org offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and getting ready for ITERS-3 and ECERS-3. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0102 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #76 Facility ID: 25000628 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2025 Number Present: 56 Completed Date: 3/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 02:45 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. M. Ricci, Administrator, and K. Wheeler, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 6/6/2024 earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/10/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/5/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 3/10/25. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety seven percent as of 3/11/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 3/11/25 and Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. You visited each indoor and outdoor space with me. Children throughout the center were engaged in free play in activity centers, transitions, and personal care routines. Preschoolers were playing in the sand table and building structures with manipulatives. Children under twelve months old received care according to individual needs including bottle feeding and napping. School age children transitioned inside, washed their hands, and created travel brochures for different states in groups. Toddlers were observed in the outdoor spaces kicking balls, pushing riding toys, and going down slides. The outdoor spaces were observed to have stationary climbers, swings, basketball hoop, and stepping stone blocks for the children to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of cheese pizza, green beans, mixed fruit, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #1, there were rusted hooks observed on the kitchen sets. There were several active ant hills observed in outdoor space #2. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/7/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Outdoor Environment: Emerging research tells us that children need to spend time outdoors to be healthy as they grow and develop. They will be smarter, better able to get along with others, healthier and happier when they have regular opportunities for free and unstructured play outdoors. Outdoor play is beneficial to children as well as caregivers. Research tells us that spending time outdoors, exposed to fresh air, sunlight, and natural elements such as trees and grass provides many health benefits. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. In outdoor space #1, there were rusted hooks observed on the kitchen sets. There were several active ant hills observed in outdoor space #2. You stated that you have the outdoor spaces treated regularly for ants. You also stated that you are considering removing the kitchen sets or the hooks from the kitchen sets. During the visit, you placed a maintenance order for the ants and the kitchen sets. Check the outdoor spaces daily before the children arrive to ensure that hazards are removed and inspect equipment thoroughly each month during the playground inspections for hazards. Additional Comments: ABCMS Provider Portal: During the visit, you generated the provider id code needed to connect applications and began connecting applications. Complete this process for all employees to complete the roster for your facility. QRIS Public Comment Period Now Open: The Child Care Commission intends to adopt the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .3201-.3226 and amend the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .0102, .2902, .2905, .3002, .3009, and .3010. • Read the Proposed Amendments and Adoptions. • Read the Fiscal Impact Analysis approved by the Office of State Budget Management. This set of rules is proposed for adoption and amendment by the N.C. Child Care Commission in response to Session Laws 2023-40 and 2024-34 regarding the modernization of the state’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). Proposed Effective Date: August 1, 2025 Send written comments on the proposed QRIS rules to: Julie Peck, DCDEE Rulemaking Coordinator 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 Julie.peck@dhhs.nc.gov PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS: APRIL 4, 2025 There will be a public hearing at the March 26 meeting of the N.C. Child Care Commission. The meeting starts at 1:00 and the public hearing will begin at 1:15 pm. Meeting will be held at the DCDEE offices: 333 Six Forks Road, Room 165, Raleigh, NC 27609 and By WebEx Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. We discussed the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. We collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. The website ncrlap.org offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and getting ready for ITERS-3 and ECERS-3. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .3201 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #76 Facility ID: 25000628 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2025 Number Present: 56 Completed Date: 3/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 02:45 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. M. Ricci, Administrator, and K. Wheeler, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 6/6/2024 earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/10/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/5/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 3/10/25. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety seven percent as of 3/11/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 3/11/25 and Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. You visited each indoor and outdoor space with me. Children throughout the center were engaged in free play in activity centers, transitions, and personal care routines. Preschoolers were playing in the sand table and building structures with manipulatives. Children under twelve months old received care according to individual needs including bottle feeding and napping. School age children transitioned inside, washed their hands, and created travel brochures for different states in groups. Toddlers were observed in the outdoor spaces kicking balls, pushing riding toys, and going down slides. The outdoor spaces were observed to have stationary climbers, swings, basketball hoop, and stepping stone blocks for the children to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of cheese pizza, green beans, mixed fruit, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #1, there were rusted hooks observed on the kitchen sets. There were several active ant hills observed in outdoor space #2. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/7/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Outdoor Environment: Emerging research tells us that children need to spend time outdoors to be healthy as they grow and develop. They will be smarter, better able to get along with others, healthier and happier when they have regular opportunities for free and unstructured play outdoors. Outdoor play is beneficial to children as well as caregivers. Research tells us that spending time outdoors, exposed to fresh air, sunlight, and natural elements such as trees and grass provides many health benefits. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. In outdoor space #1, there were rusted hooks observed on the kitchen sets. There were several active ant hills observed in outdoor space #2. You stated that you have the outdoor spaces treated regularly for ants. You also stated that you are considering removing the kitchen sets or the hooks from the kitchen sets. During the visit, you placed a maintenance order for the ants and the kitchen sets. Check the outdoor spaces daily before the children arrive to ensure that hazards are removed and inspect equipment thoroughly each month during the playground inspections for hazards. Additional Comments: ABCMS Provider Portal: During the visit, you generated the provider id code needed to connect applications and began connecting applications. Complete this process for all employees to complete the roster for your facility. QRIS Public Comment Period Now Open: The Child Care Commission intends to adopt the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .3201-.3226 and amend the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .0102, .2902, .2905, .3002, .3009, and .3010. • Read the Proposed Amendments and Adoptions. • Read the Fiscal Impact Analysis approved by the Office of State Budget Management. This set of rules is proposed for adoption and amendment by the N.C. Child Care Commission in response to Session Laws 2023-40 and 2024-34 regarding the modernization of the state’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). Proposed Effective Date: August 1, 2025 Send written comments on the proposed QRIS rules to: Julie Peck, DCDEE Rulemaking Coordinator 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 Julie.peck@dhhs.nc.gov PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS: APRIL 4, 2025 There will be a public hearing at the March 26 meeting of the N.C. Child Care Commission. The meeting starts at 1:00 and the public hearing will begin at 1:15 pm. Meeting will be held at the DCDEE offices: 333 Six Forks Road, Room 165, Raleigh, NC 27609 and By WebEx Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. We discussed the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. We collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. The website ncrlap.org offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and getting ready for ITERS-3 and ECERS-3. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #76 Facility ID: 25000628 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 3/24/2025 Number Present: 56 Completed Date: 3/24/2025 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 350 Time In: 08:55 AM Time Out: 02:45 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 your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. M. Ricci, Administrator, and K. Wheeler, Assistant Administrator, assisted me with the visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 6/6/2024 earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having a staff benefits package and infrastructure of parent involvement. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/10/24. The sanitation inspection was completed 2/5/25 with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on 3/10/25. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety seven percent as of 3/11/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 3/11/25 and Child Development Schools North Carolina, LLC was listed as current- active. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. You visited each indoor and outdoor space with me. Children throughout the center were engaged in free play in activity centers, transitions, and personal care routines. Preschoolers were playing in the sand table and building structures with manipulatives. Children under twelve months old received care according to individual needs including bottle feeding and napping. School age children transitioned inside, washed their hands, and created travel brochures for different states in groups. Toddlers were observed in the outdoor spaces kicking balls, pushing riding toys, and going down slides. The outdoor spaces were observed to have stationary climbers, swings, basketball hoop, and stepping stone blocks for the children to engage in gross motor activities. Lunch was observed and consisted of cheese pizza, green beans, mixed fruit, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 807 A safe indoor and outdoor environment was not provided for the children. In outdoor space #1, there were rusted hooks observed on the kitchen sets. There were several active ant hills observed in outdoor space #2. 10A NCAC 09 .0601(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/7/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Outdoor Environment: Emerging research tells us that children need to spend time outdoors to be healthy as they grow and develop. They will be smarter, better able to get along with others, healthier and happier when they have regular opportunities for free and unstructured play outdoors. Outdoor play is beneficial to children as well as caregivers. Research tells us that spending time outdoors, exposed to fresh air, sunlight, and natural elements such as trees and grass provides many health benefits. It is important that the outdoor area is checked daily, and proper upkeep is conducted to ensure the environment is safe for use. In outdoor space #1, there were rusted hooks observed on the kitchen sets. There were several active ant hills observed in outdoor space #2. You stated that you have the outdoor spaces treated regularly for ants. You also stated that you are considering removing the kitchen sets or the hooks from the kitchen sets. During the visit, you placed a maintenance order for the ants and the kitchen sets. Check the outdoor spaces daily before the children arrive to ensure that hazards are removed and inspect equipment thoroughly each month during the playground inspections for hazards. Additional Comments: ABCMS Provider Portal: During the visit, you generated the provider id code needed to connect applications and began connecting applications. Complete this process for all employees to complete the roster for your facility. QRIS Public Comment Period Now Open: The Child Care Commission intends to adopt the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .3201-.3226 and amend the rules cited as 10A NCAC 09 .0102, .2902, .2905, .3002, .3009, and .3010. • Read the Proposed Amendments and Adoptions. • Read the Fiscal Impact Analysis approved by the Office of State Budget Management. This set of rules is proposed for adoption and amendment by the N.C. Child Care Commission in response to Session Laws 2023-40 and 2024-34 regarding the modernization of the state’s Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS). Proposed Effective Date: August 1, 2025 Send written comments on the proposed QRIS rules to: Julie Peck, DCDEE Rulemaking Coordinator 2201 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2201 Julie.peck@dhhs.nc.gov PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS: APRIL 4, 2025 There will be a public hearing at the March 26 meeting of the N.C. Child Care Commission. The meeting starts at 1:00 and the public hearing will begin at 1:15 pm. Meeting will be held at the DCDEE offices: 333 Six Forks Road, Room 165, Raleigh, NC 27609 and By WebEx Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. We discussed the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. We collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. The website ncrlap.org offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and getting ready for ITERS-3 and ECERS-3. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0806 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #76 Facility ID: 25000628 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-018L Visit Date: 10/14/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 10/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: 03:45 PM Time Out: 04:15 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. Michelle O'Kelley, Child Care Consultant accompanied me on today's visit. The allegations are as follows: There are concerns that: Children are not adequately supervised. (unexplained injury incidents) Incident reports are not prepared as required. Soiled diapers/clothing are not changed as required. Children are not treated in a nurturing and caring manner. Regarding the allegation that children are not adequately supervised, I observed staff positioned around the classrooms and outdoors where they could see and hear all the children. In spaces #1 and #3 three staff members present but only two staff members were needed to cover ratios. The additional staff members were able to assist with personal care routines, transitions, and handwashing. Staff members and administrators were interviewed and it was reported staff members take active supervision training during onboarding. Upon review of onboarding training, it was found that staff members have completed the active supervision training. It was not reported that there have been lapses of supervision. Based on the above information this allegation is unconfirmed. Regarding the allegation that incident reports are not prepared as required, I reviewed the incident log and incident reports. Incident report logs reflected all incident reports on file and the incident reports were reviewed in children’s files. Incident reports were filed out entirely including staff and parent signatures. Staff and administrators reported that incident reports are completed and signed by the parents if there is an incident. Based on the above information this allegation is unconfirmed. Regarding the allegation that soiled diaper/ clothing are not changed as required. During today’s visit, diapering and toileting procedures were monitored. According to staff, the diapering procedure is completed for each child every hour and a half. I observed in diaper changing rooms there were diapers, pullups, and change of clothes available for each child in their cubbies. Staff had reminders posted for parents that would need more supplies soon. It was reported that reminders that parents are given reminders in their daily digital report. I observed in space #1, upon review of the diaper changing log a child arrived at 8:17 am and was not changed until 10:26 am on 10/14/24. On 10/11/24 it showed two children arriving at 8:21 am, was changed at 10:27 am and the next time the child was changed was at 2:41 pm. Based on observations, the allegation is confirmed. Regarding the allegation that children are not treated in a nurturing and caring manner, I observed classroom spaces and interviewed staff and administrators. It was reported to me that cameras in the center only have live feed. During classroom observations, teachers cared for children according to individual needs with soft tones, used positive redirection, and staff members got down on the children’s eye level when speaking to them. Administrators reported that the discipline policy was updated in the August 2024 revision of the parent handbook to the Positive Guidance for Effective Redirection Techniques to maintain a safe and positive environment for children. I observed this policy in the handbook and a parent signature page in the child’s application for the updated policy. It was also reported that this policy is a part of the orientation process and reviewed the policy in a staff file with staff signature in addition to the staff completing an online training on discipline. Staff reported that the discipline policy was reviewed with them and that the policy is to redirect children and to use positive reinforcement. Administrators reported that they make daily classroom observations and that staff members are using discipline techniques according to the positive redirection techniques and modeling positive redirection. Staff members reported that they work well with their fellow staff members and do not have any concerns about the staff members in the facility using inappropriate discipline techniques. I shared with staff and administrators’ the Healthy Social Behaviors hotline. A copy of the flyer was emailed to the administrator to share with the staff. Based on the above information the allegation was unconfirmed. The following violation(s) were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 401 Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis. Upon review of the diaper changing log a child arrived at 8:17 am and was not changed until 10:26 am on 10/14/24. On 10/11/24 it showed two children arriving at 8:21 am, was changed at 10:27 am and the next time the child was changed was at 2:41 pm. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 10/28/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance for Documented Violations: Diapering: Diapers should be checked for wetness and feces at least hourly, visually inspected at least every two hours, and whenever the child indicates discomfort or exhibits behavior that suggests a soiled or wet diaper. Diapers should be changed when they are found to be wet or soiled. It can be helpful to document when diapers are changed, as a visual to see when diapers should be changed next. You stated that diaper changes are documented in the digital daily report that is sent to parents at the end of each day and the diaper changes occur every hour and a half. A dry erase board is hanging on the wall beside the changing table. A caregiver stated that it is used to document the time that the children need to be changed and to ensure that all the children are changed everyone and a half hours. It is important to know what time children were changed so that you will know when the next changing time will be. It could be helpful to set a timer on the tablet as a reminder of when an hour and a half has passed since the time that the first child arrives at the center. The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. The team is made up of specialists with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. To speak to a Behavior Support Advisor, contact 1-888-600-1685 option 1. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: Childcare Network #76 Facility ID: 25000628 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1024-018L Visit Date: 10/14/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 10/14/2024 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 130 Time In: 12:00 PM Time Out: 01:40 PM Time In: 03:45 PM Time Out: 04:15 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. Michelle O'Kelley, Child Care Consultant accompanied me on today's visit. The allegations are as follows: There are concerns that: Children are not adequately supervised. (unexplained injury incidents) Incident reports are not prepared as required. Soiled diapers/clothing are not changed as required. Children are not treated in a nurturing and caring manner. Regarding the allegation that children are not adequately supervised, I observed staff positioned around the classrooms and outdoors where they could see and hear all the children. In spaces #1 and #3 three staff members present but only two staff members were needed to cover ratios. The additional staff members were able to assist with personal care routines, transitions, and handwashing. Staff members and administrators were interviewed and it was reported staff members take active supervision training during onboarding. Upon review of onboarding training, it was found that staff members have completed the active supervision training. It was not reported that there have been lapses of supervision. Based on the above information this allegation is unconfirmed. Regarding the allegation that incident reports are not prepared as required, I reviewed the incident log and incident reports. Incident report logs reflected all incident reports on file and the incident reports were reviewed in children’s files. Incident reports were filed out entirely including staff and parent signatures. Staff and administrators reported that incident reports are completed and signed by the parents if there is an incident. Based on the above information this allegation is unconfirmed. Regarding the allegation that soiled diaper/ clothing are not changed as required. During today’s visit, diapering and toileting procedures were monitored. According to staff, the diapering procedure is completed for each child every hour and a half. I observed in diaper changing rooms there were diapers, pullups, and change of clothes available for each child in their cubbies. Staff had reminders posted for parents that would need more supplies soon. It was reported that reminders that parents are given reminders in their daily digital report. I observed in space #1, upon review of the diaper changing log a child arrived at 8:17 am and was not changed until 10:26 am on 10/14/24. On 10/11/24 it showed two children arriving at 8:21 am, was changed at 10:27 am and the next time the child was changed was at 2:41 pm. Based on observations, the allegation is confirmed. Regarding the allegation that children are not treated in a nurturing and caring manner, I observed classroom spaces and interviewed staff and administrators. It was reported to me that cameras in the center only have live feed. During classroom observations, teachers cared for children according to individual needs with soft tones, used positive redirection, and staff members got down on the children’s eye level when speaking to them. Administrators reported that the discipline policy was updated in the August 2024 revision of the parent handbook to the Positive Guidance for Effective Redirection Techniques to maintain a safe and positive environment for children. I observed this policy in the handbook and a parent signature page in the child’s application for the updated policy. It was also reported that this policy is a part of the orientation process and reviewed the policy in a staff file with staff signature in addition to the staff completing an online training on discipline. Staff reported that the discipline policy was reviewed with them and that the policy is to redirect children and to use positive reinforcement. Administrators reported that they make daily classroom observations and that staff members are using discipline techniques according to the positive redirection techniques and modeling positive redirection. Staff members reported that they work well with their fellow staff members and do not have any concerns about the staff members in the facility using inappropriate discipline techniques. I shared with staff and administrators’ the Healthy Social Behaviors hotline. A copy of the flyer was emailed to the administrator to share with the staff. Based on the above information the allegation was unconfirmed. The following violation(s) were observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 401 Diapers were not changed whenever they were soiled or wet and/or were changed on a shift basis. Upon review of the diaper changing log a child arrived at 8:17 am and was not changed until 10:26 am on 10/14/24. On 10/11/24 it showed two children arriving at 8:21 am, was changed at 10:27 am and the next time the child was changed was at 2:41 pm. 10A NCAC 09 .0806(a) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 10/28/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance for Documented Violations: Diapering: Diapers should be checked for wetness and feces at least hourly, visually inspected at least every two hours, and whenever the child indicates discomfort or exhibits behavior that suggests a soiled or wet diaper. Diapers should be changed when they are found to be wet or soiled. It can be helpful to document when diapers are changed, as a visual to see when diapers should be changed next. You stated that diaper changes are documented in the digital daily report that is sent to parents at the end of each day and the diaper changes occur every hour and a half. A dry erase board is hanging on the wall beside the changing table. A caregiver stated that it is used to document the time that the children need to be changed and to ensure that all the children are changed everyone and a half hours. It is important to know what time children were changed so that you will know when the next changing time will be. It could be helpful to set a timer on the tablet as a reminder of when an hour and a half has passed since the time that the first child arrives at the center. The Healthy Social Behaviors (HSB) Project supports teachers to promote healthy social-emotional development and reduce the expulsion rate among young children in licensed child care centers across North Carolina. The team is made up of specialists with early childhood education backgrounds who are passionate about empowering teachers to develop learning environments and teaching practices that promote prosocial skills in young children. To speak to a Behavior Support Advisor, contact 1-888-600-1685 option 1. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. 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