Excel Learning Centers #7

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/16/2026 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 6/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 10, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed March 31, 2026, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 23, 2025. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-four (94) percent as of June 16, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 16, 2026, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Wendy Simpson, administrator, and Misty Vargas, District Manager, were present and available for consultation during the visit. One hundred and ten (110) children, between the ages of zero (0) and eleven (11) years old are enrolled and ninety-five (95) were present today. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Permit restrictions, adequate supervision, and staff child ratios were in compliance. Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Toddlers and preschool children were observed during nap time. Individual cots and linens were provided for the children. Room lighting and background music were appropriate. School aged children were observed eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese wraps, diced carrots, applesauce, and milk. Routine handwashing, toileting, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drills were not conducted from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed from December 2025 through May 2026. .0605(q) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Three (3) out of twelve (12) children’s records reviewed did not have a health assessment on file before or within 30 days after admission. GS110-91(1) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before the agreed upon date of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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 NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) school year ended on June 4, 2026; therefore, NC Pre-K monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility has chosen to apply for Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you have requested to have the ERS completed in October 2026. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4 and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: The facility is in the process of completing the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. The Family and Community Engagement Worksheet will be submitted to me on or before August 31, 2026 Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): The facility is in the process of completing a CQI plan for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan must include the following: Identification of goal(s), necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s), documentation of the reason for the goal(s). A review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s) will be conducted annually. Staff Education: Ms. Simpson is in the process of hiring staff and completing the Staff Education Worksheets. Once completed all Staff Education Worksheets and WORKS Status letters for all staff members will be submitted for review on or before August 31, 2026. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) Environmental Rating Scales: An assessment will be requested in September 2026, for a 4-week window in October 2026 in which your assessment will be conducted. Once the official results are received from NCRLAP, I will contact you to discuss results and next steps to process your new license. Once the star level has been determined for the Program Assessment and for Staff Education, the overall Star level will be issued. Technical Assistance: Emergency Drills: Rule .0604 (r) Fire drills shall be practiced monthly in accordance with 10A NCAC 09 .0607(a) and records shall be maintained as required by 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(5). There must be at least one unannounced fire drill monthly, and it should be conducted at a different time each month. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be conducted every three months. Drills should be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire or emergency. When evacuating, staff should take an attendance list so they can verify all children are accounted for from each room. Records of monthly fire drills must be maintained and include the following information: • The date and time of the fire drill • Time required to accomplish complete evacuation • Names of staff members on duty and participating • Number of individuals evacuated • Notification method used • Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated • Document special conditions or problems encountered • Name and signature of the person conducting the drill Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly and shelter-in-place or lockdown drills are performed every three months. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Challenging Behaviors Helpline: The Healthy Social Behaviors Project offers coaching for child care providers who would like support managing challenging classroom behaviors. The goal is to empower teachers to create learning environments that promote pro-social skills, like self-control and problem solving. Support is available by phone (888-600-1685). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified • Asbestos- Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance rated license visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0607 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/16/2026 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 6/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 10, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed March 31, 2026, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 23, 2025. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-four (94) percent as of June 16, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 16, 2026, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Wendy Simpson, administrator, and Misty Vargas, District Manager, were present and available for consultation during the visit. One hundred and ten (110) children, between the ages of zero (0) and eleven (11) years old are enrolled and ninety-five (95) were present today. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Permit restrictions, adequate supervision, and staff child ratios were in compliance. Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Toddlers and preschool children were observed during nap time. Individual cots and linens were provided for the children. Room lighting and background music were appropriate. School aged children were observed eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese wraps, diced carrots, applesauce, and milk. Routine handwashing, toileting, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drills were not conducted from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed from December 2025 through May 2026. .0605(q) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Three (3) out of twelve (12) children’s records reviewed did not have a health assessment on file before or within 30 days after admission. GS110-91(1) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before the agreed upon date of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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 NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) school year ended on June 4, 2026; therefore, NC Pre-K monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility has chosen to apply for Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you have requested to have the ERS completed in October 2026. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4 and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: The facility is in the process of completing the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. The Family and Community Engagement Worksheet will be submitted to me on or before August 31, 2026 Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): The facility is in the process of completing a CQI plan for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan must include the following: Identification of goal(s), necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s), documentation of the reason for the goal(s). A review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s) will be conducted annually. Staff Education: Ms. Simpson is in the process of hiring staff and completing the Staff Education Worksheets. Once completed all Staff Education Worksheets and WORKS Status letters for all staff members will be submitted for review on or before August 31, 2026. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) Environmental Rating Scales: An assessment will be requested in September 2026, for a 4-week window in October 2026 in which your assessment will be conducted. Once the official results are received from NCRLAP, I will contact you to discuss results and next steps to process your new license. Once the star level has been determined for the Program Assessment and for Staff Education, the overall Star level will be issued. Technical Assistance: Emergency Drills: Rule .0604 (r) Fire drills shall be practiced monthly in accordance with 10A NCAC 09 .0607(a) and records shall be maintained as required by 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(5). There must be at least one unannounced fire drill monthly, and it should be conducted at a different time each month. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be conducted every three months. Drills should be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire or emergency. When evacuating, staff should take an attendance list so they can verify all children are accounted for from each room. Records of monthly fire drills must be maintained and include the following information: • The date and time of the fire drill • Time required to accomplish complete evacuation • Names of staff members on duty and participating • Number of individuals evacuated • Notification method used • Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated • Document special conditions or problems encountered • Name and signature of the person conducting the drill Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly and shelter-in-place or lockdown drills are performed every three months. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Challenging Behaviors Helpline: The Healthy Social Behaviors Project offers coaching for child care providers who would like support managing challenging classroom behaviors. The goal is to empower teachers to create learning environments that promote pro-social skills, like self-control and problem solving. Support is available by phone (888-600-1685). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified • Asbestos- Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance rated license visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/16/2026 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 6/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 10, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed March 31, 2026, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 23, 2025. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-four (94) percent as of June 16, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 16, 2026, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Wendy Simpson, administrator, and Misty Vargas, District Manager, were present and available for consultation during the visit. One hundred and ten (110) children, between the ages of zero (0) and eleven (11) years old are enrolled and ninety-five (95) were present today. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Permit restrictions, adequate supervision, and staff child ratios were in compliance. Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Toddlers and preschool children were observed during nap time. Individual cots and linens were provided for the children. Room lighting and background music were appropriate. School aged children were observed eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese wraps, diced carrots, applesauce, and milk. Routine handwashing, toileting, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drills were not conducted from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed from December 2025 through May 2026. .0605(q) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Three (3) out of twelve (12) children’s records reviewed did not have a health assessment on file before or within 30 days after admission. GS110-91(1) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before the agreed upon date of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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 NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) school year ended on June 4, 2026; therefore, NC Pre-K monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility has chosen to apply for Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you have requested to have the ERS completed in October 2026. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4 and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: The facility is in the process of completing the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. The Family and Community Engagement Worksheet will be submitted to me on or before August 31, 2026 Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): The facility is in the process of completing a CQI plan for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan must include the following: Identification of goal(s), necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s), documentation of the reason for the goal(s). A review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s) will be conducted annually. Staff Education: Ms. Simpson is in the process of hiring staff and completing the Staff Education Worksheets. Once completed all Staff Education Worksheets and WORKS Status letters for all staff members will be submitted for review on or before August 31, 2026. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) Environmental Rating Scales: An assessment will be requested in September 2026, for a 4-week window in October 2026 in which your assessment will be conducted. Once the official results are received from NCRLAP, I will contact you to discuss results and next steps to process your new license. Once the star level has been determined for the Program Assessment and for Staff Education, the overall Star level will be issued. Technical Assistance: Emergency Drills: Rule .0604 (r) Fire drills shall be practiced monthly in accordance with 10A NCAC 09 .0607(a) and records shall be maintained as required by 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(5). There must be at least one unannounced fire drill monthly, and it should be conducted at a different time each month. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be conducted every three months. Drills should be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire or emergency. When evacuating, staff should take an attendance list so they can verify all children are accounted for from each room. Records of monthly fire drills must be maintained and include the following information: • The date and time of the fire drill • Time required to accomplish complete evacuation • Names of staff members on duty and participating • Number of individuals evacuated • Notification method used • Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated • Document special conditions or problems encountered • Name and signature of the person conducting the drill Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly and shelter-in-place or lockdown drills are performed every three months. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Challenging Behaviors Helpline: The Healthy Social Behaviors Project offers coaching for child care providers who would like support managing challenging classroom behaviors. The goal is to empower teachers to create learning environments that promote pro-social skills, like self-control and problem solving. Support is available by phone (888-600-1685). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified • Asbestos- Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance rated license visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/16/2026 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 6/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 10, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed March 31, 2026, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 23, 2025. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-four (94) percent as of June 16, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 16, 2026, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Wendy Simpson, administrator, and Misty Vargas, District Manager, were present and available for consultation during the visit. One hundred and ten (110) children, between the ages of zero (0) and eleven (11) years old are enrolled and ninety-five (95) were present today. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Permit restrictions, adequate supervision, and staff child ratios were in compliance. Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Toddlers and preschool children were observed during nap time. Individual cots and linens were provided for the children. Room lighting and background music were appropriate. School aged children were observed eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese wraps, diced carrots, applesauce, and milk. Routine handwashing, toileting, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drills were not conducted from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed from December 2025 through May 2026. .0605(q) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Three (3) out of twelve (12) children’s records reviewed did not have a health assessment on file before or within 30 days after admission. GS110-91(1) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before the agreed upon date of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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 NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) school year ended on June 4, 2026; therefore, NC Pre-K monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility has chosen to apply for Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you have requested to have the ERS completed in October 2026. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4 and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: The facility is in the process of completing the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. The Family and Community Engagement Worksheet will be submitted to me on or before August 31, 2026 Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): The facility is in the process of completing a CQI plan for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan must include the following: Identification of goal(s), necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s), documentation of the reason for the goal(s). A review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s) will be conducted annually. Staff Education: Ms. Simpson is in the process of hiring staff and completing the Staff Education Worksheets. Once completed all Staff Education Worksheets and WORKS Status letters for all staff members will be submitted for review on or before August 31, 2026. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) Environmental Rating Scales: An assessment will be requested in September 2026, for a 4-week window in October 2026 in which your assessment will be conducted. Once the official results are received from NCRLAP, I will contact you to discuss results and next steps to process your new license. Once the star level has been determined for the Program Assessment and for Staff Education, the overall Star level will be issued. Technical Assistance: Emergency Drills: Rule .0604 (r) Fire drills shall be practiced monthly in accordance with 10A NCAC 09 .0607(a) and records shall be maintained as required by 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(5). There must be at least one unannounced fire drill monthly, and it should be conducted at a different time each month. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be conducted every three months. Drills should be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire or emergency. When evacuating, staff should take an attendance list so they can verify all children are accounted for from each room. Records of monthly fire drills must be maintained and include the following information: • The date and time of the fire drill • Time required to accomplish complete evacuation • Names of staff members on duty and participating • Number of individuals evacuated • Notification method used • Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated • Document special conditions or problems encountered • Name and signature of the person conducting the drill Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly and shelter-in-place or lockdown drills are performed every three months. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Challenging Behaviors Helpline: The Healthy Social Behaviors Project offers coaching for child care providers who would like support managing challenging classroom behaviors. The goal is to empower teachers to create learning environments that promote pro-social skills, like self-control and problem solving. Support is available by phone (888-600-1685). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified • Asbestos- Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance rated license visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/16/2026 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 6/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 10, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed March 31, 2026, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 23, 2025. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-four (94) percent as of June 16, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 16, 2026, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Wendy Simpson, administrator, and Misty Vargas, District Manager, were present and available for consultation during the visit. One hundred and ten (110) children, between the ages of zero (0) and eleven (11) years old are enrolled and ninety-five (95) were present today. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Permit restrictions, adequate supervision, and staff child ratios were in compliance. Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Toddlers and preschool children were observed during nap time. Individual cots and linens were provided for the children. Room lighting and background music were appropriate. School aged children were observed eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese wraps, diced carrots, applesauce, and milk. Routine handwashing, toileting, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drills were not conducted from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed from December 2025 through May 2026. .0605(q) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Three (3) out of twelve (12) children’s records reviewed did not have a health assessment on file before or within 30 days after admission. GS110-91(1) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before the agreed upon date of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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 NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) school year ended on June 4, 2026; therefore, NC Pre-K monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility has chosen to apply for Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you have requested to have the ERS completed in October 2026. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4 and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: The facility is in the process of completing the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. The Family and Community Engagement Worksheet will be submitted to me on or before August 31, 2026 Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): The facility is in the process of completing a CQI plan for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan must include the following: Identification of goal(s), necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s), documentation of the reason for the goal(s). A review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s) will be conducted annually. Staff Education: Ms. Simpson is in the process of hiring staff and completing the Staff Education Worksheets. Once completed all Staff Education Worksheets and WORKS Status letters for all staff members will be submitted for review on or before August 31, 2026. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) Environmental Rating Scales: An assessment will be requested in September 2026, for a 4-week window in October 2026 in which your assessment will be conducted. Once the official results are received from NCRLAP, I will contact you to discuss results and next steps to process your new license. Once the star level has been determined for the Program Assessment and for Staff Education, the overall Star level will be issued. Technical Assistance: Emergency Drills: Rule .0604 (r) Fire drills shall be practiced monthly in accordance with 10A NCAC 09 .0607(a) and records shall be maintained as required by 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(5). There must be at least one unannounced fire drill monthly, and it should be conducted at a different time each month. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be conducted every three months. Drills should be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire or emergency. When evacuating, staff should take an attendance list so they can verify all children are accounted for from each room. Records of monthly fire drills must be maintained and include the following information: • The date and time of the fire drill • Time required to accomplish complete evacuation • Names of staff members on duty and participating • Number of individuals evacuated • Notification method used • Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated • Document special conditions or problems encountered • Name and signature of the person conducting the drill Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly and shelter-in-place or lockdown drills are performed every three months. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Challenging Behaviors Helpline: The Healthy Social Behaviors Project offers coaching for child care providers who would like support managing challenging classroom behaviors. The goal is to empower teachers to create learning environments that promote pro-social skills, like self-control and problem solving. Support is available by phone (888-600-1685). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified • Asbestos- Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance rated license visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0607 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/16/2026 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 6/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 10, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed March 31, 2026, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 23, 2025. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-four (94) percent as of June 16, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 16, 2026, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Wendy Simpson, administrator, and Misty Vargas, District Manager, were present and available for consultation during the visit. One hundred and ten (110) children, between the ages of zero (0) and eleven (11) years old are enrolled and ninety-five (95) were present today. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Permit restrictions, adequate supervision, and staff child ratios were in compliance. Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Toddlers and preschool children were observed during nap time. Individual cots and linens were provided for the children. Room lighting and background music were appropriate. School aged children were observed eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese wraps, diced carrots, applesauce, and milk. Routine handwashing, toileting, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drills were not conducted from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed from December 2025 through May 2026. .0605(q) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Three (3) out of twelve (12) children’s records reviewed did not have a health assessment on file before or within 30 days after admission. GS110-91(1) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before the agreed upon date of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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 NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) school year ended on June 4, 2026; therefore, NC Pre-K monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility has chosen to apply for Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you have requested to have the ERS completed in October 2026. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4 and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: The facility is in the process of completing the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. The Family and Community Engagement Worksheet will be submitted to me on or before August 31, 2026 Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): The facility is in the process of completing a CQI plan for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan must include the following: Identification of goal(s), necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s), documentation of the reason for the goal(s). A review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s) will be conducted annually. Staff Education: Ms. Simpson is in the process of hiring staff and completing the Staff Education Worksheets. Once completed all Staff Education Worksheets and WORKS Status letters for all staff members will be submitted for review on or before August 31, 2026. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) Environmental Rating Scales: An assessment will be requested in September 2026, for a 4-week window in October 2026 in which your assessment will be conducted. Once the official results are received from NCRLAP, I will contact you to discuss results and next steps to process your new license. Once the star level has been determined for the Program Assessment and for Staff Education, the overall Star level will be issued. Technical Assistance: Emergency Drills: Rule .0604 (r) Fire drills shall be practiced monthly in accordance with 10A NCAC 09 .0607(a) and records shall be maintained as required by 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(5). There must be at least one unannounced fire drill monthly, and it should be conducted at a different time each month. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be conducted every three months. Drills should be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire or emergency. When evacuating, staff should take an attendance list so they can verify all children are accounted for from each room. Records of monthly fire drills must be maintained and include the following information: • The date and time of the fire drill • Time required to accomplish complete evacuation • Names of staff members on duty and participating • Number of individuals evacuated • Notification method used • Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated • Document special conditions or problems encountered • Name and signature of the person conducting the drill Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly and shelter-in-place or lockdown drills are performed every three months. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Challenging Behaviors Helpline: The Healthy Social Behaviors Project offers coaching for child care providers who would like support managing challenging classroom behaviors. The goal is to empower teachers to create learning environments that promote pro-social skills, like self-control and problem solving. Support is available by phone (888-600-1685). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified • Asbestos- Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance rated license visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/16/2026 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 6/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 10, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed March 31, 2026, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 23, 2025. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-four (94) percent as of June 16, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 16, 2026, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Wendy Simpson, administrator, and Misty Vargas, District Manager, were present and available for consultation during the visit. One hundred and ten (110) children, between the ages of zero (0) and eleven (11) years old are enrolled and ninety-five (95) were present today. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Permit restrictions, adequate supervision, and staff child ratios were in compliance. Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Toddlers and preschool children were observed during nap time. Individual cots and linens were provided for the children. Room lighting and background music were appropriate. School aged children were observed eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese wraps, diced carrots, applesauce, and milk. Routine handwashing, toileting, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drills were not conducted from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed from December 2025 through May 2026. .0605(q) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Three (3) out of twelve (12) children’s records reviewed did not have a health assessment on file before or within 30 days after admission. GS110-91(1) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before the agreed upon date of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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 NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) school year ended on June 4, 2026; therefore, NC Pre-K monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility has chosen to apply for Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you have requested to have the ERS completed in October 2026. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4 and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: The facility is in the process of completing the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. The Family and Community Engagement Worksheet will be submitted to me on or before August 31, 2026 Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): The facility is in the process of completing a CQI plan for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan must include the following: Identification of goal(s), necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s), documentation of the reason for the goal(s). A review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s) will be conducted annually. Staff Education: Ms. Simpson is in the process of hiring staff and completing the Staff Education Worksheets. Once completed all Staff Education Worksheets and WORKS Status letters for all staff members will be submitted for review on or before August 31, 2026. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) Environmental Rating Scales: An assessment will be requested in September 2026, for a 4-week window in October 2026 in which your assessment will be conducted. Once the official results are received from NCRLAP, I will contact you to discuss results and next steps to process your new license. Once the star level has been determined for the Program Assessment and for Staff Education, the overall Star level will be issued. Technical Assistance: Emergency Drills: Rule .0604 (r) Fire drills shall be practiced monthly in accordance with 10A NCAC 09 .0607(a) and records shall be maintained as required by 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(5). There must be at least one unannounced fire drill monthly, and it should be conducted at a different time each month. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be conducted every three months. Drills should be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire or emergency. When evacuating, staff should take an attendance list so they can verify all children are accounted for from each room. Records of monthly fire drills must be maintained and include the following information: • The date and time of the fire drill • Time required to accomplish complete evacuation • Names of staff members on duty and participating • Number of individuals evacuated • Notification method used • Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated • Document special conditions or problems encountered • Name and signature of the person conducting the drill Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly and shelter-in-place or lockdown drills are performed every three months. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Challenging Behaviors Helpline: The Healthy Social Behaviors Project offers coaching for child care providers who would like support managing challenging classroom behaviors. The goal is to empower teachers to create learning environments that promote pro-social skills, like self-control and problem solving. Support is available by phone (888-600-1685). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified • Asbestos- Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance rated license visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/16/2026 Number Present: 95 Completed Date: 6/16/2026 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 340 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 02:40 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp w/Rated Lic Assess Announced/Unannounced: Announced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance rated license visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 10, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed March 31, 2026, with a “Superior” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on September 23, 2025. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care, and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-four (94) percent as of June 16, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on June 16, 2026, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Wendy Simpson, administrator, and Misty Vargas, District Manager, were present and available for consultation during the visit. One hundred and ten (110) children, between the ages of zero (0) and eleven (11) years old are enrolled and ninety-five (95) were present today. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. Permit restrictions, adequate supervision, and staff child ratios were in compliance. Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Safe sleep checks were monitored and found to be in compliance Infants received routine care based on their individual needs. Toddlers and preschool children were observed during nap time. Individual cots and linens were provided for the children. Room lighting and background music were appropriate. School aged children were observed eating lunch which consisted of turkey and cheese wraps, diced carrots, applesauce, and milk. Routine handwashing, toileting, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. Fire drills were not conducted from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 859 Monthly playground inspections were not completed and/or they were not completed by an individual trained in playground safety requirements. Monthly playground inspections were not completed from December 2025 through May 2026. .0605(q) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. Three (3) out of twelve (12) children’s records reviewed did not have a health assessment on file before or within 30 days after admission. GS110-91(1) 1811 Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced every three months and/or drill record was incomplete. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills were not practiced from January 2026 through May 2026. .0604(u);.0302(d)(8) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before the agreed upon date of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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 NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) school year ended on June 4, 2026; therefore, NC Pre-K monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Your facility has chosen to apply for Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you have requested to have the ERS completed in October 2026. Pathway 1 – Program Assessment: You are eligible for this pathway, which allows your program to demonstrate quality through best practices using the Environment Rating scale. This includes completing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Plan, meeting Family and Community Engagement Standards, implementing a Curriculum for 4 years olds in 4 and 5-Star programs, and Enhanced Staff/Child Ratios. Family and Community Engagement: The facility is in the process of completing the Family and Community Engagement Standards Worksheet selecting the applicable items. Items selected must be verifiable. The Family and Community Engagement Worksheet will be submitted to me on or before August 31, 2026 Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): The facility is in the process of completing a CQI plan for the facility and each staff member. The CQI Plan must include the following: Identification of goal(s), necessary resources, supports and actions needed to accomplish the goal(s), documentation of the reason for the goal(s). A review of efforts toward completion of the goal(s) will be conducted annually. Staff Education: Ms. Simpson is in the process of hiring staff and completing the Staff Education Worksheets. Once completed all Staff Education Worksheets and WORKS Status letters for all staff members will be submitted for review on or before August 31, 2026. Once all your staff’s education has been evaluated, your facility will earn their Star Rated License based on the following: 50% of Lead Teachers and 50% of other educators. (“Educator” means all classroom teaching staff and administrative positions, including education coordinators, curriculum specialists and any staff who have responsibility for planning, caregiving, mentoring or training. To count as an educator meeting 50% of the education standards, an individual must meet the requirements of a position and work on-site, full-time.) Environmental Rating Scales: An assessment will be requested in September 2026, for a 4-week window in October 2026 in which your assessment will be conducted. Once the official results are received from NCRLAP, I will contact you to discuss results and next steps to process your new license. Once the star level has been determined for the Program Assessment and for Staff Education, the overall Star level will be issued. Technical Assistance: Emergency Drills: Rule .0604 (r) Fire drills shall be practiced monthly in accordance with 10A NCAC 09 .0607(a) and records shall be maintained as required by 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(5). There must be at least one unannounced fire drill monthly, and it should be conducted at a different time each month. Shelter-in-place or lockdown drills must be conducted every three months. Drills should be held at unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate the unusual conditions that occur in case of fire or emergency. When evacuating, staff should take an attendance list so they can verify all children are accounted for from each room. Records of monthly fire drills must be maintained and include the following information: • The date and time of the fire drill • Time required to accomplish complete evacuation • Names of staff members on duty and participating • Number of individuals evacuated • Notification method used • Weather conditions when occupants were evacuated • Document special conditions or problems encountered • Name and signature of the person conducting the drill Today I suggested marking a date on your calendar so that you can ensure that a fire drill is performed monthly and shelter-in-place or lockdown drills are performed every three months. Children Records: The health and safety of individual children requires that information regarding each child in care be kept and available when needed. Children's records consist of various documentation such as a child's medical and immunization history, emergency medical care information and parental permission to participate in specific activities. This information is the basis for meeting each child's physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Challenging Behaviors Helpline: The Healthy Social Behaviors Project offers coaching for child care providers who would like support managing challenging classroom behaviors. The goal is to empower teachers to create learning environments that promote pro-social skills, like self-control and problem solving. Support is available by phone (888-600-1685). Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified • Asbestos- Section Complete/ No Hazards Identified Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance rated license visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0526-031L Visit Date: 5/13/2026 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 5/13/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegation is as follows: There are concerns that children were not adequately supervised. Your program currently operates with a Five (5) star rated license issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions include first shift care; the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The program’s compliance history was 94% as of May 13, 2026. Limited monitoring occurred. In addition to the allegation, permit restrictions, and staff child ratios were monitored. Wendy Simpson, Administrator, was present and assisted with the investigation. An unaccompanied walk through was conducted. There were one hundred fifty-three (153) children enrolled and one hundred one (101) children present ranging in age from ages zero (0) to five (5) years old. Observations were conducted in all indoor and outdoor spaces approved for use. There were zero children in the outdoor spaces. Infants and toddlers received routine care based on their individual needs. Younger and older preschool children were observed lunch time. Lunch consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, baked beans, pineapples, and milk. Preschool children transitioned to naptime after lunch. Routine toileting, handwashing, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. The allegations were reviewed with you and administrative staff members. You were all given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation. The facility does not have a camera system. Findings- Allegation- There are concerns that children are not adequately supervised. You, Ms. Simpson, reported that on May 4, 2026, a 4-year-old child was left in a classroom alone for approximately two (2) minutes. The staff member in the classroom transitioned the preschool children from the indoor space to the outdoor space and one (1) child was left in the bathroom. An office support staff member was doing a normal facility walkthrough and found the child on the carpet in the classroom. The child stated that she was in the bathroom when the children went outside. The support staff member brought the child to you, and you, the support staff member, and the child went to the playground to find the teacher. Today, an unaccompanied walkthrough of the facility was conducted, and all children were adequately supervised. Based on your information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. One (1) 4-year-old child was left in the classroom alone for approximately two (2) minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Wednesday, May 27, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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 Supervision: 10A NCAC 09 .1801 – Requires that children are adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision means: (1) Staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render immediate assistance. (2) Staff must interact with the children while moving around the indoor or outdoor area. (3) Staff must know where each child is located and be aware of children’s activities at all times. (4) Staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Supervising children is a critical component of ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. Staff must be actively engaged at all times for this to occur. I encourage you to review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801 regarding supervision with all your staff. Adequate supervision requires staff members never leave children unattended, not even for a minute, unless in the case of a true emergency. Staff members must be positioned to see and hear children, render immediate assistance and provide for their needs, especially infants and toddlers who depend solely on caregivers. A PLAN OF CORRECTIVE MEASURES: This facility made a self-report. The facility’s Supervision Policy was reviewed with the staff member that left the child in the classroom on May 4, 2026. The policy review included the following: • Count children by matching name to face • When transitioning to and from the inside space to the outside space conduct a name to face count • Count on a scheduled basis, at every transition, and when leaving one area and arriving at another. You should count children approximately every 15 minutes. • Be sure you are able to state the number of children in your care at all times • Record the count on Child Supervision Record This supervision record includes what staff members should do at the beginning of the day, throughout the day, transition times, and management checks. The Child Supervision Record form and policy is reviewed and signed by all staff members upon hire and during regularly scheduled staff meetings. The staff member that left the child in the classroom alone is no longer employed at the facility. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, signed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0526-031L Visit Date: 5/13/2026 Number Present: 101 Completed Date: 5/13/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegation is as follows: There are concerns that children were not adequately supervised. Your program currently operates with a Five (5) star rated license issued February 20, 2022. Restrictions include first shift care; the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The program’s compliance history was 94% as of May 13, 2026. Limited monitoring occurred. In addition to the allegation, permit restrictions, and staff child ratios were monitored. Wendy Simpson, Administrator, was present and assisted with the investigation. An unaccompanied walk through was conducted. There were one hundred fifty-three (153) children enrolled and one hundred one (101) children present ranging in age from ages zero (0) to five (5) years old. Observations were conducted in all indoor and outdoor spaces approved for use. There were zero children in the outdoor spaces. Infants and toddlers received routine care based on their individual needs. Younger and older preschool children were observed lunch time. Lunch consisted of turkey and cheese sandwiches, baked beans, pineapples, and milk. Preschool children transitioned to naptime after lunch. Routine toileting, handwashing, and food service procedures were monitored, and requirements were met. The allegations were reviewed with you and administrative staff members. You were all given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation. The facility does not have a camera system. Findings- Allegation- There are concerns that children are not adequately supervised. You, Ms. Simpson, reported that on May 4, 2026, a 4-year-old child was left in a classroom alone for approximately two (2) minutes. The staff member in the classroom transitioned the preschool children from the indoor space to the outdoor space and one (1) child was left in the bathroom. An office support staff member was doing a normal facility walkthrough and found the child on the carpet in the classroom. The child stated that she was in the bathroom when the children went outside. The support staff member brought the child to you, and you, the support staff member, and the child went to the playground to find the teacher. Today, an unaccompanied walkthrough of the facility was conducted, and all children were adequately supervised. Based on your information, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. One (1) 4-year-old child was left in the classroom alone for approximately two (2) minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Wednesday, May 27, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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 Supervision: 10A NCAC 09 .1801 – Requires that children are adequately supervised at all times. Adequate supervision means: (1) Staff must be positioned in the indoor and outdoor environment to maximize their ability to hear or see the children at all times and render immediate assistance. (2) Staff must interact with the children while moving around the indoor or outdoor area. (3) Staff must know where each child is located and be aware of children’s activities at all times. (4) Staff must provide supervision appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Supervising children is a critical component of ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. Staff must be actively engaged at all times for this to occur. I encourage you to review Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .1801 regarding supervision with all your staff. Adequate supervision requires staff members never leave children unattended, not even for a minute, unless in the case of a true emergency. Staff members must be positioned to see and hear children, render immediate assistance and provide for their needs, especially infants and toddlers who depend solely on caregivers. A PLAN OF CORRECTIVE MEASURES: This facility made a self-report. The facility’s Supervision Policy was reviewed with the staff member that left the child in the classroom on May 4, 2026. The policy review included the following: • Count children by matching name to face • When transitioning to and from the inside space to the outside space conduct a name to face count • Count on a scheduled basis, at every transition, and when leaving one area and arriving at another. You should count children approximately every 15 minutes. • Be sure you are able to state the number of children in your care at all times • Record the count on Child Supervision Record This supervision record includes what staff members should do at the beginning of the day, throughout the day, transition times, and management checks. The Child Supervision Record form and policy is reviewed and signed by all staff members upon hire and during regularly scheduled staff meetings. The staff member that left the child in the classroom alone is no longer employed at the facility. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, signed, and a copy was left with you. Contact me with questions or concerns at andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact my supervisor at kim.sherry@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/14/2026 Number Present: 121 Completed Date: 1/14/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective February 20, 2022. Tammy Ross, Childcare Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93) percent as of January 14, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on January 14, 2026, and ELA KidsNet Holdings, LLC was listed as current-active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Inspections remain current. Priscilla Young, Administrator, was available for consultation during the visit. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. One hundred sixty-seven (167) are enrolled, and one hundred twenty-one children, ages zero(0) to five(5) were present today. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in your classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Both indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Current activity plans were observed posted in all classrooms. Staff child ratios and supervision were monitored and found to be in compliance. Toddlers in classrooms for one year old children were observed participating in free choice activities; all were sitting in the carpeted area with caregivers playing with balls, musical toys, dolls, and blocks. Infants in space #2 received care based on their individual needs – two infants were asleep, one infant received a diaper change, and four infants were in the carpeted area exploring their environment. Infant feeding schedules were posted, and safe sleep charts are being maintained. Preschool children in spaces #7, #8, and #9 were observed playing outdoors. They were running, jumping, played “tag” and “duck, duck, goose,” riding trikes and scooters, played with blocks, writing on the chalkboard, and played on approved stationary equipment, such as the slide. The three-year-old children in spaces #10 and #12 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of turkey and cheese wrap, carrots, pineapple, carrots, and milk. The two-year-old children in spaces #13 and #14 were finishing up lunch, completing handwashing routines and preparing for nap/rest time. The one-year-old children in spaces #17 and #18 were observing nap/rest time. Each child had an individual covered mat with blanket, soft music played and lights were dimmed making environment conducive to rest. Nine (9) new staff files were monitored, and requirements were met. NC Pre-K Monitoring: Due to the NC Pre-K program being closed during the facility’s last annual compliance visit, NC Pre-K requirements were monitored today. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8:00am to 3:00pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, DIAL -4 Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Contracting Agency has conducted visits and in the process of completing the NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026. All staff met NC Pre-K education requirements Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In indoor space #3, three (3) infant bottles were not dated, and four (4) infant bottles were dated January 13, 2026. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The walls in indoor space #7, #12, and #13 had holes and chipped paint. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. In indoor space #3, Desitin Diaper Cream was on a shelf in the diaper changing area accessible to children. In indoor space #7, a rusted baking pan was in the dramatic play area. .0604(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In indoor space #13, medicine was administered without written authorization. Prior written authorization given by the parent and physician expired on December 26, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In indoor space #13, a permission slip to administer asthma inhaler had an expired authorization date December 26, 2025. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Wednesday, January 28, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: Hazardous Materials/Locked Storage Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications, must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all diaper creams, cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Today I suggested that you remember to keep the diaper cream above 5 feet in the diaper cream storage box. Medication Administration Child care programs are not required to administer medication, but there are many situations in which providing that service to families might be the better choice. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that programs make reasonable accommodations for children with special needs, including special health care needs. Children with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, allergies, sickle cell anemia, or seizure disorders may only be able to attend child care if medication can be given on site. If your program chooses to administer medication, it is imperative that staff receive training in medication administration procedures and that policies are established to reassure parents and staff that the program strives to administer medications safely. For licensing, it is required to obtain written parental permission to give prescription and over-the-counter medication. Providers must obtain written permission and instructions for giving OTC and prescription medication from a health care provider and the child’s parent. Today, I suggested that you check medication permission slips weekly to help ensure there are no expired medication permission slips and expired medications. Infant Bottle Labeling: Each infant shall be served only formula, breast milk, and bottles labeled with their individual name, and bottles should be labeled with the current date. Before feeding a bottle to an infant, use name to face recognition to ensure you are giving the correct bottle to the correct child and verify that the bottle is labeled with a current date. Indoor Environment: Today, chipped paint and holes in walls were observed in several indoor spaces. These items are unsafe for children. Chipped paint may be ingested by a child and holes in the walls may cause injury to a child. To ensure a safe indoor environment, holes must be repaired and walls repainted. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. Your staff members are linked to the ABCMS Provider Portal; however, due to an administrator change, you were unable to print your facility roster. Login to ABCMS is controlled by NCID; if you need assistance with logging in or password assistance, please contact myncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000 Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by November 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt-N/A • Asbestos- Exempt-N/A 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. 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 .3009 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/14/2026 Number Present: 121 Completed Date: 1/14/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective February 20, 2022. Tammy Ross, Childcare Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93) percent as of January 14, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on January 14, 2026, and ELA KidsNet Holdings, LLC was listed as current-active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Inspections remain current. Priscilla Young, Administrator, was available for consultation during the visit. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. One hundred sixty-seven (167) are enrolled, and one hundred twenty-one children, ages zero(0) to five(5) were present today. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in your classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Both indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Current activity plans were observed posted in all classrooms. Staff child ratios and supervision were monitored and found to be in compliance. Toddlers in classrooms for one year old children were observed participating in free choice activities; all were sitting in the carpeted area with caregivers playing with balls, musical toys, dolls, and blocks. Infants in space #2 received care based on their individual needs – two infants were asleep, one infant received a diaper change, and four infants were in the carpeted area exploring their environment. Infant feeding schedules were posted, and safe sleep charts are being maintained. Preschool children in spaces #7, #8, and #9 were observed playing outdoors. They were running, jumping, played “tag” and “duck, duck, goose,” riding trikes and scooters, played with blocks, writing on the chalkboard, and played on approved stationary equipment, such as the slide. The three-year-old children in spaces #10 and #12 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of turkey and cheese wrap, carrots, pineapple, carrots, and milk. The two-year-old children in spaces #13 and #14 were finishing up lunch, completing handwashing routines and preparing for nap/rest time. The one-year-old children in spaces #17 and #18 were observing nap/rest time. Each child had an individual covered mat with blanket, soft music played and lights were dimmed making environment conducive to rest. Nine (9) new staff files were monitored, and requirements were met. NC Pre-K Monitoring: Due to the NC Pre-K program being closed during the facility’s last annual compliance visit, NC Pre-K requirements were monitored today. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8:00am to 3:00pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, DIAL -4 Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Contracting Agency has conducted visits and in the process of completing the NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026. All staff met NC Pre-K education requirements Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In indoor space #3, three (3) infant bottles were not dated, and four (4) infant bottles were dated January 13, 2026. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The walls in indoor space #7, #12, and #13 had holes and chipped paint. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. In indoor space #3, Desitin Diaper Cream was on a shelf in the diaper changing area accessible to children. In indoor space #7, a rusted baking pan was in the dramatic play area. .0604(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In indoor space #13, medicine was administered without written authorization. Prior written authorization given by the parent and physician expired on December 26, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In indoor space #13, a permission slip to administer asthma inhaler had an expired authorization date December 26, 2025. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Wednesday, January 28, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: Hazardous Materials/Locked Storage Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications, must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all diaper creams, cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Today I suggested that you remember to keep the diaper cream above 5 feet in the diaper cream storage box. Medication Administration Child care programs are not required to administer medication, but there are many situations in which providing that service to families might be the better choice. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that programs make reasonable accommodations for children with special needs, including special health care needs. Children with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, allergies, sickle cell anemia, or seizure disorders may only be able to attend child care if medication can be given on site. If your program chooses to administer medication, it is imperative that staff receive training in medication administration procedures and that policies are established to reassure parents and staff that the program strives to administer medications safely. For licensing, it is required to obtain written parental permission to give prescription and over-the-counter medication. Providers must obtain written permission and instructions for giving OTC and prescription medication from a health care provider and the child’s parent. Today, I suggested that you check medication permission slips weekly to help ensure there are no expired medication permission slips and expired medications. Infant Bottle Labeling: Each infant shall be served only formula, breast milk, and bottles labeled with their individual name, and bottles should be labeled with the current date. Before feeding a bottle to an infant, use name to face recognition to ensure you are giving the correct bottle to the correct child and verify that the bottle is labeled with a current date. Indoor Environment: Today, chipped paint and holes in walls were observed in several indoor spaces. These items are unsafe for children. Chipped paint may be ingested by a child and holes in the walls may cause injury to a child. To ensure a safe indoor environment, holes must be repaired and walls repainted. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. Your staff members are linked to the ABCMS Provider Portal; however, due to an administrator change, you were unable to print your facility roster. Login to ABCMS is controlled by NCID; if you need assistance with logging in or password assistance, please contact myncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000 Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by November 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt-N/A • Asbestos- Exempt-N/A 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/14/2026 Number Present: 121 Completed Date: 1/14/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective February 20, 2022. Tammy Ross, Childcare Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93) percent as of January 14, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on January 14, 2026, and ELA KidsNet Holdings, LLC was listed as current-active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Inspections remain current. Priscilla Young, Administrator, was available for consultation during the visit. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. One hundred sixty-seven (167) are enrolled, and one hundred twenty-one children, ages zero(0) to five(5) were present today. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in your classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Both indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Current activity plans were observed posted in all classrooms. Staff child ratios and supervision were monitored and found to be in compliance. Toddlers in classrooms for one year old children were observed participating in free choice activities; all were sitting in the carpeted area with caregivers playing with balls, musical toys, dolls, and blocks. Infants in space #2 received care based on their individual needs – two infants were asleep, one infant received a diaper change, and four infants were in the carpeted area exploring their environment. Infant feeding schedules were posted, and safe sleep charts are being maintained. Preschool children in spaces #7, #8, and #9 were observed playing outdoors. They were running, jumping, played “tag” and “duck, duck, goose,” riding trikes and scooters, played with blocks, writing on the chalkboard, and played on approved stationary equipment, such as the slide. The three-year-old children in spaces #10 and #12 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of turkey and cheese wrap, carrots, pineapple, carrots, and milk. The two-year-old children in spaces #13 and #14 were finishing up lunch, completing handwashing routines and preparing for nap/rest time. The one-year-old children in spaces #17 and #18 were observing nap/rest time. Each child had an individual covered mat with blanket, soft music played and lights were dimmed making environment conducive to rest. Nine (9) new staff files were monitored, and requirements were met. NC Pre-K Monitoring: Due to the NC Pre-K program being closed during the facility’s last annual compliance visit, NC Pre-K requirements were monitored today. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8:00am to 3:00pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, DIAL -4 Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Contracting Agency has conducted visits and in the process of completing the NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026. All staff met NC Pre-K education requirements Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In indoor space #3, three (3) infant bottles were not dated, and four (4) infant bottles were dated January 13, 2026. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The walls in indoor space #7, #12, and #13 had holes and chipped paint. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. In indoor space #3, Desitin Diaper Cream was on a shelf in the diaper changing area accessible to children. In indoor space #7, a rusted baking pan was in the dramatic play area. .0604(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In indoor space #13, medicine was administered without written authorization. Prior written authorization given by the parent and physician expired on December 26, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In indoor space #13, a permission slip to administer asthma inhaler had an expired authorization date December 26, 2025. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Wednesday, January 28, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: Hazardous Materials/Locked Storage Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications, must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all diaper creams, cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Today I suggested that you remember to keep the diaper cream above 5 feet in the diaper cream storage box. Medication Administration Child care programs are not required to administer medication, but there are many situations in which providing that service to families might be the better choice. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that programs make reasonable accommodations for children with special needs, including special health care needs. Children with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, allergies, sickle cell anemia, or seizure disorders may only be able to attend child care if medication can be given on site. If your program chooses to administer medication, it is imperative that staff receive training in medication administration procedures and that policies are established to reassure parents and staff that the program strives to administer medications safely. For licensing, it is required to obtain written parental permission to give prescription and over-the-counter medication. Providers must obtain written permission and instructions for giving OTC and prescription medication from a health care provider and the child’s parent. Today, I suggested that you check medication permission slips weekly to help ensure there are no expired medication permission slips and expired medications. Infant Bottle Labeling: Each infant shall be served only formula, breast milk, and bottles labeled with their individual name, and bottles should be labeled with the current date. Before feeding a bottle to an infant, use name to face recognition to ensure you are giving the correct bottle to the correct child and verify that the bottle is labeled with a current date. Indoor Environment: Today, chipped paint and holes in walls were observed in several indoor spaces. These items are unsafe for children. Chipped paint may be ingested by a child and holes in the walls may cause injury to a child. To ensure a safe indoor environment, holes must be repaired and walls repainted. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. Your staff members are linked to the ABCMS Provider Portal; however, due to an administrator change, you were unable to print your facility roster. Login to ABCMS is controlled by NCID; if you need assistance with logging in or password assistance, please contact myncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000 Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by November 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt-N/A • Asbestos- Exempt-N/A 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/14/2026 Number Present: 121 Completed Date: 1/14/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 270 Time In: 10:00 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective February 20, 2022. Tammy Ross, Childcare Consultant, assisted with today’s visit. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-three (93) percent as of January 14, 2026. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on January 14, 2026, and ELA KidsNet Holdings, LLC was listed as current-active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Inspections remain current. Priscilla Young, Administrator, was available for consultation during the visit. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. One hundred sixty-seven (167) are enrolled, and one hundred twenty-one children, ages zero(0) to five(5) were present today. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in your classrooms. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Both indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. Current activity plans were observed posted in all classrooms. Staff child ratios and supervision were monitored and found to be in compliance. Toddlers in classrooms for one year old children were observed participating in free choice activities; all were sitting in the carpeted area with caregivers playing with balls, musical toys, dolls, and blocks. Infants in space #2 received care based on their individual needs – two infants were asleep, one infant received a diaper change, and four infants were in the carpeted area exploring their environment. Infant feeding schedules were posted, and safe sleep charts are being maintained. Preschool children in spaces #7, #8, and #9 were observed playing outdoors. They were running, jumping, played “tag” and “duck, duck, goose,” riding trikes and scooters, played with blocks, writing on the chalkboard, and played on approved stationary equipment, such as the slide. The three-year-old children in spaces #10 and #12 were observed eating lunch. Lunch consisted of turkey and cheese wrap, carrots, pineapple, carrots, and milk. The two-year-old children in spaces #13 and #14 were finishing up lunch, completing handwashing routines and preparing for nap/rest time. The one-year-old children in spaces #17 and #18 were observing nap/rest time. Each child had an individual covered mat with blanket, soft music played and lights were dimmed making environment conducive to rest. Nine (9) new staff files were monitored, and requirements were met. NC Pre-K Monitoring: Due to the NC Pre-K program being closed during the facility’s last annual compliance visit, NC Pre-K requirements were monitored today. The NC Pre-K requirements in Section .3000 of the Child Care Rules were monitored for compliance today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. Children in this program attend from 8:00am to 3:00pm, meeting the instructional day requirement of 6.5 hours. This NC Pre-K program uses Creative Curriculum, DIAL -4 Developmental screening, and Teaching Strategies Gold for their ongoing assessments. Developmental screenings and health assessments including vision, hearing, and dental screenings were on file for all NC Pre-K children’s files reviewed. Evidence of on-going assessments was observed in children’s files and on the Teaching Strategies GOLD website. The NC Pre-K Contracting Agency has conducted visits and in the process of completing the NC Pre-K Site Monitoring Tool for 2025-2026. All staff met NC Pre-K education requirements Violation Number Comment Rule 533 Human milk, formula and other bottled beverages including sippy cups, sent from child's home were not fully prepared, dated, and labeled for the appropriate child. In indoor space #3, three (3) infant bottles were not dated, and four (4) infant bottles were dated January 13, 2026. 15A NCAC 18A .2804(d) 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. The walls in indoor space #7, #12, and #13 had holes and chipped paint. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 811 Potentially hazardous items including but not limited to power tools, nails, chemicals, propane stoves, lawn mowers, gasoline, or kerosene were not stored in locked areas, removed from the premises, or made inaccessible to children. In indoor space #3, Desitin Diaper Cream was on a shelf in the diaper changing area accessible to children. In indoor space #7, a rusted baking pan was in the dramatic play area. .0604(a) 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. In indoor space #13, medicine was administered without written authorization. Prior written authorization given by the parent and physician expired on December 26, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In indoor space #13, a permission slip to administer asthma inhaler had an expired authorization date December 26, 2025. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Wednesday, January 28, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 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: Hazardous Materials/Locked Storage Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Hazardous cleaning supplies, including those kept under pressure in an aerosol can, as well as medications, must be kept in locked storage. The definition of locked storage requires that the lock be unlocked with some type of device such as a key or combination. Regular childproofing locks do not meet this requirement. Ensure that all diaper creams, cleaning supplies and other items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” are kept inaccessible while children are in care. Today I suggested that you remember to keep the diaper cream above 5 feet in the diaper cream storage box. Medication Administration Child care programs are not required to administer medication, but there are many situations in which providing that service to families might be the better choice. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that programs make reasonable accommodations for children with special needs, including special health care needs. Children with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, allergies, sickle cell anemia, or seizure disorders may only be able to attend child care if medication can be given on site. If your program chooses to administer medication, it is imperative that staff receive training in medication administration procedures and that policies are established to reassure parents and staff that the program strives to administer medications safely. For licensing, it is required to obtain written parental permission to give prescription and over-the-counter medication. Providers must obtain written permission and instructions for giving OTC and prescription medication from a health care provider and the child’s parent. Today, I suggested that you check medication permission slips weekly to help ensure there are no expired medication permission slips and expired medications. Infant Bottle Labeling: Each infant shall be served only formula, breast milk, and bottles labeled with their individual name, and bottles should be labeled with the current date. Before feeding a bottle to an infant, use name to face recognition to ensure you are giving the correct bottle to the correct child and verify that the bottle is labeled with a current date. Indoor Environment: Today, chipped paint and holes in walls were observed in several indoor spaces. These items are unsafe for children. Chipped paint may be ingested by a child and holes in the walls may cause injury to a child. To ensure a safe indoor environment, holes must be repaired and walls repainted. Provider Portal for ABCMS (the criminal records check database): 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 within five business days. Your staff members are linked to the ABCMS Provider Portal; however, due to an administrator change, you were unable to print your facility roster. Login to ABCMS is controlled by NCID; if you need assistance with logging in or password assistance, please contact myncid.nc.gov or 919.754.6000 Choosing a Pathway to the Stars: Today, I completed a QRIS Conversation Template for your facility. You reported that your facility is choosing Pathway #1, Program Assessment, and you plan to apply for a rated license by November 2026. A copy of this template is attached to this visit summary. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt-N/A • Asbestos- Exempt-N/A 2025-2026 Respiratory Season: To help North Carolinians understand how to defend themselves against serious illness from the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, NCDHHS has released a bilingual Respiratory Illness Communications Toolkit for the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season. The toolkit offers ready-to-share fact sheets, social media content, videos, posters and other materials to help communities, health departments, schools and employers share respiratory illness information. The materials explain how these viruses spread, symptoms to watch for and the benefits of getting updated vaccines. They also provide information on where to get vaccinated. NCDHHS encourages North Carolinians to get vaccinated for the strongest protection and follow everyday steps like handwashing and staying home when sick. For questions or concerns, talk to a health care provider. Resources and vaccine-finder information are available at MySpot.nc.gov. Reminders: For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0925-260L Visit Date: 9/22/2025 Number Present: 0 Completed Date: 9/22/2025 Age: From 0 To 0 Total Minutes: 66 Time In: 02:29 AM Time Out: 03:35 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Self Report Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of child care requirements. The allegation is as follows: There is a concern that a child was left unsupervised. This facility operates with a 5 Star-Rated License effective February 20, 2022, earning 6 points in Education Standards, 6 points in Program Standards, and 1 Quality Point. The restrictions include first shift care, enhanced ratios and space. As of September 22, 2025, your facility has an 18-month compliance history, which was ninety-four (94)%. The center is owned by ELA Kidsnet Holdings, LLC. The corporation was verified as current and active with the NC Secretary of State. You, Priscilla Young, administrator, were present and accompanied me during the walk through and observations. There were sixteen (16) classrooms operating, ninety-four (94) children were present. Today, children were observed during nap time. Infants received care based on their individual needs. During today’s walkthrough and observations, staff members were visually supervised. Allegation: There is a concern that a child was left unsupervised on September 17, 2025. Findings: You, Priscilla Young, administrator, explained, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at approximately 9:10am you were notified by office support that a child was left on the playground unattended by a staff member assigned to indoor space #11 (Broad Street). The office support staff member, S. Berry, and staff member, M. Tallman, found a child outside of Broad Street on the playground knocking on the door and crying. You calmed the child down and put the child in another classroom. The Assistant Director, Jamie Hall, reported the incident to the parent of the child. The staff member that left the child outside was suspended from September 17, 2025, until September 18, 2025. The staff member’s employment was terminated on September 18, 2025. Investigation- The allegation was discussed with you. The facility does not have a camera system. On Friday, September 19, 2025, Priscilla Young, Administrator, made a self-report regarding a supervision issue. Based on the self-report, staff information, and my investigation, this allegation is confirmed. One violation was documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On September 17, 2025, a 2-year-old child was left alone in the outdoor space during the transition from the outdoor space to indoor space #11. .1801(a)(1-5) Child Care programs are expected to always achieve and maintain compliance with child care rules 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. A violation was documented today. On or before October 6, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware that any information submitted by you is considered 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. Based on a Confirmed allegation, a follow-up visit will be conducted and potentially an administrative action may be issued. Mail or email the information to: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant, andrea.johnson@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. Technical Assistance: A violation related to supervision was documented in child care rule .1801. On September 17, 2025, a 2-year-old child was left alone in the outdoor space while children transitioned to the indoor space. Children were not adequately supervised at all times. During transitions, staff must account for all children with name-to face recognition by visually identifying each child. Staff also use their knowledge of each child's development and abilities to anticipate what they will do, then get involved and redirect them when necessary. Supervision is basic to the safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality child care. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing/bullying/inappropriate topics discussed or inappropriate behavior. Active and positive supervision involves knowing each child’s abilities, establishing clear and simple safety rules, being aware of potential hazards, standing in strategic positions, and scanning play areas and circulating around the space. It is the responsibility of staff to regularly count children (name to face recognition) on a routine basis, at every transition, and whenever leaving one area and arriving at another. On top of check-in and check-out procedures, centers need a system tracking children throughout the day. This is done by simply performing a name to face count at regular intervals. Teachers must actually see and match each child’s face to their name on their check-in sheet in order to make sure this count is accurate. These counts should be performed at regular intervals but are especially important during transitions such as going outside or to the cafeteria. The importance of child tracking procedures should be emphasized during onboarding and during continuing education for teachers. By implementing and following these simple procedures childcare staff can keep track of all the children in their care throughout the day. I encourage you to install cameras to ensure staff are providing visual supervision at all times. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed, printed, and signed by the administrator. You may contact me, Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant, at 252-732-0183 or andrea.johnson@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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 7/10/2025 Number Present: 133 Completed Date: 7/10/2025 Age: From 0 To 12 Total Minutes: 180 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 12:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements pertinent to an annual compliance visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license issued February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Tammy Ross, assisted with today’s visit. Due to travel time, we arrived at your facility at 9:30am. The last annual compliance was conducted on July 16, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed April 8, 2025, with an “Approved” classification. The last fire inspection was conducted on August 8, 2024. Your facility was approved for 1st shift care and the facility meets enhanced ratios and enhanced space. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-four (94) percent as of July 10, 2025. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on July 10, 2025, and ELA KidsNet, LLC was listed as current-active. Administrator, Tanja Krneta, was present and available for consultation. One hundred and sixty-four (164) children, between the ages of zero (0) and twelve (12) years old are enrolled and one hundred and thirty-three (133) present today. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. A walk-through of the facility was completed today; all indoor and outdoor areas were monitored. I observed children in both the indoor and outdoor learning environments and found supervision and staff/child ratios to be in compliance. Infants and toddlers in spaces #1, #2, #3, #17, and #18 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were available and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements met. Infants were observed sleeping and staff members assisted them as they played on the floor with toys. School age children and preschool children were observed participating in free choice/center activities which included large Legos, coloring, connecting tubes, dramatic play, art, blocks, puzzles, reading, science center, and a variety of manipulatives. Outdoor free play activities included running, riding tricycles, bouncing balls, kicking balls, and climbing. Water was available for the children in the outdoor space. Children transitioned from free play activities to lunch by singing songs and completing handwashing/personal routines. Lunch consisted of chicken nuggets, green beans, cranberry sauce, and milk. The caregivers were interacting and meeting the developmental needs for each of the children. Due to the NC Pre-K program being closed for the summer, NC Pre-K Monitoring will be conducted during the facility’s next routine unannounced visit. Health and safety trainings were monitored, and requirements were met. Violation Number Comment Rule 1824 The trained staff did not review the EPR Plan annually or when information in the plan changed to ensure all information was current. The last date the facility’s EPR Plan was reviewed was June 11, 2024. .0607(e) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. Any violations documented must be corrected immediately. The violation documented today was corrected during the visit; therefore, a compliance letter is not required. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact me. My contact information is as follows: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant andrea.johnson@dhhs.nc.gov PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 252-732-0183 Technical Assistance: Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan Review: The trained staff shall review the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPR) annually, or when the information in the plan changes, to ensure all information is current. Today I suggested you plan to conduct the review at the same time every year to help you remember. Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids: Your facility’s status, according to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids website, shows the following: • Water Testing-Completed on May 22, 2024. Water testing must be completed every three (3) years. • Lead-Based Paint-Exempt N/A • Asbestos-Exempt N/A Moodle Helpful Hints: 1. When on the Moodle homepage, scroll down past the three-square boxes to find directions to self-register for various training opportunities. 2. If you do not access a training opportunity for 150 days, the training will be suspended. To regain access, email a request to set status to “active” including the name of the training course to dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov. Send any questions about DCDEE Moodle trainings to dcdee_moodle_support@dhhs.nc.gov. Tips for MY NCID Users: Did you know that if you do not log in to 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. Reminders: Staff Qualifications: Staff member, J. Foreman’s criminal background qualifying letter expires on August 21, 2025. Fire Inspection: Please set a reminder on your calendar to have an annual fire inspection conducted on or before August 8, 2025. Emergency Drills: Please set a reminder on your calendar to conduct a shelter in place or lockdown drill on or before August 31, 2025. For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the annual compliance visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. 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 .0508 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 144 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Kim Sherry, assisted with today’s visit. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of December 11, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 11, 2024, and ELA KidsNet, Inc. was listed as current-active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Administrator, Tanja Krneta, was available for consultation during the visit. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. One hundred ninety-nine (199) children, between the ages of zero (0) and eleven (11) years old are enrolled and one hundred forty-one (141) were present today. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor spaces were not monitored due to inclement weather. A walk through and observations were conducted. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. Today, fifteen (15) classrooms were being utilized. The center appeared child and family friendly, as the classrooms were having a door decorating contest plus many other pictures were posted throughout the center. In the classrooms, staff and children were engaged in seasonal holiday crafts such as wreaths, ornaments, gingerbread men, snow globes, snow people, and many other crafts. Infants and toddlers in spaces #1, #2, #3, #17, and #18 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were available and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements met. Infants were observed sleeping, sitting in play seats, exploring around the classroom, playing with fine motor materials, or being held. The two-year-old children were either preparing for lunch or were eating lunch. Preschool children were observed participating in free choice/center activities which included Legos, coloring, looking at books, connecting tubes, stacking or building with blocks, dramatic play cooking, dot painting, coloring, and other age-appropriate materials. Lunch consisted of turkey or ham and cheese whet wraps, peaches, carrots or spinach, and milk. Health and Safety trainings, the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy, and new staff files were monitored today and found to be in compliance. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the observation and walk though, activity plans were not available classrooms #5, #11, and #13. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 615 Beds, cots and mats were not in good repair, properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. In classroom space #12, children jumped on and off cots and played with toys on the cots. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(a) 841 Non-prescription diaper creams and sunscreen shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage. In classroom space #1, a tube of Destin was located on the diaper changing shelf at the end of the diaper changing table accessible to the children in care. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In classroom space #14, a plastic bag that stores diapers was lying on the floor in the children's bathroom accessible to the children in care. .0604(q) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. Violations 615 and 841 were corrected during the visit; therefore a compliance letter is not required for them. On or before Friday, December 20, 2025, 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 considered 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 Andrea.johnson@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 NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) Site Monitoring Tool for the 2024-2025 school year has not been completed by the NC Pre-K Agency. The program follows the Craven County school calendar. The length of the day, 7:45am until 3:00pm, meets the instructional day requirement of 6.5-10 hours. Child Assessment and Required Screenings: The administrator stated the classrooms assessment tool, My Teaching Strategies, is in the computer in place. Portfolios for each child are maintained in the classroom and electronically on Teacher Strategies Gold online application. Records for four children enrolled in the NC Pre-K program were monitored. Documentation of health assessments, vision, hearing, dental screenings, and pre-screenings were on file for each child. Curriculum: The Creative Curriculum for Preschool has been implemented and the classroom has the required resources available for use. Materials to support the current activity plan were displayed throughout the classroom. NC Pre-K notebooks which stores children’s work samples, lesson plans, newsletters, communication logs, etc. should be maintained or collected. Family Engagement: Parent involvement includes emails, newsletters, monthly calendars, visiting a pumpkin patch, going to see Santa Claus and many other opportunities. Staff Requirements: All staff met NC Pre-K education requirements. Technical Assistance: Bedding and Sleeping: A violation was documented related to bedding and sleeping. Cots were not properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. In classroom space #12, prior to nap time, staff members placed cots down in the designated area children use for napping. As children were engaged in free play and waiting for lunch, they began to jump on and off cots and played with toys on the cots while waiting for lunch to be served. Mats should not be placed in their designated area util children are ready to nap. Linens shall be kept clean, in good repair, and stored with the mat or cot that the linens are assigned to or stored apart from the mattress or cot in a manner that keeps the linens used for each child separate from the linens belonging to other children. Linens shall be laundered between users, when soiled, and otherwise once per week. Linens used in rooms where the children in care are less than 12 months old shall be changed and laundered when soiled and otherwise at least daily. Linens shall be large enough to cover the bed, cot, or mat's sleeping surface. Storage of Medication: Desitin diaper cream found in space one (1) was on the diaper changing shelf accessible to the toddlers in care. The diaper cream was not five (5) feet above the floor. Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Some medication permission slip forms had white out on them. I encourage you not to use white out for legal purposes. Plastic- Plastic bags may not be accessible to children under 3. In classroom space #14, a plastic bag that stores diapers was lying on the floor in the children's bathroom accessible to the children in care. Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard and kill dozens of children yearly mostly infants. Ensure all plastic bags are in locked storage or above 5 feet. This includes plastic bags to use to store medications. Activity Plans: A violation was documented in child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0508- During the observation and walk though, activity plans were not available classrooms #5, #11, and #13. A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. All centers shall have a current schedule and activity plan for each group of children posted for reference by parents and by caregivers. The schedule and activity plan may be combined in a single document. (b) For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Staff should be aware of their lesson plan and implementing daily. When you walk into a classroom, you should be aware of the theme. 2024 Annual License Fees: Invoices were emailed to the facility addresses on file by November 30, 2024. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. Annual Immunization Report: The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. QRIS Update: Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Reminders: Staff Qualifications: The following staff members need to complete the following trainings: • L. Elks- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 08/29/25 • H. Riggs- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 09/16/2025 • V. Smoot- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 11/12/2025 and CPR and First Aid on or before 02/21/2025 • A. Walker-CPR and First Aid on or before January 17, 2025 • R. Lynch- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 12/02/2025 and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment on or before March 2, 2025 • N. Rowland- Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment on or before 12/23/2024 Vehicle Insurance: Your facility’s vehicle insurance will expire on January 1, 2025. I suggest you put a reminder on your calendar to ensure that your vehicle insurance is renewed. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor, Lynette Robbins Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov Office: 910-824-0235 If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 144 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Kim Sherry, assisted with today’s visit. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of December 11, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 11, 2024, and ELA KidsNet, Inc. was listed as current-active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Administrator, Tanja Krneta, was available for consultation during the visit. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. One hundred ninety-nine (199) children, between the ages of zero (0) and eleven (11) years old are enrolled and one hundred forty-one (141) were present today. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor spaces were not monitored due to inclement weather. A walk through and observations were conducted. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. Today, fifteen (15) classrooms were being utilized. The center appeared child and family friendly, as the classrooms were having a door decorating contest plus many other pictures were posted throughout the center. In the classrooms, staff and children were engaged in seasonal holiday crafts such as wreaths, ornaments, gingerbread men, snow globes, snow people, and many other crafts. Infants and toddlers in spaces #1, #2, #3, #17, and #18 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were available and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements met. Infants were observed sleeping, sitting in play seats, exploring around the classroom, playing with fine motor materials, or being held. The two-year-old children were either preparing for lunch or were eating lunch. Preschool children were observed participating in free choice/center activities which included Legos, coloring, looking at books, connecting tubes, stacking or building with blocks, dramatic play cooking, dot painting, coloring, and other age-appropriate materials. Lunch consisted of turkey or ham and cheese whet wraps, peaches, carrots or spinach, and milk. Health and Safety trainings, the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy, and new staff files were monitored today and found to be in compliance. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the observation and walk though, activity plans were not available classrooms #5, #11, and #13. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 615 Beds, cots and mats were not in good repair, properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. In classroom space #12, children jumped on and off cots and played with toys on the cots. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(a) 841 Non-prescription diaper creams and sunscreen shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage. In classroom space #1, a tube of Destin was located on the diaper changing shelf at the end of the diaper changing table accessible to the children in care. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In classroom space #14, a plastic bag that stores diapers was lying on the floor in the children's bathroom accessible to the children in care. .0604(q) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. Violations 615 and 841 were corrected during the visit; therefore a compliance letter is not required for them. On or before Friday, December 20, 2025, 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 considered 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 Andrea.johnson@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 NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) Site Monitoring Tool for the 2024-2025 school year has not been completed by the NC Pre-K Agency. The program follows the Craven County school calendar. The length of the day, 7:45am until 3:00pm, meets the instructional day requirement of 6.5-10 hours. Child Assessment and Required Screenings: The administrator stated the classrooms assessment tool, My Teaching Strategies, is in the computer in place. Portfolios for each child are maintained in the classroom and electronically on Teacher Strategies Gold online application. Records for four children enrolled in the NC Pre-K program were monitored. Documentation of health assessments, vision, hearing, dental screenings, and pre-screenings were on file for each child. Curriculum: The Creative Curriculum for Preschool has been implemented and the classroom has the required resources available for use. Materials to support the current activity plan were displayed throughout the classroom. NC Pre-K notebooks which stores children’s work samples, lesson plans, newsletters, communication logs, etc. should be maintained or collected. Family Engagement: Parent involvement includes emails, newsletters, monthly calendars, visiting a pumpkin patch, going to see Santa Claus and many other opportunities. Staff Requirements: All staff met NC Pre-K education requirements. Technical Assistance: Bedding and Sleeping: A violation was documented related to bedding and sleeping. Cots were not properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. In classroom space #12, prior to nap time, staff members placed cots down in the designated area children use for napping. As children were engaged in free play and waiting for lunch, they began to jump on and off cots and played with toys on the cots while waiting for lunch to be served. Mats should not be placed in their designated area util children are ready to nap. Linens shall be kept clean, in good repair, and stored with the mat or cot that the linens are assigned to or stored apart from the mattress or cot in a manner that keeps the linens used for each child separate from the linens belonging to other children. Linens shall be laundered between users, when soiled, and otherwise once per week. Linens used in rooms where the children in care are less than 12 months old shall be changed and laundered when soiled and otherwise at least daily. Linens shall be large enough to cover the bed, cot, or mat's sleeping surface. Storage of Medication: Desitin diaper cream found in space one (1) was on the diaper changing shelf accessible to the toddlers in care. The diaper cream was not five (5) feet above the floor. Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Some medication permission slip forms had white out on them. I encourage you not to use white out for legal purposes. Plastic- Plastic bags may not be accessible to children under 3. In classroom space #14, a plastic bag that stores diapers was lying on the floor in the children's bathroom accessible to the children in care. Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard and kill dozens of children yearly mostly infants. Ensure all plastic bags are in locked storage or above 5 feet. This includes plastic bags to use to store medications. Activity Plans: A violation was documented in child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0508- During the observation and walk though, activity plans were not available classrooms #5, #11, and #13. A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. All centers shall have a current schedule and activity plan for each group of children posted for reference by parents and by caregivers. The schedule and activity plan may be combined in a single document. (b) For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Staff should be aware of their lesson plan and implementing daily. When you walk into a classroom, you should be aware of the theme. 2024 Annual License Fees: Invoices were emailed to the facility addresses on file by November 30, 2024. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. Annual Immunization Report: The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. QRIS Update: Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Reminders: Staff Qualifications: The following staff members need to complete the following trainings: • L. Elks- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 08/29/25 • H. Riggs- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 09/16/2025 • V. Smoot- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 11/12/2025 and CPR and First Aid on or before 02/21/2025 • A. Walker-CPR and First Aid on or before January 17, 2025 • R. Lynch- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 12/02/2025 and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment on or before March 2, 2025 • N. Rowland- Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment on or before 12/23/2024 Vehicle Insurance: Your facility’s vehicle insurance will expire on January 1, 2025. I suggest you put a reminder on your calendar to ensure that your vehicle insurance is renewed. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor, Lynette Robbins Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov Office: 910-824-0235 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/11/2024 Number Present: 144 Completed Date: 12/11/2024 Age: From 0 To 11 Total Minutes: 240 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. Your program currently operates with a 5-Star license effective February 20, 2022. Childcare Consultant, Kim Sherry, assisted with today’s visit. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety-seven (97) percent as of December 11, 2024. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on December 11, 2024, and ELA KidsNet, Inc. was listed as current-active. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Administrator, Tanja Krneta, was available for consultation during the visit. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. One hundred ninety-nine (199) children, between the ages of zero (0) and eleven (11) years old are enrolled and one hundred forty-one (141) were present today. At least five (5) activity areas including language, blocks, manipulatives, dramatic play, and art were available in the classroom. Age-appropriate materials and activities were provided for all children. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor spaces were not monitored due to inclement weather. A walk through and observations were conducted. There are nineteen (19) approved indoor spaces and six (6) approved outdoor spaces. Today, fifteen (15) classrooms were being utilized. The center appeared child and family friendly, as the classrooms were having a door decorating contest plus many other pictures were posted throughout the center. In the classrooms, staff and children were engaged in seasonal holiday crafts such as wreaths, ornaments, gingerbread men, snow globes, snow people, and many other crafts. Infants and toddlers in spaces #1, #2, #3, #17, and #18 received care based on their individual needs. Infant feeding schedules were available and safe sleep checks were monitored, and requirements met. Infants were observed sleeping, sitting in play seats, exploring around the classroom, playing with fine motor materials, or being held. The two-year-old children were either preparing for lunch or were eating lunch. Preschool children were observed participating in free choice/center activities which included Legos, coloring, looking at books, connecting tubes, stacking or building with blocks, dramatic play cooking, dot painting, coloring, and other age-appropriate materials. Lunch consisted of turkey or ham and cheese whet wraps, peaches, carrots or spinach, and milk. Health and Safety trainings, the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy, and new staff files were monitored today and found to be in compliance. Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. During the observation and walk though, activity plans were not available classrooms #5, #11, and #13. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 615 Beds, cots and mats were not in good repair, properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. In classroom space #12, children jumped on and off cots and played with toys on the cots. 15A NCAC 18A .2821(a) 841 Non-prescription diaper creams and sunscreen shall be kept inaccessible to children when not in use, but are not required to be in locked storage. In classroom space #1, a tube of Destin was located on the diaper changing shelf at the end of the diaper changing table accessible to the children in care. 15A NCAC 18A .2820(d) 858 Plastic bags, materials that could be torn apart and toy parts small enough to be swallowed were accessible to children under three years of age. In classroom space #14, a plastic bag that stores diapers was lying on the floor in the children's bathroom accessible to the children in care. .0604(q) 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 violations documented may impact the compliance history score. The violations documented must be corrected immediately. Violations 615 and 841 were corrected during the visit; therefore a compliance letter is not required for them. On or before Friday, December 20, 2025, 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 considered 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 Andrea.johnson@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 NC Pre-K Monitoring: The NC Pre-Kindergarten Program (NC Pre-K) Site Monitoring Tool for the 2024-2025 school year has not been completed by the NC Pre-K Agency. The program follows the Craven County school calendar. The length of the day, 7:45am until 3:00pm, meets the instructional day requirement of 6.5-10 hours. Child Assessment and Required Screenings: The administrator stated the classrooms assessment tool, My Teaching Strategies, is in the computer in place. Portfolios for each child are maintained in the classroom and electronically on Teacher Strategies Gold online application. Records for four children enrolled in the NC Pre-K program were monitored. Documentation of health assessments, vision, hearing, dental screenings, and pre-screenings were on file for each child. Curriculum: The Creative Curriculum for Preschool has been implemented and the classroom has the required resources available for use. Materials to support the current activity plan were displayed throughout the classroom. NC Pre-K notebooks which stores children’s work samples, lesson plans, newsletters, communication logs, etc. should be maintained or collected. Family Engagement: Parent involvement includes emails, newsletters, monthly calendars, visiting a pumpkin patch, going to see Santa Claus and many other opportunities. Staff Requirements: All staff met NC Pre-K education requirements. Technical Assistance: Bedding and Sleeping: A violation was documented related to bedding and sleeping. Cots were not properly handled, stored, or clean and sanitized between users. In classroom space #12, prior to nap time, staff members placed cots down in the designated area children use for napping. As children were engaged in free play and waiting for lunch, they began to jump on and off cots and played with toys on the cots while waiting for lunch to be served. Mats should not be placed in their designated area util children are ready to nap. Linens shall be kept clean, in good repair, and stored with the mat or cot that the linens are assigned to or stored apart from the mattress or cot in a manner that keeps the linens used for each child separate from the linens belonging to other children. Linens shall be laundered between users, when soiled, and otherwise once per week. Linens used in rooms where the children in care are less than 12 months old shall be changed and laundered when soiled and otherwise at least daily. Linens shall be large enough to cover the bed, cot, or mat's sleeping surface. Storage of Medication: Desitin diaper cream found in space one (1) was on the diaper changing shelf accessible to the toddlers in care. The diaper cream was not five (5) feet above the floor. Please review child care rules regarding storage and accessibility of potentially hazardous items. Items labeled “Keep out of reach of children” with no other warnings must be stored at a minimum of five feet off the floor. Some medication permission slip forms had white out on them. I encourage you not to use white out for legal purposes. Plastic- Plastic bags may not be accessible to children under 3. In classroom space #14, a plastic bag that stores diapers was lying on the floor in the children's bathroom accessible to the children in care. Plastic bags are a suffocation hazard and kill dozens of children yearly mostly infants. Ensure all plastic bags are in locked storage or above 5 feet. This includes plastic bags to use to store medications. Activity Plans: A violation was documented in child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0508- During the observation and walk though, activity plans were not available classrooms #5, #11, and #13. A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. All centers shall have a current schedule and activity plan for each group of children posted for reference by parents and by caregivers. The schedule and activity plan may be combined in a single document. (b) For each group of children in care, the activity plan shall include activities intended to stimulate the following developmental domains, in accordance with North Carolina Foundations for Early Learning and Development, available on the Division's website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/providers/pv_foundations.asp: (1) emotional and social development; (2) health and physical development; (3) approaches to play and learning; (4) language development and communication; and (5) cognitive development. Staff should be aware of their lesson plan and implementing daily. When you walk into a classroom, you should be aware of the theme. 2024 Annual License Fees: Invoices were emailed to the facility addresses on file by November 30, 2024. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. Annual Immunization Report: The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. QRIS Update: Starting on February 1, 2025, the ECERS-3, ITERS-3, and FCCERS-3—also known as the "3s"—will be used for DCDEE environment rating scale assessments. The DCDEE and the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) are collaboratively working on preparations for the transition to the third editions. These third editions come with a spiral binding at the top, replacing the current revised editions. Visit the NCRLAP’s website for more information about updated resources, credit hour trainings, and outreach assessment opportunities to help you become familiar with these tools. For official environment rating scale assessments for a NC Star Rated License, the NCRLAP will use the Revised editions until February 1, 2025. Reminders: Staff Qualifications: The following staff members need to complete the following trainings: • L. Elks- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 08/29/25 • H. Riggs- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 09/16/2025 • V. Smoot- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 11/12/2025 and CPR and First Aid on or before 02/21/2025 • A. Walker-CPR and First Aid on or before January 17, 2025 • R. Lynch- Health and Safety Training Administration of Medication on or before 12/02/2025 and Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment on or before March 2, 2025 • N. Rowland- Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment on or before 12/23/2024 Vehicle Insurance: Your facility’s vehicle insurance will expire on January 1, 2025. I suggest you put a reminder on your calendar to ensure that your vehicle insurance is renewed. For the latest information on child care rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with you, emailed to you, copies printed and signed. As we discussed, this computer-generated visit summary serves as completion of the routine unannounced visit. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor, Lynette Robbins Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov Office: 910-824-0235 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: EXCEL LEARNING CENTERS #7 Facility ID: 25000600 Consultant: ANDREA JOHNSON Operation Type: Center Case Number: 1124-004L Visit Date: 11/6/2024 Number Present: 140 Completed Date: 11/6/2024 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 170 Time In: 11:40 AM Time Out: 02:30 PM Time In: Time Out: 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. This program currently operates with a Five Star License, issued February 20, 2022, earning seven (7) points in Staff Education, six (6) points in Program Standards, and 1 quality point for choosing a Programmatic Option. The last annual compliance visit was conducted July 16, 2024. Prior to this visit, this facility’s eighteen-month compliance history was 97%. According to the Secretary of State’s website, ELA KidsNet Holdings, LLC corporation’s status is current and active. I visited all spaces used with the children unaccompanied. Upon arrival at your facility, children were engaged in a variety of free play activities. A variety of gross motor equipment was available for the children. Children transitioned from free play activities to lunch which consisted of roasted chicken breast, corn, black beans, diced pears, and milk. Caregivers and children interacted in a positive and appropriate manner. Staff/child ratios and supervision were monitored and found to be in compliance today. Allegation: There is a concern that children are not being adequately supervised. The allegation of this report was discussed with Tanja Krneta, Administrator. You were given the opportunity to state your perceptions of the allegation and to share any pertinent information. You reported that on Thursday, October 31, 2024, around 4:00pm the Assistant Director and office support were at the front desk, when a parent came into the facility and reported that a one (1) year-old child was on the playground alone. Both staff members jumped up and went to the playground to get the child. When one (1) staff member arrived on the playground, a parent was outside of the playground fence watching the child. The child was located in the far corner of the playground playing. The staff member picked the child up and took the child into the classroom. The teacher and children assigned to the child’s classroom were standing by the door inside the classroom that leads to the playground. The child’s teacher reported that the child was left on the playground for approximately three (3) minutes. This incident was self-reported by Tanja Krneta, Administrator. Based on observations, information received, and my investigation, this allegation is substantiated. The following violation was observed: Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. On October 31, 2024, one (1) child, aged sixteen (16) months old, was left in the outdoor space unsupervised for approximately three (3) minutes. .1801(a)(1-5) 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 documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation documented must be corrected immediately. On or before Friday, November 8, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violation was corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered 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: Andrea Johnson, Child Care Consultant PO Box 904 Beaufort, NC 28516 Andrea.johnson@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: Supervision: Supervision is basic to the safety and the prevention of injury and maintaining quality childcare. Parents have a contract with the facility and its staff to supervise their children. The importance of supervision is not only to protect children from physical injury, but from harm that can occur from teasing, bullying, or inappropriate behavior. It is the responsibility of staff to regularly count children (name to face recognition) on a routine basis, at every transition, and whenever leaving one area and arriving at another. Active and positive supervision involves knowing each child’s abilities, establishing clear and simple safety rules, being aware of potential hazards, standing in strategic positions, and scanning play areas and circulating around the space. Focus on the positive rather than the negative to teach a child what is safe. Teach children the appropriate and safe use of each piece of equipment. It is imperative that caregivers supervise children at all times, not just for the safety of children, but to ensure children get the attention they need for optimal growth and development. Children like to test their skills and abilities. Serious injuries can occur in indoor and outdoor play areas if constant supervision is not maintained. Caregivers who are actively involved, aware, and appreciative of young children’s behaviors are in the best position to keep children safe. Low staff-child ratios make it easier for caregivers to supervise children adequately while interacting. Adequate supervision means that staff interact with the children while moving about the indoor and outdoor area and can hear and/or see the children at all times, except when emergencies necessitate that direct supervision is impossible for brief periods of time. A PLAN OF CORRECTIVE MEASURES: This facility made a self-report. You, Ms. Krneta, reported that the following actions were taken by you: • You met with the parent of the child that was left unsupervised to inform them of the incident. • You reviewed the Supervision Policy with all staff members on November 1, 2024. • You conducted a Supervision Training with all staff on November 1, 2024. • All staff members signed that the supervision training was completed with them. • Door alarms for each classroom door that leads to each outdoor space were installed on November 1, 2024. • Additional door alarms were installed at each hallway entrance door leading into each classroom on November 1, 2024, and November 6, 2024. • The staff member responsible for leaving a child unattended in the outdoor space was placed on suspension, pending investigation on November 4, 2024, and is no longer employed at the facility. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. If you have any questions and/or concerns, you have my contact information. You may also contact my supervisor, Lynette Robbins Lynette.Robbins@dhhs.nc.gov Office: 910-824-0235 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