Happy Hearts Child Care

10A NCAC 09 .1720 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAPPY HEARTS CHILD CARE Facility ID: 25000258 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/29/2026 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 1/29/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 10:05 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me on today’s visit. C. Rodgers, Operator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/20/25, earning 6 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having completed a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 2/26/25. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety seven percent as of 1/26/26. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 1/26/26 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to any changes regarding the ownership of this facility. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Upon arrival, children were preparing to sit at the table and ate a morning snack that consisted of whole wheat and cheese crackers and milk. The children were engaged in free play in activity centers and the operator sat on the carpet with children and discussed letters on blocks. The children completed personal care routines before sitting at the table for lunch. The outdoor space was observed to have a large shade structure with tables and activity centers beneath it. There were also sand and water tables, riding toys, basketball goal, stepping stones, see saws, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor play. Lunch was observed and included pork roast, broccoli, macaroni and cheese, pears, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 701 All indoor and outdoor areas used by the children were not kept clean, orderly, and free of items which are potentially hazardous to children including removal of items a child can swallow; the removal of loose nails or screws and splinters on inside; and use of outdoor equipment that is too hot to touch. In the outdoor space by the second tree from the front fence, a piece of PVC pipe was exposed causing a tripping hazard. .1719(a)(1)&(17) 706 Corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, and products under pressure in an aerosol dispenser and any substance that may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not kept in locked storage when children were in care. There was a bottle of Lysol Air Sanitizer on the side table beside the hallway leading to the bathroom. In the back of the vehicle used to transport children, there was a bottle of Prestone Antifreeze and Coolant. .1719 (a)(7) 1101 Operator or other transportation provider did not have written permission from each child's parents or guardian to transport the child. Written permission on file for children to be transported expired 10/1/25. .1723(5) 1403 Prescription or over-the-counter medication and topical, non-medical ointment, repellant, lotion, cream, fluoridated toothpaste, or powder was administered to any child without the required information. A container of Vaseline was on file without written permission from the parent. 10A NCAC 09 .1720(c)(1&2) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 2/12/26, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Medication: Medicines can be crucial to the health and wellness of children. They can also be very dangerous if the wrong type or wrong amount is given to the wrong person or at the wrong time. A medical action plan is required for children that need emergency medication, the form needs to be completed by the parent or a health care professional. All medications for children present at the center must have a current, completed medication permission form even if there is a Medical Action Plan. Medication permission forms are valid for a defined length of time and must be updated, if needed. A container of Vaseline was on file without written permission from the parent. You stated that the parent verbally requested for the cream to be applied on the child and will have the parent complete a permission form for it immediately. We discussed that anything applied on children needs written permission and the form can be found in Provider documents on the division’s website and it will be valid for up to 12 months. Ensure that any cream or medication has written permission from the parent on file and audit the forms monthly to ensure that they are valid. Transportation: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children two to fourteen years of age in the United States. It is necessary for the safety of children to require that the caregiver/teacher comply with requirements governing the transportation of children in care, in the absence of the parent/guardian. Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. Written permission on file for children to be transported expired 10/1/25. You stated that the written plan has not changed and will get updated written permission immediately. We discussed that it would be helpful to update annual paperwork at the beginning of the year. Put a reminder in your digital calendar to send you a reminder before annual paperwork expires. Safe environment: Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. There was a bottle of Lysol Air Sanitizer on the side table beside the hallway leading to the bathroom. During the visit, you moved the bottle to locked storage. In the back of the vehicle used to transport children, there was a bottle of Prestone Antifreeze and Coolant. You stated that the van had overheated and forgot to remove the container. We discussed checking the learning environments daily to ensure that hazards are removed before the children arrive. In the outdoor space, piece of PVC pipe was exposed causing a tripping hazard. You stated that the PVC pipe was from mulch containment when swings were installed in the past and have contacted someone to remove them. We also discussed that a table could be placed over the pipe so that it would not be accessible. Send a picture of the correction with your compliance letter. Check the indoor and outdoor spaces before children arrive and see that all hazardous materials are removed and locked away if necessary. Additional Comments: Mealtime Preparation: Preparing meals while caring for children can be a busy time of the day. It can be helpful to prepare food in advance that can be reheated and to have a variety of materials available to keep the children entertained while cooking meals. Having a container of materials that can be easily accessible to children with multiple choices for toddlers and preschoolers can help keep the children engaged so that you are about to prepare and serve the children. QRIS (Quality Rating Improvement System) Technical Assistance: All information on the QRIS rated license assessments and documents will be posted at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization and will also be provided through emails and Raise NC newsletters. Your QRIS assessment is due by 12/31/2026. You have decided to follow Pathway #2: Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway. We reviewed the approved formative assessments and curriculums and discussed that the application for rated license is located in the Provider documents on the division’s website. North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID: Did you know that if you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAPPY HEARTS CHILD CARE Facility ID: 25000258 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 1/29/2026 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 1/29/2026 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 10:05 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, accompanied me on today’s visit. C. Rodgers, Operator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 10/20/25, earning 6 points in the education component, 7 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having completed a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on 2/26/25. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was ninety seven percent as of 1/26/26. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 1/26/26 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to any changes regarding the ownership of this facility. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Upon arrival, children were preparing to sit at the table and ate a morning snack that consisted of whole wheat and cheese crackers and milk. The children were engaged in free play in activity centers and the operator sat on the carpet with children and discussed letters on blocks. The children completed personal care routines before sitting at the table for lunch. The outdoor space was observed to have a large shade structure with tables and activity centers beneath it. There were also sand and water tables, riding toys, basketball goal, stepping stones, see saws, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor play. Lunch was observed and included pork roast, broccoli, macaroni and cheese, pears, and milk. The following violations were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 701 All indoor and outdoor areas used by the children were not kept clean, orderly, and free of items which are potentially hazardous to children including removal of items a child can swallow; the removal of loose nails or screws and splinters on inside; and use of outdoor equipment that is too hot to touch. In the outdoor space by the second tree from the front fence, a piece of PVC pipe was exposed causing a tripping hazard. .1719(a)(1)&(17) 706 Corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, and products under pressure in an aerosol dispenser and any substance that may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not kept in locked storage when children were in care. There was a bottle of Lysol Air Sanitizer on the side table beside the hallway leading to the bathroom. In the back of the vehicle used to transport children, there was a bottle of Prestone Antifreeze and Coolant. .1719 (a)(7) 1101 Operator or other transportation provider did not have written permission from each child's parents or guardian to transport the child. Written permission on file for children to be transported expired 10/1/25. .1723(5) 1403 Prescription or over-the-counter medication and topical, non-medical ointment, repellant, lotion, cream, fluoridated toothpaste, or powder was administered to any child without the required information. A container of Vaseline was on file without written permission from the parent. 10A NCAC 09 .1720(c)(1&2) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 2/12/26, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Medication: Medicines can be crucial to the health and wellness of children. They can also be very dangerous if the wrong type or wrong amount is given to the wrong person or at the wrong time. A medical action plan is required for children that need emergency medication, the form needs to be completed by the parent or a health care professional. All medications for children present at the center must have a current, completed medication permission form even if there is a Medical Action Plan. Medication permission forms are valid for a defined length of time and must be updated, if needed. A container of Vaseline was on file without written permission from the parent. You stated that the parent verbally requested for the cream to be applied on the child and will have the parent complete a permission form for it immediately. We discussed that anything applied on children needs written permission and the form can be found in Provider documents on the division’s website and it will be valid for up to 12 months. Ensure that any cream or medication has written permission from the parent on file and audit the forms monthly to ensure that they are valid. Transportation: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children two to fourteen years of age in the United States. It is necessary for the safety of children to require that the caregiver/teacher comply with requirements governing the transportation of children in care, in the absence of the parent/guardian. Before children are transported, written permission from a parent shall be obtained that shall include when and where the child is to be transported, expected time of departure and arrival, and the transportation provider. Written permission on file for children to be transported expired 10/1/25. You stated that the written plan has not changed and will get updated written permission immediately. We discussed that it would be helpful to update annual paperwork at the beginning of the year. Put a reminder in your digital calendar to send you a reminder before annual paperwork expires. Safe environment: Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. There was a bottle of Lysol Air Sanitizer on the side table beside the hallway leading to the bathroom. During the visit, you moved the bottle to locked storage. In the back of the vehicle used to transport children, there was a bottle of Prestone Antifreeze and Coolant. You stated that the van had overheated and forgot to remove the container. We discussed checking the learning environments daily to ensure that hazards are removed before the children arrive. In the outdoor space, piece of PVC pipe was exposed causing a tripping hazard. You stated that the PVC pipe was from mulch containment when swings were installed in the past and have contacted someone to remove them. We also discussed that a table could be placed over the pipe so that it would not be accessible. Send a picture of the correction with your compliance letter. Check the indoor and outdoor spaces before children arrive and see that all hazardous materials are removed and locked away if necessary. Additional Comments: Mealtime Preparation: Preparing meals while caring for children can be a busy time of the day. It can be helpful to prepare food in advance that can be reheated and to have a variety of materials available to keep the children entertained while cooking meals. Having a container of materials that can be easily accessible to children with multiple choices for toddlers and preschoolers can help keep the children engaged so that you are about to prepare and serve the children. QRIS (Quality Rating Improvement System) Technical Assistance: All information on the QRIS rated license assessments and documents will be posted at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRISModernization and will also be provided through emails and Raise NC newsletters. Your QRIS assessment is due by 12/31/2026. You have decided to follow Pathway #2: Classroom and Instructional Quality Pathway. We reviewed the approved formative assessments and curriculums and discussed that the application for rated license is located in the Provider documents on the division’s website. North Carolina General Statute 14-208 requires sex offenders to register with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The law states that a sex offender shall not knowingly reside within 1,000 feet of the property on which any public or nonpublic school or child care center is located. This does not apply to child care centers that are located on or within 1,000 feet of property of an institution of higher education where the registrant is a student or is employed. All licensed child care centers must register to receive e-mail notification when a registered sex offender moves within a one-mile radius of the center. (§14-208.19) To register for the e-mail notification, go to http://sexoffender.ncsbi.gov. If you have any questions, please contact your local sheriff's department. NCID: Did you know that if you do not login on any DCDEE platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) for a period of 12 months, your account will be archived? An archived account cannot be reinstated. You will need to create a new one and then email all platforms (e.g., Moodle, WORKS, CBC) to merge accounts. Pro Tip: Set your calendar to remind you every 6 months to login and out at https://myncid.nc.gov to keep your account activated and it will NOT be archived. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, and technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAPPY HEARTS CHILD CARE Facility ID: 25000258 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 2/26/2025 Number Present: 4 Completed Date: 2/26/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 220 Time In: 08:40 AM Time Out: 12:20 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. C. Rodgers, Operator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 4/13/23, earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having completed a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 3/18/24. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was one hundred percent as of 2/18/25. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 8/13/24 and this facility is not currently owned or operated by a corporation. Please contact me prior to any changes regarding the ownership of this facility. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Children were observed engaged in free play in activity centers, routines, and snack time. After free play, the children sang songs and the days of the week with the operator. Morning snack was observed and included graham crackers and milk. Before lunch, the children sat at the table and drew pictures of different emotions with crayons. The outdoor space was observed to have a large shade structure with tables and activity centers beneath it. There were also sand and water tables, riding toys, basketball goal, stepping stones, see saws, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor play. Lunch was observed and included spaghetti with meat sauce and whole grain noodles, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peaches, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1306 Operator has not completed ITS-SIDS training every three years from the completion date of the previous ITS-SIDS training. The operator had IT-SIDS certification that expired on 2/9/25. .1703(a)(4) 1920 Indoor and outdoor area was not checked daily for debris, vandalism, broken equipment, and animal waste. In the bathroom that the children use, there was a rusted and broken register in the floor with sharp edges. .1719(a)(17) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 3/12/25, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: ITS/SIDS Training: Completing ITS/SIDS training at hire and every three years provides operators with the most current information and required practices to protect infants from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other accidents that may occur while sleeping. The operator had IT-SIDS certification that expired on 2/9/25. You stated that you were scheduled to take a training before your certificate expired, but it was canceled. When you were unable to complete the training, you completed the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)- Reducing the Risk Training through ProSolutions. We discussed that neighboring Resource and Referrals also offer virtual IT-SIDS trainings and we reviewed their websites during the visit. You reached out to Craven Smart Start during the visit to see if they have a training soon. Complete the training and attach a copy of the certificate with your compliance letter. Safe Environment: Intentional planning of the environment ensures a safe environment has been created which prevents and reduces injuries to young children. In the bathroom that the children use, there was a rusted and broken register in the floor with sharp edges. You stated that you have ordered a new register to replace the broken one and place the step stool over the register while the children are in the bathroom. You also stated that you will place a piece of cardboard over the register until the register is replaced. Send a picture of the installed new register with your compliance letter. Check the bathroom before children arrive and see that all hazardous materials are removed and locked away if necessary. Additional Comments: ABCMS Provider Portal: You completed the Provider Portal training but were unable to log in to the provider portal. You stated that you are unable to log in to the provider portal. I sent you the email for help and a copy of the connecting application instructions to complete the process. Natural Learning Initiative: https://naturalearning.org/resources/ Resources are created, often in collaboration with the Natural Learning Initiative’s interdisciplinary partners, to support technical assistance, professional development, and generally to promote the importance of the natural environment in the daily experience of all children. Please use and share. We discussed the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project: NCRLAP’s mission is to promote the quality of child care by consistently and reliably assessing environments for the North Carolina Star Rated License. We collaborate with professionals in the early childhood education field to foster the development and learning of young children. The website ncrlap.org offers resources, trainings, videos, worksheets, and getting ready for FCCERS-3. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: HAPPY HEARTS CHILD CARE Facility ID: 25000258 Consultant: BRITTANY JONES Operation Type: Family CC Home Case Number: Visit Date: 3/18/2024 Number Present: 5 Completed Date: 3/18/2024 Age: From 1 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:00 AM Time Out: 12:25 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Family CC Home Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. C. Rodgers, Operator, assisted me with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued 4/13/23, earning 6 points in the education component, 6 points in the program standards component and 1 quality point for having completed a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted 4/13/23. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was one hundred percent as of 3/15/24. We reviewed your facility contact information listed on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website and all information is current. Contact me if you need to make any changes to your contact information, e.g., phone numbers, mailing address. All indoor and outdoor spaces were monitored. Children were observed engaged in free play in activity centers, routines, and snack time. The children practiced opening and shutting plastic easter eggs before sitting on the carpet for circle time. Snack was observed and included club crackers and milk. The children transitioned to the outdoor space to observe the spring time weather and picked flowers. The outdoor space was observed to have a large shade structure with tables and activity centers. There were also sand and water tables, riding toys, basketball goal, and balls for the children to engage in gross motor play. Lunch was observed and included turkey sandwiches, sliced apples, glazed carrots, and milk. The following violation(s) were documented. Violation Number Comment Rule 1718 The written plan of care was not given and explained to parents of children in care on or before the first day the child attended the home. Parents did not sign a statement acknowledging the receipt and explanation of the plan. Parents did not give written permission for their child to be transported by the operator for specific routine tasks that are included on the written schedule. Written permission for transportation was not specific to the routine tasks that are included on the written plan of care. .1712(e )(6) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before 4/1/24, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant PO Box 3272 New Bern, NC 28564 Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 Technical Assistance with Documented Violations: Written Plan of Care: All family child care home operators are required to develop and adopt a written plan of care for completing routine tasks, such as running errands, meeting family and personal demands, and attending classes. This ensures that routine tasks do not interfere with the care of children during hours of operation. Written permission for transportation was not specific to the routine tasks that are included on the written plan of care. We discussed that the forms on file were outdated and was written for “activities on the written plan of care” rather than the specific routine tasks going to the library and driving to the end of the driveway for school age children to get off the school bus. I showed you a copy of the current transportation permission form on file and we discussed it together. We also discussed that any additional field trips will require an additional form. I emailed you a copy of the transportation form and you stated that you will have parents complete updated forms for the specific tasks on the written plan. When there are any changes to the written plan of care, update the plan and discuss with the parents when they sign the plan at least 30 days prior to the plan going into effect. Have parents complete written permission forms for specific tasks on the written plan and any additional field trip. Additional Comments: Funding Opportunity to Address Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint in Licensed Child Care Facilities The NCDHHS, Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU) is providing a presentation regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Reimbursement Program for NC Licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes. Under the ARPA Reimbursement Program licensed facilities can be reimbursed up to 100% for eligible expenses related to asbestos or lead-based paint abatement or remediation activities. Funding for reimbursement will be available until December 31, 2026, or until it is depleted, whichever comes first. https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ Rule Changes Effective January 2024 Training Modules Available in DCDEE Moodle The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. Natural Learning Initiative: Time outdoors is a critical tool for supporting mental and physical health in young children. Adoption of best practices for outdoor play and learning spaces is critical to increase daily time spent outside. The four components of this project include: 1. Relaunch a supportive network for outdoor play and learning environments in North Carolina; 2. Research nature-based programs and spaces and develop a plan to embed these in licensed childcare in North Carolina; 3. Motivate and train early educators and specialists to promote best practices and increase time in outdoor play and learning in NC childcare facilities; 4. Increase time outdoors playing and learning in NC family child care homes through professional development and technical assistance. Today, we discussed ways to create a natural learning environment in the outdoor spaces. Some of the ideas included a music wall made from kitchen accessories, a garden that the children can help plant and a science center. I encourage you to check out naturallearning.org to find resources and professional development options for ways to enhance your outdoor learning environments. Craven Smart Start is also able to provide you with resources and information, training opportunities, technical assistance on childcare issues. Their phone number is (252) 636- 3198 or check out their website at www.cravensmartstart.org. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you Contact me at Brittany Jones, Child Care Consultant, (252) 947-1036, Brittany.j.jones@dhhs.nc.gov or Jennifer Linhardt, Licensing Supervisor, (252) 373-4199, Jennifer.Linhardt@dhhs.nc.gov if you have questions. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times