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Home › NC › Newton › Balls Creek Elementary Pre-School
2620 Balls Creek RD, Newton NC 28658 · License #18000437 · Child Care Center
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10A NCAC 09 .3009 · Violation
Name of Operation: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/27/2026 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 4/27/2026 Age: From 4 To 11 Total Minutes: 258 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 03:03 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Rated License Assessment Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a rated license visit. You, Shannon Hatley, Lead Teacher, Jennie Foster, EC Pre-K Lead Teacher and LaMaya Terrell, School-Age Developmental Day Teacher Assistant, assisted me with today’s visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 26, 2025. Prior to today’s visit your compliance history score was 92%. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. I observed all of the required posted in the foyer area. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on September 12, 2018, earning seven (7) points in staff education, seven (7) points in program standards and one (1) quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and enhanced policies approved, for a total of 15 total points earned. Your facility operates with the following permit restrictions: daytime care only, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios, reduced staff/child ratios by one child per group, Certified Developmental Day, and may care for children up to 14 years old. Your most recent fire inspection was completed on September 3, 2025. Your most recent sanitation inspection was completed on May 23, 2025, with a superior classification. Your most recent fire drill was completed on April 21, 2026. Your most recent shelter-in-place emergency drill was completed on March 3, 2026. A walkthrough of your indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted, and I observed children to be participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, lunch and personal care routines. Teacher interactions with children were positive and nurturing. I monitored daily sign in/out sheets and attendance was current/accurate. I monitored for general safety, storage of hazardous products, appropriate discipline, supervision, storage of medication and medication administration. There were four (4) medications, four (4) medication permission to administer forms and four (4) Medical Action Plans to monitor. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. I received your current 2025 – 2026 staff/parent handbooks on August 20, 2025, and it included: written operational, administrative, personnel policies and your parent participation plan in. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. Program records to include emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your 2025 - 2026 Balls Creek Elementary School (SRM) School Risk Management plan were monitored today. You stated that your program does not provide transportation and screen time was logged on to the lesson plans. Staff records for two (2) new staff members were monitored and eight (8) returning staff members files were monitored to verify current Criminal Background Check qualification letters, CPR, First Aid, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment, ABCMS roster created, special training and Health and Safety training. In space 402 one (1) nurse Carolyn Cobb, who was contracted through an outside agency that did not have a valid CBC Qualification letter completed through DCDEE. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC PreK staff includes the lead teacher, Shannon Hately, and the teacher, Danielle Kaiserling. A selection of files was monitored for having completed health assessments and developmental screenings. You stated you were in the process of completing Ages to Stages as the developmental screening tool. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment to document evidence of children's ongoing progress. Checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The NC Pre K program operates Monday – Friday during the hours of 8:15 am to 2:45 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year. Your program was monitored for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. Developmental Day (DD) requirements were monitored today. Staff members met the education requirements for DD staff. Typically developing children were participating in daily activities that were outlined in a plan of care documented on an activity plan meeting all child care requirements. Children participated in activities such as a whole group, small group, part of the group or independently. Children identified with developmental delays were enrolled, interacting, and participating in activities alongside typically developing children. DD staff-child ratio requirements of 1 staff to 6 children were observed. Your school age DD program offers family involvement including quarterly parent education sessions, holding parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating on an individual basis with parents, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children. The school age DD classrooms operate Monday – Friday during the hours of 7:55 am to 3:00 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year and. Rated License Information: On October 8, 2025, I met with your Administrator regarding the rated license process. At that time the Administrator decided that the facility will complete the requirements outlined in Pathway 2 – Classroom and Instructional Quality to earn a Five-Star Rated License. Today I monitored the following: • NC Pre-K requirements were met (verified during today’s visit on 4/27/26) • Family and Community and Engagement requirements (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 in my office) • Individual CQI Plan (verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Facility CQI Plan (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/16/26) • Approved curriculum (verified on 4/27/26 during the visit) • Approved formative assessment (verified on 4/27/26) • Administrators’ completion of approved formative assessment training (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Lead Teachers completion of approved formative assessment training (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) Administrators’ completion of approved curriculum training (received on 1/14/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Lead Teachers completion of approved curriculum training (received on 1/14/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Child Assessments shared with families twice annually (verified on 4/27/26) • Coaching/Mentoring/Training for Administrators - (5 additional hours of ongoing training) • Coaching/Mentoring/Training for Lead Teachers - (5 additional hours of ongoing training) • Administrator signed the Pathway 2 – Classroom & Instructional Quality Star Level Assessment for Child Care Centers Form (Program Standards Form) (sent to me on 1/14/26) • Quality Initiatives Form (IF APPLICABLE • Staff education requirements (received 2/4/26) • Received the Rated License Review Request Form signed by the Administrator (received 2/4/26) I will be sending the rated license paperwork to my supervisor for approval by June 30, 2026, providing no additional information is required. I monitored for all health and safety requirements during today’s visit. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In space 402 the walls throughout the classroom had chipping paint. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In space 501 there was a stand-alone air conditioning unit accessible to children that could cause children’s fingers to potentially get caught in. .0601(c) 873 Center staff did not follow the EMC plan. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. 10A NCAC 09.0802(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. In space 402 one (1) substitute with a hire date of 10/16/24 did not have a substitute file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing First Aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing CPR training on file. .1102(d) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24, did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan annually. .0607(f) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. In space 402 one (1) Medical Action Plan (MAP) that was on file expired on 3/18/2026. .0801(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In space 402 one (1) emergency medication had a medication permission to administer form that was completed in entirely. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on file. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: • In space 402 the walls throughout the classroom had chipping paint. As discussed, a safe indoor and outdoor environment shall be provided for the children in care including providing equipment and furnishings that are in good repair, sturdy, stable, and free of hazards. To maintain this child care requirement in your outdoor play areas, I suggest you place work orders to have the painting completed by maintenance as soon as you notice these needs. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing First Aid training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing CPR training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24, did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan annually. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current. • In space 402 one (1) nurse Carolyn Cobb, who was contracted through an outside agency that did not have a valid CBC Qualification letter completed through DCDEE. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) substitute with a hire date of 10/16/24 did not have a substitute file available for review. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) emergency medication had a medication permission to administer form that was completed in entirely. As discussed, documents regarding medications and medical treatment should always be on file, completed entirely and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) Medical Action Plan (MAP) that was on file expired on 3/18/2026. As discussed, documents regarding medications and medical treatment should always be on file, completed entirely and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 501 there was a stand-alone air conditioning unit accessible to children that could cause children’s fingers to potentially get caught in. As discussed, all spaces should always be free of hazards. I suggest completing a walkthrough of each space daily to ensure there are not potential hazards accessible to children. CONSULTATION: • Fire inspections are to be sent to the consultant within 7 business days of the inspection being completed. If the fire inspection report is not sent to the consultant within 7 business days a violation will be cited at the next monitoring visit. • When reviewing Staff Files, Children’s Files, and Program Records, utilize the Staff Files Checklist, Children’s File Checklist, Volunteer Files Checklist and the Program Records File Checklist to ensure that you are maintaining compliance with all of the files that are monitored by DCDEE and that all of the documents within those files are current, accurate and relevant. These forms should be updated annually with staff files, children’s records and program record documents to ensure that all information stored in your facilities files are current and accurate prior to DCDEE monitoring visits. These file checklists can be found on the DCDEE website under provider documents. DCDEE Resources: • Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. • Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License • Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development • Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings • Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy • DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New • Child Care facility’s now have until May 31, 2025, to enroll in the lead in water testing, lead based paint testing and Asbestos testing through Clean Water for US Kids. The following link will take you to the website to enroll https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. • Located on the DCDEE website there is an editable form of the staff and training worksheet that you may utilize when completing the staff and training worksheet to assist you with being prepared for your upcoming monitoring visits. This document can be downloaded to your computer and completed electronically. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. • Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. • Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature • Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than May 11, 2026. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Meria Wilder Post Office Box 9591 Statesville, NC 28677 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: meria.wilder@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, a handwritten visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today due to technology connectivity issues and a computer-generated visit summary would be sent to you by May 4, 2026. I appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (980)434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from North Carolina's child care licensing agency on Jul 9, 2026 · Report an error
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09.0802 · Violation
Name of Operation: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/27/2026 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 4/27/2026 Age: From 4 To 11 Total Minutes: 258 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 03:03 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Rated License Assessment Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a rated license visit. You, Shannon Hatley, Lead Teacher, Jennie Foster, EC Pre-K Lead Teacher and LaMaya Terrell, School-Age Developmental Day Teacher Assistant, assisted me with today’s visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 26, 2025. Prior to today’s visit your compliance history score was 92%. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. I observed all of the required posted in the foyer area. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on September 12, 2018, earning seven (7) points in staff education, seven (7) points in program standards and one (1) quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and enhanced policies approved, for a total of 15 total points earned. Your facility operates with the following permit restrictions: daytime care only, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios, reduced staff/child ratios by one child per group, Certified Developmental Day, and may care for children up to 14 years old. Your most recent fire inspection was completed on September 3, 2025. Your most recent sanitation inspection was completed on May 23, 2025, with a superior classification. Your most recent fire drill was completed on April 21, 2026. Your most recent shelter-in-place emergency drill was completed on March 3, 2026. A walkthrough of your indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted, and I observed children to be participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, lunch and personal care routines. Teacher interactions with children were positive and nurturing. I monitored daily sign in/out sheets and attendance was current/accurate. I monitored for general safety, storage of hazardous products, appropriate discipline, supervision, storage of medication and medication administration. There were four (4) medications, four (4) medication permission to administer forms and four (4) Medical Action Plans to monitor. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. I received your current 2025 – 2026 staff/parent handbooks on August 20, 2025, and it included: written operational, administrative, personnel policies and your parent participation plan in. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. Program records to include emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your 2025 - 2026 Balls Creek Elementary School (SRM) School Risk Management plan were monitored today. You stated that your program does not provide transportation and screen time was logged on to the lesson plans. Staff records for two (2) new staff members were monitored and eight (8) returning staff members files were monitored to verify current Criminal Background Check qualification letters, CPR, First Aid, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment, ABCMS roster created, special training and Health and Safety training. In space 402 one (1) nurse Carolyn Cobb, who was contracted through an outside agency that did not have a valid CBC Qualification letter completed through DCDEE. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC PreK staff includes the lead teacher, Shannon Hately, and the teacher, Danielle Kaiserling. A selection of files was monitored for having completed health assessments and developmental screenings. You stated you were in the process of completing Ages to Stages as the developmental screening tool. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment to document evidence of children's ongoing progress. Checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The NC Pre K program operates Monday – Friday during the hours of 8:15 am to 2:45 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year. Your program was monitored for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. Developmental Day (DD) requirements were monitored today. Staff members met the education requirements for DD staff. Typically developing children were participating in daily activities that were outlined in a plan of care documented on an activity plan meeting all child care requirements. Children participated in activities such as a whole group, small group, part of the group or independently. Children identified with developmental delays were enrolled, interacting, and participating in activities alongside typically developing children. DD staff-child ratio requirements of 1 staff to 6 children were observed. Your school age DD program offers family involvement including quarterly parent education sessions, holding parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating on an individual basis with parents, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children. The school age DD classrooms operate Monday – Friday during the hours of 7:55 am to 3:00 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year and. Rated License Information: On October 8, 2025, I met with your Administrator regarding the rated license process. At that time the Administrator decided that the facility will complete the requirements outlined in Pathway 2 – Classroom and Instructional Quality to earn a Five-Star Rated License. Today I monitored the following: • NC Pre-K requirements were met (verified during today’s visit on 4/27/26) • Family and Community and Engagement requirements (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 in my office) • Individual CQI Plan (verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Facility CQI Plan (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/16/26) • Approved curriculum (verified on 4/27/26 during the visit) • Approved formative assessment (verified on 4/27/26) • Administrators’ completion of approved formative assessment training (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Lead Teachers completion of approved formative assessment training (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) Administrators’ completion of approved curriculum training (received on 1/14/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Lead Teachers completion of approved curriculum training (received on 1/14/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Child Assessments shared with families twice annually (verified on 4/27/26) • Coaching/Mentoring/Training for Administrators - (5 additional hours of ongoing training) • Coaching/Mentoring/Training for Lead Teachers - (5 additional hours of ongoing training) • Administrator signed the Pathway 2 – Classroom & Instructional Quality Star Level Assessment for Child Care Centers Form (Program Standards Form) (sent to me on 1/14/26) • Quality Initiatives Form (IF APPLICABLE • Staff education requirements (received 2/4/26) • Received the Rated License Review Request Form signed by the Administrator (received 2/4/26) I will be sending the rated license paperwork to my supervisor for approval by June 30, 2026, providing no additional information is required. I monitored for all health and safety requirements during today’s visit. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In space 402 the walls throughout the classroom had chipping paint. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In space 501 there was a stand-alone air conditioning unit accessible to children that could cause children’s fingers to potentially get caught in. .0601(c) 873 Center staff did not follow the EMC plan. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. 10A NCAC 09.0802(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. In space 402 one (1) substitute with a hire date of 10/16/24 did not have a substitute file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing First Aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing CPR training on file. .1102(d) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24, did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan annually. .0607(f) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. In space 402 one (1) Medical Action Plan (MAP) that was on file expired on 3/18/2026. .0801(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In space 402 one (1) emergency medication had a medication permission to administer form that was completed in entirely. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on file. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: • In space 402 the walls throughout the classroom had chipping paint. As discussed, a safe indoor and outdoor environment shall be provided for the children in care including providing equipment and furnishings that are in good repair, sturdy, stable, and free of hazards. To maintain this child care requirement in your outdoor play areas, I suggest you place work orders to have the painting completed by maintenance as soon as you notice these needs. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing First Aid training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing CPR training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24, did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan annually. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current. • In space 402 one (1) nurse Carolyn Cobb, who was contracted through an outside agency that did not have a valid CBC Qualification letter completed through DCDEE. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) substitute with a hire date of 10/16/24 did not have a substitute file available for review. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) emergency medication had a medication permission to administer form that was completed in entirely. As discussed, documents regarding medications and medical treatment should always be on file, completed entirely and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) Medical Action Plan (MAP) that was on file expired on 3/18/2026. As discussed, documents regarding medications and medical treatment should always be on file, completed entirely and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 501 there was a stand-alone air conditioning unit accessible to children that could cause children’s fingers to potentially get caught in. As discussed, all spaces should always be free of hazards. I suggest completing a walkthrough of each space daily to ensure there are not potential hazards accessible to children. CONSULTATION: • Fire inspections are to be sent to the consultant within 7 business days of the inspection being completed. If the fire inspection report is not sent to the consultant within 7 business days a violation will be cited at the next monitoring visit. • When reviewing Staff Files, Children’s Files, and Program Records, utilize the Staff Files Checklist, Children’s File Checklist, Volunteer Files Checklist and the Program Records File Checklist to ensure that you are maintaining compliance with all of the files that are monitored by DCDEE and that all of the documents within those files are current, accurate and relevant. These forms should be updated annually with staff files, children’s records and program record documents to ensure that all information stored in your facilities files are current and accurate prior to DCDEE monitoring visits. These file checklists can be found on the DCDEE website under provider documents. DCDEE Resources: • Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. • Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License • Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development • Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings • Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy • DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New • Child Care facility’s now have until May 31, 2025, to enroll in the lead in water testing, lead based paint testing and Asbestos testing through Clean Water for US Kids. The following link will take you to the website to enroll https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. • Located on the DCDEE website there is an editable form of the staff and training worksheet that you may utilize when completing the staff and training worksheet to assist you with being prepared for your upcoming monitoring visits. This document can be downloaded to your computer and completed electronically. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. • Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. • Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature • Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than May 11, 2026. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Meria Wilder Post Office Box 9591 Statesville, NC 28677 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: meria.wilder@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, a handwritten visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today due to technology connectivity issues and a computer-generated visit summary would be sent to you by May 4, 2026. I appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (980)434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
G.S. 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/27/2026 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 4/27/2026 Age: From 4 To 11 Total Minutes: 258 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 03:03 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Rated License Assessment Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a rated license visit. You, Shannon Hatley, Lead Teacher, Jennie Foster, EC Pre-K Lead Teacher and LaMaya Terrell, School-Age Developmental Day Teacher Assistant, assisted me with today’s visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 26, 2025. Prior to today’s visit your compliance history score was 92%. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. I observed all of the required posted in the foyer area. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on September 12, 2018, earning seven (7) points in staff education, seven (7) points in program standards and one (1) quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and enhanced policies approved, for a total of 15 total points earned. Your facility operates with the following permit restrictions: daytime care only, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios, reduced staff/child ratios by one child per group, Certified Developmental Day, and may care for children up to 14 years old. Your most recent fire inspection was completed on September 3, 2025. Your most recent sanitation inspection was completed on May 23, 2025, with a superior classification. Your most recent fire drill was completed on April 21, 2026. Your most recent shelter-in-place emergency drill was completed on March 3, 2026. A walkthrough of your indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted, and I observed children to be participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, lunch and personal care routines. Teacher interactions with children were positive and nurturing. I monitored daily sign in/out sheets and attendance was current/accurate. I monitored for general safety, storage of hazardous products, appropriate discipline, supervision, storage of medication and medication administration. There were four (4) medications, four (4) medication permission to administer forms and four (4) Medical Action Plans to monitor. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. I received your current 2025 – 2026 staff/parent handbooks on August 20, 2025, and it included: written operational, administrative, personnel policies and your parent participation plan in. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. Program records to include emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your 2025 - 2026 Balls Creek Elementary School (SRM) School Risk Management plan were monitored today. You stated that your program does not provide transportation and screen time was logged on to the lesson plans. Staff records for two (2) new staff members were monitored and eight (8) returning staff members files were monitored to verify current Criminal Background Check qualification letters, CPR, First Aid, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment, ABCMS roster created, special training and Health and Safety training. In space 402 one (1) nurse Carolyn Cobb, who was contracted through an outside agency that did not have a valid CBC Qualification letter completed through DCDEE. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC PreK staff includes the lead teacher, Shannon Hately, and the teacher, Danielle Kaiserling. A selection of files was monitored for having completed health assessments and developmental screenings. You stated you were in the process of completing Ages to Stages as the developmental screening tool. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment to document evidence of children's ongoing progress. Checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The NC Pre K program operates Monday – Friday during the hours of 8:15 am to 2:45 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year. Your program was monitored for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. Developmental Day (DD) requirements were monitored today. Staff members met the education requirements for DD staff. Typically developing children were participating in daily activities that were outlined in a plan of care documented on an activity plan meeting all child care requirements. Children participated in activities such as a whole group, small group, part of the group or independently. Children identified with developmental delays were enrolled, interacting, and participating in activities alongside typically developing children. DD staff-child ratio requirements of 1 staff to 6 children were observed. Your school age DD program offers family involvement including quarterly parent education sessions, holding parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating on an individual basis with parents, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children. The school age DD classrooms operate Monday – Friday during the hours of 7:55 am to 3:00 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year and. Rated License Information: On October 8, 2025, I met with your Administrator regarding the rated license process. At that time the Administrator decided that the facility will complete the requirements outlined in Pathway 2 – Classroom and Instructional Quality to earn a Five-Star Rated License. Today I monitored the following: • NC Pre-K requirements were met (verified during today’s visit on 4/27/26) • Family and Community and Engagement requirements (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 in my office) • Individual CQI Plan (verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Facility CQI Plan (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/16/26) • Approved curriculum (verified on 4/27/26 during the visit) • Approved formative assessment (verified on 4/27/26) • Administrators’ completion of approved formative assessment training (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Lead Teachers completion of approved formative assessment training (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) Administrators’ completion of approved curriculum training (received on 1/14/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Lead Teachers completion of approved curriculum training (received on 1/14/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Child Assessments shared with families twice annually (verified on 4/27/26) • Coaching/Mentoring/Training for Administrators - (5 additional hours of ongoing training) • Coaching/Mentoring/Training for Lead Teachers - (5 additional hours of ongoing training) • Administrator signed the Pathway 2 – Classroom & Instructional Quality Star Level Assessment for Child Care Centers Form (Program Standards Form) (sent to me on 1/14/26) • Quality Initiatives Form (IF APPLICABLE • Staff education requirements (received 2/4/26) • Received the Rated License Review Request Form signed by the Administrator (received 2/4/26) I will be sending the rated license paperwork to my supervisor for approval by June 30, 2026, providing no additional information is required. I monitored for all health and safety requirements during today’s visit. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In space 402 the walls throughout the classroom had chipping paint. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In space 501 there was a stand-alone air conditioning unit accessible to children that could cause children’s fingers to potentially get caught in. .0601(c) 873 Center staff did not follow the EMC plan. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. 10A NCAC 09.0802(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. In space 402 one (1) substitute with a hire date of 10/16/24 did not have a substitute file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing First Aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing CPR training on file. .1102(d) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24, did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan annually. .0607(f) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. In space 402 one (1) Medical Action Plan (MAP) that was on file expired on 3/18/2026. .0801(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In space 402 one (1) emergency medication had a medication permission to administer form that was completed in entirely. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on file. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: • In space 402 the walls throughout the classroom had chipping paint. As discussed, a safe indoor and outdoor environment shall be provided for the children in care including providing equipment and furnishings that are in good repair, sturdy, stable, and free of hazards. To maintain this child care requirement in your outdoor play areas, I suggest you place work orders to have the painting completed by maintenance as soon as you notice these needs. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing First Aid training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing CPR training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24, did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan annually. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current. • In space 402 one (1) nurse Carolyn Cobb, who was contracted through an outside agency that did not have a valid CBC Qualification letter completed through DCDEE. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) substitute with a hire date of 10/16/24 did not have a substitute file available for review. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) emergency medication had a medication permission to administer form that was completed in entirely. As discussed, documents regarding medications and medical treatment should always be on file, completed entirely and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) Medical Action Plan (MAP) that was on file expired on 3/18/2026. As discussed, documents regarding medications and medical treatment should always be on file, completed entirely and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 501 there was a stand-alone air conditioning unit accessible to children that could cause children’s fingers to potentially get caught in. As discussed, all spaces should always be free of hazards. I suggest completing a walkthrough of each space daily to ensure there are not potential hazards accessible to children. CONSULTATION: • Fire inspections are to be sent to the consultant within 7 business days of the inspection being completed. If the fire inspection report is not sent to the consultant within 7 business days a violation will be cited at the next monitoring visit. • When reviewing Staff Files, Children’s Files, and Program Records, utilize the Staff Files Checklist, Children’s File Checklist, Volunteer Files Checklist and the Program Records File Checklist to ensure that you are maintaining compliance with all of the files that are monitored by DCDEE and that all of the documents within those files are current, accurate and relevant. These forms should be updated annually with staff files, children’s records and program record documents to ensure that all information stored in your facilities files are current and accurate prior to DCDEE monitoring visits. These file checklists can be found on the DCDEE website under provider documents. DCDEE Resources: • Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. • Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License • Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development • Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings • Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy • DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New • Child Care facility’s now have until May 31, 2025, to enroll in the lead in water testing, lead based paint testing and Asbestos testing through Clean Water for US Kids. The following link will take you to the website to enroll https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. • Located on the DCDEE website there is an editable form of the staff and training worksheet that you may utilize when completing the staff and training worksheet to assist you with being prepared for your upcoming monitoring visits. This document can be downloaded to your computer and completed electronically. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. • Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. • Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature • Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than May 11, 2026. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Meria Wilder Post Office Box 9591 Statesville, NC 28677 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: meria.wilder@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, a handwritten visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today due to technology connectivity issues and a computer-generated visit summary would be sent to you by May 4, 2026. I appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (980)434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
G.S. 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/27/2026 Number Present: 30 Completed Date: 4/27/2026 Age: From 4 To 11 Total Minutes: 258 Time In: 10:45 AM Time Out: 03:03 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Rated License Assessment Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a rated license visit. You, Shannon Hatley, Lead Teacher, Jennie Foster, EC Pre-K Lead Teacher and LaMaya Terrell, School-Age Developmental Day Teacher Assistant, assisted me with today’s visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on September 26, 2025. Prior to today’s visit your compliance history score was 92%. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. I observed all of the required posted in the foyer area. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on September 12, 2018, earning seven (7) points in staff education, seven (7) points in program standards and one (1) quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and enhanced policies approved, for a total of 15 total points earned. Your facility operates with the following permit restrictions: daytime care only, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios, reduced staff/child ratios by one child per group, Certified Developmental Day, and may care for children up to 14 years old. Your most recent fire inspection was completed on September 3, 2025. Your most recent sanitation inspection was completed on May 23, 2025, with a superior classification. Your most recent fire drill was completed on April 21, 2026. Your most recent shelter-in-place emergency drill was completed on March 3, 2026. A walkthrough of your indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted, and I observed children to be participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, lunch and personal care routines. Teacher interactions with children were positive and nurturing. I monitored daily sign in/out sheets and attendance was current/accurate. I monitored for general safety, storage of hazardous products, appropriate discipline, supervision, storage of medication and medication administration. There were four (4) medications, four (4) medication permission to administer forms and four (4) Medical Action Plans to monitor. A current menu was posted, documented appropriate nutritious snacks and meals, showed a variety of foods, and complied with Meal Patterns for Children in Child Care Programs. I received your current 2025 – 2026 staff/parent handbooks on August 20, 2025, and it included: written operational, administrative, personnel policies and your parent participation plan in. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. Program records to include emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your 2025 - 2026 Balls Creek Elementary School (SRM) School Risk Management plan were monitored today. You stated that your program does not provide transportation and screen time was logged on to the lesson plans. Staff records for two (2) new staff members were monitored and eight (8) returning staff members files were monitored to verify current Criminal Background Check qualification letters, CPR, First Aid, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment, ABCMS roster created, special training and Health and Safety training. In space 402 one (1) nurse Carolyn Cobb, who was contracted through an outside agency that did not have a valid CBC Qualification letter completed through DCDEE. The NC Pre-K requirements in section .3000 of the child care rules were monitored for compliance. The NC Pre-K Program Monitoring Tool was reviewed today. Staff-child ratios and maximum group sizes required in Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .3009 were verified in compliance. The current NC PreK staff includes the lead teacher, Shannon Hately, and the teacher, Danielle Kaiserling. A selection of files was monitored for having completed health assessments and developmental screenings. You stated you were in the process of completing Ages to Stages as the developmental screening tool. The center uses the Teaching Strategies Gold as the formative assessment to document evidence of children's ongoing progress. Checkpoint assessments are conducted three times per year: at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The NC Pre K program operates Monday – Friday during the hours of 8:15 am to 2:45 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year. Your program was monitored for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. Developmental Day (DD) requirements were monitored today. Staff members met the education requirements for DD staff. Typically developing children were participating in daily activities that were outlined in a plan of care documented on an activity plan meeting all child care requirements. Children participated in activities such as a whole group, small group, part of the group or independently. Children identified with developmental delays were enrolled, interacting, and participating in activities alongside typically developing children. DD staff-child ratio requirements of 1 staff to 6 children were observed. Your school age DD program offers family involvement including quarterly parent education sessions, holding parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating on an individual basis with parents, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children. The school age DD classrooms operate Monday – Friday during the hours of 7:55 am to 3:00 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year and. Rated License Information: On October 8, 2025, I met with your Administrator regarding the rated license process. At that time the Administrator decided that the facility will complete the requirements outlined in Pathway 2 – Classroom and Instructional Quality to earn a Five-Star Rated License. Today I monitored the following: • NC Pre-K requirements were met (verified during today’s visit on 4/27/26) • Family and Community and Engagement requirements (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 in my office) • Individual CQI Plan (verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Facility CQI Plan (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/16/26) • Approved curriculum (verified on 4/27/26 during the visit) • Approved formative assessment (verified on 4/27/26) • Administrators’ completion of approved formative assessment training (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Lead Teachers completion of approved formative assessment training (received 2/4/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) Administrators’ completion of approved curriculum training (received on 1/14/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Lead Teachers completion of approved curriculum training (received on 1/14/26 and verified on 4/27/26 during today’s visit) • Child Assessments shared with families twice annually (verified on 4/27/26) • Coaching/Mentoring/Training for Administrators - (5 additional hours of ongoing training) • Coaching/Mentoring/Training for Lead Teachers - (5 additional hours of ongoing training) • Administrator signed the Pathway 2 – Classroom & Instructional Quality Star Level Assessment for Child Care Centers Form (Program Standards Form) (sent to me on 1/14/26) • Quality Initiatives Form (IF APPLICABLE • Staff education requirements (received 2/4/26) • Received the Rated License Review Request Form signed by the Administrator (received 2/4/26) I will be sending the rated license paperwork to my supervisor for approval by June 30, 2026, providing no additional information is required. I monitored for all health and safety requirements during today’s visit. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 620 All walls and ceilings including doors and windows were not kept clean, free of visible fungal growth, and in good repair. In space 402 the walls throughout the classroom had chipping paint. 15A NCAC 18A .2825(a) 705 Equipment and furnishings were not sturdy, stable and free of hazards. In space 501 there was a stand-alone air conditioning unit accessible to children that could cause children’s fingers to potentially get caught in. .0601(c) 873 Center staff did not follow the EMC plan. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. 10A NCAC 09.0802(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. In space 402 one (1) substitute with a hire date of 10/16/24 did not have a substitute file available for review. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing First Aid training on file. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing CPR training on file. .1102(d) 1757 A valid qualification letter was not on file and available to review at the facility. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & (d) & .2703(e) 1825 All staff did not review the center's EPR Plan during orientation and/or on an annual basis with the trained staff. Documentation of the review was not maintained on file. In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24, did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan annually. .0607(f) 1835 The medical action plan was not updated on an annual basis or when changes to the plan were made by the child's parent or health care professional. In space 402 one (1) Medical Action Plan (MAP) that was on file expired on 3/18/2026. .0801(b) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In space 402 one (1) emergency medication had a medication permission to administer form that was completed in entirely. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on file. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: • In space 402 the walls throughout the classroom had chipping paint. As discussed, a safe indoor and outdoor environment shall be provided for the children in care including providing equipment and furnishings that are in good repair, sturdy, stable, and free of hazards. To maintain this child care requirement in your outdoor play areas, I suggest you place work orders to have the painting completed by maintenance as soon as you notice these needs. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing First Aid training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing CPR training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on file. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member with a hire date of 8/10/24 did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan annually. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 the staff member, with a hire date of 8/10/24, did not have documentation of reviewing the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Plan annually. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current. • In space 402 one (1) nurse Carolyn Cobb, who was contracted through an outside agency that did not have a valid CBC Qualification letter completed through DCDEE. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) substitute with a hire date of 10/16/24 did not have a substitute file available for review. As discussed, staff files including all training documents should always be on file and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) emergency medication had a medication permission to administer form that was completed in entirely. As discussed, documents regarding medications and medical treatment should always be on file, completed entirely and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all stff files are current including all training documents. • In space 402 one (1) Medical Action Plan (MAP) that was on file expired on 3/18/2026. As discussed, documents regarding medications and medical treatment should always be on file, completed entirely and current. I suggest staff files be monitored at least quarterly to ensure that all staff files are current including all training documents. • In space 501 there was a stand-alone air conditioning unit accessible to children that could cause children’s fingers to potentially get caught in. As discussed, all spaces should always be free of hazards. I suggest completing a walkthrough of each space daily to ensure there are not potential hazards accessible to children. CONSULTATION: • Fire inspections are to be sent to the consultant within 7 business days of the inspection being completed. If the fire inspection report is not sent to the consultant within 7 business days a violation will be cited at the next monitoring visit. • When reviewing Staff Files, Children’s Files, and Program Records, utilize the Staff Files Checklist, Children’s File Checklist, Volunteer Files Checklist and the Program Records File Checklist to ensure that you are maintaining compliance with all of the files that are monitored by DCDEE and that all of the documents within those files are current, accurate and relevant. These forms should be updated annually with staff files, children’s records and program record documents to ensure that all information stored in your facilities files are current and accurate prior to DCDEE monitoring visits. These file checklists can be found on the DCDEE website under provider documents. DCDEE Resources: • Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. • Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License • Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development • Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings • Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy • DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New • Child Care facility’s now have until May 31, 2025, to enroll in the lead in water testing, lead based paint testing and Asbestos testing through Clean Water for US Kids. The following link will take you to the website to enroll https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. • Located on the DCDEE website there is an editable form of the staff and training worksheet that you may utilize when completing the staff and training worksheet to assist you with being prepared for your upcoming monitoring visits. This document can be downloaded to your computer and completed electronically. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. • Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. • Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature • Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than May 11, 2026. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Meria Wilder Post Office Box 9591 Statesville, NC 28677 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: meria.wilder@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, a handwritten visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today due to technology connectivity issues and a computer-generated visit summary would be sent to you by May 4, 2026. I appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (980)434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
G.S. 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/16/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 9/16/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 11:25 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. In space #510, Shannon Hatley, NC PreK Lead Teacher, in space #513, Genie Foster, DD PreK Lead Teacher and in space #402, LaMaya Terrell, DD Lead Teacher, assisted me with today’ s visit. Today I reviewed with you the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued April 4, 2018, earning seven (7) points in the education component, seven (7) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for having enhanced policies approved and an infrastructure of parent involvement. Your facility operates with the following permit restrictions: daytime care, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, Certified Developmental Day Center, reduced staff/child ratios by one per group and may care for children up to 14 years old. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 7, 2024. Your compliance history score was 92% prior to today’s visit. I observed the required postings in the hallways including the following: four-star rated license, NC Summary of Child Care Law dated February 2025, sanitation placard, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Emergency Phone Numbers, First Aid poster, tobacco free signage, daily schedule, current activity plan, and safe arrival and departure procedures. A walkthrough of your indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted, and I observed students to be participating in teacher-directed whole group activities, free choice play, outdoor play, transitions, toileting/handwashing routines, and rest time. Teacher interactions with children were positive and nurturing. Materials and furnishings were age/developmentally appropriate and in good repair. Supervision, staff-child ratios, adequate/approved space, storage of hazardous substances, storage of medication and permit restrictions were monitored. There were three (3) medications, two (2) medication permission to administer forms and one (1) Medical Action Plan to monitor during today’s visit. Today’s lunch consisted of toasted egg/sausage sandwich, steamed broccoli and 1% unflavored white milk as listed on the menu. Program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan were monitored today. Your most recent fire drill was conducted on September 4, 2025, and has been completed monthly and your most recent quarterly lockdown emergency drill was conducted on September 4, 2025. Your most recent fire inspection was completed on September 3, 2025, and was sent to me on September 5, 2025. Your most recent sanitation inspection was completed on May 23, 2025, with 13 demerits and a Superior classification. I received your written operational, administrative, personnel policies and your parent participation plan for the 2025 – 2026 school year during the all-staff meeting held on August 20, 2025. You stated that there have been no changes to your written policies and procedures. Your program was monitored for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. Developmental Day (DD) requirements were monitored today. Staff members met the education requirements for DD staff. Typically developing children were participating in daily activities that were outlined in a plan of care documented on an activity plan meeting all child care requirements. Children participated in activities such as a whole group, small group, part of the group or independently. Children identified with developmental delays were enrolled, interacting, and participating in activities alongside typically developing children. DD staff-child ratio requirements of 1 staff to 6 children were observed. Your school age DD program offers family involvement including quarterly parent education sessions, holding parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating on an individual basis with parents, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children. The school age DD classrooms operate Monday – Friday during the hours of 7:55 am to 3:00 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year and. NC PreK and EC PreK requirements were monitored during today’s visit. You stated that the program Administrator does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. Ages and Stages is the developmental screening tool, and Teaching Strategies Gold is the Formative Assessment tool. You use Creative Curriculum as your approved curriculum. Your program offers family engagement by hosting events for families to participate in. In the event of absences parents are contacted by the third day of a child being absent. The NC Pre K and the EC Pre K classrooms operate Monday – Friday during the hours of 8:00 am to 3:15 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year. Incident reports were stored with the children’s records and logged on the incident report log as required. I monitored screen time logs in each classroom and the 2025-2026 Balls Creek Elementary School Risk Management Plan. Daily attendance records/arrival and departure records were monitored. A random selection of three (3) children’s records was monitored. Staff files for one (1) existing staff files and one (1) new staff file. Transportation is provided for the school age DD children that are enrolled. The “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” was used during today’s visit. All health and safety requirements were monitored. The following violations were cited during this visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. School age developmental day children was using space 402, which was not approved by DCDEE or building, fire and sanitation to use for the licensed child care program. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space #402 there was no daily schedule posted. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. One (1) new staff members file in classroom space # 402 was not available for monitoring during today’s visit. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. In space #510 the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy for one (1) child did not specify the date that the policy was given and explained to the parent/guardian. .0608(b)(1-6) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. • Space #402, the SA DD classroom was operating in a space that has not been measured and approved by DCDEE. As discussed, any space occupied by children under the supervision of a childcare license must be measured and approved by your child care consultant prior to the children using the space. Before I am able to measure and approve the space you will need to obtain approved building, fire and sanitation inspections ensuring the occupancy and that the space is safe to be used. I suggest that prior to using a new space if requested that you contact me to determine if the space is approved or needs to be approved for use. • One (1) new staff members file in classroom space # 402 was not available for monitoring during today’s visit. As discussed, all staff files are required to be maintained, current and available for review at all times. I suggest that once children’s records files are received, they are reviewed by another staff member or administrative staff to ensure that each application/file is complete with all components and always kept current. • In space #402 there was no daily schedule posted. As discussed, the daily schedule should be posted in the classroom and adjusted as needed. • In space #510 the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy for one (1) child did not specify the date that the policy was given and explained to the parent/guardian. As discussed, all documents should have all lines address. The Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy requires that the date be provided for when the policy was given and explained to the child’s parent/guardian. I suggest that once children’s records files are received, they are reviewed by another staff member or administrative staff to ensure that each application/file is complete with all components and always kept current. CONSULTATION: • DCDEE Resources - QRIS Modernization: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization - Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. - Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License - Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development - Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings - Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy - DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New • WORKS STATUS LETTER: Child Care Rule .0703(c) Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. • Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature I must receive your compliance letter no later than September 30, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date, you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Meria Wilder Post Office Box 9591 Statesville, NC 28677 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all that you and your staff do to serve the children and families in our community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (980) 434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
GS 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 9/16/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 9/16/2025 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 11:25 AM Time Out: 03:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for an annual compliance visit. In space #510, Shannon Hatley, NC PreK Lead Teacher, in space #513, Genie Foster, DD PreK Lead Teacher and in space #402, LaMaya Terrell, DD Lead Teacher, assisted me with today’ s visit. Today I reviewed with you the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to your phone number, email address, mailing address, or corporate contact for the facility. I reviewed the facility’s permit with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued April 4, 2018, earning seven (7) points in the education component, seven (7) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for having enhanced policies approved and an infrastructure of parent involvement. Your facility operates with the following permit restrictions: daytime care, meets enhanced ratios, meets enhanced space, Certified Developmental Day Center, reduced staff/child ratios by one per group and may care for children up to 14 years old. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on November 7, 2024. Your compliance history score was 92% prior to today’s visit. I observed the required postings in the hallways including the following: four-star rated license, NC Summary of Child Care Law dated February 2025, sanitation placard, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Emergency Phone Numbers, First Aid poster, tobacco free signage, daily schedule, current activity plan, and safe arrival and departure procedures. A walkthrough of your indoor and outdoor spaces was conducted, and I observed students to be participating in teacher-directed whole group activities, free choice play, outdoor play, transitions, toileting/handwashing routines, and rest time. Teacher interactions with children were positive and nurturing. Materials and furnishings were age/developmentally appropriate and in good repair. Supervision, staff-child ratios, adequate/approved space, storage of hazardous substances, storage of medication and permit restrictions were monitored. There were three (3) medications, two (2) medication permission to administer forms and one (1) Medical Action Plan to monitor during today’s visit. Today’s lunch consisted of toasted egg/sausage sandwich, steamed broccoli and 1% unflavored white milk as listed on the menu. Program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan were monitored today. Your most recent fire drill was conducted on September 4, 2025, and has been completed monthly and your most recent quarterly lockdown emergency drill was conducted on September 4, 2025. Your most recent fire inspection was completed on September 3, 2025, and was sent to me on September 5, 2025. Your most recent sanitation inspection was completed on May 23, 2025, with 13 demerits and a Superior classification. I received your written operational, administrative, personnel policies and your parent participation plan for the 2025 – 2026 school year during the all-staff meeting held on August 20, 2025. You stated that there have been no changes to your written policies and procedures. Your program was monitored for compliance with Developmental Day and NC PreK requirements during today’s visit. Developmental Day (DD) requirements were monitored today. Staff members met the education requirements for DD staff. Typically developing children were participating in daily activities that were outlined in a plan of care documented on an activity plan meeting all child care requirements. Children participated in activities such as a whole group, small group, part of the group or independently. Children identified with developmental delays were enrolled, interacting, and participating in activities alongside typically developing children. DD staff-child ratio requirements of 1 staff to 6 children were observed. Your school age DD program offers family involvement including quarterly parent education sessions, holding parent-teacher conferences at least twice a year, communicating on an individual basis with parents, providing opportunities for parent volunteers to assist with special classroom activities, and providing parents with referral information about other community programs and resources serving young children. The school age DD classrooms operate Monday – Friday during the hours of 7:55 am to 3:00 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year and. NC PreK and EC PreK requirements were monitored during today’s visit. You stated that the program Administrator does not serve as the Lead Teacher or Assistant Teacher in the classroom. Ages and Stages is the developmental screening tool, and Teaching Strategies Gold is the Formative Assessment tool. You use Creative Curriculum as your approved curriculum. Your program offers family engagement by hosting events for families to participate in. In the event of absences parents are contacted by the third day of a child being absent. The NC Pre K and the EC Pre K classrooms operate Monday – Friday during the hours of 8:00 am to 3:15 pm and follow the Catawba County Schools calendar for the 2025 – 2026 school year. Incident reports were stored with the children’s records and logged on the incident report log as required. I monitored screen time logs in each classroom and the 2025-2026 Balls Creek Elementary School Risk Management Plan. Daily attendance records/arrival and departure records were monitored. A random selection of three (3) children’s records was monitored. Staff files for one (1) existing staff files and one (1) new staff file. Transportation is provided for the school age DD children that are enrolled. The “Annual Compliance Monitoring Checklist for Child Care Centers” was used during today’s visit. All health and safety requirements were monitored. The following violations were cited during this visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 209 Children used space that was not approved. School age developmental day children was using space 402, which was not approved by DCDEE or building, fire and sanitation to use for the licensed child care program. GS 110-91(1)&(4-5) 415 A current schedule was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space #402 there was no daily schedule posted. GS 110-91(12);.0508(a) 1043 All staff records, except financial records, were not made available for review. One (1) new staff members file in classroom space # 402 was not available for monitoring during today’s visit. G.S. 110-91( 9) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. In space #510 the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy for one (1) child did not specify the date that the policy was given and explained to the parent/guardian. .0608(b)(1-6) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. • Space #402, the SA DD classroom was operating in a space that has not been measured and approved by DCDEE. As discussed, any space occupied by children under the supervision of a childcare license must be measured and approved by your child care consultant prior to the children using the space. Before I am able to measure and approve the space you will need to obtain approved building, fire and sanitation inspections ensuring the occupancy and that the space is safe to be used. I suggest that prior to using a new space if requested that you contact me to determine if the space is approved or needs to be approved for use. • One (1) new staff members file in classroom space # 402 was not available for monitoring during today’s visit. As discussed, all staff files are required to be maintained, current and available for review at all times. I suggest that once children’s records files are received, they are reviewed by another staff member or administrative staff to ensure that each application/file is complete with all components and always kept current. • In space #402 there was no daily schedule posted. As discussed, the daily schedule should be posted in the classroom and adjusted as needed. • In space #510 the Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy for one (1) child did not specify the date that the policy was given and explained to the parent/guardian. As discussed, all documents should have all lines address. The Prevention of Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy requires that the date be provided for when the policy was given and explained to the child’s parent/guardian. I suggest that once children’s records files are received, they are reviewed by another staff member or administrative staff to ensure that each application/file is complete with all components and always kept current. CONSULTATION: • DCDEE Resources - QRIS Modernization: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization - Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. - Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License - Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development - Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings - Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy - DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New • WORKS STATUS LETTER: Child Care Rule .0703(c) Within six months of an individual assuming lead teacher or child care administrator duties, each center shall maintain the following information in the individual's staff record: (2) a copy of notification from the Division that the individual meets the equivalency or that the individual does not meet the equivalency and must enroll in coursework. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. • Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Your signature I must receive your compliance letter no later than September 30, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date, you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Meria Wilder Post Office Box 9591 Statesville, NC 28677 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all that you and your staff do to serve the children and families in our community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (980) 434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. 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: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/28/2025 Number Present: 29 Completed Date: 4/28/2025 Age: From 4 To 12 Total Minutes: 285 Time In: 09:45 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 during a routine unannounced visit. You, Shannon Hatley, Lead Teacher, Jennie Foster, EC Pre-K Lead Teacher and Amanda Lancaster, School-Age Developmental Day Teacher Assistant, assisted me with today’s visit. I observed all of the required posted in the foyer area including the following: five-star rated license, NC Summary of Child Care Law dated February 2025, sanitation placard, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Emergency Phone Numbers, First Aid poster, tobacco free signage, daily schedule, current activity plan, and safe arrival and departure procedures. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on September 12, 2018, earning seven (7) points in staff education, seven (7) points in program standards and one (1) quality point for having an infrastructure of parent involvement and enhanced policies approved, for a total of 15 total points earned. Your facility operates with the following permit restrictions: daytime care only, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios, reduced staff/child ratios by one child per group, Certified Developmental Day, and may care for children up to 14 years old. Your center's compliance history was 87% as of March 21, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on November 17, 2024. Your program operates on the Catawba County Schools 2024-2025 school calendar and operating hours are from 8:00am to 3:00pm Monday - Friday. I monitored all of the indoor and outdoor areas. I observed children throughout the classrooms participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, and personal care routines. I monitored for general safety, storage of hazardous products, appropriate discipline, supervision, storage of medication and medication administration. Program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your 2024 – 2025 Catawba County School Risk Management Plan were monitored. Today, reviewed staff record files for nine (9) returning staff members to verify current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, BSAC training, playground safety, Emergency Medical Care Plan training/review, Emergency Preparedness and Response training/review and completion of the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training. There are no new staff members that have been hired since the last monitoring visit. Your Program Administrator sent me your current handbook by email prior to today’s visit and it included: written operational, administrative, personnel policies and your parent participation plan. You stated your written policies and procedures had not changed. Staff-child ratios were maintained, adequate approved space was used, appropriate discipline, space capacities were maintained, and permit restrictions including daytime care only, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios were maintained during today’s visit. During the preschool class’s transition to eat lunch in the cafeteria, I observed one (1) child leaving the classroom unsupervised walking through the hallway in the direction of the cafeteria for 1 minute before the classroom teacher and teacher assistant were able to see the child coming. At the same time the another teacher assistant that works in that classroom exited the classroom where the child had come from and was then able to see the child walking in the hallway as he had caught up to the class. Today’s lunch consisted of chicken nuggets, smiley fries, glazed carrots, cinnamon apples and 1% unflavored white milk as listed on the menu. I monitored four (4) emergency medications, (4) medication permission to administer forms and four (4) Medical Action Plans. I monitored incident report logs and your current School Risk Management plan. You stated that your program does not provide transportation. Screen time was logged on each classroom’s lesson plan. Your most recent fire drill was conducted on March 31, 2025, and has been completed monthly for the past twelve (12) months and your most recent shelter-in-place emergency drill was conducted on January 8, 2025, and has been completed quarterly. Your most recent fire inspection was completed on August 28, 2024, and your most recent sanitation inspection was completed on December 4, 2024, with a superior classification. I monitored for all health and safety requirements during today’s visit. The following violations were cited during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 303 Children were not adequately supervised at all times. In space 413 one (1) child was unsupervised for one (1) minute while leaving the classroom. This child exited the classroom, walked in the hallway and around a corner towards the cafeteria where the teacher and class were walking. The child was met by the other teacher assistant as she entered the hallway at the same time that the child had caught up to the class and where the lead teacher and the other teacher assistant was able to see the child. .1801(a)(1-5) 1882 Medication authorization, giving the caregiver standing authorization did not meet the specifications in rule. In space 414 there was one (1) medication permission to administer form that did not contain the parents’ signature. .0803(6)(a-i); .0803(7)(a-g); .0803(8)(a-d) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. One staff member with a hire date of 8/26/24 completed Recognizing and Responding to the Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on March 27, 2025. .1102(g) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: • One staff member with a hire date of 8/26/24 completed Recognizing and Responding to the Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training on March 27, 2025. As discussed, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training is required to be completed within 90 days of being hired. I suggest that all staff files are reviewed quarterly to ensure that all required training courses are completed within the specified timeframe to ensure compliance with child care rules regarding staff member required training. This violation was corrected during the visit by the training being completed on March 27, 2025, and the training certificate being placed in the staff file. • In space 413 one (1) child was unsupervised for one (1) minute while leaving the classroom. One (1) child exited the classroom, walked the hallway and around a corner towards the cafeteria where the teacher, a teacher assistant and class were walking. The child was met by the other classroom teacher assistant as she entered the hallway at the same time that the child had caught up to the class and where the lead teacher and the other teacher assistant were able to see the child. As discussed, children are to be supervised at all times while in care. Teachers supervising children should be able to see and hear all children all the time. I suggest that teachers are always aware of the children that they have in care and that they are always able to see and hear all children at all times. • In space 414 there was one (1) medication permission to administer form that did not contain the parents’ signature. As discussed, all line items on each document should be addressed and contain all required information and if an item does not apply that line item should be addressed with “NA”. I suggest that all medication documentation be monitored quarterly to ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate. CONSULTATION: • I suggest that you review your programs supervision policy with all staff members as well as revise and make any necessary changes to the policy as it may seem necessary. • I suggest that you contact the Catawba County Partnership for Young Children see if there are any trainings are available in regards to active supervision. • Fire inspections are to be sent to the consultant within 7 business days of the inspection being completed. If the fire inspection report is not sent to the consultant within 7 business days a violation will be cited at the next monitoring visit. • When reviewing Staff Files, Children’s Files, and Program Records, utilize the Staff Files Checklist, Children’s File Checklist, Volunteer Files Checklist and the Program Records File Checklist to ensure that you are maintaining compliance with all of the files that are monitored by DCDEE and that all of the documents within those files are current, accurate and relevant. These forms should be updated annually with staff files, children’s records and program record documents to ensure that all information stored in your facilities files are current and accurate prior to DCDEE monitoring visits. These file checklists can be found on the DCDEE website under provider documents. DCDEE Resources: • Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. • Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Licensing/Getting-a-License • Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development • Required Health and Safety Training: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development/Health-and-Safety-Trainings • Care for Children Receiving Subsidy: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Providing-Child-Care/Subsidized-Child-Care/Care-for-Children-Receiving-Subsidy • DCDEE Updates, Current Projects, and information applicable to Child Care in NC: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Whats-New • Child Care facility’s now have until May 31, 2025, to enroll in the lead in water testing, lead based paint testing and Asbestos testing through Clean Water for US Kids. The following link will take you to the website to enroll https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/. • ABCMS SYSTEM: The process of notifying the Division of any new child care providers working who are hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement as stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at (919) 814-8401 and someone will assist you. • Located on the DCDEE website there is an editable form of the staff and training worksheet that you may utilize when completing the staff and training worksheet to assist you with being prepared for your upcoming monitoring visits. This document can be downloaded to your computer and completed electronically. • Please continue to visit DCDEE’s website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ to get the latest information for child care settings and child care updates including the most up to date documents and forms. • Visit NC Child Care Health and Safety Resource Center at http://healthychildcare.unc.edu to find the following resources: technical assistance, coaching support, resources, handwashing and diapering posters, monthly newsletters, and a list of approved in-service trainings including, but not limited to, ITS-SIDS training and Emergency Preparedness and Response in Child Care training. COMPLIANCE PLAN: • All violations that were cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. All violations cited and not corrected today must be corrected immediately. Please submit a written, signed, and dated statement to me at the email/address below detailing the steps taken to correct each violation. Your compliance letter must include the following: 1. The name of your center 2. The center’s ID number 3. The date you write the letter 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature Supporting documentation including the following: Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters and acknowledgement statements. Please DO NOT send staff or child medical documents or documentation for verification as this is a violation of HIPPA protocol. If needed I will verify these documents at the next monitoring visit. I must receive your compliance letter no later than May 12, 2025. Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. If you cannot meet the requirements by this date you shall contact me with a timeline of the corrections. In some cases, this timeline may be extended. Failure to correct the violations and send the written statement by the due date listed above may result in an unannounced follow-up visit being conducted or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. Your letter may be mailed to me at: Meria Wilder Post Office Box 9591 Statesville, NC 28677 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: meria.wilder@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 in the body of the email: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you and your staff do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (980)434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. Thank you for your time today. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .0604 · Violation
Name of Operation: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2024 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 4/30/2024 Age: From 4 To 11 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. You, Shannon Hately, NCPK Lead Teacher, J. Hammond, Developmental Day Lead Teacher, E. Cappelman, assisted me, Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant with today’s visit. Your program’s compliance history score was 86% prior to today’s visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on November 1, 2023. Your program has one preschool Developmental Day classroom, one NCPK classrooms, and one school-age Developmental Day classroom. Your program operates with a Five-Star rated license that was issued on September 7, 2018, earning 7 points in program standard points, 7 points in staff education points and 1 quality point for a total of 15 points. Your program operates with the following restrictions: Daytime care only, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios, Reduced staff child ratios by one per group, Certified Developmental Day Center, and may care for children up to 14 years old. The following required postings were posted at the entrance to classrooms #414, #413, and #131: license, sanitation placard, tobacco free signage, safe arrival and departure procedures, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Emergency Phone numbers, activity plan, daily schedule, and menu. Playground inspections, emergency drills, fire inspection reports, fire drills and sanitation reports were monitored. Incident report logs were monitored in all classrooms. Sign in/sign out sheets and daily attendance records were current for all classrooms. Screen time log for all classrooms were monitored. Staff child ratios, appropriate group sizes, adequate supervision and approved spaces and appropriate discipline was observed. Children were served pizza crunchers, mashed potatoes, mixed berry fruit cups and 1% unflavored white milk for lunch today as identified on the menu for today. Children were being cared for in a nurturing way. Health and safety standards were monitored. Toys and materials were of sufficient quantity and were observed to be in good repair. Children participated in transitions, free choice play, whole group activities and outside play time. Your outdoor playgrounds were monitored. I monitored 1 new staff file and 8 existing staff files for criminal background qualification letters, First Aid, CPR, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment, BSAC, IT’S SIDS and special trainings. No children’s records were monitored during today’s visit. You stated there were no medications to monitor. NCPK requirements were monitored in classroom 413. Developmental Day requirements were monitored in classrooms 413 and 131. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. One electrical outlet was not covered with a safety plug in Space 413. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of August 28, 2023, did not have documentation available of completing the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy on file for review. .0608(d)(1-4) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of October 4, 2012, did not have documentation available of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. .1102(g) Technical Assistance: All violations cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. • In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of October 4, 2012, did not have documentation available of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. As discussed, all staff working with children must have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. I suggest you use the Staff File Checklist to review staff files at least quarterly to ensure all required documents and training are current and in the staff member’s file. • In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of August 28, 2023, did not have documentation available of completing the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy on file for review. As discussed, all staff working with children must have documentation of completing Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to caring for children. I suggest you use the Staff File Checklist to review staff files at least quarterly to ensure all required documents and trainings are current and in the staff member’s file. Child care facilities must comply with all state laws, federal laws and local ordinances that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare of children (GS110-91 – Mandatory standards for a license). Failure to comply may lead to an administrative action (General statue 110-102-2- Administrative penalties). You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by GS110-90(4)(c). Please note any violations cited during future visits may negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Also, please remember in order to maintain an enhanced rated license your compliance history must remain above 75% at all times. • Your program is in Cohort 1 for the rated license reassessment. Your program’s planning year will be from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Your program’s reassessment year will be 2024 to 2025 and the month of your reassessment will be the month that your current rated license expires. As you plan for the reassessment of the rated license, please be sure that all staff has their most recent education updated and verified in WORKS and that you are in touch with your local Partnership and Resource and Referral agencies to provide technical assistance and help you prepare for reassessment. • When reviewing Staff Files, Children’s Files, and Program Records utilize the Staff Files Checklist, Children’s File Checklist, Volunteer Files Checklist, and the Program Records File Checklist to ensure that you are maintaining compliance with all of the files that are being maintained and that all of the documents within those files are current, accurate and relevant. These forms should be used annually to review files and can be found on the DCDEE website under provider documents. • When reviewing staff files, you may utilize the schools Off Site Verification Forms which identifies information that is stored off site. The bulleted items identified on the form is not required to be maintained in the file of that staff member as long as that staff members name and date of employment is listed on the employee roster that should be attached to the form. The information that is stored “off-site” should be available upon the consultant’s request in the event that the consultant would need to verify that information. That Off Site Verification Form should be updated annually and/or as staff members are hired. • Although not an issue today, remember fire inspection reports are required to be sent to the consultant within 7 business days of the inspection being completed. If the fire inspection report is not sent to the consultant within 7 business days a violation will be cited at the next monitoring visit. • Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting DCDEE new website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/home.asp. Your compliance letter should be emailed to me by May 14, 2024, from the email address you have registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: Name, position, Facility name, Facility ID number Violation Item number Date of violation correction How the violation was corrected How the violation will be prevented in the future You may contact me by phone at (980) 434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or Erin Pickard, Licensing Supervisor, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have questions. At the end of today’s visit a copy of your visit summary was printed, signed, and left with you for you to print and save for your records. Thank you for your time and assistance today! If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
GS110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2024 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 4/30/2024 Age: From 4 To 11 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. You, Shannon Hately, NCPK Lead Teacher, J. Hammond, Developmental Day Lead Teacher, E. Cappelman, assisted me, Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant with today’s visit. Your program’s compliance history score was 86% prior to today’s visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on November 1, 2023. Your program has one preschool Developmental Day classroom, one NCPK classrooms, and one school-age Developmental Day classroom. Your program operates with a Five-Star rated license that was issued on September 7, 2018, earning 7 points in program standard points, 7 points in staff education points and 1 quality point for a total of 15 points. Your program operates with the following restrictions: Daytime care only, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios, Reduced staff child ratios by one per group, Certified Developmental Day Center, and may care for children up to 14 years old. The following required postings were posted at the entrance to classrooms #414, #413, and #131: license, sanitation placard, tobacco free signage, safe arrival and departure procedures, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Emergency Phone numbers, activity plan, daily schedule, and menu. Playground inspections, emergency drills, fire inspection reports, fire drills and sanitation reports were monitored. Incident report logs were monitored in all classrooms. Sign in/sign out sheets and daily attendance records were current for all classrooms. Screen time log for all classrooms were monitored. Staff child ratios, appropriate group sizes, adequate supervision and approved spaces and appropriate discipline was observed. Children were served pizza crunchers, mashed potatoes, mixed berry fruit cups and 1% unflavored white milk for lunch today as identified on the menu for today. Children were being cared for in a nurturing way. Health and safety standards were monitored. Toys and materials were of sufficient quantity and were observed to be in good repair. Children participated in transitions, free choice play, whole group activities and outside play time. Your outdoor playgrounds were monitored. I monitored 1 new staff file and 8 existing staff files for criminal background qualification letters, First Aid, CPR, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment, BSAC, IT’S SIDS and special trainings. No children’s records were monitored during today’s visit. You stated there were no medications to monitor. NCPK requirements were monitored in classroom 413. Developmental Day requirements were monitored in classrooms 413 and 131. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. One electrical outlet was not covered with a safety plug in Space 413. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of August 28, 2023, did not have documentation available of completing the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy on file for review. .0608(d)(1-4) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of October 4, 2012, did not have documentation available of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. .1102(g) Technical Assistance: All violations cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. • In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of October 4, 2012, did not have documentation available of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. As discussed, all staff working with children must have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. I suggest you use the Staff File Checklist to review staff files at least quarterly to ensure all required documents and training are current and in the staff member’s file. • In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of August 28, 2023, did not have documentation available of completing the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy on file for review. As discussed, all staff working with children must have documentation of completing Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to caring for children. I suggest you use the Staff File Checklist to review staff files at least quarterly to ensure all required documents and trainings are current and in the staff member’s file. Child care facilities must comply with all state laws, federal laws and local ordinances that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare of children (GS110-91 – Mandatory standards for a license). Failure to comply may lead to an administrative action (General statue 110-102-2- Administrative penalties). You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by GS110-90(4)(c). Please note any violations cited during future visits may negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Also, please remember in order to maintain an enhanced rated license your compliance history must remain above 75% at all times. • Your program is in Cohort 1 for the rated license reassessment. Your program’s planning year will be from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Your program’s reassessment year will be 2024 to 2025 and the month of your reassessment will be the month that your current rated license expires. As you plan for the reassessment of the rated license, please be sure that all staff has their most recent education updated and verified in WORKS and that you are in touch with your local Partnership and Resource and Referral agencies to provide technical assistance and help you prepare for reassessment. • When reviewing Staff Files, Children’s Files, and Program Records utilize the Staff Files Checklist, Children’s File Checklist, Volunteer Files Checklist, and the Program Records File Checklist to ensure that you are maintaining compliance with all of the files that are being maintained and that all of the documents within those files are current, accurate and relevant. These forms should be used annually to review files and can be found on the DCDEE website under provider documents. • When reviewing staff files, you may utilize the schools Off Site Verification Forms which identifies information that is stored off site. The bulleted items identified on the form is not required to be maintained in the file of that staff member as long as that staff members name and date of employment is listed on the employee roster that should be attached to the form. The information that is stored “off-site” should be available upon the consultant’s request in the event that the consultant would need to verify that information. That Off Site Verification Form should be updated annually and/or as staff members are hired. • Although not an issue today, remember fire inspection reports are required to be sent to the consultant within 7 business days of the inspection being completed. If the fire inspection report is not sent to the consultant within 7 business days a violation will be cited at the next monitoring visit. • Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting DCDEE new website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/home.asp. Your compliance letter should be emailed to me by May 14, 2024, from the email address you have registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: Name, position, Facility name, Facility ID number Violation Item number Date of violation correction How the violation was corrected How the violation will be prevented in the future You may contact me by phone at (980) 434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or Erin Pickard, Licensing Supervisor, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have questions. At the end of today’s visit a copy of your visit summary was printed, signed, and left with you for you to print and save for your records. Thank you for your time and assistance today! 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: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/30/2024 Number Present: 26 Completed Date: 4/30/2024 Age: From 4 To 11 Total Minutes: 175 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 12:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with all applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. You, Shannon Hately, NCPK Lead Teacher, J. Hammond, Developmental Day Lead Teacher, E. Cappelman, assisted me, Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant with today’s visit. Your program’s compliance history score was 86% prior to today’s visit. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on November 1, 2023. Your program has one preschool Developmental Day classroom, one NCPK classrooms, and one school-age Developmental Day classroom. Your program operates with a Five-Star rated license that was issued on September 7, 2018, earning 7 points in program standard points, 7 points in staff education points and 1 quality point for a total of 15 points. Your program operates with the following restrictions: Daytime care only, meets enhanced space, meets enhanced ratios, Reduced staff child ratios by one per group, Certified Developmental Day Center, and may care for children up to 14 years old. The following required postings were posted at the entrance to classrooms #414, #413, and #131: license, sanitation placard, tobacco free signage, safe arrival and departure procedures, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Emergency Phone numbers, activity plan, daily schedule, and menu. Playground inspections, emergency drills, fire inspection reports, fire drills and sanitation reports were monitored. Incident report logs were monitored in all classrooms. Sign in/sign out sheets and daily attendance records were current for all classrooms. Screen time log for all classrooms were monitored. Staff child ratios, appropriate group sizes, adequate supervision and approved spaces and appropriate discipline was observed. Children were served pizza crunchers, mashed potatoes, mixed berry fruit cups and 1% unflavored white milk for lunch today as identified on the menu for today. Children were being cared for in a nurturing way. Health and safety standards were monitored. Toys and materials were of sufficient quantity and were observed to be in good repair. Children participated in transitions, free choice play, whole group activities and outside play time. Your outdoor playgrounds were monitored. I monitored 1 new staff file and 8 existing staff files for criminal background qualification letters, First Aid, CPR, Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment, BSAC, IT’S SIDS and special trainings. No children’s records were monitored during today’s visit. You stated there were no medications to monitor. NCPK requirements were monitored in classroom 413. Developmental Day requirements were monitored in classrooms 413 and 131. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 812 Electrical outlets and power strips, not in use, which were located in space used by children did not have safety outlets or were not covered with safety plugs unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. One electrical outlet was not covered with a safety plug in Space 413. 10A NCAC 09 .0604(c) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of August 28, 2023, did not have documentation available of completing the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy on file for review. .0608(d)(1-4) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of October 4, 2012, did not have documentation available of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. .1102(g) Technical Assistance: All violations cited during today’s visit must be corrected immediately. • In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of October 4, 2012, did not have documentation available of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. As discussed, all staff working with children must have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment within 90 days of hire. I suggest you use the Staff File Checklist to review staff files at least quarterly to ensure all required documents and training are current and in the staff member’s file. • In classroom 414 one teacher with a hire date of August 28, 2023, did not have documentation available of completing the Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma Policy on file for review. As discussed, all staff working with children must have documentation of completing Shaken Baby and Abusive Head Trauma policy prior to caring for children. I suggest you use the Staff File Checklist to review staff files at least quarterly to ensure all required documents and trainings are current and in the staff member’s file. Child care facilities must comply with all state laws, federal laws and local ordinances that pertain to child health, safety, and welfare of children (GS110-91 – Mandatory standards for a license). Failure to comply may lead to an administrative action (General statue 110-102-2- Administrative penalties). You must maintain at least 75% Compliance History for each 18-month period as required by GS110-90(4)(c). Please note any violations cited during future visits may negatively impact your compliance history. Repeated violations or violations left unresolved may lead to an administrative action. Also, please remember in order to maintain an enhanced rated license your compliance history must remain above 75% at all times. • Your program is in Cohort 1 for the rated license reassessment. Your program’s planning year will be from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Your program’s reassessment year will be 2024 to 2025 and the month of your reassessment will be the month that your current rated license expires. As you plan for the reassessment of the rated license, please be sure that all staff has their most recent education updated and verified in WORKS and that you are in touch with your local Partnership and Resource and Referral agencies to provide technical assistance and help you prepare for reassessment. • When reviewing Staff Files, Children’s Files, and Program Records utilize the Staff Files Checklist, Children’s File Checklist, Volunteer Files Checklist, and the Program Records File Checklist to ensure that you are maintaining compliance with all of the files that are being maintained and that all of the documents within those files are current, accurate and relevant. These forms should be used annually to review files and can be found on the DCDEE website under provider documents. • When reviewing staff files, you may utilize the schools Off Site Verification Forms which identifies information that is stored off site. The bulleted items identified on the form is not required to be maintained in the file of that staff member as long as that staff members name and date of employment is listed on the employee roster that should be attached to the form. The information that is stored “off-site” should be available upon the consultant’s request in the event that the consultant would need to verify that information. That Off Site Verification Form should be updated annually and/or as staff members are hired. • Although not an issue today, remember fire inspection reports are required to be sent to the consultant within 7 business days of the inspection being completed. If the fire inspection report is not sent to the consultant within 7 business days a violation will be cited at the next monitoring visit. • Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting DCDEE new website at http://ncchildcare.nc.gov/general/home.asp. Your compliance letter should be emailed to me by May 14, 2024, from the email address you have registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: Name, position, Facility name, Facility ID number Violation Item number Date of violation correction How the violation was corrected How the violation will be prevented in the future You may contact me by phone at (980) 434-3877 or by email at meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or Erin Pickard, Licensing Supervisor, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov, if you have questions. At the end of today’s visit a copy of your visit summary was printed, signed, and left with you for you to print and save for your records. Thank you for your time and assistance today! 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 .0901 · Violation
Name of Operation: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/1/2023 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 11/1/2023 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in spaces # (500), where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. You, Shannon Hatley, Teacher, Jessica Hammond, Teacher, and E. Capplemann, Teacher, assisted me, Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant with today’s visit. Your program operates with a five-star rated license that was issued on April 5, 2018. Your program earned 7 points in staff education, 7 points in program standards and 1 quality point. Your program operates with the following restrictions: daytime care only, reduced staff child ratios by one child per group, meets enhanced ratios, and meets enhanced space. Your program has a preschool classroom with NC PreK, a preschool developmental day classroom and a school age developmental day classroom. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on December 14, 2022. Prior to today’s visit your program’s compliance history was 94%. Your program serves children within the age range of 3-12 years old. Your star rated license, NC Summary of Child Care Law, Emergency Phone Numbers, First Aid sheet, safe arrival and departure procedures, tobacco free signage, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Daily schedule, and Sanitation placard was prominently posted. During today’s visit I monitored your most recent playground inspection was dated October 30, 2023, Fire Inspection was dated September 8, 2023, fire drill was dated October 30, 2023, and a lockdown/shelter in place emergency drill has not been completed for this school year. You stated that your program documents screen time on your activity plan that is linked to NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Your allergy listing was posted, and you stated that in space 414, space 413 and in space 131 no medications are administered at this time. I observed all children to be signed in and attendance to be accurate. I observed your menu to be current in space 414 and in space 131 and meeting nutritional meal pattern guidelines. In space 414 and in space 131, I observed your activity plan to be current and aligned with NC FELD, including music, science, and sensory activities weekly and daily outside activities. I observed screentime to be documented on your activity plan. I observed your incident log. I observed your school crisis response plan to be current as of the 2023-2024 school year. I observed permit restrictions, children adequately supervised, approved space capacity, and staff child ratios maintained in space 414 and space 131. Upon arrival the teacher assistant in space 413 was left alone with 15 children while the lead teacher entered the hallway to open the door to let me inside the building. I observed toys and furnishings to be developmentally appropriate, child size height and of sufficient quantity. During today’s visit I observed children being cared for in a nurturing and caring way. I observed teachers interacting with children by assisting with transitions, assisting children with handwashing and facilitating whole and small group learning. I monitored a sampling of children’s records, all new staff records, and a sampling of existing staff records. During today’s visit I monitored your program for NCPK requirements. I observed your approved curriculum to be Creative Curriculum, Ages and Stages as your programs developmental screening tool and your formative assessment information to be captured from observations, anecdotal notes and Teaching Strategies Gold. You stated, you contact parents daily for absences to ensure children are safe. You stated you maintain ratios of 1:9 and maximum group size of no more than 18 children. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space 413 there was no current activity plan available to be posted, you were able to show me the activity plan on the computer and as discussed, the activity plan should be current and posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted was dated for the month of October, you stated that the current November menu was located behind the posted October menu and that you would change it. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. . In space 413 a storage closet that was not locked had (2) buckets of Olympic paint located on the floor. There was (1) Bath and Body Works Perfume spray bottle located in the staff bathroom on the 400 hall where preschool children pass by with the warning label of “keep out of reach of children” and additional warnings. .2820(b) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. . During today’s visit children’s incident reports were stored with the incident log. .0802 (e) 901 A written copy of the discipline policy was not provided and/or explained to each child’s parent, at the time of enrollment by the person who conducted the enrollment conference. One child’s signed statement of receipt of the Discipline policy did not include the child’s date of enrollment. .1804(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One substitute staff member with a hire date of 1/10/23 did not have a date on the Emergency Information form identifying the date the form was completed. .0701(a) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. One child's application had the section identifying unique behaviors, fears, allergies, health concerns and/or names of individuals had blanks where information had not been acknowledged. .0801(a)(1-7) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Upon arrival the teacher assistant in space 413 was left alone with 15 children while the lead teacher entered the hallway to open the door to let me inside the building. Staff child ratios of 1:9 was not met. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. During today’s visit substitute teachers’ health questionnaire forms and emergency information forms were stored in the binder that contains all substitute staff records and were not stored in a separate location. .0701(d) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. One child’s signed Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy did not identify the child’s date of enrollment. .0608(b)(1-6) Technical Assistance: Violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received by me no later than 11/14/2023, stating how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. 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: 1. The name of your center 2. The centers ID number 3. The date you wrote the letter. 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Please mail or email me a signed copy of the letter to meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or P.O. Box 6591, Statesville, NC 28677. Please Note: Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. If a letter is not received by the required date an unannounced follow-up visit may be conducted to confirm the violations were corrected or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A https://www.msn.com/enus/feedNCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical assistance: • Items in the classroom that have a warning label with “keep out of reach of children” should be made inaccessible to children and kept in locked storage. There was (1) Bath and Body Works Perfume spray bottle located in the staff bathroom on the 400 hall where preschool children pass by with the warning label of “keep out of reach of children” and additional warnings. I recommend, request this door be locked at all times, hazardous items with warning labels be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children or use an alternate path through the school to prevent children from having access to hazardous materials. You stated that your class will go to the cafeteria through the outside path. • Children’s incident reports are required by rule to be stored with the child’s file. During today’s visit children’s incident reports were stored with the incident log. I recommend removing the incident reports from the file with the incident report log and placing them in the file of each individual child. • Staff health and medical information should be stored in a separate file/location and not with the staff member’s personnel file. During today’s visit substitute teachers’ health questionnaire forms and emergency information forms were stored in the binder that contains all substitute staff records and were not stored in a separate location. I recommend that all staff members health and medical information be stored in a separate location in individual files for each staff member. • Hazardous materials with a warning label of “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN” and have additional warnings are kept in locked storage and made inaccessible to children. In space 413 a storage closet that was not locked had (2) buckets of Olympic paint located on the floor. As discussed, all hazardous materials are to be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children. You stated the door is usually locked. • Activity plans are required to be posted and current in each classroom. In space 413 there was no current activity plan available to be posted, you were able to show me the activity plan on the computer and as discussed, the activity plan should be current and posted. • Menus are required to be current and posted. The menu that was posted was dated for the month of October, you stated that the current November menu was located behind the posted October menu and that you would change it. • Space 413 has a capacity of 18 children and staff child ratios of 1:9 that is required to be maintained at all times. Upon arrival the teacher assistant in space 413 was left alone with 15 children while the lead teacher entered the hallway to open the door to let me inside the building. As discussed, when having to leave the classroom at any time staff child ratios of 1:9 must be met. If there is not an additional staff member available to assist you, you should take the required number of children with you that is necessary to maintain the required ratios. • A signed and dated statement by the parent that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was received and explained at the child’s enrollment. One child’s signed Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy did not identify the child’s date of enrollment. As discussed, all forms should be completed entirely with no blank spaces left. If there is something that does not apply it should state “N/A”. • Parent’s statement regarding the Discipline Policy includes the child’s name and date of enrollment. As discussed, one child’s signed statement of receipt of the Discipline policy did not include the child’s date of enrollment. As discussed, all forms should be completed entirely with no blank spaces left. If there is something that does not apply it should state “N/A”. • The application has all required information including but not limited to: the child’s date of birth, any particular fears, allergies, unique behavior characteristics, health concerns and names of individuals the child may be released to. As discussed, all forms should be completed entirely with no blank spaces left. If there is something that does not apply it should state “N/A”. Consultation: • As of September 2023, the Summary of NC Child Care Law was updated and available on the DCDEE website. Please print this form to post in your classroom with your required postings and give the updated information to parents and have them sign and date that they have received the updated document and place each signed acknowledgement in each child’s file. • Your program is in cohort 1 for the rated license reassessment. Your program’s planning year will be from June 31, 2023, to July 1, 2024. Your program’s reassessment year will be 2024 to 2025 and the month of your reassessment will be the month that your current rated license expires. As you plan for the reassessment of the rated license, please be sure that all staff has their most recent education updated and verified in WORKS and that you are in touch with your local Partnership and Resource and Referral agencies to provide technical assistance and help you prepare for reassessment. Thank you for your time today. If I can be of assistance in the future, please feel free to contact me at (980) 434-3877 or email meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or Erin Pickard, Lead Child Care consultant at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation
Name of Operation: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/1/2023 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 11/1/2023 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in spaces # (500), where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. You, Shannon Hatley, Teacher, Jessica Hammond, Teacher, and E. Capplemann, Teacher, assisted me, Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant with today’s visit. Your program operates with a five-star rated license that was issued on April 5, 2018. Your program earned 7 points in staff education, 7 points in program standards and 1 quality point. Your program operates with the following restrictions: daytime care only, reduced staff child ratios by one child per group, meets enhanced ratios, and meets enhanced space. Your program has a preschool classroom with NC PreK, a preschool developmental day classroom and a school age developmental day classroom. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on December 14, 2022. Prior to today’s visit your program’s compliance history was 94%. Your program serves children within the age range of 3-12 years old. Your star rated license, NC Summary of Child Care Law, Emergency Phone Numbers, First Aid sheet, safe arrival and departure procedures, tobacco free signage, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Daily schedule, and Sanitation placard was prominently posted. During today’s visit I monitored your most recent playground inspection was dated October 30, 2023, Fire Inspection was dated September 8, 2023, fire drill was dated October 30, 2023, and a lockdown/shelter in place emergency drill has not been completed for this school year. You stated that your program documents screen time on your activity plan that is linked to NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Your allergy listing was posted, and you stated that in space 414, space 413 and in space 131 no medications are administered at this time. I observed all children to be signed in and attendance to be accurate. I observed your menu to be current in space 414 and in space 131 and meeting nutritional meal pattern guidelines. In space 414 and in space 131, I observed your activity plan to be current and aligned with NC FELD, including music, science, and sensory activities weekly and daily outside activities. I observed screentime to be documented on your activity plan. I observed your incident log. I observed your school crisis response plan to be current as of the 2023-2024 school year. I observed permit restrictions, children adequately supervised, approved space capacity, and staff child ratios maintained in space 414 and space 131. Upon arrival the teacher assistant in space 413 was left alone with 15 children while the lead teacher entered the hallway to open the door to let me inside the building. I observed toys and furnishings to be developmentally appropriate, child size height and of sufficient quantity. During today’s visit I observed children being cared for in a nurturing and caring way. I observed teachers interacting with children by assisting with transitions, assisting children with handwashing and facilitating whole and small group learning. I monitored a sampling of children’s records, all new staff records, and a sampling of existing staff records. During today’s visit I monitored your program for NCPK requirements. I observed your approved curriculum to be Creative Curriculum, Ages and Stages as your programs developmental screening tool and your formative assessment information to be captured from observations, anecdotal notes and Teaching Strategies Gold. You stated, you contact parents daily for absences to ensure children are safe. You stated you maintain ratios of 1:9 and maximum group size of no more than 18 children. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space 413 there was no current activity plan available to be posted, you were able to show me the activity plan on the computer and as discussed, the activity plan should be current and posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted was dated for the month of October, you stated that the current November menu was located behind the posted October menu and that you would change it. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. . In space 413 a storage closet that was not locked had (2) buckets of Olympic paint located on the floor. There was (1) Bath and Body Works Perfume spray bottle located in the staff bathroom on the 400 hall where preschool children pass by with the warning label of “keep out of reach of children” and additional warnings. .2820(b) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. . During today’s visit children’s incident reports were stored with the incident log. .0802 (e) 901 A written copy of the discipline policy was not provided and/or explained to each child’s parent, at the time of enrollment by the person who conducted the enrollment conference. One child’s signed statement of receipt of the Discipline policy did not include the child’s date of enrollment. .1804(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One substitute staff member with a hire date of 1/10/23 did not have a date on the Emergency Information form identifying the date the form was completed. .0701(a) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. One child's application had the section identifying unique behaviors, fears, allergies, health concerns and/or names of individuals had blanks where information had not been acknowledged. .0801(a)(1-7) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Upon arrival the teacher assistant in space 413 was left alone with 15 children while the lead teacher entered the hallway to open the door to let me inside the building. Staff child ratios of 1:9 was not met. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. During today’s visit substitute teachers’ health questionnaire forms and emergency information forms were stored in the binder that contains all substitute staff records and were not stored in a separate location. .0701(d) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. One child’s signed Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy did not identify the child’s date of enrollment. .0608(b)(1-6) Technical Assistance: Violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received by me no later than 11/14/2023, stating how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. 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: 1. The name of your center 2. The centers ID number 3. The date you wrote the letter. 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Please mail or email me a signed copy of the letter to meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or P.O. Box 6591, Statesville, NC 28677. Please Note: Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. If a letter is not received by the required date an unannounced follow-up visit may be conducted to confirm the violations were corrected or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A https://www.msn.com/enus/feedNCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical assistance: • Items in the classroom that have a warning label with “keep out of reach of children” should be made inaccessible to children and kept in locked storage. There was (1) Bath and Body Works Perfume spray bottle located in the staff bathroom on the 400 hall where preschool children pass by with the warning label of “keep out of reach of children” and additional warnings. I recommend, request this door be locked at all times, hazardous items with warning labels be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children or use an alternate path through the school to prevent children from having access to hazardous materials. You stated that your class will go to the cafeteria through the outside path. • Children’s incident reports are required by rule to be stored with the child’s file. During today’s visit children’s incident reports were stored with the incident log. I recommend removing the incident reports from the file with the incident report log and placing them in the file of each individual child. • Staff health and medical information should be stored in a separate file/location and not with the staff member’s personnel file. During today’s visit substitute teachers’ health questionnaire forms and emergency information forms were stored in the binder that contains all substitute staff records and were not stored in a separate location. I recommend that all staff members health and medical information be stored in a separate location in individual files for each staff member. • Hazardous materials with a warning label of “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN” and have additional warnings are kept in locked storage and made inaccessible to children. In space 413 a storage closet that was not locked had (2) buckets of Olympic paint located on the floor. As discussed, all hazardous materials are to be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children. You stated the door is usually locked. • Activity plans are required to be posted and current in each classroom. In space 413 there was no current activity plan available to be posted, you were able to show me the activity plan on the computer and as discussed, the activity plan should be current and posted. • Menus are required to be current and posted. The menu that was posted was dated for the month of October, you stated that the current November menu was located behind the posted October menu and that you would change it. • Space 413 has a capacity of 18 children and staff child ratios of 1:9 that is required to be maintained at all times. Upon arrival the teacher assistant in space 413 was left alone with 15 children while the lead teacher entered the hallway to open the door to let me inside the building. As discussed, when having to leave the classroom at any time staff child ratios of 1:9 must be met. If there is not an additional staff member available to assist you, you should take the required number of children with you that is necessary to maintain the required ratios. • A signed and dated statement by the parent that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was received and explained at the child’s enrollment. One child’s signed Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy did not identify the child’s date of enrollment. As discussed, all forms should be completed entirely with no blank spaces left. If there is something that does not apply it should state “N/A”. • Parent’s statement regarding the Discipline Policy includes the child’s name and date of enrollment. As discussed, one child’s signed statement of receipt of the Discipline policy did not include the child’s date of enrollment. As discussed, all forms should be completed entirely with no blank spaces left. If there is something that does not apply it should state “N/A”. • The application has all required information including but not limited to: the child’s date of birth, any particular fears, allergies, unique behavior characteristics, health concerns and names of individuals the child may be released to. As discussed, all forms should be completed entirely with no blank spaces left. If there is something that does not apply it should state “N/A”. Consultation: • As of September 2023, the Summary of NC Child Care Law was updated and available on the DCDEE website. Please print this form to post in your classroom with your required postings and give the updated information to parents and have them sign and date that they have received the updated document and place each signed acknowledgement in each child’s file. • Your program is in cohort 1 for the rated license reassessment. Your program’s planning year will be from June 31, 2023, to July 1, 2024. Your program’s reassessment year will be 2024 to 2025 and the month of your reassessment will be the month that your current rated license expires. As you plan for the reassessment of the rated license, please be sure that all staff has their most recent education updated and verified in WORKS and that you are in touch with your local Partnership and Resource and Referral agencies to provide technical assistance and help you prepare for reassessment. Thank you for your time today. If I can be of assistance in the future, please feel free to contact me at (980) 434-3877 or email meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or Erin Pickard, Lead Child Care consultant at erin.pickard@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
GS 110-91 · Violation
Name of Operation: BALLS CREEK ELEMENTARY PRE-SCHOOL Facility ID: 18000437 Consultant: MERIA WILDER Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 11/1/2023 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 11/1/2023 Age: From 3 To 12 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 01:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit including compliance with requirements located in Child Care Rule Section .3000 in spaces # (500), where children participating in the NC Pre-K program are cared for. You, Shannon Hatley, Teacher, Jessica Hammond, Teacher, and E. Capplemann, Teacher, assisted me, Meria Wilder, Child Care Consultant with today’s visit. Your program operates with a five-star rated license that was issued on April 5, 2018. Your program earned 7 points in staff education, 7 points in program standards and 1 quality point. Your program operates with the following restrictions: daytime care only, reduced staff child ratios by one child per group, meets enhanced ratios, and meets enhanced space. Your program has a preschool classroom with NC PreK, a preschool developmental day classroom and a school age developmental day classroom. Your last annual compliance visit was conducted on December 14, 2022. Prior to today’s visit your program’s compliance history was 94%. Your program serves children within the age range of 3-12 years old. Your star rated license, NC Summary of Child Care Law, Emergency Phone Numbers, First Aid sheet, safe arrival and departure procedures, tobacco free signage, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Daily schedule, and Sanitation placard was prominently posted. During today’s visit I monitored your most recent playground inspection was dated October 30, 2023, Fire Inspection was dated September 8, 2023, fire drill was dated October 30, 2023, and a lockdown/shelter in place emergency drill has not been completed for this school year. You stated that your program documents screen time on your activity plan that is linked to NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development. Your allergy listing was posted, and you stated that in space 414, space 413 and in space 131 no medications are administered at this time. I observed all children to be signed in and attendance to be accurate. I observed your menu to be current in space 414 and in space 131 and meeting nutritional meal pattern guidelines. In space 414 and in space 131, I observed your activity plan to be current and aligned with NC FELD, including music, science, and sensory activities weekly and daily outside activities. I observed screentime to be documented on your activity plan. I observed your incident log. I observed your school crisis response plan to be current as of the 2023-2024 school year. I observed permit restrictions, children adequately supervised, approved space capacity, and staff child ratios maintained in space 414 and space 131. Upon arrival the teacher assistant in space 413 was left alone with 15 children while the lead teacher entered the hallway to open the door to let me inside the building. I observed toys and furnishings to be developmentally appropriate, child size height and of sufficient quantity. During today’s visit I observed children being cared for in a nurturing and caring way. I observed teachers interacting with children by assisting with transitions, assisting children with handwashing and facilitating whole and small group learning. I monitored a sampling of children’s records, all new staff records, and a sampling of existing staff records. During today’s visit I monitored your program for NCPK requirements. I observed your approved curriculum to be Creative Curriculum, Ages and Stages as your programs developmental screening tool and your formative assessment information to be captured from observations, anecdotal notes and Teaching Strategies Gold. You stated, you contact parents daily for absences to ensure children are safe. You stated you maintain ratios of 1:9 and maximum group size of no more than 18 children. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 428 A current activity plan was not posted for each group of children for reference. In space 413 there was no current activity plan available to be posted, you were able to show me the activity plan on the computer and as discussed, the activity plan should be current and posted. GS 110-91(12); .0508(a) 526 Menus for all meals and snacks were not current or posted where easily seen by parents and cook. The menu that was posted was dated for the month of October, you stated that the current November menu was located behind the posted October menu and that you would change it. 10A NCAC 09 .0901(b) 840 All corrosive agents, pesticides, bleaches, detergents, cleansers, polishes, any product which is under pressure in an aerosol dispenser, and any substance which may be hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not stored in a locked room or cabinet. . In space 413 a storage closet that was not locked had (2) buckets of Olympic paint located on the floor. There was (1) Bath and Body Works Perfume spray bottle located in the staff bathroom on the 400 hall where preschool children pass by with the warning label of “keep out of reach of children” and additional warnings. .2820(b) 852 Incident reports were not completed each time a child was injured, it did not include all the information required in rule, it was not signed by the parent and/or it was not maintained in the child's file. . During today’s visit children’s incident reports were stored with the incident log. .0802 (e) 901 A written copy of the discipline policy was not provided and/or explained to each child’s parent, at the time of enrollment by the person who conducted the enrollment conference. One child’s signed statement of receipt of the Discipline policy did not include the child’s date of enrollment. .1804(a) 1035 Child care providers, including the director, uncompensated providers, substitute providers, and volunteers did not have the required Emergency Information Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form was not updated as changes occur and at least annually. One substitute staff member with a hire date of 1/10/23 did not have a date on the Emergency Information form identifying the date the form was completed. .0701(a) 1329 Application for enrollment did not include all required information. One child's application had the section identifying unique behaviors, fears, allergies, health concerns and/or names of individuals had blanks where information had not been acknowledged. .0801(a)(1-7) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. Upon arrival the teacher assistant in space 413 was left alone with 15 children while the lead teacher entered the hallway to open the door to let me inside the building. Staff child ratios of 1:9 was not met. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 1890 Each staff member did not have the required medical report, proof of tuberculosis test or screening and/or completed health questionnaire in a medical file, maintained separately from the staff member's individual personnel file. During today’s visit substitute teachers’ health questionnaire forms and emergency information forms were stored in the binder that contains all substitute staff records and were not stored in a separate location. .0701(d) 1908 A child's file did not have a statement with parent signature acknowledging receipt and explanation of the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy and/or the acknowledgement did not have all the required information. One child’s signed Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy did not identify the child’s date of enrollment. .0608(b)(1-6) Technical Assistance: Violations must be corrected immediately. A signed and dated letter of compliance must be received by me no later than 11/14/2023, stating how each violation was corrected and how compliance will be maintained in the future. 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: 1. The name of your center 2. The centers ID number 3. The date you wrote the letter. 4. Address each violation stating how you corrected the violation and are now in compliance. 5. Address your plan to ensure that you will not have that violation again. 6. Your signature I advise you to be prepared to provide supporting documentation in the form of photos, documents, certificates, should I request them in order to clarify or verify compliance. Please mail or email me a signed copy of the letter to meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or P.O. Box 6591, Statesville, NC 28677. Please Note: Please be aware any information submitted by you is legal documentation. If you state in your compliance letter that corrections have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information. Child care programs are required to maintain compliance with all applicable child care rules and regulations at all times. North Carolina General Statute 110-90(4)(d) requires all child care facilities to maintain a compliance history of at least seventy-five percent (75%) for the past eighteen (18) months or during the length of time the facility has operated, whichever is less. Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a provisional license or other administrative action against the facility's license. Any violations cited during a visit may affect your score. If a letter is not received by the required date an unannounced follow-up visit may be conducted to confirm the violations were corrected or an administrative action may be recommended. Based on Child Care Rule 10A https://www.msn.com/enus/feedNCAC 09 Section .2200, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may take administrative action against the license and/or impose civil penalties based on the failure of the operator to correct any documented violations within the established time period. Technical assistance: • Items in the classroom that have a warning label with “keep out of reach of children” should be made inaccessible to children and kept in locked storage. There was (1) Bath and Body Works Perfume spray bottle located in the staff bathroom on the 400 hall where preschool children pass by with the warning label of “keep out of reach of children” and additional warnings. I recommend, request this door be locked at all times, hazardous items with warning labels be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children or use an alternate path through the school to prevent children from having access to hazardous materials. You stated that your class will go to the cafeteria through the outside path. • Children’s incident reports are required by rule to be stored with the child’s file. During today’s visit children’s incident reports were stored with the incident log. I recommend removing the incident reports from the file with the incident report log and placing them in the file of each individual child. • Staff health and medical information should be stored in a separate file/location and not with the staff member’s personnel file. During today’s visit substitute teachers’ health questionnaire forms and emergency information forms were stored in the binder that contains all substitute staff records and were not stored in a separate location. I recommend that all staff members health and medical information be stored in a separate location in individual files for each staff member. • Hazardous materials with a warning label of “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN” and have additional warnings are kept in locked storage and made inaccessible to children. In space 413 a storage closet that was not locked had (2) buckets of Olympic paint located on the floor. As discussed, all hazardous materials are to be kept in locked storage and inaccessible to children. You stated the door is usually locked. • Activity plans are required to be posted and current in each classroom. In space 413 there was no current activity plan available to be posted, you were able to show me the activity plan on the computer and as discussed, the activity plan should be current and posted. • Menus are required to be current and posted. The menu that was posted was dated for the month of October, you stated that the current November menu was located behind the posted October menu and that you would change it. • Space 413 has a capacity of 18 children and staff child ratios of 1:9 that is required to be maintained at all times. Upon arrival the teacher assistant in space 413 was left alone with 15 children while the lead teacher entered the hallway to open the door to let me inside the building. As discussed, when having to leave the classroom at any time staff child ratios of 1:9 must be met. If there is not an additional staff member available to assist you, you should take the required number of children with you that is necessary to maintain the required ratios. • A signed and dated statement by the parent that the Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was received and explained at the child’s enrollment. One child’s signed Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy did not identify the child’s date of enrollment. As discussed, all forms should be completed entirely with no blank spaces left. If there is something that does not apply it should state “N/A”. • Parent’s statement regarding the Discipline Policy includes the child’s name and date of enrollment. As discussed, one child’s signed statement of receipt of the Discipline policy did not include the child’s date of enrollment. As discussed, all forms should be completed entirely with no blank spaces left. If there is something that does not apply it should state “N/A”. • The application has all required information including but not limited to: the child’s date of birth, any particular fears, allergies, unique behavior characteristics, health concerns and names of individuals the child may be released to. As discussed, all forms should be completed entirely with no blank spaces left. If there is something that does not apply it should state “N/A”. Consultation: • As of September 2023, the Summary of NC Child Care Law was updated and available on the DCDEE website. Please print this form to post in your classroom with your required postings and give the updated information to parents and have them sign and date that they have received the updated document and place each signed acknowledgement in each child’s file. • Your program is in cohort 1 for the rated license reassessment. Your program’s planning year will be from June 31, 2023, to July 1, 2024. Your program’s reassessment year will be 2024 to 2025 and the month of your reassessment will be the month that your current rated license expires. As you plan for the reassessment of the rated license, please be sure that all staff has their most recent education updated and verified in WORKS and that you are in touch with your local Partnership and Resource and Referral agencies to provide technical assistance and help you prepare for reassessment. Thank you for your time today. If I can be of assistance in the future, please feel free to contact me at (980) 434-3877 or email meria.wilder@dhhs.nc.gov or Erin Pickard, Lead Child Care consultant at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.