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Home › NC › Newton › Newton Head Start
249 East N Street, Newton NC 28658 · License #18000478 · Center · Child Care Center
Not published by the state. Owners can add hours via profile claim.
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Ages served
10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation
Name of Operation: NEWTON HEAD START Facility ID: 18000478 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2026 Number Present: 52 Completed Date: 4/16/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:55 AM Time Out: 02:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Jessica Spain, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit along including a rated license assessment on November 21, 2025. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, web address, or email address. You requested that I update the facility mailing address to correct the typographical error in the zip code. I made that change for you today. I reviewed the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained today. This facility, owned by I-CARE, Inc., was listed as current- active when reviewed on the NC Secretary of State website on April 13, 2026. This center's compliance history was 99% as of April 13, 2026. This head start program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on June 27, 2018, earning seven points in the education standards, five points in program standards and one quality point for having enhanced policies approved and staff benefit package. The most recent fire inspection was dated April 24, 2025 and was received in my office on April 28, 2025. You stated you had contacted the local fire inspector’s office to schedule a date for the annual fire inspection to be completed no later than April 30, 2026. You stated that the inspector’s office would not schedule a date and told you that the inspection would take place before the due date. The most recent sanitation inspection was dated April 1, 2026, with a Superior classification and four demerits. The lead water test results dated June 8, 2023, indicated that your facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. Please be reminded that lead water testing is required to be completed every three years making this facility’s next lead water testing due before June 8, 2026. As of July 3, 2024, this facility was reportedly free of lead-based paint hazards and exempt from future lead-based paint testing based on a signed and submitted attestation statement. As of July 3, 2024, this facility was reportedly free of asbestos hazards and exempt from future asbestos testing based on submitted property tax documents. You and I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor licensed spaces. You stated Spaces 4 and 5 were not being used as classrooms this school year. I observed Space 4 being used a staff wellness room and Space 5 currently being used for storage but being set up to open a new classroom for the 2026 - 2027 school year. Children throughout were center were participating in free play in activity areas, outdoor play, transitioning from outdoor to indoor play, handwashing, eating lunch, napping and attending to personal care routines. Teachers were interacting with children appropriately. You stated the facility uses Creative Curriculum for Preschool as the approved curriculum for a 5-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. 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. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for twelve returning staff members and two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 21, 2025. I verified current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, completion of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety Training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response Training by at least one staff member, and completion of health & safety training requirements. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on April 16, 2025. You stated your written administrative and personnel policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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 3, one bulk container of hand soap and three boxes of baking soda were stored below five feet under a handwashing sink in an unlocked cabinet. .2820(b) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment of 01/12/2026 had a staff medical assessment on file but the health assessment did not include a statement signed by a health care professional that indicated that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. One staff member currently employed by the facility with a date of employment of 01/12/2026 was not listed on the facility’s ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment when the new employee was hired. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), 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 should be stored in a locked room or cabinet. Today, in Space 3, one bulk container of hand soap and three boxes of baking soda were stored below five feet under a handwashing sink in an unlocked cabinet which resulted in a violation being cited. We observed that the door on the cabinet had a lock that was no longer working. To correct this violation, you moved the bulk container of hand soap and the three boxes of baking soda to an upper cabinet that would lock which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this sanitation rule with your staff and remind them to notify you when locks need to be repaired. 2. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Today, I observed a staff roster for the facility established on the ABCMS portal established. However, one staff member currently employed by the facility with a date of employment of 01/12/2026 was not listed on the facility’s ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment when the new employee was hired which resulted in a violation being cited. You stated that this was the responsibility of a management level employee of the organization. To correct this violation, the staff member should be added to the facility staff roster in the ABCMS Provider Portal. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you create a tracking procedure to remind you to verify that the management team has added new employee information in the ABCMS portal and staff members are removed as they separate from employment. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired. 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. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), each employee should have a staff medical assessment on file on or before the first day of employment that includes a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. Today, one staff member with a date of employment of 01/12/2026 had a staff medical assessment on file but the assessment did not include a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children which resulted in a violation being cited. You stated that a member of the organization management team receives and reviews all the staff medical reports before passing them to you. To correct this violation, the staff member should secure a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review each staff medical report for completion and accuracy prior to the employee’s first day of employment and request additional information as needed. CONSULTATION: 1. As discussed today, the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” and the accompanying documents indicating that this facility has chosen the “Accreditation and Head Start (Pathway 3)” option for the star rated license reassessment process were received, reviewed, and verified. Based on my assessment of the star rated license components required for the “Accreditation and Head Start (Pathway 3) option, this facility has earned a five star license which will be processed as soon as possible. Please be reminded to keep the current license/permit posted until you receive the new license/permit in the mail from the Raleigh office. 2. Per NC General Statute 110-102, the current version of Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law should be posted in a prominent place in the facility and included in the enrollment packet to be given to parents prior to the child’s first day of attendance. The most current Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was published in November 2025. Today, I observed the date of the posted Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was September 2023 and February 2025. Please print the updated version, post it in your lobby, and add it to your new enrollment packets. I also suggest you regularly check the DCDEE website for updated versions and especially when you receive notification of child care or sanitation rule updates. 3. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 4. We encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 5. The Healthy Social Behaviors Project offers coaching for child care providers who would like support managing challenging classroom behaviors. The goal is to empower teachers to create learning environments that promote pro-social skills, like self-control and problem solving. Support is available by phone at 888-600-1685, Option 1 or by email at HSB@childcareresourcesinc.org. 6. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 7. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization 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 8. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 9. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. 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. 1) 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 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. I should receive your compliance letter no later than April 30, 2026. 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: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. 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.
G.S. 110-90 · Violation
Name of Operation: NEWTON HEAD START Facility ID: 18000478 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2026 Number Present: 52 Completed Date: 4/16/2026 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 280 Time In: 09:55 AM Time Out: 02:35 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Jessica Spain, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit along including a rated license assessment on November 21, 2025. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, web address, or email address. You requested that I update the facility mailing address to correct the typographical error in the zip code. I made that change for you today. I reviewed the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained today. This facility, owned by I-CARE, Inc., was listed as current- active when reviewed on the NC Secretary of State website on April 13, 2026. This center's compliance history was 99% as of April 13, 2026. This head start program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on June 27, 2018, earning seven points in the education standards, five points in program standards and one quality point for having enhanced policies approved and staff benefit package. The most recent fire inspection was dated April 24, 2025 and was received in my office on April 28, 2025. You stated you had contacted the local fire inspector’s office to schedule a date for the annual fire inspection to be completed no later than April 30, 2026. You stated that the inspector’s office would not schedule a date and told you that the inspection would take place before the due date. The most recent sanitation inspection was dated April 1, 2026, with a Superior classification and four demerits. The lead water test results dated June 8, 2023, indicated that your facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. Please be reminded that lead water testing is required to be completed every three years making this facility’s next lead water testing due before June 8, 2026. As of July 3, 2024, this facility was reportedly free of lead-based paint hazards and exempt from future lead-based paint testing based on a signed and submitted attestation statement. As of July 3, 2024, this facility was reportedly free of asbestos hazards and exempt from future asbestos testing based on submitted property tax documents. You and I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor licensed spaces. You stated Spaces 4 and 5 were not being used as classrooms this school year. I observed Space 4 being used a staff wellness room and Space 5 currently being used for storage but being set up to open a new classroom for the 2026 - 2027 school year. Children throughout were center were participating in free play in activity areas, outdoor play, transitioning from outdoor to indoor play, handwashing, eating lunch, napping and attending to personal care routines. Teachers were interacting with children appropriately. You stated the facility uses Creative Curriculum for Preschool as the approved curriculum for a 5-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. 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. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen. Today’s lunch met the meal pattern requirements. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for twelve returning staff members and two new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on November 21, 2025. I verified current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, completion of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety Training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response Training by at least one staff member, and completion of health & safety training requirements. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on April 16, 2025. You stated your written administrative and personnel policies and procedures had not changed. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violations were observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 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 3, one bulk container of hand soap and three boxes of baking soda were stored below five feet under a handwashing sink in an unlocked cabinet. .2820(b) 1032 Child care providers and uncompensated providers who are not substitute providers or volunteers, including the director did not have a medical report on file prior to employment that was signed by a health care professional and/ or the medical report was older than 12 months. One staff member with a date of employment of 01/12/2026 had a staff medical assessment on file but the health assessment did not include a statement signed by a health care professional that indicated that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1805 A child care operator did not notify the Division of any new child care providers, as defined in G.S. 110-90.2(a)(2), who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. One staff member currently employed by the facility with a date of employment of 01/12/2026 was not listed on the facility’s ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment when the new employee was hired. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per sanitation rule 15A NCAC 18A.2820(b), 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 should be stored in a locked room or cabinet. Today, in Space 3, one bulk container of hand soap and three boxes of baking soda were stored below five feet under a handwashing sink in an unlocked cabinet which resulted in a violation being cited. We observed that the door on the cabinet had a lock that was no longer working. To correct this violation, you moved the bulk container of hand soap and the three boxes of baking soda to an upper cabinet that would lock which corrected this violation during today’s visit. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review this sanitation rule with your staff and remind them to notify you when locks need to be repaired. 2. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Today, I observed a staff roster for the facility established on the ABCMS portal established. However, one staff member currently employed by the facility with a date of employment of 01/12/2026 was not listed on the facility’s ABCMS staff roster. Therefore, DCDEE was not notified within five business days of employment when the new employee was hired which resulted in a violation being cited. You stated that this was the responsibility of a management level employee of the organization. To correct this violation, the staff member should be added to the facility staff roster in the ABCMS Provider Portal. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you create a tracking procedure to remind you to verify that the management team has added new employee information in the ABCMS portal and staff members are removed as they separate from employment. This information should be updated in ABCMS in an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired. 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. 3. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a), each employee should have a staff medical assessment on file on or before the first day of employment that includes a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. Today, one staff member with a date of employment of 01/12/2026 had a staff medical assessment on file but the assessment did not include a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children which resulted in a violation being cited. You stated that a member of the organization management team receives and reviews all the staff medical reports before passing them to you. To correct this violation, the staff member should secure a statement signed by a health care professional that indicates that the person is emotionally and physically fit to care for children. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggested you review each staff medical report for completion and accuracy prior to the employee’s first day of employment and request additional information as needed. CONSULTATION: 1. As discussed today, the “Application for Assessment for a Rated License for Centers” and the accompanying documents indicating that this facility has chosen the “Accreditation and Head Start (Pathway 3)” option for the star rated license reassessment process were received, reviewed, and verified. Based on my assessment of the star rated license components required for the “Accreditation and Head Start (Pathway 3) option, this facility has earned a five star license which will be processed as soon as possible. Please be reminded to keep the current license/permit posted until you receive the new license/permit in the mail from the Raleigh office. 2. Per NC General Statute 110-102, the current version of Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law should be posted in a prominent place in the facility and included in the enrollment packet to be given to parents prior to the child’s first day of attendance. The most current Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was published in November 2025. Today, I observed the date of the posted Summary of North Carolina Child Care Law was September 2023 and February 2025. Please print the updated version, post it in your lobby, and add it to your new enrollment packets. I also suggest you regularly check the DCDEE website for updated versions and especially when you receive notification of child care or sanitation rule updates. 3. When and if you update your fire evacuation route, shelter-in-place, and/or lock-down drill plan, you need to have the fire department approve the your plan first BEFORE you put it in your EPR plan as an update. 4. We encourage you to visit the QRIS Modernization page on the DCDEE website at this link: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization to learn more now. 5. The Healthy Social Behaviors Project offers coaching for child care providers who would like support managing challenging classroom behaviors. The goal is to empower teachers to create learning environments that promote pro-social skills, like self-control and problem solving. Support is available by phone at 888-600-1685, Option 1 or by email at HSB@childcareresourcesinc.org. 6. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 7. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: Child Care Rules and Laws: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Services/Child-Care-Rules-Law-and-Public-Information Training and Professional Development: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Training-and-Professional-Development QRIS Modernization Plan resources: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Licensing/Star-Rated-License/QRIS-Modernization 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 8. Here is the link to the training calendar from the Children’s Resource Center: https://childrensresourcecenter.org/training-calendar/. 9. If you would like an electronic link to any of the links shared above, please send me an email requesting the links that you wish to receive, and I will be glad to send the hyperlinks to you by email. 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. 1) 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 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. I should receive your compliance letter no later than April 30, 2026. 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: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@dhhs.nc.gov or my supervisor, Erin Pickard, by email at erin.pickard@dhhs.nc.gov. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. 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 .0304 · Violation
Name of Operation: NEWTON HEAD START Facility ID: 18000478 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2025 Number Present: 55 Completed Date: 4/16/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 909 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:52 PM Time In: 12:53 PM Time Out: 01:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Jessica Spain, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on December 5, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, email address, or mailing address. You requested that I update the facility fax number and add the facility web address. I made those changes for you today. I reviewed the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained today. Your facility, owned by I-CARE, Inc., was listed as current- active when reviewed on the NC Secretary of State website on April 15, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 99% as of April 15, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on June 27, 2018, earning seven points in the education standards, five points in program standards and one quality point for having enhanced policies approved and staff benefit package. Your most recent fire inspection was dated March 25, 2025, and you gave me a copy today. This fire inspection report documented violations. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated January 15, 2025, with a Superior classification and zero demerits. I verified that you have completed the lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results dated June 8, 2023, indicated that your facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you attested to the facility being free of lead-based paint hazards. I verified that the facility is exempt from asbestos testing. You and I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor licensed spaces. You stated Spaces 4 and 5 were not being used as classrooms this school year. I observed Space 4 being converted from classroom space to a staff wellness room and 5 being used for storage. Children were participating in free play in activity areas, outdoor play, and attending to personal care routines. You stated the facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 5-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. 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. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s lunch included chicken alfredo, green beans, mandarin orange, and unflavored milk. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for fifteen returning staff members and three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on December 5, 2024. I verified current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, completion of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety Training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response Training by at least one staff member. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on May 9, 2024, and at an annual compliance visit on December 5, 2024. You stated your written administrative and personnel policies and procedures had not changed. You stated your written operational policies and parent participation plans had been updated for the 2024–2025 school year in a Parent Handbook which was monitored on December 5, 2024. You stated your written policies had not changed since December 5, 2025. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violation was observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. Your annual approved fire inspection was due in March 2025. The most recent fire inspection dated March 25, 2025, documented violations that have not been corrected and verified by a reinspection from fire inspector. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a), the operator/administrator should schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the facility’s previous fire inspection. It is the responsibility of the operator/administrator to notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the facility’s annual fire inspection. The original copy of the approved fire inspection report should be sent to me by email within one week of completion. On March 10, 2025, you sent a message to the fire inspector by email requesting your annual inspection. On March 21, 2025, you communicated with me by email notifying me that you had contacted your local fire department earlier in the month to request a fire inspection. In your email you stated that the fire inspection had not been completed to date due to a new inspector being assigned to your facility. On March 25, 2025, the fire inspection was conducted but violations were cited. On April 2, 2025, you notified me by email that the fire inspection had been completed but the hood in the kitchen needed to be cleaned and then a reinspection would be completed. Today, you stated the kitchen hood was scheduled to be cleaned next week on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and once completed you will contact the fire inspector and request the reinspection. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you contact your local fire inspector on the first day of the month prior to the month your annual fire inspection is due and request an annual inspection be completed before the last day of the due month. I also suggest that you forward the fire inspection report to me once when it is received from the fire inspector. CONSULTATION: 1. The NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure and poster were both updated in February 2025 and are available on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. Today, I observed the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster posted on the information board located in the lobby at the facility. Please include and use the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 2. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the ABCMS Provider Portal training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents. Be sure this information is updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and terminated and as FCCH residents move in or reach sixteen years of age. If you are not already using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents, you will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. Once you have created your Business NCID, complete the ABCMS Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff or current FCCH residents 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 and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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. 3. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to Success” is being added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE and the NC Child Care Commission will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a 3- or 5-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. Please be reminded that any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025, and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 4. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 5. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: 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 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. 1) 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 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. I should receive your compliance letter no later than April 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. 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: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@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 do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@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: NEWTON HEAD START Facility ID: 18000478 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/16/2025 Number Present: 55 Completed Date: 4/16/2025 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 909 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 11:52 PM Time In: 12:53 PM Time Out: 01:30 PM List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Jessica Spain, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on December 5, 2024. I reviewed with you today the facility information found in our system. You stated there have been no changes to the facility phone number, email address, or mailing address. You requested that I update the facility fax number and add the facility web address. I made those changes for you today. I reviewed the restrictions, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained today. Your facility, owned by I-CARE, Inc., was listed as current- active when reviewed on the NC Secretary of State website on April 15, 2025. Your center's compliance history was 99% as of April 15, 2025, and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on June 27, 2018, earning seven points in the education standards, five points in program standards and one quality point for having enhanced policies approved and staff benefit package. Your most recent fire inspection was dated March 25, 2025, and you gave me a copy today. This fire inspection report documented violations. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated January 15, 2025, with a Superior classification and zero demerits. I verified that you have completed the lead water testing required to be completed every three years. Today, I verified that those test results dated June 8, 2023, indicated that your facility’s drinking water source was within the required limits. I verified that you attested to the facility being free of lead-based paint hazards. I verified that the facility is exempt from asbestos testing. You and I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor licensed spaces. You stated Spaces 4 and 5 were not being used as classrooms this school year. I observed Space 4 being converted from classroom space to a staff wellness room and 5 being used for storage. Children were participating in free play in activity areas, outdoor play, and attending to personal care routines. You stated the facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 5-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. 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. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk were stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Today’s lunch included chicken alfredo, green beans, mandarin orange, and unflavored milk. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for fifteen returning staff members and three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on December 5, 2024. I verified current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, completion of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety Training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response Training by at least one staff member. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on May 9, 2024, and at an annual compliance visit on December 5, 2024. You stated your written administrative and personnel policies and procedures had not changed. You stated your written operational policies and parent participation plans had been updated for the 2024–2025 school year in a Parent Handbook which was monitored on December 5, 2024. You stated your written policies had not changed since December 5, 2025. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violation was observed and cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 106 Operator has not scheduled and obtained a fire inspection within 12 months of the previous inspection. Operator did not submit the original approved report to DCDEE within one week of the inspection visit on a form provided by the Division. Your annual approved fire inspection was due in March 2025. The most recent fire inspection dated March 25, 2025, documented violations that have not been corrected and verified by a reinspection from fire inspector. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a), the operator/administrator should schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the facility’s previous fire inspection. It is the responsibility of the operator/administrator to notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the facility’s annual fire inspection. The original copy of the approved fire inspection report should be sent to me by email within one week of completion. On March 10, 2025, you sent a message to the fire inspector by email requesting your annual inspection. On March 21, 2025, you communicated with me by email notifying me that you had contacted your local fire department earlier in the month to request a fire inspection. In your email you stated that the fire inspection had not been completed to date due to a new inspector being assigned to your facility. On March 25, 2025, the fire inspection was conducted but violations were cited. On April 2, 2025, you notified me by email that the fire inspection had been completed but the hood in the kitchen needed to be cleaned and then a reinspection would be completed. Today, you stated the kitchen hood was scheduled to be cleaned next week on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and once completed you will contact the fire inspector and request the reinspection. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you contact your local fire inspector on the first day of the month prior to the month your annual fire inspection is due and request an annual inspection be completed before the last day of the due month. I also suggest that you forward the fire inspection report to me once when it is received from the fire inspector. CONSULTATION: 1. The NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure and poster were both updated in February 2025 and are available on the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Provider/Provider-Documents-and-Forms. Today, I observed the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law poster posted on the information board located in the lobby at the facility. Please include and use the February 2025 version of the NC Summary of Child Care Law brochure in your enrollment packet. 2. As stated in G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r), child care operators have five business days to notify the Division of any new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. No action is needed on your part if you have already completed the ABCMS Provider Portal training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents. Be sure this information is updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and terminated and as FCCH residents move in or reach sixteen years of age. If you are not already using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or FCCH residents, you will need both an Individual NCID and a Business NCID. You will need an email address for your Individual NCID and a different email address for your Business NCID account. Once you have created your Business NCID, complete the ABCMS Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. Once the training has been completed and access has been given to you, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff or current FCCH residents 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 and as FCCH residents change or reach sixteen years of age. These actions satisfy the requirement to notify the Division within five business days of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility. 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. 3. The new QRIS Modernization Plan known as “Pathways to Success” is being added to law which included moving to the use of the updated Environmental Rating Scale (ERS-3 versions) for FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. DCDEE and the NC Child Care Commission will continue the rulemaking process to add the rule language to child care requirements. This process with take several months. Hold Harmless provisions have been extended. Star rated license reassessments are postponed until the QRIS rulemaking process has been completed. Star rated license assessments are still required for new child care programs. A pathway for child care programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies may now move to a 3- or 5-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers need to submit a request to their licensing consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation award/certificate for processing: Accreditation Licensure Request Form. Please be reminded that any ERS assessment completed on February 1, 2025, and after will be assessed using the ERS-3 versions. 4. Stay updated with changes and new rule updates by visiting the DCDEE website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. 5. Here are some important links on the DCEEE website that may be helpful: 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 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. 1) 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 2) Supporting documentation including the following: 1. Please send supporting documentation such as training certificates, CBC letters, acknowledgement statements, and photographs for me to use to verify compliance. I should receive your compliance letter no later than April 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. 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: Kimberly Crane Post Office Box 6217 Hickory, NC 28603 For your convenience, your compliance letter may be sent by email to: kimberly.crane@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 do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@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
10A NCAC 09 .0802 · Violation
Name of Operation: NEWTON HEAD START Facility ID: 18000478 Consultant: KIMBERLY CRANE Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/9/2024 Number Present: 55 Completed Date: 5/9/2024 Age: From 3 To 5 Total Minutes: 233 Time In: 08:57 AM Time Out: 12:50 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor your program for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a routine unannounced visit. You, Jessica Spain, Administrator, assisted me with today’s visit. I conducted your last annual compliance visit on January 11, 2024. 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. You stated there has been no change with the corporation, I-CARE, Inc., that owns your facility. I reviewed the restrictions on your license, capacity, and age range on your permit and observed these being maintained. Your facility, owned by I-CARE, Inc., was listed as current- active when reviewed on the NC Secretary of State website on May 6, 2024 Your center's compliance history was 96% as of May 6, 2024 and was reviewed with you today. Your program currently operates with a five-star license, issued on June 27, 2018, earning seven points in the education standards, five points in program standards and one quality point for having enhanced policies approved and staff benefit package. Your most recent fire inspection was dated March 22, 2024 and was received in my office on March 22, 2024. Your most recent sanitation inspection was dated December 13, 2023 with a Superior classification and four demerits. You and I completed a walk-through of the facility today. I monitored all indoor licensed spaces. You stated Spaces 5 and 6 were not being used as classrooms this school year. I observed spaces 5 and 6 used for storage. I observed children throughout the facility participating in free play in activity areas and teacher directed whole group activities. I verified that your facility uses Creative Curriculum as the approved curriculum for a 5-Star facility serving children who are four and five years of age. 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. Meals were prepared in the kitchen and served in the classrooms. Cold food and milk was stored in a commercial refrigerator in the kitchen at a temperature of 31 degrees Fahrenheit. I monitored hazardous product storage, medication storage, medication administration, general safety, and discipline. I monitored program records including emergency medical care plan, safe arrival and departure procedures, incident log, outdoor safety inspections, fire drills, emergency drills, and your Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan. I reviewed staff record files for ten returning staff members and three new staff members hired since the last annual compliance visit on January 11, 2024. I verified current and valid Criminal Background Check qualification letters, valid CPR and First Aid training, completion of Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training, completion of Playground Safety Training by at least one staff member, and completion of Emergency Preparedness and Response Training by at least one staff member. I monitored health and safety requirements. I reviewed your written operational, administrative, and personnel policies and your parent participation plan at a routine unannounced visit on September 27, 2022. You stated your written administrative and personnel policies and procedures had not changed. You stated your written operational policies and parent participation plans had been updated for the 2023–2024 school year in a Parent Handbook. I monitored the 2023-2024 Parent Handbook and observed all required policies and procedures documented in the handbook. I monitored supervision, staff-child ratios, group sizes, approved space use, space capacities, and permit restrictions. The following violation was observed, cited, and corrected during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1914 The person identified as the person or alternate person responsible for carrying out the emergency medical care plan was not on the premises at all times and/or did not accompany children for off premise activities. The person listed as the alternate on the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan was no longer employed at the facility and the EMC Plan had not been updated to reflect this change. .0802(b)(1-2) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: 1. Per child care rule, 10A NCAC 09 .0802(b)(1-2), the person identified as the person or alternate person responsible for carrying out the emergency medical care plan should be on the premises at all times and/or accompany children for off premise activities. During today’s visit, the alternate person listed on the Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Plan was no longer employed at the facility and the EMC Plan had not been updated to reflect this change. To correct this violation today, the EMC Plan was updated and a new alternate person was named and documented on the updated EMC Plan which you printed and posted. To maintain compliance with this child care requirement, I suggest you review the EMC Plan and Emergency Preparedness Response (EPR) Plan as soon as staff members leave employment to be sure staff members no longer employed at the facility are not documented on your emergency plans and new staff members have been assigned to those responsibilities and roles. CONSULTATION: 1. I reminded you to be sure to review the updated EMC Plan with each staff member and have them sign an updated EMC Plan review acknowledgement statement. To avoid having to hold an additional staff meeting at the end of the year to review the updated EMC Plan, I suggested you print the updated EMC Plan and a staff roster sheet that included an acknowledgement statement, space for staff signature, and space for date of each signature, attach those two documents to a clipboard, and send the clipboard to each staff member for them to read and sign. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. The Change of Information form for CBC is listed in law. When a new staff member starts working at a facility and gives the administrator a CBC qualification letter that was previously completed while working at another facility, but is still current, the administrator must send a Change of Information form for that new staff member to the CBC unit. The Change of Information form can be found on DCDEE’s website under Provider Documents and Forms. 5. The hold harmless legislation was extended and signed into law on June 12th, 2023. This legislation allows facilities to remain at their current star level without a reassessment until June 30, 2024 and when reassessed it reduces the education evaluation requirements for lead teachers from 75% to 50% until June of 2026. To prepare for the reassessment process, DCDEE has developed a cohort system. There are three cohorts, and each include a preparation year and a reassessment year. While the first reassessment year will not begin until July 1, 2024, the preparation year for cohort one begins July 1, 2023. Your facility is in Cohort 1. Throughout the past school year, I recommend you consider completing the following tasks and activities that will help prepare you for your reassessment year, which will be sometime between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. • Have all staff update WORKS accounts to reflect all currently completed coursework (DCDEE-WORKS) • Determine whether you wish to have Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments [ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or SACERS-U] conducted • Request technical assistance with your child care consultant and local partners • Participate in local CCR&R and NCPC quality related training/workshops (CCRR Information) • Reach out to your local Community College to discuss educational opportunities • Review NCRLAP website ERS resources (www.NCRLAP.org). To help review ERS requirements and think carefully about the current characteristics and practices in your program and classrooms, check out the Thinking More worksheets. A worksheet is available for each subscale of each rating scale. • Consider requesting an ERS assessment (free of charge) during the preparation year. Remember the scores can be used in a variety of ways O ERS assessments can be requested during the preparation year and scores can be used as guidance to enhance program quality O If desired, assessment scores can be used during the preparation year if the operator wants to move forward with a rated license reassessment O Assessment scores can be saved to use during the reassessment year O Facilities can request another ERS assessment (free of charge) in your reassessment year for any ERS assessment scoring less than a 5.0 If you have questions, please contact me. I look forward to helping you through this rated license reassessment process COMPLIANCE PLAN: Since the one violation observed and cited during today’s visit was corrected during the visit and the corrective actions were documented in this visit summary, no compliance documentation will be due after today's visit. 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. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you today. We appreciate all you do to serve the children and families in your community. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me by phone at (828) 493-6390 or by email at kimberly.crane@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.
Open Not marked corrected in the state record
Category: supervision. Open / not marked corrected.