10A NCAC 09 .0904 · Violation

Name of Operation: A CHILD'S LIFE Facility ID: 97000300 Consultant: KAREN YOUNG Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0625-030L Visit Date: 6/10/2025 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 6/10/2025 Age: From 2 To 3 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:55 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Susan Byrd, Administer. The allegations are as follows: There are allegations of violations of childcare requirements. During today’s visit, the allegations were discussed with you. You had the opportunity to respond. Information shared during this visit are documented in this visit summary. Director, Susan Bryd, stated the employee in question has been terminated. This incident was self-reported by the director of this center. Your program currently operates with a FOUR (4) Star license effective 6/12/19. Restrictions include 1st shift daytime care only, meets enhanced ratios meets enhances space. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 6/9/25 and A Child’s Life, LLC was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 99% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • Adequate / Approved Space • License Posted • Permit Restrictions Allegation #1: There is a concern regarding violations of child care requirements. Observation #1: During today’s visit, I spoke with the center director, Susan Byrd, regarding the allegation. Today I interviewed three staff members. Conclusion #1 Based on the above information and observations during today’s visit, there was enough information to support the allegation. This allegation was substantiated. During today’s visit, it was confirmed that a mark of an adult size handprint was on the inside right thigh of a child’s leg. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. A mark of an adult size handprint was located on the inside right thigh of a child's leg. .1803(a)(1) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to karen.young@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Karen Young P.O. Box 1012 Lewisville, NC 27023 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action being taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action being taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. An administrative action may be recommended concerning this substantiation of violation of childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: • Children are to be cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. There should be no shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking of a child. Children should not be handled in a rough manner. Refer to childcare rule 10A NCAC 09 .0904. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • You are still in Hold & Harmless. We are waiting for the QRIS implementation. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Karen Young, Child Care Consultant (336) 207-2151 Karen.young@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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.

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: A CHILD'S LIFE Facility ID: 97000300 Consultant: KAREN YOUNG Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0625-030L Visit Date: 6/10/2025 Number Present: 12 Completed Date: 6/10/2025 Age: From 2 To 3 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:55 AM Time Out: 01:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. This visit was conducted with Susan Byrd, Administer. The allegations are as follows: There are allegations of violations of childcare requirements. During today’s visit, the allegations were discussed with you. You had the opportunity to respond. Information shared during this visit are documented in this visit summary. Director, Susan Bryd, stated the employee in question has been terminated. This incident was self-reported by the director of this center. Your program currently operates with a FOUR (4) Star license effective 6/12/19. Restrictions include 1st shift daytime care only, meets enhanced ratios meets enhances space. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 6/9/25 and A Child’s Life, LLC was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 99% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • Adequate / Approved Space • License Posted • Permit Restrictions Allegation #1: There is a concern regarding violations of child care requirements. Observation #1: During today’s visit, I spoke with the center director, Susan Byrd, regarding the allegation. Today I interviewed three staff members. Conclusion #1 Based on the above information and observations during today’s visit, there was enough information to support the allegation. This allegation was substantiated. During today’s visit, it was confirmed that a mark of an adult size handprint was on the inside right thigh of a child’s leg. The following violation was cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 904 A child was handled in a rough way, including shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking. A mark of an adult size handprint was located on the inside right thigh of a child's leg. .1803(a)(1) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to karen.young@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Karen Young P.O. Box 1012 Lewisville, NC 27023 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action being taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action being taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. An administrative action may be recommended concerning this substantiation of violation of childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: • Children are to be cared for in a nurturing and caring manner. There should be no shaking, pushing, shoving, pinching, slapping, biting, kicking, or spanking of a child. Children should not be handled in a rough manner. Refer to childcare rule 10A NCAC 09 .0904. Additional Information/Consultation: • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • You are still in Hold & Harmless. We are waiting for the QRIS implementation. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Karen Young, Child Care Consultant (336) 207-2151 Karen.young@dhhs.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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 .0801 · Violation

Name of Operation: A CHILD'S LIFE Facility ID: 97000300 Consultant: KAREN YOUNG Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-347L Visit Date: 3/4/2024 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 3/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Karen Young, childcare consultant, with Susan Byrd, Director. The allegations are as follows: There are concerns that the staff/child ratio is out of compliance in certain classrooms. There are concerns that a child is being removed from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. During today’s visit, the allegations were discussed with you. You had the opportunity to respond. Information shared during this visit is documented in this visit summary. Your program currently operates with a FOUR (4) Star license effective 6/12/19. Restrictions include 1st shift, daytime care; meets enhanced ratios; meets enhanced space; children under 2 1/2 years old in rooms with direct exits only; meets all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios minus one. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 2/29/24 and A Child’s Life, LLC was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 98% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • Adequate / Approved Space • License Posted • Permit Restrictions Allegation #1: There is a concern regarding the staff/child ratio is out of compliance in certain classrooms. Observation #1: During today’s visit, I observed all classrooms, except the infant room, outside on the playground areas. I observed lead teachers and teachers of the 1-year-old children, two-and three-year-old children, and four-and five-year-old children. The two-year-old children had one teacher with them, and all classrooms observed today were in ratio. The visit took place between the hours of 9:45 am and one (1) pm. In speaking individually with the teachers and teacher assistants on the playground area today, staff were aware of the maximum number of children they were allowed to have in their age group. I interviewed C. Shumate, B. Paleschik, C. Walker, B. Vickers, K. Garcia, A. Woodruff, and R. Frazier today regarding staff/child ratios. All staff interviewed today stated if they ever find themselves out of ratio, they move children around to the next age group either younger or older, depending on the development of the particular child being moved. The teachers all stated that in moving children around they also take into account the room where their children are bring moved to so that they are not putting another room out of ratio. All staff stated this has not been a concern, because the director or assistant director go into coverage if needed. Director stated that she has a substitute pool of three substitutes that are available to her if she has to call someone in to sub. The director did state that it may take thirty (30) minutes to get someone in the building. She stated that she or her assistant director, Jonathan, will go into coverage until the sub arrives. The director also stated that if a staff member knows they are going to be out on a scheduled day, she plans in advance for the substitute. Director also stated that by 8:00 or 8:15 everyone is in their individual classrooms for the day. Staff arrive in the mornings on a staggered schedule, with three (3) staff arriving at 6:30 am. Director stated that C. Shumate, teacher, is the “in charge” staff in the mornings until the director or her assistant director, Jonathan, arrive at the center. The director stated that C. Shumate will text or call her if she receives a message that someone has called out. I viewed a copy of the staff schedule prior to day 3/4/24, and I viewed a copy of the staff schedule starting today on 3/4/24. The new staff schedule was adopted since there was one (1) staff member whose last day was Friday, Mar. 1, 2024. Director stated this staff member has gone to an NC Pre-K classroom in Wilkes County school system and that she was previously one of the staff who came in at 6:30 am. Conclusion #1: Based on the above information and observations during today’s visit, there was not enough information to support the allegation. This allegation was unsubstantiated. Allegation #2: There is a concern regarding a child being removed from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. Observation #2: During today’s visit, I interviewed C. Shumate, B. Paleschik, C. Walker, B Vickers, K. Garcia, A. Woodruff, and R. Frazier regarding a child being removed from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. Staff stated they have not seen the director leave with the child during the day, but they do know that the child goes home with her in the evenings. I also asked the director if she had ever removed a child from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. Director stated that there is a child that she sometimes takes home with her in the evenings and that she has mom’s permission to do so. Director stated that she has never removed a child from the center during the day, only in the evening when she leaves. She did state that if she is fortunate enough to leave early, before closing, that the child may go with her but that rarely happens, and if it did happen, it is always with the mother’s consent. I asked to see the child’s file and there was no listing of the director in the child’s file as a contact on the pick-up list. The director called the child’s mother during the visit and put her on speaker. Mother of the child stated that the director did have permission to take her child off the premises to go home with her each time it had occurred. The child’s mother stated that the director is a close friend of the family. The mother of the child sent a letter to the center during the visit stating that the director has permission to take her child with her in the evenings and bring the child in the mornings. The mother also included her phone contact if I needed anything further. In reviewing the child’s file, and since there was no listing of the director on the contact/pick-up list, I stated to the director that would be a violation as it does happen frequently, and it is not in an emergency situation but in a “want to” situation. The child’s mother stated in her letter sent to the center today, that she will add the director's name to the contact/pick up list next time she is at the center. Sign in-out sheets were observed today for January and February 2024. Sign in/out sheets from August and September of 2023 have recently been moved to off-site storage per Director. There were two (2) days that the child was not signed out. A sibling was signed out on those days by grandmother, but grandmother did not sign the child out on 1/4/24 and 2/9/24. Safe pick and delivery procedures were posted for parents as well as the poster regarding charging $1.00 for every time a child is not signed in. The director stated she has adopted a policy that for everytime a child is not signed in or out the parent will be charged $1.00. Conclusion #2: Based on the above information and observations during today’s visit, there was not enough information to support the allegation. This allegation was unsubstantiated. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1839 A child was released to an individual that was not listed on the application. S. Byrd was not listed on a child's application as a release contact. .0801(c) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Monday, March 18, 2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to karen.young@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Karen Young P.O. Box 1012 Lewisville, NC 27023 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: • Contact numbers on the child’s application and Pick-up list was discussed today. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(c) (c) Center administrators and staff shall release a child only to an individual listed on the application. 10A NCAC 09 .1003 SAFE PROCEDURES (a) The driver or other staff member in the vehicle shall ensure that all children are transferred to an individual who is indicated on the child's application as specified in Rule .0801(a)(7) of this Chapter or as authorized by the parent. (b) Each center shall establish procedures for pick-up and delivery of children to ensure children are protected from danger and not exposed to risk of harm. These procedures shall be communicated to parents, and a copy shall be posted in the center where they can be seen by the parents. Additional Information/Consultation: • Refer to the .2818 (b) Child Care Rule below for enhanced standards on staff/child ratios. • Your license documents you meet reduced ratios minus one. See Child Care Rule .2818 (c) for highest voluntary enhanced (reduced ratios minus one). • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • You are in Cohort 2 for license reassessment, which means your prep year will be 7/1/24 -6/30/25 and your license reassessment year will be 7/1/25 – 6/30/26. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Karen Young, Child Care Consultant (336) 207-2151 karen.young@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: A CHILD'S LIFE Facility ID: 97000300 Consultant: KAREN YOUNG Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-347L Visit Date: 3/4/2024 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 3/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Karen Young, childcare consultant, with Susan Byrd, Director. The allegations are as follows: There are concerns that the staff/child ratio is out of compliance in certain classrooms. There are concerns that a child is being removed from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. During today’s visit, the allegations were discussed with you. You had the opportunity to respond. Information shared during this visit is documented in this visit summary. Your program currently operates with a FOUR (4) Star license effective 6/12/19. Restrictions include 1st shift, daytime care; meets enhanced ratios; meets enhanced space; children under 2 1/2 years old in rooms with direct exits only; meets all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios minus one. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 2/29/24 and A Child’s Life, LLC was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 98% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • Adequate / Approved Space • License Posted • Permit Restrictions Allegation #1: There is a concern regarding the staff/child ratio is out of compliance in certain classrooms. Observation #1: During today’s visit, I observed all classrooms, except the infant room, outside on the playground areas. I observed lead teachers and teachers of the 1-year-old children, two-and three-year-old children, and four-and five-year-old children. The two-year-old children had one teacher with them, and all classrooms observed today were in ratio. The visit took place between the hours of 9:45 am and one (1) pm. In speaking individually with the teachers and teacher assistants on the playground area today, staff were aware of the maximum number of children they were allowed to have in their age group. I interviewed C. Shumate, B. Paleschik, C. Walker, B. Vickers, K. Garcia, A. Woodruff, and R. Frazier today regarding staff/child ratios. All staff interviewed today stated if they ever find themselves out of ratio, they move children around to the next age group either younger or older, depending on the development of the particular child being moved. The teachers all stated that in moving children around they also take into account the room where their children are bring moved to so that they are not putting another room out of ratio. All staff stated this has not been a concern, because the director or assistant director go into coverage if needed. Director stated that she has a substitute pool of three substitutes that are available to her if she has to call someone in to sub. The director did state that it may take thirty (30) minutes to get someone in the building. She stated that she or her assistant director, Jonathan, will go into coverage until the sub arrives. The director also stated that if a staff member knows they are going to be out on a scheduled day, she plans in advance for the substitute. Director also stated that by 8:00 or 8:15 everyone is in their individual classrooms for the day. Staff arrive in the mornings on a staggered schedule, with three (3) staff arriving at 6:30 am. Director stated that C. Shumate, teacher, is the “in charge” staff in the mornings until the director or her assistant director, Jonathan, arrive at the center. The director stated that C. Shumate will text or call her if she receives a message that someone has called out. I viewed a copy of the staff schedule prior to day 3/4/24, and I viewed a copy of the staff schedule starting today on 3/4/24. The new staff schedule was adopted since there was one (1) staff member whose last day was Friday, Mar. 1, 2024. Director stated this staff member has gone to an NC Pre-K classroom in Wilkes County school system and that she was previously one of the staff who came in at 6:30 am. Conclusion #1: Based on the above information and observations during today’s visit, there was not enough information to support the allegation. This allegation was unsubstantiated. Allegation #2: There is a concern regarding a child being removed from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. Observation #2: During today’s visit, I interviewed C. Shumate, B. Paleschik, C. Walker, B Vickers, K. Garcia, A. Woodruff, and R. Frazier regarding a child being removed from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. Staff stated they have not seen the director leave with the child during the day, but they do know that the child goes home with her in the evenings. I also asked the director if she had ever removed a child from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. Director stated that there is a child that she sometimes takes home with her in the evenings and that she has mom’s permission to do so. Director stated that she has never removed a child from the center during the day, only in the evening when she leaves. She did state that if she is fortunate enough to leave early, before closing, that the child may go with her but that rarely happens, and if it did happen, it is always with the mother’s consent. I asked to see the child’s file and there was no listing of the director in the child’s file as a contact on the pick-up list. The director called the child’s mother during the visit and put her on speaker. Mother of the child stated that the director did have permission to take her child off the premises to go home with her each time it had occurred. The child’s mother stated that the director is a close friend of the family. The mother of the child sent a letter to the center during the visit stating that the director has permission to take her child with her in the evenings and bring the child in the mornings. The mother also included her phone contact if I needed anything further. In reviewing the child’s file, and since there was no listing of the director on the contact/pick-up list, I stated to the director that would be a violation as it does happen frequently, and it is not in an emergency situation but in a “want to” situation. The child’s mother stated in her letter sent to the center today, that she will add the director's name to the contact/pick up list next time she is at the center. Sign in-out sheets were observed today for January and February 2024. Sign in/out sheets from August and September of 2023 have recently been moved to off-site storage per Director. There were two (2) days that the child was not signed out. A sibling was signed out on those days by grandmother, but grandmother did not sign the child out on 1/4/24 and 2/9/24. Safe pick and delivery procedures were posted for parents as well as the poster regarding charging $1.00 for every time a child is not signed in. The director stated she has adopted a policy that for everytime a child is not signed in or out the parent will be charged $1.00. Conclusion #2: Based on the above information and observations during today’s visit, there was not enough information to support the allegation. This allegation was unsubstantiated. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1839 A child was released to an individual that was not listed on the application. S. Byrd was not listed on a child's application as a release contact. .0801(c) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Monday, March 18, 2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to karen.young@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Karen Young P.O. Box 1012 Lewisville, NC 27023 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: • Contact numbers on the child’s application and Pick-up list was discussed today. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(c) (c) Center administrators and staff shall release a child only to an individual listed on the application. 10A NCAC 09 .1003 SAFE PROCEDURES (a) The driver or other staff member in the vehicle shall ensure that all children are transferred to an individual who is indicated on the child's application as specified in Rule .0801(a)(7) of this Chapter or as authorized by the parent. (b) Each center shall establish procedures for pick-up and delivery of children to ensure children are protected from danger and not exposed to risk of harm. These procedures shall be communicated to parents, and a copy shall be posted in the center where they can be seen by the parents. Additional Information/Consultation: • Refer to the .2818 (b) Child Care Rule below for enhanced standards on staff/child ratios. • Your license documents you meet reduced ratios minus one. See Child Care Rule .2818 (c) for highest voluntary enhanced (reduced ratios minus one). • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • You are in Cohort 2 for license reassessment, which means your prep year will be 7/1/24 -6/30/25 and your license reassessment year will be 7/1/25 – 6/30/26. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Karen Young, Child Care Consultant (336) 207-2151 karen.young@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: A CHILD'S LIFE Facility ID: 97000300 Consultant: KAREN YOUNG Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0224-347L Visit Date: 3/4/2024 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 3/4/2024 Age: From 1 To 5 Total Minutes: 210 Time In: 09:45 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Complaint Visit Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to obtain information regarding alleged violations of childcare requirements. This visit was conducted by Karen Young, childcare consultant, with Susan Byrd, Director. The allegations are as follows: There are concerns that the staff/child ratio is out of compliance in certain classrooms. There are concerns that a child is being removed from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. During today’s visit, the allegations were discussed with you. You had the opportunity to respond. Information shared during this visit is documented in this visit summary. Your program currently operates with a FOUR (4) Star license effective 6/12/19. Restrictions include 1st shift, daytime care; meets enhanced ratios; meets enhanced space; children under 2 1/2 years old in rooms with direct exits only; meets all enhanced requirements and reduced ratios minus one. The NC Secretary of State website was reviewed on 2/29/24 and A Child’s Life, LLC was listed as current and active. The program’s compliance history was 98% prior to today’s visit. All programs are required to maintain at least 75% compliance. Today, the following items were monitored: • Supervision • Staff / Child Ratio • Adequate / Approved Space • License Posted • Permit Restrictions Allegation #1: There is a concern regarding the staff/child ratio is out of compliance in certain classrooms. Observation #1: During today’s visit, I observed all classrooms, except the infant room, outside on the playground areas. I observed lead teachers and teachers of the 1-year-old children, two-and three-year-old children, and four-and five-year-old children. The two-year-old children had one teacher with them, and all classrooms observed today were in ratio. The visit took place between the hours of 9:45 am and one (1) pm. In speaking individually with the teachers and teacher assistants on the playground area today, staff were aware of the maximum number of children they were allowed to have in their age group. I interviewed C. Shumate, B. Paleschik, C. Walker, B. Vickers, K. Garcia, A. Woodruff, and R. Frazier today regarding staff/child ratios. All staff interviewed today stated if they ever find themselves out of ratio, they move children around to the next age group either younger or older, depending on the development of the particular child being moved. The teachers all stated that in moving children around they also take into account the room where their children are bring moved to so that they are not putting another room out of ratio. All staff stated this has not been a concern, because the director or assistant director go into coverage if needed. Director stated that she has a substitute pool of three substitutes that are available to her if she has to call someone in to sub. The director did state that it may take thirty (30) minutes to get someone in the building. She stated that she or her assistant director, Jonathan, will go into coverage until the sub arrives. The director also stated that if a staff member knows they are going to be out on a scheduled day, she plans in advance for the substitute. Director also stated that by 8:00 or 8:15 everyone is in their individual classrooms for the day. Staff arrive in the mornings on a staggered schedule, with three (3) staff arriving at 6:30 am. Director stated that C. Shumate, teacher, is the “in charge” staff in the mornings until the director or her assistant director, Jonathan, arrive at the center. The director stated that C. Shumate will text or call her if she receives a message that someone has called out. I viewed a copy of the staff schedule prior to day 3/4/24, and I viewed a copy of the staff schedule starting today on 3/4/24. The new staff schedule was adopted since there was one (1) staff member whose last day was Friday, Mar. 1, 2024. Director stated this staff member has gone to an NC Pre-K classroom in Wilkes County school system and that she was previously one of the staff who came in at 6:30 am. Conclusion #1: Based on the above information and observations during today’s visit, there was not enough information to support the allegation. This allegation was unsubstantiated. Allegation #2: There is a concern regarding a child being removed from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. Observation #2: During today’s visit, I interviewed C. Shumate, B. Paleschik, C. Walker, B Vickers, K. Garcia, A. Woodruff, and R. Frazier regarding a child being removed from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. Staff stated they have not seen the director leave with the child during the day, but they do know that the child goes home with her in the evenings. I also asked the director if she had ever removed a child from the facility during the day without the consent of the parent. Director stated that there is a child that she sometimes takes home with her in the evenings and that she has mom’s permission to do so. Director stated that she has never removed a child from the center during the day, only in the evening when she leaves. She did state that if she is fortunate enough to leave early, before closing, that the child may go with her but that rarely happens, and if it did happen, it is always with the mother’s consent. I asked to see the child’s file and there was no listing of the director in the child’s file as a contact on the pick-up list. The director called the child’s mother during the visit and put her on speaker. Mother of the child stated that the director did have permission to take her child off the premises to go home with her each time it had occurred. The child’s mother stated that the director is a close friend of the family. The mother of the child sent a letter to the center during the visit stating that the director has permission to take her child with her in the evenings and bring the child in the mornings. The mother also included her phone contact if I needed anything further. In reviewing the child’s file, and since there was no listing of the director on the contact/pick-up list, I stated to the director that would be a violation as it does happen frequently, and it is not in an emergency situation but in a “want to” situation. The child’s mother stated in her letter sent to the center today, that she will add the director's name to the contact/pick up list next time she is at the center. Sign in-out sheets were observed today for January and February 2024. Sign in/out sheets from August and September of 2023 have recently been moved to off-site storage per Director. There were two (2) days that the child was not signed out. A sibling was signed out on those days by grandmother, but grandmother did not sign the child out on 1/4/24 and 2/9/24. Safe pick and delivery procedures were posted for parents as well as the poster regarding charging $1.00 for every time a child is not signed in. The director stated she has adopted a policy that for everytime a child is not signed in or out the parent will be charged $1.00. Conclusion #2: Based on the above information and observations during today’s visit, there was not enough information to support the allegation. This allegation was unsubstantiated. The following violations were cited during today’s visit: Violation Number Comment Rule 1839 A child was released to an individual that was not listed on the application. S. Byrd was not listed on a child's application as a release contact. .0801(c) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. You must correct the violations cited during today's visit immediately and send me documentation verifying compliance on or before Monday, March 18, 2024. The following information must be included in your signed and dated compliance letter: • the name of your center • facility ID number • date • title of the person who signs the letter • each violation number(s) • describes accurately and in detail how and when you corrected each violation You may email the letter to karen.young@dhhs.nc.gov or mail two copies of the letter to: Karen Young P.O. Box 1012 Lewisville, NC 27023 If you state in your letter that corrections or changes have been made when they have not, it will be considered falsification of information and could lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Repeated violations, continued non-compliance, or failure to submit the compliance letter prior to the date given in this visit summary can also lead to administrative action taken by the DCDEE. Additional monitoring visits may be conducted during the year to monitor compliance with applicable childcare requirements. Technical assistance discussed during today’s visit: • Contact numbers on the child’s application and Pick-up list was discussed today. Refer to Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .0801(c) (c) Center administrators and staff shall release a child only to an individual listed on the application. 10A NCAC 09 .1003 SAFE PROCEDURES (a) The driver or other staff member in the vehicle shall ensure that all children are transferred to an individual who is indicated on the child's application as specified in Rule .0801(a)(7) of this Chapter or as authorized by the parent. (b) Each center shall establish procedures for pick-up and delivery of children to ensure children are protected from danger and not exposed to risk of harm. These procedures shall be communicated to parents, and a copy shall be posted in the center where they can be seen by the parents. Additional Information/Consultation: • Refer to the .2818 (b) Child Care Rule below for enhanced standards on staff/child ratios. • Your license documents you meet reduced ratios minus one. See Child Care Rule .2818 (c) for highest voluntary enhanced (reduced ratios minus one). • You must notify your consultant 30 days prior to changing the ownership status of your facility. • You are in Cohort 2 for license reassessment, which means your prep year will be 7/1/24 -6/30/25 and your license reassessment year will be 7/1/25 – 6/30/26. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was reviewed with and provided to you. Thank you for your time and assistance during the visit. If you have any questions about the visit, please contact me or my supervisor using the information below. Karen Young, Child Care Consultant (336) 207-2151 karen.young@dhh.nc.gov Pamela Hauser, Supervisor pamela.hauser@dhhs.nc.gov For the latest information on childcare rules and regulations, please visit the Division of Child Development and Early Education's website at https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/ 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