THE Growing Patch Child Development Center

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/7/2026 Number Present: 44 Completed Date: 4/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Dunn, Administrator, was present and available to assist with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on May 8, 2025, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on October 15, 2025, with a “Superior” classification “6” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. All requirements for transportation were in compliance. Forty-four (44) children from ages zero (0) to eight (8) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor learning environment was also monitored. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and engaging in gross-motor play in the outdoor learning environment. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Peanut butter and jelly, crackers, lettuce, apples, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. The last fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024. A fire inspection should have been completed in the month of October 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill conducted was on February 23, 2026, there was not a fire drill conducted for the month of March 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 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. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing a medical assessment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of having a negative TB test on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing at least 16 hours of orientation. .1101(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. H. Dunn, administrator, did not have on-going training hours available for review. Ms. Dunn needs eight (8) hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had a medical assessment on file; however, the assessment was dated December 22, 2025. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had an immunization record on file; however, the immunization record was dated December 22, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing the recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment training. .1102(g) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 21, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 92%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. Ten percent (10%) of staff files were monitored. NEW STAFF FILE: A. Lamora, began employment on October 13, 2025. Ms. Lamora did not have documentation of the following: Staff orientation, medical statement and TB test prior to employment, recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment. You stated Ms. Lamora has completed these item, but they have been misplaced. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT (CHILDREN): A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had a medical assessment on file; however, the assessment was dated December 22, 2025. It was on file after the 30-day requirement. Please remember all medical assessments for children must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. This was corrected during the visit. IMMUNIZATION RECORDS: A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had an immunization record on file; however, the immunization record was dated December 22, 2025. It was on file after the 30-day requirement. Please remember all immunization records for children must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. This was corrected during the visit. ON-GOING TRAINING HOURS: H. Dunn, administrator, did not have on-going training hours available for review. Ms. Dunn needs eight (8) hours of on-going training. Please contact Down East Partnership for children for their professional development calendar, or you may want to look at Early Years’ professional development calendar for virtual trainings at https://www.earlyyearsnc.org/for-early-educators . ANNUAL INSPECTIONS (FIRE INSPECTION): The last fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024. There has not been a fire inspection completed within the last 12 months. A fire inspection should have been completed in the month of October 2025. You may want to put a written reminder on your calendar or set a monthly alarm on your phone or computer to remind you to complete a fire drill. 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. FIRE DRILLS: The last fire drill conducted was on February 23, 2026, there was not a fire drill conducted for the month of March 2026. Please remember fire drills must be conducted monthly, so children are prepared in the case of a fire emergency. RMINDERS: QRIS REMINDERS: You have chosen to complete Pathway Two: Classroom and Instructional Quality. You are planning to maintain your three-star license. You are currently working on making sure all your staff have a current DCDEE WORKS letter on file and working on collecting documentation for your Family and Community Engagement Standards, the Facility Continuous Quality Improvement Plan and your staff is working on completing their Continuous Quality Improvement Plans. You originally planned to transition your facility in April, but you need more time. We will transition your facility on May 13, 2026. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. CLEAN WATER FOR US KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not begun enrollment in the lead water, lead paint, and asbestos testing. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. Due to the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters, the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ enrollment deadline has been revised statewide, and schools and child care facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The lead-based paint and asbestos enrollment surveys must be completed for ALL schools and child care facilities within school districts prior to receiving on-site inspections. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/7/2026 Number Present: 44 Completed Date: 4/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Dunn, Administrator, was present and available to assist with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on May 8, 2025, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on October 15, 2025, with a “Superior” classification “6” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. All requirements for transportation were in compliance. Forty-four (44) children from ages zero (0) to eight (8) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor learning environment was also monitored. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and engaging in gross-motor play in the outdoor learning environment. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Peanut butter and jelly, crackers, lettuce, apples, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. The last fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024. A fire inspection should have been completed in the month of October 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill conducted was on February 23, 2026, there was not a fire drill conducted for the month of March 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 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. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing a medical assessment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of having a negative TB test on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing at least 16 hours of orientation. .1101(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. H. Dunn, administrator, did not have on-going training hours available for review. Ms. Dunn needs eight (8) hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had a medical assessment on file; however, the assessment was dated December 22, 2025. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had an immunization record on file; however, the immunization record was dated December 22, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing the recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment training. .1102(g) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 21, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 92%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. Ten percent (10%) of staff files were monitored. NEW STAFF FILE: A. Lamora, began employment on October 13, 2025. Ms. Lamora did not have documentation of the following: Staff orientation, medical statement and TB test prior to employment, recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment. You stated Ms. Lamora has completed these item, but they have been misplaced. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT (CHILDREN): A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had a medical assessment on file; however, the assessment was dated December 22, 2025. It was on file after the 30-day requirement. Please remember all medical assessments for children must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. This was corrected during the visit. IMMUNIZATION RECORDS: A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had an immunization record on file; however, the immunization record was dated December 22, 2025. It was on file after the 30-day requirement. Please remember all immunization records for children must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. This was corrected during the visit. ON-GOING TRAINING HOURS: H. Dunn, administrator, did not have on-going training hours available for review. Ms. Dunn needs eight (8) hours of on-going training. Please contact Down East Partnership for children for their professional development calendar, or you may want to look at Early Years’ professional development calendar for virtual trainings at https://www.earlyyearsnc.org/for-early-educators . ANNUAL INSPECTIONS (FIRE INSPECTION): The last fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024. There has not been a fire inspection completed within the last 12 months. A fire inspection should have been completed in the month of October 2025. You may want to put a written reminder on your calendar or set a monthly alarm on your phone or computer to remind you to complete a fire drill. 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. FIRE DRILLS: The last fire drill conducted was on February 23, 2026, there was not a fire drill conducted for the month of March 2026. Please remember fire drills must be conducted monthly, so children are prepared in the case of a fire emergency. RMINDERS: QRIS REMINDERS: You have chosen to complete Pathway Two: Classroom and Instructional Quality. You are planning to maintain your three-star license. You are currently working on making sure all your staff have a current DCDEE WORKS letter on file and working on collecting documentation for your Family and Community Engagement Standards, the Facility Continuous Quality Improvement Plan and your staff is working on completing their Continuous Quality Improvement Plans. You originally planned to transition your facility in April, but you need more time. We will transition your facility on May 13, 2026. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. CLEAN WATER FOR US KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not begun enrollment in the lead water, lead paint, and asbestos testing. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. Due to the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters, the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ enrollment deadline has been revised statewide, and schools and child care facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The lead-based paint and asbestos enrollment surveys must be completed for ALL schools and child care facilities within school districts prior to receiving on-site inspections. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/7/2026 Number Present: 44 Completed Date: 4/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Dunn, Administrator, was present and available to assist with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on May 8, 2025, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on October 15, 2025, with a “Superior” classification “6” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. All requirements for transportation were in compliance. Forty-four (44) children from ages zero (0) to eight (8) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor learning environment was also monitored. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and engaging in gross-motor play in the outdoor learning environment. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Peanut butter and jelly, crackers, lettuce, apples, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. The last fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024. A fire inspection should have been completed in the month of October 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill conducted was on February 23, 2026, there was not a fire drill conducted for the month of March 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 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. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing a medical assessment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of having a negative TB test on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing at least 16 hours of orientation. .1101(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. H. Dunn, administrator, did not have on-going training hours available for review. Ms. Dunn needs eight (8) hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had a medical assessment on file; however, the assessment was dated December 22, 2025. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had an immunization record on file; however, the immunization record was dated December 22, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing the recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment training. .1102(g) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 21, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 92%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. Ten percent (10%) of staff files were monitored. NEW STAFF FILE: A. Lamora, began employment on October 13, 2025. Ms. Lamora did not have documentation of the following: Staff orientation, medical statement and TB test prior to employment, recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment. You stated Ms. Lamora has completed these item, but they have been misplaced. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT (CHILDREN): A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had a medical assessment on file; however, the assessment was dated December 22, 2025. It was on file after the 30-day requirement. Please remember all medical assessments for children must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. This was corrected during the visit. IMMUNIZATION RECORDS: A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had an immunization record on file; however, the immunization record was dated December 22, 2025. It was on file after the 30-day requirement. Please remember all immunization records for children must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. This was corrected during the visit. ON-GOING TRAINING HOURS: H. Dunn, administrator, did not have on-going training hours available for review. Ms. Dunn needs eight (8) hours of on-going training. Please contact Down East Partnership for children for their professional development calendar, or you may want to look at Early Years’ professional development calendar for virtual trainings at https://www.earlyyearsnc.org/for-early-educators . ANNUAL INSPECTIONS (FIRE INSPECTION): The last fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024. There has not been a fire inspection completed within the last 12 months. A fire inspection should have been completed in the month of October 2025. You may want to put a written reminder on your calendar or set a monthly alarm on your phone or computer to remind you to complete a fire drill. 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. FIRE DRILLS: The last fire drill conducted was on February 23, 2026, there was not a fire drill conducted for the month of March 2026. Please remember fire drills must be conducted monthly, so children are prepared in the case of a fire emergency. RMINDERS: QRIS REMINDERS: You have chosen to complete Pathway Two: Classroom and Instructional Quality. You are planning to maintain your three-star license. You are currently working on making sure all your staff have a current DCDEE WORKS letter on file and working on collecting documentation for your Family and Community Engagement Standards, the Facility Continuous Quality Improvement Plan and your staff is working on completing their Continuous Quality Improvement Plans. You originally planned to transition your facility in April, but you need more time. We will transition your facility on May 13, 2026. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. CLEAN WATER FOR US KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not begun enrollment in the lead water, lead paint, and asbestos testing. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. Due to the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters, the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ enrollment deadline has been revised statewide, and schools and child care facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The lead-based paint and asbestos enrollment surveys must be completed for ALL schools and child care facilities within school districts prior to receiving on-site inspections. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/7/2026 Number Present: 44 Completed Date: 4/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Dunn, Administrator, was present and available to assist with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on May 8, 2025, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on October 15, 2025, with a “Superior” classification “6” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. All requirements for transportation were in compliance. Forty-four (44) children from ages zero (0) to eight (8) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor learning environment was also monitored. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and engaging in gross-motor play in the outdoor learning environment. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Peanut butter and jelly, crackers, lettuce, apples, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. The last fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024. A fire inspection should have been completed in the month of October 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill conducted was on February 23, 2026, there was not a fire drill conducted for the month of March 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 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. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing a medical assessment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of having a negative TB test on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing at least 16 hours of orientation. .1101(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. H. Dunn, administrator, did not have on-going training hours available for review. Ms. Dunn needs eight (8) hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had a medical assessment on file; however, the assessment was dated December 22, 2025. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had an immunization record on file; however, the immunization record was dated December 22, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing the recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment training. .1102(g) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 21, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 92%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. Ten percent (10%) of staff files were monitored. NEW STAFF FILE: A. Lamora, began employment on October 13, 2025. Ms. Lamora did not have documentation of the following: Staff orientation, medical statement and TB test prior to employment, recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment. You stated Ms. Lamora has completed these item, but they have been misplaced. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT (CHILDREN): A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had a medical assessment on file; however, the assessment was dated December 22, 2025. It was on file after the 30-day requirement. Please remember all medical assessments for children must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. This was corrected during the visit. IMMUNIZATION RECORDS: A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had an immunization record on file; however, the immunization record was dated December 22, 2025. It was on file after the 30-day requirement. Please remember all immunization records for children must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. This was corrected during the visit. ON-GOING TRAINING HOURS: H. Dunn, administrator, did not have on-going training hours available for review. Ms. Dunn needs eight (8) hours of on-going training. Please contact Down East Partnership for children for their professional development calendar, or you may want to look at Early Years’ professional development calendar for virtual trainings at https://www.earlyyearsnc.org/for-early-educators . ANNUAL INSPECTIONS (FIRE INSPECTION): The last fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024. There has not been a fire inspection completed within the last 12 months. A fire inspection should have been completed in the month of October 2025. You may want to put a written reminder on your calendar or set a monthly alarm on your phone or computer to remind you to complete a fire drill. 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. FIRE DRILLS: The last fire drill conducted was on February 23, 2026, there was not a fire drill conducted for the month of March 2026. Please remember fire drills must be conducted monthly, so children are prepared in the case of a fire emergency. RMINDERS: QRIS REMINDERS: You have chosen to complete Pathway Two: Classroom and Instructional Quality. You are planning to maintain your three-star license. You are currently working on making sure all your staff have a current DCDEE WORKS letter on file and working on collecting documentation for your Family and Community Engagement Standards, the Facility Continuous Quality Improvement Plan and your staff is working on completing their Continuous Quality Improvement Plans. You originally planned to transition your facility in April, but you need more time. We will transition your facility on May 13, 2026. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. CLEAN WATER FOR US KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not begun enrollment in the lead water, lead paint, and asbestos testing. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. Due to the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters, the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ enrollment deadline has been revised statewide, and schools and child care facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The lead-based paint and asbestos enrollment surveys must be completed for ALL schools and child care facilities within school districts prior to receiving on-site inspections. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 4/7/2026 Number Present: 44 Completed Date: 4/7/2026 Age: From 0 To 10 Total Minutes: 225 Time In: 09:30 AM Time Out: 01:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Dunn, Administrator, was present and available to assist with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on May 8, 2025, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on October 15, 2025, with a “Superior” classification “6” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. All requirements for transportation were in compliance. Forty-four (44) children from ages zero (0) to eight (8) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor learning environment was also monitored. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and engaging in gross-motor play in the outdoor learning environment. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Peanut butter and jelly, crackers, lettuce, apples, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. The last fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024. A fire inspection should have been completed in the month of October 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 805 Fire drills were not practiced monthly and/or the drill record was incomplete. The last fire drill conducted was on February 23, 2026, there was not a fire drill conducted for the month of March 2026. .0604(t); .0302(d)(5) 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. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing a medical assessment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of having a negative TB test on file. .0701(a) 1045 New staff, who had contact with children, did not receive at least 16 hrs. orientation within first 6 weeks. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing at least 16 hours of orientation. .1101(a) 1052 Staff required to receive on-going training had not completed the required number of hours according to their education and experience. H. Dunn, administrator, did not have on-going training hours available for review. Ms. Dunn needs eight (8) hours of on-going training. .1103(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had a medical assessment on file; however, the assessment was dated December 22, 2025. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had an immunization record on file; however, the immunization record was dated December 22, 2025. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. A. Lamora began employment on October 13, 2025, did not have documentation of completing the recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment training. .1102(g) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before April 21, 2026, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 92%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. Ten percent (10%) of staff files were monitored. NEW STAFF FILE: A. Lamora, began employment on October 13, 2025. Ms. Lamora did not have documentation of the following: Staff orientation, medical statement and TB test prior to employment, recognizing and responding to suspicions of child maltreatment. You stated Ms. Lamora has completed these item, but they have been misplaced. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT (CHILDREN): A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had a medical assessment on file; however, the assessment was dated December 22, 2025. It was on file after the 30-day requirement. Please remember all medical assessments for children must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. This was corrected during the visit. IMMUNIZATION RECORDS: A child with an enrollment date of September 2, 2025, had an immunization record on file; however, the immunization record was dated December 22, 2025. It was on file after the 30-day requirement. Please remember all immunization records for children must be on file within 30 days of enrollment. This was corrected during the visit. ON-GOING TRAINING HOURS: H. Dunn, administrator, did not have on-going training hours available for review. Ms. Dunn needs eight (8) hours of on-going training. Please contact Down East Partnership for children for their professional development calendar, or you may want to look at Early Years’ professional development calendar for virtual trainings at https://www.earlyyearsnc.org/for-early-educators . ANNUAL INSPECTIONS (FIRE INSPECTION): The last fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024. There has not been a fire inspection completed within the last 12 months. A fire inspection should have been completed in the month of October 2025. You may want to put a written reminder on your calendar or set a monthly alarm on your phone or computer to remind you to complete a fire drill. 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. FIRE DRILLS: The last fire drill conducted was on February 23, 2026, there was not a fire drill conducted for the month of March 2026. Please remember fire drills must be conducted monthly, so children are prepared in the case of a fire emergency. RMINDERS: QRIS REMINDERS: You have chosen to complete Pathway Two: Classroom and Instructional Quality. You are planning to maintain your three-star license. You are currently working on making sure all your staff have a current DCDEE WORKS letter on file and working on collecting documentation for your Family and Community Engagement Standards, the Facility Continuous Quality Improvement Plan and your staff is working on completing their Continuous Quality Improvement Plans. You originally planned to transition your facility in April, but you need more time. We will transition your facility on May 13, 2026. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. CLEAN WATER FOR US KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not begun enrollment in the lead water, lead paint, and asbestos testing. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. Due to the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters, the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ enrollment deadline has been revised statewide, and schools and child care facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The lead-based paint and asbestos enrollment surveys must be completed for ALL schools and child care facilities within school districts prior to receiving on-site inspections. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: 0226-198L Visit Date: 3/4/2026 Number Present: 20 Completed Date: 3/4/2026 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 230 Time In: 07:40 AM Time Out: 11:30 AM 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 violation of child care requirements related to staff/child ratio. Upon arrival, you, Heather Dunn, Administrator, were not present; however, D. Stencil notified you of my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began and were available to assist with today’s visit. You were notified of the purpose of the visit. I reviewed the allegations with you, and you were given the opportunity to provide additional information. I conducted observations in all rooms used to care for enrolled children. ALLEGATION: The allegation is as follows: There are concerns regarding staff/child ratio. Staff/child ratio, group size, supervision, use of licensed space, space capacity, license restrictions were monitored. The license and emergency care plan were posted. Twenty (20) children were observed in care from 5 months old to five years old. Children were observed in the indoor learning environment participating in table-top activities and free play. Teachers were observed interacting with children in a nurturing and positive manner; however, it was observed that the two (2) classrooms were not in compliance with staff/child ratio. The following violation was documented during today's visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 1844 The staff/child ratio for the youngest child was not maintained when children of all ages were cared for together in groups for the first and last operating hour of the day. On February 20, 2026, from 6:30am-6:56am, in space number three (3), while combing children, ratio was not maintained for the youngest child. On March 4, 2026,from 6:30am-7:40am space number three (3) and space number (2), while combing children, ratio was not maintained for the youngest child present. .0713(a)(2) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The center's compliance history was reviewed with the operator. The program’s compliance history was 93% as of March 3, 2026. CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS: I arrived at the facility at 7:40am, space number two (2) had twelve children present. There were two (2) two-year-old children, four (4) three-year-old children, five (5) four-year-old children, and one (1) five-year-old child present with one (1) teacher (S. James). K. James arrived at 7:45 and took over the care of the children in space number two (2). At 7:45am D. Stencil, another teacher, who was in the building came in and took the two (2) two-year-old children to space number four (4). Upon my arrival at 7:40am, space number three (3) had eight (8) children present. There were four (4) children under the age of one (1), two (2) one-year-old children, and two (2) two-year-old children present with one 1 teacher (P. Taylor). At 7:45am D. Stencil retrieved the two (2) two-year-old children from space number three (3) and took them to space number four (4). B. Shoop arrived at the facility at 7:50am and was the second children in the room with P. Taylor. When asked why both classrooms were out of ratio, it was stated that the director was running behind schedule, because she was not feeling well and one of the teachers who typical comes in at 7am in the morning , was running behind schedule because she had another obligation she is having to take care of in the morning prior to coming to work. The director stated one of her staff members had already expressed concerns and she understood they were out of staff child ratio and was already planning to have a staff meeting this afternoon to address the situation. STAFF INTERVIEWS: Observations were completed in all the classrooms and applicable staff were interviewed today. ALLEGATION ONE (1): There is a concern of staff/child ratio. FINDINGS: STAFF INTERVIEWS/FACILITY RECORDS: It was consistently stated that on February 20, 2026, the facility was out of ratio during the first hour of operation. The facility opens to receive children at 6:30am. The director had a family medical emergency and was not available to assist with the opening of the building. Ms. Dunn, Director, provided me with documentation of the staff sign-in records and children’s attendance records from her BrightWheel app. According to these records the following staff were on site at the facility at the following times on Friday, February 20, 2026: P. Taylor-6:25am K. Landvater-6:56am B. Shoop-7:18am D. Stencil 7:15am T. Andrews-7:51am K. James-10:40am According to the attendance records for Friday, February 20, 2026, from 6:30am-6:45 am, P. Taylor had seven (7) children by herself. The following ages were in attendance in space number three (3): Two (2) children under the age of one (1), one (1) two-year-old child, two (2) three-year-old children, and 2 school-aged children. At 6:56am, K. Landvater arrived and took the following children from space number three (3) and took them to space number two (2): the (3) three-year-old children, the two (2) school-aged children, and the following children arrived, and were in space number three (3); one (1) school-aged child and one (1) three-year-old child, for a total of six (6) children present in space number three (3). At 7:15am, D. Stencil arrived and began loading the school-aged children onto the van. She took five (5) school-aged children, the three (3) that were already in the building and two (2) that arrived at 7:23am. She returned to the child care facility at approximately 7:35am. At 7:18am, B. Shoop, teacher, arrived at the building and became the second teacher in space number three (3). This space had five children which consisted of the following: Two (2) infant aged children, One (1) two-year-old, two (2) one-year-old children. According to this information, space number three (3) was confirmed to be out of staff/child ratio from 6:30am to 6:56am. There was one teacher to seven (7) children with the youngest child being an infant-aged child and the oldest child being a school-aged child. A facility may combine children of all ages for the first operating hour of the day, which for this facility is from 6:30am-7:30am and for the last operating hour of the day, which for this facility is from 4:30pm-5:30pm; as long as the ratio for the youngest is maintained. In this case the ratio should have been one (1) teacher to five (5) children, because there were infant aged children present. Based on the information and interviews conducted, this allegation was found to be substantiated. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/RESOURCES: Childcare licensing requirements are established to ensure a safe and healthy childcare environment. Therefore, it is important for you to be knowledgeable of all the licensing requirements that apply to your type of program. It is your responsibility to maintain compliance with the applicable laws and rules; always whether they have been monitored or specifically discussed with you in the past. The best way for you to ensure that you are meeting all requirements is to periodically review the childcare laws and rules on the Division of Child Development and Early Education’s website. STAFF/CHILD RATIO: A facility may combine children of all ages for the first operating hour of the day, which for this facility is from 6:30am-7:30am and for the last operating hour of the day; which for this facility is from 4:30pm-5:30pm; as long as the ratio for the youngest is maintained. Today, I arrived at 7:40am, which was past the time your facility can combine all age groups. Two (2) classrooms were out of staff child ratio. Please remember your facility operates under enhanced staff child ratios. In space number two (2) there were 12 children present from two (2) years of age to five (5) years of age. Because there were two-year-old children present the ratio should have been one (1) teacher to nine (9) children. At 7:40am, in space number three (3) there were eight children present with one teacher. Because there were infant aged children present the staff child ratio was one (1) teacher to five (5) children. I encourage you to have a staff meeting to address your staff/child ratio issues within the facility. As you stated, you are planning on having a staff meeting to address staff/child ratios this afternoon and you stated you are going to look at your staffing pattern and have teachers come in earlier. Make sure each classroom has the correct staff/child ratio chart posted and make sure your staff understand the requirements for combining children for the first and last operating hour of the day. You may also want to look at creating staffing pattern procedures, so your staff knows what to do in the event that they may become out of ratio. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION: Based on current applicable NC Child Care rules, based on the substantiation of an allegation listed above, some type of administrative action could be imposed. I will continue to be in contact with you regarding this information. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/15/2025 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 10/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, You, Heather Dunn was present and available to assist with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on October 15, 2025, with a “Superior” classification “6” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-three (43) children from three months to four years old were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor environments were observed. I observed children in the indoor and outdoor learning environment. The children were engaging in free play, music/movement activities, gross motor activities outside, and personal care routines. Teachers were observed interacting with children in nurturing and positive manner. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: chicken, bread, peas, corn, and milk The following were monitored: Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, First Aid, CPR, ITS SIDS, Special Training, CBC Qualification, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Administration of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, Permit Restrictions, and Program Records. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. T. Andrews first day of employment was July 14, 2025 and B. Shoop’s first day of employment was September 4, 2025, neither staff member was connected to the ABCMS criminal background check portal. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. T. Andrews first day of employment was July 14, 2025. Ms. Andrews did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. .1102(g) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 29, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 91%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: NEW STAFF: The following two files were reviewed, T. Andrews and B. Shoop. T. Andrews first day of employment was July 14, 2025. Ms. Andrews did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. This training should have been completed on or prior to October 14, 2025. Please have Ms. Andrews go to the NC Positive Childhood Alliance https://positivechildhoodalliancenc.org/ to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. Ms. Andrews has until July 14, 2025, to complete the health and safety trainings and to complete a staff evaluation, and professional development plan. Ms. Shoop’s first day of employment was September 4, 2025. Ms. Shoop will need to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment on or prior to December 4, 2025. Ms. Shoop has until September 4, 2025, to complete the health and safety trainings, staff evaluation, and a professional development plan. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: ABCMS PORTAL: Upon reviewing the ABCMS portal, you have created your ABCMS background check portal but have not connected your new staff to the ABCMS portal. Please connect your new staff and any existing staff to the ABCMS portal. I have emailed you instructions on how to complete this process. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. QRIS CONVERSATION TEMPLATE: We reviewed all three (3) of the pathways. At this time you have requested to pursue pathway two (2). We reviewed DCDEE Rule section 3200, DCDEE Modernization Page, NCRLAP self-study, the approved curriculum list, and DCDEE WORKS. You are going to begin working on your self-study and working on getting updated DCDEE WORKS letters. You would like to transition to your new license in April 2026. REMINDERS: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (CBC) LETTER: As a reminder Paula Taylor’s CBC letter will need to be renewed prior to October 21, 2025. Please have Ms. Taylor go to https://ncabcms.nc.gov/DCDEE/Applicant/ to complete the criminal background check process. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: You have not begun the enrollment process for testing your water for lead, paint for lead, and asbestos. Chile care facilities must test their drinking and cooking water every three (3) years. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. FIRE INSPECTIONS: Your annual fire inspection will need to be completed on October 16, 2025. Please contact your local fire inspector to complete the inspection. Once the inspection has been completed on the approved DCDEE form, please send the approved inspection within a week of the inspection being completed. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. We discussed making sure new employees you hire and any current staff working on education submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please print each staff member’s DCDEE WORKS letter and file. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions about what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. Complete the Annual Immunization Report by 1/15/2025. ANNUAL CHILDCARE IMMUNIZATION REPORT DUE 11/5: The 2025-2026 Annual Child Care Immunization Reporting Portal is now open, and reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. Register Now for Annual Reporting Webinar October 16, 2025, at 1pm The North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) will host a webinar on October 16, 2025, at 1pm ET to provide instructions on completing the report, information on immunization requirements, and a forum to answer any questions regarding immunization reporting. If you are unable to join the webinar on a computer, you can dial in at +1 669 254 5252. Meeting ID: 160 647 2412 Passcode: 022566 Instructions and worksheets are available for download and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. For more information, download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo. If you have questions about the Child Care Immunization Report, please email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-270-1533. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 10/15/2025 Number Present: 43 Completed Date: 10/15/2025 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 205 Time In: 09:20 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, You, Heather Dunn was present and available to assist with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on May 8, 2025. The sanitation inspection was completed on October 15, 2025, with a “Superior” classification “6” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-three (43) children from three months to four years old were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor environments were observed. I observed children in the indoor and outdoor learning environment. The children were engaging in free play, music/movement activities, gross motor activities outside, and personal care routines. Teachers were observed interacting with children in nurturing and positive manner. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: chicken, bread, peas, corn, and milk The following were monitored: Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, First Aid, CPR, ITS SIDS, Special Training, CBC Qualification, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Administration of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, Permit Restrictions, and Program Records. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. T. Andrews first day of employment was July 14, 2025 and B. Shoop’s first day of employment was September 4, 2025, neither staff member was connected to the ABCMS criminal background check portal. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(r) 1897 The child care administrator and all staff did not complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training within 90 days of employment. T. Andrews first day of employment was July 14, 2025. Ms. Andrews did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. .1102(g) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before October 29, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 91%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: NEW STAFF: The following two files were reviewed, T. Andrews and B. Shoop. T. Andrews first day of employment was July 14, 2025. Ms. Andrews did not have documentation of completing Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. This training should have been completed on or prior to October 14, 2025. Please have Ms. Andrews go to the NC Positive Childhood Alliance https://positivechildhoodalliancenc.org/ to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment. Ms. Andrews has until July 14, 2025, to complete the health and safety trainings and to complete a staff evaluation, and professional development plan. Ms. Shoop’s first day of employment was September 4, 2025. Ms. Shoop will need to complete the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment on or prior to December 4, 2025. Ms. Shoop has until September 4, 2025, to complete the health and safety trainings, staff evaluation, and a professional development plan. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: ABCMS PORTAL: Upon reviewing the ABCMS portal, you have created your ABCMS background check portal but have not connected your new staff to the ABCMS portal. Please connect your new staff and any existing staff to the ABCMS portal. I have emailed you instructions on how to complete this process. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. QRIS CONVERSATION TEMPLATE: We reviewed all three (3) of the pathways. At this time you have requested to pursue pathway two (2). We reviewed DCDEE Rule section 3200, DCDEE Modernization Page, NCRLAP self-study, the approved curriculum list, and DCDEE WORKS. You are going to begin working on your self-study and working on getting updated DCDEE WORKS letters. You would like to transition to your new license in April 2026. REMINDERS: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (CBC) LETTER: As a reminder Paula Taylor’s CBC letter will need to be renewed prior to October 21, 2025. Please have Ms. Taylor go to https://ncabcms.nc.gov/DCDEE/Applicant/ to complete the criminal background check process. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: You have not begun the enrollment process for testing your water for lead, paint for lead, and asbestos. Chile care facilities must test their drinking and cooking water every three (3) years. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. FIRE INSPECTIONS: Your annual fire inspection will need to be completed on October 16, 2025. Please contact your local fire inspector to complete the inspection. Once the inspection has been completed on the approved DCDEE form, please send the approved inspection within a week of the inspection being completed. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. We discussed making sure new employees you hire and any current staff working on education submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please print each staff member’s DCDEE WORKS letter and file. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions about what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. Complete the Annual Immunization Report by 1/15/2025. ANNUAL CHILDCARE IMMUNIZATION REPORT DUE 11/5: The 2025-2026 Annual Child Care Immunization Reporting Portal is now open, and reports must be submitted electronically by midnight, November 15, 2025. Register Now for Annual Reporting Webinar October 16, 2025, at 1pm The North Carolina Immunization Program (NCIP) will host a webinar on October 16, 2025, at 1pm ET to provide instructions on completing the report, information on immunization requirements, and a forum to answer any questions regarding immunization reporting. If you are unable to join the webinar on a computer, you can dial in at +1 669 254 5252. Meeting ID: 160 647 2412 Passcode: 022566 Instructions and worksheets are available for download and may be used to collect data needed before entering your individual school information online. For more information, download the 2025 Annual Childcare Immunization Report Memo. If you have questions about the Child Care Immunization Report, please email Immunization.Reports@dhhs.nc.gov or call 919-270-1533. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 5/8/2025 Number Present: 35 Completed Date: 5/8/2025 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 185 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 12:45 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Dunn were present and available to assist with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 5, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed on February 24, 2025, with a “Superior” classification “8” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. All requirements for transportation were in compliance. Thirty-five (35) children from ages zero (0) to eight (8) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor learning environment was also monitored. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Pasta with meat sauce, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. Due to computer connectivity a hand-written visit summary was left with you today. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 1899 Health and safety training topics were not included as part of on-going training within five years of completing the previous health and safety training topics. P. Taylor had documentation of the health and safety trainings; however, they were dated May 23, 2018. D. Stancil also had documentation of the health and safety trainings; however, they were dated November 4, 2017. Ms. Taylor had documentation of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training; however, the training was dated June 18, 2019. These trainings need to be completed every five (5) years. .1103(b) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before May 22, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 86%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored and found to be incompliance. Ten percent (10%) of staff files were monitored. HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAININGS: P. Taylor had documentation of the health and safety trainings; however, they were dated May 23, 2018. D. Stancil also had documentation of the health and safety trainings; however, they were dated November 4, 2017. These trainings need to be completed every five (5). Your staff can complete these training on the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) website at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/. Ms. Taylor had documentation of completing the Recognizing and Responding to Suspicions of Child Maltreatment training; however, the training was dated June 18, 2019. The training needs to be completed every five (5) years and can be taken at the NC Positive Childhood Alliance website: https://positivechildhoodalliancenc.org/ . Please have your staff complete the missing trainings and place the completed certificates in their staff files. INCREASE CENTER CAPACITY: During today’s visit you stated that you wanted to increase your center’s capacity from 70-75. You had a building inspection completed on September 6, 2024, for some new construction that you had completed. The building inspection was missing a date on page 3. You called the building inspector, and he came over to your facility completed the date and initialed where he put the date of his original inspection. Space number five (#5) measure 15 children at 30 square feet. I will submit the paper work to increase your license capacity from 70-75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. PROGRAM ASSESSMENT (ERS-3) UPDATE: Starting February 1, 2025, as part of QRIS Modernization, Session Law 2024-34 states that beginning on February 1, 2025, new child care facilities and child care facilities that choose to use program assessment to earn points toward their Two through Five Star Rated License shall be evaluated using the following, as applicable: • Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3) • Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ECERS-3) • Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (FCCERS-3) • School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale, Updated Edition (SACERS-U) The North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project (NCRLAP) has prepared many resources and trainings for child care facilities to use in planning for the new editions of the Environment Rating Scale. The NC Division of Child Development and Early Education is implementing the use of lower threshold scores to assist child care facilities in their shift to the new edition, matching the NC Child Care Commission’s on-going work regarding proposed QRIS rules. This intentional, collaborative planning will ensure a smooth transition regarding program assessment requirements. Hold Harmless remains effective until all new QRIS rules are effective. New child care facilities and child care facilities that choose to move forward with ERS-3 program assessment should work with their consultant to learn more about the changes and revised scores needed to earn points toward their Two through Five Star Rated License. CLEAN WATER FOR US KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not begun enrollment in the lead water, lead paint, and asbestos testing. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. Due to the recent impacts of Hurricane Helene and other natural disasters, the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids™ enrollment deadline has been revised statewide, and schools and child care facilities that have not yet enrolled should complete the online process by May 31, 2025. The lead-based paint and asbestos enrollment surveys must be completed for ALL schools and child care facilities within school districts prior to receiving on-site inspections. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0713 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/14/2025 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 2/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 85 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 11:40 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow-up visit, including the Written Reprimand, issued by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to this facility on January 31, 2025. Upon arrival, You, Heather Varnell, Administrator, were not present. Ms. K. James notified you of my visit and M. Bullock was available to assist with today’s visit. Twenty-five (25) children from 11 months to five years old were present. The children were observed participating in free choice play in centers. Caregivers were interacting in a positive and nurturing manner with the children; however, staff child ratios were not incompliance. Limited monitoring of the child care requirements was completed today. The Notice of Administrative Action and cover letter were posted to the right of the door on the parent information board. The following violations were documented during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. In space number three (3) there were ten (10) children present in the room with two (2) teachers, M. Bullock and K. Ellis. There were five (5) two-year-old children, four (4) one-year children, and one (1) child who was 11 months old. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 28, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. Prior to conducting today’s visit, your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 84%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION-WRITTEN REPRIMAND: I verified the Notice of Administrative Action was posted in a space visual to parents and visitors. We discussed the Notice of Administrative Action and the basis for the action. During the visit, we discussed the Written Reprimand. I explained the Written Reprimand must remain posted for three (3) months in a location visible to parents and visitors near the entrance of the child care facility. You were given an opportunity to ask questions concerning the Administrative Action, to which you stated you have no questions and understood all parts of the action. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: STAFF CHILD RATIO (GROUPING) In space number three (3) there were ten (10) children present in the room with two (2) teachers, M. Bullock and K. Ellis. There were five (5) two-year-old children, four (4) one-year children, and one (1) child who was 11 months old. When asked why there were two-year old children grouped with a child under the age of 12 months, Ms. Dunn stated they moved the children into the classroom so the teacher could vacuum and clean up the classroom. I reminded the teachers that children under the age of 12 months can not be grouped with children two years and older. Ms. Dunn immediately moved the five (5) two-year-old children back into their classroom (space number five (5)). I informed the staff that a follow-up visit would be conducted to verify staff child ratio and correct age grouping. FOLLOW-UP VISIT: Unannounced follow-up visits will be made to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/14/2025 Number Present: 25 Completed Date: 2/14/2025 Age: From 0 To 5 Total Minutes: 85 Time In: 10:15 AM Time Out: 11:40 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Admin Action Follow-Up Lic Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s visit was to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements for an administrative action follow-up visit, including the Written Reprimand, issued by the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) to this facility on January 31, 2025. Upon arrival, You, Heather Varnell, Administrator, were not present. Ms. K. James notified you of my visit and M. Bullock was available to assist with today’s visit. Twenty-five (25) children from 11 months to five years old were present. The children were observed participating in free choice play in centers. Caregivers were interacting in a positive and nurturing manner with the children; however, staff child ratios were not incompliance. Limited monitoring of the child care requirements was completed today. The Notice of Administrative Action and cover letter were posted to the right of the door on the parent information board. The following violations were documented during today’s visit. Violation Number Comment Rule 316 Children under one year of age were not kept separate from children two years and older. In space number three (3) there were ten (10) children present in the room with two (2) teachers, M. Bullock and K. Ellis. There were five (5) two-year-old children, four (4) one-year children, and one (1) child who was 11 months old. 10A NCAC 09 .0713(a)(5) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4)(d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 28, 2025, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. Prior to conducting today’s visit, your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 84%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION-WRITTEN REPRIMAND: I verified the Notice of Administrative Action was posted in a space visual to parents and visitors. We discussed the Notice of Administrative Action and the basis for the action. During the visit, we discussed the Written Reprimand. I explained the Written Reprimand must remain posted for three (3) months in a location visible to parents and visitors near the entrance of the child care facility. You were given an opportunity to ask questions concerning the Administrative Action, to which you stated you have no questions and understood all parts of the action. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: STAFF CHILD RATIO (GROUPING) In space number three (3) there were ten (10) children present in the room with two (2) teachers, M. Bullock and K. Ellis. There were five (5) two-year-old children, four (4) one-year children, and one (1) child who was 11 months old. When asked why there were two-year old children grouped with a child under the age of 12 months, Ms. Dunn stated they moved the children into the classroom so the teacher could vacuum and clean up the classroom. I reminded the teachers that children under the age of 12 months can not be grouped with children two years and older. Ms. Dunn immediately moved the five (5) two-year-old children back into their classroom (space number five (5)). I informed the staff that a follow-up visit would be conducted to verify staff child ratio and correct age grouping. FOLLOW-UP VISIT: Unannounced follow-up visits will be made to monitor compliance with applicable child care requirements. At the completion of the visit, this visit summary was printed, reviewed, and a copy was left with you. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/16/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 12/16/2024 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, You, Heather Varnell were present and available to assist with today’s visit; however, you had to leave during the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 5, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Thirty-five (35) children from ages zero (0) to eight (8) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor environments were observed. I observed children in the indoor and outdoor learning environment. Teachers were observed interacting with children in nurturing and positive manner. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: chicken with pasta, peaches, corn, and milk. The following were monitored: Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, First Aid, CPR, ITS SIDS, Special Training, CBC Qualification, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Administration of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, Permit Restrictions, and Program Records. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. A fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024; however, you did not submit the fire inspection to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. K. Landvater, began employment on May 15, 2024. She had First Aid documentation; however, the training was provided by New Life CPR. New Life CPR is not on the approved list of organizations that provide CPR and First Aids. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. K. Landvater, began employment on May 15, 2024. She had First Aid documentation; however, the training was provided by New Life CPR. New Life CPR is not an approved list of organizations that provide CPR and First Aids. .1102(d) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 30, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 83%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: FIRE INSPECTIONS: You had a fire inspection completed on October 16, 2024; however, you did not submit the fire inspection to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. This was corrected during the visit. As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CPR AND FIRST AID: K. Landvater, began employment on May 15, 2024. She had CPR and First Aid documentation; however, the training was provided by New Life CPR. New Life CPR is not an approved list of organizations that provide CPR and First Aids. I have provided you with a copy of the approved CPR and First Aid Organization list. Please review the list and have Ms. Landvater complete CPR and First Aid. RESOURCES: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. We discussed making sure new employees you hire and any current staff working on education submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please print each staff member’s DCDEE WORKS letter and file. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions about what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. Complete the Annual Immunization Report by 1/15/2025. ANNUAL IMMUNIZATION REPORT: The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Click here to submit your report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. ANNUAL LICENSING FEES: Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Invoices will be emailed to the facility addresses on file by November 30, 2024. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. Per North Carolina General Statute § 110-90(1a), licensed child care facilities are assessed an annual license fee. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024. It is not based on the number of children enrolled at your facility. Annual license fees do not apply to state- or public-school operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. For questions regarding license fees, check out these Frequently Asked Questions (Preguntas frecuentes). For help with the annual license fee, contact DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov. START RATED LICENSE/QUALITY IMPROVEMENT RATING SYSTEM (QRIS) UPDATE: The Governor signed 12 bills on July 8, 2024. Including the Adjustments to the Appropriations Act (SB 357), which includes the $67.5 million for reduced compensation payments for the first two quarters of FY 24-25 and the DHHS Agency Bill (Senate Bill 425) which includes the QRIS provisions: • QRIS modernization (3 new pathways to stars) is now approved (SB 425). • Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). Providers in Cohort 1 are not required to go any further with a rated license assessment unless they want to, and providers in Cohort 2 do not need to start their preparation year unless they want to. • SB 425 does mean that programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies can move to a 3- or 5-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers will need to submit a request to their consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation certificate for processing. • SB 425 also requires that we move to the ERS-3 versions for ECCERS. ITERS and FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. Self-paced online training modules regarding the new assessments will be available in September 2024. • SB 357 provides $67.5 million dollars to continue a reduced level of funding for the compensation portion only of the Child Care Stabilization Grant. Funding is designated for the first two quarters of FY 2024-25 and provides only about 75% of funding needed to maintain compensation payment amounts provided through ARPA funding which ended June 30, 2024. DCDEE will continue to utilize the NC FAST Stabilization Grant portal to distribute funds. CLEAN WATER FOR US KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you last tested have begun enrollment in the lead water, paint, or asbestos testing. Please go to the Clean Water for Us Kids website at https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/ and enroll in the programs as soon as possible. CRMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK-AMBCMS PORTAL: The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at 1-800-859-0829 and someone will assist you. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 12/16/2024 Number Present: 36 Completed Date: 12/16/2024 Age: From 0 To 8 Total Minutes: 120 Time In: 11:30 AM Time Out: 01:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, You, Heather Varnell were present and available to assist with today’s visit; however, you had to leave during the visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 5, 2024. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Thirty-five (35) children from ages zero (0) to eight (8) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, and all indoor and outdoor environments were observed. I observed children in the indoor and outdoor learning environment. Teachers were observed interacting with children in nurturing and positive manner. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: chicken with pasta, peaches, corn, and milk. The following were monitored: Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, First Aid, CPR, ITS SIDS, Special Training, CBC Qualification, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Administration of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, Permit Restrictions, and Program Records. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. A fire inspection was completed on October 16, 2024; however, you did not submit the fire inspection to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1048 All staff did not successfully complete certification in First Aid appropriate to the age of children in care. Verification of staff completion of First Aid training from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. K. Landvater, began employment on May 15, 2024. She had First Aid documentation; however, the training was provided by New Life CPR. New Life CPR is not on the approved list of organizations that provide CPR and First Aids. .1102(c) 1049 All staff did not successfully complete certification in CPR training appropriate to the age of the children in care. Verification of staff completion of the CPR course from an approved training organization was not in the staff file. K. Landvater, began employment on May 15, 2024. She had First Aid documentation; however, the training was provided by New Life CPR. New Life CPR is not an approved list of organizations that provide CPR and First Aids. .1102(d) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before December 30, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 83%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: FIRE INSPECTIONS: You had a fire inspection completed on October 16, 2024; however, you did not submit the fire inspection to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. This was corrected during the visit. As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CPR AND FIRST AID: K. Landvater, began employment on May 15, 2024. She had CPR and First Aid documentation; however, the training was provided by New Life CPR. New Life CPR is not an approved list of organizations that provide CPR and First Aids. I have provided you with a copy of the approved CPR and First Aid Organization list. Please review the list and have Ms. Landvater complete CPR and First Aid. RESOURCES: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. We discussed making sure new employees you hire and any current staff working on education submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please print each staff member’s DCDEE WORKS letter and file. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions about what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. Complete the Annual Immunization Report by 1/15/2025. ANNUAL IMMUNIZATION REPORT: The reporting period for child care immunizations is now open. Reporting for 2024-2025 has been extended due to Hurricane Helene. Children have a grace period from requirements until November 30, 2024, and reports will be accepted until January 15, 2025. Click here to submit your report. Send any questions regarding child care immunization reporting to immunization.reports@dhhs.nc.gov. ANNUAL LICENSING FEES: Keep an eye on your inbox for the 2024 annual license fee invoice. Invoices will be emailed to the facility addresses on file by November 30, 2024. Online payments will be due by December 31, 2024. Per North Carolina General Statute § 110-90(1a), licensed child care facilities are assessed an annual license fee. The amount of your annual license fee is based on the licensed capacity printed on your license as of October 1, 2024. It is not based on the number of children enrolled at your facility. Annual license fees do not apply to state- or public-school operated child care facilities, or to religious-sponsored facilities operating under a Notice of Compliance. For questions regarding license fees, check out these Frequently Asked Questions (Preguntas frecuentes). For help with the annual license fee, contact DCDEE_LF@dhhs.nc.gov. START RATED LICENSE/QUALITY IMPROVEMENT RATING SYSTEM (QRIS) UPDATE: The Governor signed 12 bills on July 8, 2024. Including the Adjustments to the Appropriations Act (SB 357), which includes the $67.5 million for reduced compensation payments for the first two quarters of FY 24-25 and the DHHS Agency Bill (Senate Bill 425) which includes the QRIS provisions: • QRIS modernization (3 new pathways to stars) is now approved (SB 425). • Hold harmless has been extended until the new QRIS is implemented (SB 425). Providers in Cohort 1 are not required to go any further with a rated license assessment unless they want to, and providers in Cohort 2 do not need to start their preparation year unless they want to. • SB 425 does mean that programs currently accredited through the approved accrediting bodies can move to a 3- or 5-star license if they are not already at this star level. Providers will need to submit a request to their consultant and provide a copy of their accreditation certificate for processing. • SB 425 also requires that we move to the ERS-3 versions for ECCERS. ITERS and FCCERS, effective February 1, 2025. Self-paced online training modules regarding the new assessments will be available in September 2024. • SB 357 provides $67.5 million dollars to continue a reduced level of funding for the compensation portion only of the Child Care Stabilization Grant. Funding is designated for the first two quarters of FY 2024-25 and provides only about 75% of funding needed to maintain compensation payment amounts provided through ARPA funding which ended June 30, 2024. DCDEE will continue to utilize the NC FAST Stabilization Grant portal to distribute funds. CLEAN WATER FOR US KIDS: According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you last tested have begun enrollment in the lead water, paint, or asbestos testing. Please go to the Clean Water for Us Kids website at https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/ and enroll in the programs as soon as possible. CRMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK-AMBCMS PORTAL: The process of notifying the Division has changed and is now captured in ABCMS. This change has been in effect since February 2024. Effective immediately, you will need to obtain a Business NCID and complete Provider Portal training in Moodle at https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/course/view.php?id=119. No action is needed on your part if you have completed the reference training and are currently using the ABCMS Provider Portal to update information regarding new hires or residents. Once the training has been completed and access has been given, you must verify your facility roster to ensure current staff are noted on the roster. This information should be updated in ABCMS on an ongoing basis as staff members are hired and when their employment is terminated. This satisfies the requirement to notify the Division of new child care providers working who were hired or moved into the child care facility within five business days. The compliance of this rule will be monitored during your next visit. Please note, the hard copy of the Change of Information form will no longer be needed or accepted. Should you need assistance please contact the Criminal Background Check Unit at 1-800-859-0829 and someone will assist you. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2204 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2024 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 6/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 105 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 10:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced follow-up visit was to verify correction of violations documented during my annual compliance visit, on June 5, 2024. When I arrived you H. Varnell, administrator, were not present for the visit. K. James, Teacher, was present and able to assist with today’s visit. Ms. James called you and made you aware of my visit. She stated you were at a doctor’s appointment and for me to have access to what I needed. I was able to access your staff files. Forty (40) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor environment was also monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and outdoor environment. Staff/child ratios were observed to be not in compliance. Infant aged children were interacting and playing on the floor with the teachers. The following child care requirements were monitored: Adequate approved space, permit restrictions, capacity, supervision, and staff-to-child ratio. The following violation documented during the June 5, 2024, visit was monitored for compliance during this visit and enrollment was completed: #1821-The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. This is a violation of a requirement in .0607(d)(8). Violation #1821 has not been corrected. As stated in the June 5, 2024, visit summary, all violations must be corrected immediately and a compliance letter verifying this must be received by the established due date. At the time of today’s visit, a compliance letter had been received on June 17, 2024, verifying compliance for the following violations: #114 #842 #1032 #1044 #1124 #1203 #1207 #1321 #1323 #1324 #1802 #1851 You did not request an extension for violation #1821. I received your compliance letter on June 19, 2024; however, it was incomplete, compliance for violation #1821 was missing. I emailed you on the following days to request compliance for violation #1821: June 17th and June 19th. I also called and left a message on June 20th asking you to send me your compliance for violation #1821. Today, I verified the correction of item #1821 was not completed. Continued noncompliance may result in an administrative action per Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2204(6). You were not in the center today; however, I did talk to you on the phone. You stated you had used your phone to email me back about the violation, but I did not receive the email. You also informed me that you had tried several times to log into the NC Risk Management Portal and also reset your NCID number, but you could not access the EPR plan. I asked you to call the help desk with the NC Risk Management Portal to find out what you need to do to complete the EPR Plan. Violation Number Comment Rule 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. V. Pierce, Volunteer was in space number two (#2), did not have documentation of reviewing the EPR Plan. .0607(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 8, 2024. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur, please contact me at 252-557-5597 9 or email me at the above-mentioned email address to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: Prior to conducting today’s visit, your compliance history score over an 18-month timeframe is 82%. You were reminded child care program must maintain a Compliance History Score of 75% or higher to continue operating with a star rated license. I explained if a program’s Compliance History score falls below 75% an Administrative Action may be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS: V. Pierce, Volunteer was in space number two (#2). I reviewed her file, and she was missing documentation of reviewing the EPR Plan. All other required items were on file. The EPR plan must be reviewed on the first day of volunteering and annually thereafter. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You must review your EPR plan at least annually for any potential changes. You will need to go to the North Carolina Risk Management Port at https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ to review your facilities plan. If there are no changes you may print out the page that shows the EPR plan review page, this page shows who reviewed the plan, the date, and the time. If you make changes to the plan, you will want to print the updated plan. In addition to reviewing the plan in the NC Risk Management Portal, you will need to review the plan with your staff, whether the plan is updated or not. Keeping your EPR plan current is very important, this helps all emergency personnel know important information about your facility during an emergency. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/24/2024 Number Present: 42 Completed Date: 6/20/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 105 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 10:55 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced follow-up visit was to verify correction of violations documented during my annual compliance visit, on June 5, 2024. When I arrived you H. Varnell, administrator, were not present for the visit. K. James, Teacher, was present and able to assist with today’s visit. Ms. James called you and made you aware of my visit. She stated you were at a doctor’s appointment and for me to have access to what I needed. I was able to access your staff files. Forty (40) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor environment was also monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and outdoor environment. Staff/child ratios were observed to be not in compliance. Infant aged children were interacting and playing on the floor with the teachers. The following child care requirements were monitored: Adequate approved space, permit restrictions, capacity, supervision, and staff-to-child ratio. The following violation documented during the June 5, 2024, visit was monitored for compliance during this visit and enrollment was completed: #1821-The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. This is a violation of a requirement in .0607(d)(8). Violation #1821 has not been corrected. As stated in the June 5, 2024, visit summary, all violations must be corrected immediately and a compliance letter verifying this must be received by the established due date. At the time of today’s visit, a compliance letter had been received on June 17, 2024, verifying compliance for the following violations: #114 #842 #1032 #1044 #1124 #1203 #1207 #1321 #1323 #1324 #1802 #1851 You did not request an extension for violation #1821. I received your compliance letter on June 19, 2024; however, it was incomplete, compliance for violation #1821 was missing. I emailed you on the following days to request compliance for violation #1821: June 17th and June 19th. I also called and left a message on June 20th asking you to send me your compliance for violation #1821. Today, I verified the correction of item #1821 was not completed. Continued noncompliance may result in an administrative action per Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2204(6). You were not in the center today; however, I did talk to you on the phone. You stated you had used your phone to email me back about the violation, but I did not receive the email. You also informed me that you had tried several times to log into the NC Risk Management Portal and also reset your NCID number, but you could not access the EPR plan. I asked you to call the help desk with the NC Risk Management Portal to find out what you need to do to complete the EPR Plan. Violation Number Comment Rule 1826 Substitutes and volunteers counted in ratio were not informed of the center's EPR Plan and its location. Documentation of this notice was not maintained on file or in a file designated for emergency preparedness and response plan documents. V. Pierce, Volunteer was in space number two (#2), did not have documentation of reviewing the EPR Plan. .0607(g) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before July 8, 2024. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur, please contact me at 252-557-5597 9 or email me at the above-mentioned email address to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: Prior to conducting today’s visit, your compliance history score over an 18-month timeframe is 82%. You were reminded child care program must maintain a Compliance History Score of 75% or higher to continue operating with a star rated license. I explained if a program’s Compliance History score falls below 75% an Administrative Action may be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS: V. Pierce, Volunteer was in space number two (#2). I reviewed her file, and she was missing documentation of reviewing the EPR Plan. All other required items were on file. The EPR plan must be reviewed on the first day of volunteering and annually thereafter. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You must review your EPR plan at least annually for any potential changes. You will need to go to the North Carolina Risk Management Port at https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ to review your facilities plan. If there are no changes you may print out the page that shows the EPR plan review page, this page shows who reviewed the plan, the date, and the time. If you make changes to the plan, you will want to print the updated plan. In addition to reviewing the plan in the NC Risk Management Portal, you will need to review the plan with your staff, whether the plan is updated or not. Keeping your EPR plan current is very important, this helps all emergency personnel know important information about your facility during an emergency. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0302 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/5/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 6/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Varnell were not present at the beginning of the visit; however Ms. Stancil notified your my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-five (45) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. All indoor and outdoor environments were observed. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. Infants were interacting and playing on the floor with the teacher. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Turkey, cheese, rolls, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a summary of the NC Child Care Law on file; however it was dated February 23, 2024. GS 110-102 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) children in space number two (2) had albuterol inhalers, but neither of the children had permission to administer medication forms on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & 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. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had Operational policies dated February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1207 Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a parent participation plan dated for February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0515(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a discipline policy available for review was dated February 23, 2024. .1804(c) 1802 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. H. Varnell, administrator did not notify the Division that one of her employees had a pending charge. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a smoking and tobacco restriction available for review dated February 23, 2024. .0604(j) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 19, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 81%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. Each enrolled must have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. Please request the immunization record immediately. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment, this was corrected during the visit. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had the following policies available for review and they were all dated for February 23, 2024: operational policies, parent participation plan, discipline policy, no smoking and tobacco restriction, and aquatic activity policy. All these policies must be discussed with the parent/guardian upon enrollment of the child. This was corrected during the visit. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored and six (6) new staff files were reviewed. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. A medical assessment must be on file prior to employment. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. She submitted the required paperwork to the Criminal Background Check Unit; however, they request additional information from Ms. Stancil. You stated you are faxing the required information today. Ms. Stancil has 15 calendar days to have her qualifying CBC on file. If she does not receive a qualifying CBC letter she may not return to the facility until she does receive a qualifying CBC letter. Once she has received the CBC letter, please email me a copy. H. Varnell, Administrator, did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household. RECORD KEEPING: You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. You stated you were working on updating pictures and have sent a message via Bright Wheel requesting pictures for the children who are being transported. EMERGENCY PREAPREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You stated you were not aware that you needed to update your EPR plan in the NC Risk Management Portal Annually. We reviewed the portal (https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ ) together and you tried to access the portal, however your NCID password and username were not correct. You stated you would update your NCID and update the EPR plan. FLOOR PLAN/CENTER CAPCITY: You asked me to measure space number one because you use this space for school-aged children, however the room was renovated and more space was added. The added space was measured, today and you can have 15 children in this space at 30 square feet per child. Your center is currently license for 70. You stated you will send me a letter requesting to increase your licensed capacity to 75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. RESUMING STAR RATED LICENSE-COHORT TWO (2): Please be aware that your facility is in Cohort TWO (2) for resuming the NC Start Rated License. Your preparation year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). You may also want to contact Down East Partnership for Children at 252-985-4300. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not started enrollment for the lead water, lead paint, or asbestos testing. You stated that a State Health Inspector came to test your water, paint, soil, and toys for lead because you had a child enrolled that tested high for lead in the child’s blood. According to you, it was determined that the child did not receive the lead exposure from your facility. You also stated the Edgecombe County Environmental Health Inspector was going to send me the report for the lead testing. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. FIRE INSPECTIONS: As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/5/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 6/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Varnell were not present at the beginning of the visit; however Ms. Stancil notified your my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-five (45) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. All indoor and outdoor environments were observed. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. Infants were interacting and playing on the floor with the teacher. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Turkey, cheese, rolls, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a summary of the NC Child Care Law on file; however it was dated February 23, 2024. GS 110-102 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) children in space number two (2) had albuterol inhalers, but neither of the children had permission to administer medication forms on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & 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. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had Operational policies dated February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1207 Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a parent participation plan dated for February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0515(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a discipline policy available for review was dated February 23, 2024. .1804(c) 1802 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. H. Varnell, administrator did not notify the Division that one of her employees had a pending charge. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a smoking and tobacco restriction available for review dated February 23, 2024. .0604(j) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 19, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 81%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. Each enrolled must have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. Please request the immunization record immediately. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment, this was corrected during the visit. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had the following policies available for review and they were all dated for February 23, 2024: operational policies, parent participation plan, discipline policy, no smoking and tobacco restriction, and aquatic activity policy. All these policies must be discussed with the parent/guardian upon enrollment of the child. This was corrected during the visit. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored and six (6) new staff files were reviewed. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. A medical assessment must be on file prior to employment. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. She submitted the required paperwork to the Criminal Background Check Unit; however, they request additional information from Ms. Stancil. You stated you are faxing the required information today. Ms. Stancil has 15 calendar days to have her qualifying CBC on file. If she does not receive a qualifying CBC letter she may not return to the facility until she does receive a qualifying CBC letter. Once she has received the CBC letter, please email me a copy. H. Varnell, Administrator, did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household. RECORD KEEPING: You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. You stated you were working on updating pictures and have sent a message via Bright Wheel requesting pictures for the children who are being transported. EMERGENCY PREAPREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You stated you were not aware that you needed to update your EPR plan in the NC Risk Management Portal Annually. We reviewed the portal (https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ ) together and you tried to access the portal, however your NCID password and username were not correct. You stated you would update your NCID and update the EPR plan. FLOOR PLAN/CENTER CAPCITY: You asked me to measure space number one because you use this space for school-aged children, however the room was renovated and more space was added. The added space was measured, today and you can have 15 children in this space at 30 square feet per child. Your center is currently license for 70. You stated you will send me a letter requesting to increase your licensed capacity to 75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. RESUMING STAR RATED LICENSE-COHORT TWO (2): Please be aware that your facility is in Cohort TWO (2) for resuming the NC Start Rated License. Your preparation year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). You may also want to contact Down East Partnership for Children at 252-985-4300. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not started enrollment for the lead water, lead paint, or asbestos testing. You stated that a State Health Inspector came to test your water, paint, soil, and toys for lead because you had a child enrolled that tested high for lead in the child’s blood. According to you, it was determined that the child did not receive the lead exposure from your facility. You also stated the Edgecombe County Environmental Health Inspector was going to send me the report for the lead testing. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. FIRE INSPECTIONS: As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0514 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/5/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 6/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Varnell were not present at the beginning of the visit; however Ms. Stancil notified your my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-five (45) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. All indoor and outdoor environments were observed. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. Infants were interacting and playing on the floor with the teacher. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Turkey, cheese, rolls, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a summary of the NC Child Care Law on file; however it was dated February 23, 2024. GS 110-102 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) children in space number two (2) had albuterol inhalers, but neither of the children had permission to administer medication forms on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & 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. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had Operational policies dated February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1207 Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a parent participation plan dated for February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0515(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a discipline policy available for review was dated February 23, 2024. .1804(c) 1802 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. H. Varnell, administrator did not notify the Division that one of her employees had a pending charge. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a smoking and tobacco restriction available for review dated February 23, 2024. .0604(j) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 19, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 81%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. Each enrolled must have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. Please request the immunization record immediately. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment, this was corrected during the visit. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had the following policies available for review and they were all dated for February 23, 2024: operational policies, parent participation plan, discipline policy, no smoking and tobacco restriction, and aquatic activity policy. All these policies must be discussed with the parent/guardian upon enrollment of the child. This was corrected during the visit. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored and six (6) new staff files were reviewed. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. A medical assessment must be on file prior to employment. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. She submitted the required paperwork to the Criminal Background Check Unit; however, they request additional information from Ms. Stancil. You stated you are faxing the required information today. Ms. Stancil has 15 calendar days to have her qualifying CBC on file. If she does not receive a qualifying CBC letter she may not return to the facility until she does receive a qualifying CBC letter. Once she has received the CBC letter, please email me a copy. H. Varnell, Administrator, did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household. RECORD KEEPING: You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. You stated you were working on updating pictures and have sent a message via Bright Wheel requesting pictures for the children who are being transported. EMERGENCY PREAPREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You stated you were not aware that you needed to update your EPR plan in the NC Risk Management Portal Annually. We reviewed the portal (https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ ) together and you tried to access the portal, however your NCID password and username were not correct. You stated you would update your NCID and update the EPR plan. FLOOR PLAN/CENTER CAPCITY: You asked me to measure space number one because you use this space for school-aged children, however the room was renovated and more space was added. The added space was measured, today and you can have 15 children in this space at 30 square feet per child. Your center is currently license for 70. You stated you will send me a letter requesting to increase your licensed capacity to 75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. RESUMING STAR RATED LICENSE-COHORT TWO (2): Please be aware that your facility is in Cohort TWO (2) for resuming the NC Start Rated License. Your preparation year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). You may also want to contact Down East Partnership for Children at 252-985-4300. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not started enrollment for the lead water, lead paint, or asbestos testing. You stated that a State Health Inspector came to test your water, paint, soil, and toys for lead because you had a child enrolled that tested high for lead in the child’s blood. According to you, it was determined that the child did not receive the lead exposure from your facility. You also stated the Edgecombe County Environmental Health Inspector was going to send me the report for the lead testing. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. FIRE INSPECTIONS: As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0515 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/5/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 6/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Varnell were not present at the beginning of the visit; however Ms. Stancil notified your my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-five (45) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. All indoor and outdoor environments were observed. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. Infants were interacting and playing on the floor with the teacher. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Turkey, cheese, rolls, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a summary of the NC Child Care Law on file; however it was dated February 23, 2024. GS 110-102 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) children in space number two (2) had albuterol inhalers, but neither of the children had permission to administer medication forms on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & 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. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had Operational policies dated February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1207 Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a parent participation plan dated for February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0515(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a discipline policy available for review was dated February 23, 2024. .1804(c) 1802 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. H. Varnell, administrator did not notify the Division that one of her employees had a pending charge. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a smoking and tobacco restriction available for review dated February 23, 2024. .0604(j) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 19, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 81%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. Each enrolled must have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. Please request the immunization record immediately. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment, this was corrected during the visit. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had the following policies available for review and they were all dated for February 23, 2024: operational policies, parent participation plan, discipline policy, no smoking and tobacco restriction, and aquatic activity policy. All these policies must be discussed with the parent/guardian upon enrollment of the child. This was corrected during the visit. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored and six (6) new staff files were reviewed. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. A medical assessment must be on file prior to employment. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. She submitted the required paperwork to the Criminal Background Check Unit; however, they request additional information from Ms. Stancil. You stated you are faxing the required information today. Ms. Stancil has 15 calendar days to have her qualifying CBC on file. If she does not receive a qualifying CBC letter she may not return to the facility until she does receive a qualifying CBC letter. Once she has received the CBC letter, please email me a copy. H. Varnell, Administrator, did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household. RECORD KEEPING: You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. You stated you were working on updating pictures and have sent a message via Bright Wheel requesting pictures for the children who are being transported. EMERGENCY PREAPREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You stated you were not aware that you needed to update your EPR plan in the NC Risk Management Portal Annually. We reviewed the portal (https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ ) together and you tried to access the portal, however your NCID password and username were not correct. You stated you would update your NCID and update the EPR plan. FLOOR PLAN/CENTER CAPCITY: You asked me to measure space number one because you use this space for school-aged children, however the room was renovated and more space was added. The added space was measured, today and you can have 15 children in this space at 30 square feet per child. Your center is currently license for 70. You stated you will send me a letter requesting to increase your licensed capacity to 75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. RESUMING STAR RATED LICENSE-COHORT TWO (2): Please be aware that your facility is in Cohort TWO (2) for resuming the NC Start Rated License. Your preparation year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). You may also want to contact Down East Partnership for Children at 252-985-4300. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not started enrollment for the lead water, lead paint, or asbestos testing. You stated that a State Health Inspector came to test your water, paint, soil, and toys for lead because you had a child enrolled that tested high for lead in the child’s blood. According to you, it was determined that the child did not receive the lead exposure from your facility. You also stated the Edgecombe County Environmental Health Inspector was going to send me the report for the lead testing. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. FIRE INSPECTIONS: As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/5/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 6/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Varnell were not present at the beginning of the visit; however Ms. Stancil notified your my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-five (45) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. All indoor and outdoor environments were observed. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. Infants were interacting and playing on the floor with the teacher. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Turkey, cheese, rolls, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a summary of the NC Child Care Law on file; however it was dated February 23, 2024. GS 110-102 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) children in space number two (2) had albuterol inhalers, but neither of the children had permission to administer medication forms on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & 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. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had Operational policies dated February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1207 Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a parent participation plan dated for February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0515(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a discipline policy available for review was dated February 23, 2024. .1804(c) 1802 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. H. Varnell, administrator did not notify the Division that one of her employees had a pending charge. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a smoking and tobacco restriction available for review dated February 23, 2024. .0604(j) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 19, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 81%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. Each enrolled must have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. Please request the immunization record immediately. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment, this was corrected during the visit. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had the following policies available for review and they were all dated for February 23, 2024: operational policies, parent participation plan, discipline policy, no smoking and tobacco restriction, and aquatic activity policy. All these policies must be discussed with the parent/guardian upon enrollment of the child. This was corrected during the visit. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored and six (6) new staff files were reviewed. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. A medical assessment must be on file prior to employment. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. She submitted the required paperwork to the Criminal Background Check Unit; however, they request additional information from Ms. Stancil. You stated you are faxing the required information today. Ms. Stancil has 15 calendar days to have her qualifying CBC on file. If she does not receive a qualifying CBC letter she may not return to the facility until she does receive a qualifying CBC letter. Once she has received the CBC letter, please email me a copy. H. Varnell, Administrator, did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household. RECORD KEEPING: You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. You stated you were working on updating pictures and have sent a message via Bright Wheel requesting pictures for the children who are being transported. EMERGENCY PREAPREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You stated you were not aware that you needed to update your EPR plan in the NC Risk Management Portal Annually. We reviewed the portal (https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ ) together and you tried to access the portal, however your NCID password and username were not correct. You stated you would update your NCID and update the EPR plan. FLOOR PLAN/CENTER CAPCITY: You asked me to measure space number one because you use this space for school-aged children, however the room was renovated and more space was added. The added space was measured, today and you can have 15 children in this space at 30 square feet per child. Your center is currently license for 70. You stated you will send me a letter requesting to increase your licensed capacity to 75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. RESUMING STAR RATED LICENSE-COHORT TWO (2): Please be aware that your facility is in Cohort TWO (2) for resuming the NC Start Rated License. Your preparation year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). You may also want to contact Down East Partnership for Children at 252-985-4300. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not started enrollment for the lead water, lead paint, or asbestos testing. You stated that a State Health Inspector came to test your water, paint, soil, and toys for lead because you had a child enrolled that tested high for lead in the child’s blood. According to you, it was determined that the child did not receive the lead exposure from your facility. You also stated the Edgecombe County Environmental Health Inspector was going to send me the report for the lead testing. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. FIRE INSPECTIONS: As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0803 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/5/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 6/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Varnell were not present at the beginning of the visit; however Ms. Stancil notified your my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-five (45) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. All indoor and outdoor environments were observed. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. Infants were interacting and playing on the floor with the teacher. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Turkey, cheese, rolls, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a summary of the NC Child Care Law on file; however it was dated February 23, 2024. GS 110-102 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) children in space number two (2) had albuterol inhalers, but neither of the children had permission to administer medication forms on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & 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. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had Operational policies dated February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1207 Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a parent participation plan dated for February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0515(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a discipline policy available for review was dated February 23, 2024. .1804(c) 1802 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. H. Varnell, administrator did not notify the Division that one of her employees had a pending charge. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a smoking and tobacco restriction available for review dated February 23, 2024. .0604(j) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 19, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 81%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. Each enrolled must have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. Please request the immunization record immediately. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment, this was corrected during the visit. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had the following policies available for review and they were all dated for February 23, 2024: operational policies, parent participation plan, discipline policy, no smoking and tobacco restriction, and aquatic activity policy. All these policies must be discussed with the parent/guardian upon enrollment of the child. This was corrected during the visit. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored and six (6) new staff files were reviewed. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. A medical assessment must be on file prior to employment. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. She submitted the required paperwork to the Criminal Background Check Unit; however, they request additional information from Ms. Stancil. You stated you are faxing the required information today. Ms. Stancil has 15 calendar days to have her qualifying CBC on file. If she does not receive a qualifying CBC letter she may not return to the facility until she does receive a qualifying CBC letter. Once she has received the CBC letter, please email me a copy. H. Varnell, Administrator, did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household. RECORD KEEPING: You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. You stated you were working on updating pictures and have sent a message via Bright Wheel requesting pictures for the children who are being transported. EMERGENCY PREAPREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You stated you were not aware that you needed to update your EPR plan in the NC Risk Management Portal Annually. We reviewed the portal (https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ ) together and you tried to access the portal, however your NCID password and username were not correct. You stated you would update your NCID and update the EPR plan. FLOOR PLAN/CENTER CAPCITY: You asked me to measure space number one because you use this space for school-aged children, however the room was renovated and more space was added. The added space was measured, today and you can have 15 children in this space at 30 square feet per child. Your center is currently license for 70. You stated you will send me a letter requesting to increase your licensed capacity to 75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. RESUMING STAR RATED LICENSE-COHORT TWO (2): Please be aware that your facility is in Cohort TWO (2) for resuming the NC Start Rated License. Your preparation year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). You may also want to contact Down East Partnership for Children at 252-985-4300. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not started enrollment for the lead water, lead paint, or asbestos testing. You stated that a State Health Inspector came to test your water, paint, soil, and toys for lead because you had a child enrolled that tested high for lead in the child’s blood. According to you, it was determined that the child did not receive the lead exposure from your facility. You also stated the Edgecombe County Environmental Health Inspector was going to send me the report for the lead testing. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. FIRE INSPECTIONS: As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1003 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/5/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 6/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Varnell were not present at the beginning of the visit; however Ms. Stancil notified your my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-five (45) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. All indoor and outdoor environments were observed. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. Infants were interacting and playing on the floor with the teacher. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Turkey, cheese, rolls, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a summary of the NC Child Care Law on file; however it was dated February 23, 2024. GS 110-102 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) children in space number two (2) had albuterol inhalers, but neither of the children had permission to administer medication forms on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & 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. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had Operational policies dated February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1207 Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a parent participation plan dated for February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0515(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a discipline policy available for review was dated February 23, 2024. .1804(c) 1802 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. H. Varnell, administrator did not notify the Division that one of her employees had a pending charge. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a smoking and tobacco restriction available for review dated February 23, 2024. .0604(j) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 19, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 81%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. Each enrolled must have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. Please request the immunization record immediately. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment, this was corrected during the visit. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had the following policies available for review and they were all dated for February 23, 2024: operational policies, parent participation plan, discipline policy, no smoking and tobacco restriction, and aquatic activity policy. All these policies must be discussed with the parent/guardian upon enrollment of the child. This was corrected during the visit. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored and six (6) new staff files were reviewed. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. A medical assessment must be on file prior to employment. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. She submitted the required paperwork to the Criminal Background Check Unit; however, they request additional information from Ms. Stancil. You stated you are faxing the required information today. Ms. Stancil has 15 calendar days to have her qualifying CBC on file. If she does not receive a qualifying CBC letter she may not return to the facility until she does receive a qualifying CBC letter. Once she has received the CBC letter, please email me a copy. H. Varnell, Administrator, did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household. RECORD KEEPING: You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. You stated you were working on updating pictures and have sent a message via Bright Wheel requesting pictures for the children who are being transported. EMERGENCY PREAPREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You stated you were not aware that you needed to update your EPR plan in the NC Risk Management Portal Annually. We reviewed the portal (https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ ) together and you tried to access the portal, however your NCID password and username were not correct. You stated you would update your NCID and update the EPR plan. FLOOR PLAN/CENTER CAPCITY: You asked me to measure space number one because you use this space for school-aged children, however the room was renovated and more space was added. The added space was measured, today and you can have 15 children in this space at 30 square feet per child. Your center is currently license for 70. You stated you will send me a letter requesting to increase your licensed capacity to 75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. RESUMING STAR RATED LICENSE-COHORT TWO (2): Please be aware that your facility is in Cohort TWO (2) for resuming the NC Start Rated License. Your preparation year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). You may also want to contact Down East Partnership for Children at 252-985-4300. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not started enrollment for the lead water, lead paint, or asbestos testing. You stated that a State Health Inspector came to test your water, paint, soil, and toys for lead because you had a child enrolled that tested high for lead in the child’s blood. According to you, it was determined that the child did not receive the lead exposure from your facility. You also stated the Edgecombe County Environmental Health Inspector was going to send me the report for the lead testing. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. FIRE INSPECTIONS: As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/5/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 6/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Varnell were not present at the beginning of the visit; however Ms. Stancil notified your my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-five (45) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. All indoor and outdoor environments were observed. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. Infants were interacting and playing on the floor with the teacher. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Turkey, cheese, rolls, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a summary of the NC Child Care Law on file; however it was dated February 23, 2024. GS 110-102 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) children in space number two (2) had albuterol inhalers, but neither of the children had permission to administer medication forms on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & 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. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had Operational policies dated February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1207 Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a parent participation plan dated for February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0515(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a discipline policy available for review was dated February 23, 2024. .1804(c) 1802 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. H. Varnell, administrator did not notify the Division that one of her employees had a pending charge. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a smoking and tobacco restriction available for review dated February 23, 2024. .0604(j) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 19, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 81%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. Each enrolled must have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. Please request the immunization record immediately. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment, this was corrected during the visit. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had the following policies available for review and they were all dated for February 23, 2024: operational policies, parent participation plan, discipline policy, no smoking and tobacco restriction, and aquatic activity policy. All these policies must be discussed with the parent/guardian upon enrollment of the child. This was corrected during the visit. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored and six (6) new staff files were reviewed. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. A medical assessment must be on file prior to employment. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. She submitted the required paperwork to the Criminal Background Check Unit; however, they request additional information from Ms. Stancil. You stated you are faxing the required information today. Ms. Stancil has 15 calendar days to have her qualifying CBC on file. If she does not receive a qualifying CBC letter she may not return to the facility until she does receive a qualifying CBC letter. Once she has received the CBC letter, please email me a copy. H. Varnell, Administrator, did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household. RECORD KEEPING: You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. You stated you were working on updating pictures and have sent a message via Bright Wheel requesting pictures for the children who are being transported. EMERGENCY PREAPREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You stated you were not aware that you needed to update your EPR plan in the NC Risk Management Portal Annually. We reviewed the portal (https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ ) together and you tried to access the portal, however your NCID password and username were not correct. You stated you would update your NCID and update the EPR plan. FLOOR PLAN/CENTER CAPCITY: You asked me to measure space number one because you use this space for school-aged children, however the room was renovated and more space was added. The added space was measured, today and you can have 15 children in this space at 30 square feet per child. Your center is currently license for 70. You stated you will send me a letter requesting to increase your licensed capacity to 75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. RESUMING STAR RATED LICENSE-COHORT TWO (2): Please be aware that your facility is in Cohort TWO (2) for resuming the NC Start Rated License. Your preparation year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). You may also want to contact Down East Partnership for Children at 252-985-4300. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not started enrollment for the lead water, lead paint, or asbestos testing. You stated that a State Health Inspector came to test your water, paint, soil, and toys for lead because you had a child enrolled that tested high for lead in the child’s blood. According to you, it was determined that the child did not receive the lead exposure from your facility. You also stated the Edgecombe County Environmental Health Inspector was going to send me the report for the lead testing. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. FIRE INSPECTIONS: As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-102 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/5/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 6/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Varnell were not present at the beginning of the visit; however Ms. Stancil notified your my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-five (45) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. All indoor and outdoor environments were observed. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. Infants were interacting and playing on the floor with the teacher. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Turkey, cheese, rolls, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a summary of the NC Child Care Law on file; however it was dated February 23, 2024. GS 110-102 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) children in space number two (2) had albuterol inhalers, but neither of the children had permission to administer medication forms on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & 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. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had Operational policies dated February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1207 Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a parent participation plan dated for February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0515(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a discipline policy available for review was dated February 23, 2024. .1804(c) 1802 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. H. Varnell, administrator did not notify the Division that one of her employees had a pending charge. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a smoking and tobacco restriction available for review dated February 23, 2024. .0604(j) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 19, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 81%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. Each enrolled must have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. Please request the immunization record immediately. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment, this was corrected during the visit. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had the following policies available for review and they were all dated for February 23, 2024: operational policies, parent participation plan, discipline policy, no smoking and tobacco restriction, and aquatic activity policy. All these policies must be discussed with the parent/guardian upon enrollment of the child. This was corrected during the visit. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored and six (6) new staff files were reviewed. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. A medical assessment must be on file prior to employment. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. She submitted the required paperwork to the Criminal Background Check Unit; however, they request additional information from Ms. Stancil. You stated you are faxing the required information today. Ms. Stancil has 15 calendar days to have her qualifying CBC on file. If she does not receive a qualifying CBC letter she may not return to the facility until she does receive a qualifying CBC letter. Once she has received the CBC letter, please email me a copy. H. Varnell, Administrator, did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household. RECORD KEEPING: You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. You stated you were working on updating pictures and have sent a message via Bright Wheel requesting pictures for the children who are being transported. EMERGENCY PREAPREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You stated you were not aware that you needed to update your EPR plan in the NC Risk Management Portal Annually. We reviewed the portal (https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ ) together and you tried to access the portal, however your NCID password and username were not correct. You stated you would update your NCID and update the EPR plan. FLOOR PLAN/CENTER CAPCITY: You asked me to measure space number one because you use this space for school-aged children, however the room was renovated and more space was added. The added space was measured, today and you can have 15 children in this space at 30 square feet per child. Your center is currently license for 70. You stated you will send me a letter requesting to increase your licensed capacity to 75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. RESUMING STAR RATED LICENSE-COHORT TWO (2): Please be aware that your facility is in Cohort TWO (2) for resuming the NC Start Rated License. Your preparation year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). You may also want to contact Down East Partnership for Children at 252-985-4300. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not started enrollment for the lead water, lead paint, or asbestos testing. You stated that a State Health Inspector came to test your water, paint, soil, and toys for lead because you had a child enrolled that tested high for lead in the child’s blood. According to you, it was determined that the child did not receive the lead exposure from your facility. You also stated the Edgecombe County Environmental Health Inspector was going to send me the report for the lead testing. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. FIRE INSPECTIONS: As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/5/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 6/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Varnell were not present at the beginning of the visit; however Ms. Stancil notified your my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-five (45) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. All indoor and outdoor environments were observed. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. Infants were interacting and playing on the floor with the teacher. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Turkey, cheese, rolls, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a summary of the NC Child Care Law on file; however it was dated February 23, 2024. GS 110-102 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) children in space number two (2) had albuterol inhalers, but neither of the children had permission to administer medication forms on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & 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. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had Operational policies dated February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1207 Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a parent participation plan dated for February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0515(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a discipline policy available for review was dated February 23, 2024. .1804(c) 1802 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. H. Varnell, administrator did not notify the Division that one of her employees had a pending charge. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a smoking and tobacco restriction available for review dated February 23, 2024. .0604(j) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 19, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 81%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. Each enrolled must have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. Please request the immunization record immediately. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment, this was corrected during the visit. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had the following policies available for review and they were all dated for February 23, 2024: operational policies, parent participation plan, discipline policy, no smoking and tobacco restriction, and aquatic activity policy. All these policies must be discussed with the parent/guardian upon enrollment of the child. This was corrected during the visit. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored and six (6) new staff files were reviewed. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. A medical assessment must be on file prior to employment. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. She submitted the required paperwork to the Criminal Background Check Unit; however, they request additional information from Ms. Stancil. You stated you are faxing the required information today. Ms. Stancil has 15 calendar days to have her qualifying CBC on file. If she does not receive a qualifying CBC letter she may not return to the facility until she does receive a qualifying CBC letter. Once she has received the CBC letter, please email me a copy. H. Varnell, Administrator, did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household. RECORD KEEPING: You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. You stated you were working on updating pictures and have sent a message via Bright Wheel requesting pictures for the children who are being transported. EMERGENCY PREAPREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You stated you were not aware that you needed to update your EPR plan in the NC Risk Management Portal Annually. We reviewed the portal (https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ ) together and you tried to access the portal, however your NCID password and username were not correct. You stated you would update your NCID and update the EPR plan. FLOOR PLAN/CENTER CAPCITY: You asked me to measure space number one because you use this space for school-aged children, however the room was renovated and more space was added. The added space was measured, today and you can have 15 children in this space at 30 square feet per child. Your center is currently license for 70. You stated you will send me a letter requesting to increase your licensed capacity to 75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. RESUMING STAR RATED LICENSE-COHORT TWO (2): Please be aware that your facility is in Cohort TWO (2) for resuming the NC Start Rated License. Your preparation year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). You may also want to contact Down East Partnership for Children at 252-985-4300. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not started enrollment for the lead water, lead paint, or asbestos testing. You stated that a State Health Inspector came to test your water, paint, soil, and toys for lead because you had a child enrolled that tested high for lead in the child’s blood. According to you, it was determined that the child did not receive the lead exposure from your facility. You also stated the Edgecombe County Environmental Health Inspector was going to send me the report for the lead testing. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. FIRE INSPECTIONS: As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 6/5/2024 Number Present: 45 Completed Date: 6/5/2024 Age: From 0 To 7 Total Minutes: 380 Time In: 09:10 AM Time Out: 03:30 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Comp Full Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during an annual compliance visit. You, H. Varnell were not present at the beginning of the visit; however Ms. Stancil notified your my visit. You arrived shortly after the visit began. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on May 22, 2024, with a “Superior” classification “13” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-five (45) children from ages zero (0) to seven (7) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. All indoor and outdoor environments were observed. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Children throughout the facility were participating in free play in activity areas, transitions, personal care routines and napping. Infants were interacting and playing on the floor with the teacher. The children were observed eating the following for lunch: Turkey, cheese, rolls, peas, oranges, and milk. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 114 A summary of the NC Child Care Law was not given to a parent of every child enrolled in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a summary of the NC Child Care Law on file; however it was dated February 23, 2024. GS 110-102 842 A drug or medication was administered without written authorization and/or instructions from a child's parent or authorized health professional. Two (2) children in space number two (2) had albuterol inhalers, but neither of the children had permission to administer medication forms on file. 10A NCAC 09 .0803(1)(a & 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. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1044 Prior to the expiration date of the qualification letter, the child care provider did not complete and submit required forms to complete a criminal background check (a qualification letter is valid for a maximum of five years for the date of issuance). Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. G.S. 110-90.2(b) & .2703(n)&(o) 1124 Emergency and identifying information, including the child's name, photograph, emergency contact information and/or a copy of the emergency medical care information form was not in the vehicle for each child being transported. You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. 10A NCAC 09 .1003(d) 1203 Operational policies were not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day and/or they were not notified in writing of all changes. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had Operational policies dated February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0514(b) 1207 Parent participation plan was not discussed with parents on or before the child's first day of attendance and/or a copy was not given to them or posted in the center. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024 had a parent participation plan dated for February 23, 2024. 10A NCAC 09 .0515(a) 1321 Medical exam or health assessment record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. GS110-91(1) 1323 Each child was not immunized as per Article 6 of Chapter 130A and an immunization record was not on file before or within 30 days after admission. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. 10A NCAC 09 .0302(d)(2) 1324 Signed and dated statement by parent that discipline policy received and explained at enrollment was not in child's file. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a discipline policy available for review was dated February 23, 2024. .1804(c) 1802 The child care provider and/or household member who incurred pending charges, indictments, or convictions since their last qualification letter was issued by the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household member. H. Varnell, administrator did not notify the Division that one of her employees had a pending charge. G.S. 110-90.2 & .2703(m) 1821 The EPR Plan did not include the date of the last revision of the plan. There was not an updated EPR plan on file and the available for review did not have a revision date on it. .0607(d)(8) 1851 The operator did not notify the parent of each child enrolled in writing of the smoking and tobacco restriction. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had a smoking and tobacco restriction available for review dated February 23, 2024. .0604(j) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before June 19, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 81%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CHILDREN AND STAFF RECORDS: Ten percent (10%) or more of children’s records were monitored. One child with an enrollment date of April 16, 2024, did not have an immunization record on file. Each enrolled must have an immunization record on file within 30 days of enrollment. Please request the immunization record immediately. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had an immunization record on file for review dated April 12, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment. medical assessment on file for review dated April 19, 2024; however, it was on file after the 30 days of enrollment, this was corrected during the visit. One child with an enrollment date of January 15, 2024, had the following policies available for review and they were all dated for February 23, 2024: operational policies, parent participation plan, discipline policy, no smoking and tobacco restriction, and aquatic activity policy. All these policies must be discussed with the parent/guardian upon enrollment of the child. This was corrected during the visit. Ten percent (10%) or more of existing staff files were monitored and six (6) new staff files were reviewed. K. Landvater began employment on May 15, 2024, and had a medical on file for review; however, the medical assessment was dated May 22, 2024. A medical assessment must be on file prior to employment. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Darnita Stancil’s criminal background check (CBC) expired on March 15, 2024. She submitted the required paperwork to the Criminal Background Check Unit; however, they request additional information from Ms. Stancil. You stated you are faxing the required information today. Ms. Stancil has 15 calendar days to have her qualifying CBC on file. If she does not receive a qualifying CBC letter she may not return to the facility until she does receive a qualifying CBC letter. Once she has received the CBC letter, please email me a copy. H. Varnell, Administrator, did not notify the Division of these pending charges, indictments, or convictions within one business day of being notified by the child care provider or household. RECORD KEEPING: You had emergency information, including the child's name, emergency contact information, but did not have a picture of each child included in this information. You stated you were working on updating pictures and have sent a message via Bright Wheel requesting pictures for the children who are being transported. EMERGENCY PREAPREDNESS AND RESPONSE PLAN (EPR): You stated you were not aware that you needed to update your EPR plan in the NC Risk Management Portal Annually. We reviewed the portal (https://rmp.nc.gov/portal/ ) together and you tried to access the portal, however your NCID password and username were not correct. You stated you would update your NCID and update the EPR plan. FLOOR PLAN/CENTER CAPCITY: You asked me to measure space number one because you use this space for school-aged children, however the room was renovated and more space was added. The added space was measured, today and you can have 15 children in this space at 30 square feet per child. Your center is currently license for 70. You stated you will send me a letter requesting to increase your licensed capacity to 75. RMINDERS: DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, and completed training. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. RESUMING STAR RATED LICENSE-COHORT TWO (2): Please be aware that your facility is in Cohort TWO (2) for resuming the NC Start Rated License. Your preparation year will be July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Your reassessment year will be July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. To help your facility prepare for the environment rating scale, please review the North Carolina Rated License Assessment Project’s (NCRLAP) website: https://ncrlap.org/ for videos and written resources to help prepare you for the environment rating scale (ERS). You may also want to contact Down East Partnership for Children at 252-985-4300. CLEAN WATER FOR CAROLINA KIDS: We discussed the Clean Water for Carolina Kids program and what that means for you as a child care center. I also informed you that I sent an email to you on March 5, 2024, with the following information included. I also attached to that email three (3) flyers that discuss the process for testing, for lead in the water, lead in paint, and asbestos. According to the Clean Water for Us Kids website you have not started enrollment for the lead water, lead paint, or asbestos testing. You stated that a State Health Inspector came to test your water, paint, soil, and toys for lead because you had a child enrolled that tested high for lead in the child’s blood. According to you, it was determined that the child did not receive the lead exposure from your facility. You also stated the Edgecombe County Environmental Health Inspector was going to send me the report for the lead testing. The Clean Water for Carolina Kids program is expanding to the Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids program. This is a legislatively mandated effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in North Carolina public schools, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care homes. Participation allows facilities to meet all rule requirements for identified lead and asbestos hazards, as required by law. Rules 10A NCAC 41C .1001 through .1007 require all programs to be free of lead and asbestos hazards. RTI is coordinating all the lead in water, paint and asbestos testing and remediation. There are webinars that child care providers can watch to get instructions. Go to https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ for more information. Currently operating child care facilities are required to test for lead in paint and asbestos once unless the consultant notes a concern during a visit and refers the program to environmental health. All existing licensed programs must complete the application summary for their program regarding lead paint and asbestos by May 1, 2024. The application is on the https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ website. Rule 15A NCAC 18A .2816 requires currently operating child care centers to test water initially and every three years. Most of you have completed your initial testing and now it is time for your three-year retest. Please log into https://www.cleanwaterforuskids.org/en/carolina/ to ensure you are meeting the requirements for Lead in Water / Paint/Asbestos testing. CHILD A CARE RULE CHANGES: The Child Care Commission adopted child care rule changes in January 2024. Changes relate to definitions; lead and asbestos for centers and family child care homes; building requirements for family child care homes; multi-unit child care centers; and criminal background checks. Consultants will assist as you begin to review and implement the changes, but please note, some of the rule changes may or may not impact your facility. An example is the rules in section .2600 for multi-unit child care center. These rules are specific to child care centers with multiple licensed centers within one building. Please ensure you are using the updated January 2024 rule book, and view information in the DCDEE Moodle (enroll if necessary). You will need to have an NCID - the same NCID that you use for the health & safety training, WORKS login, and/or the CBC Portal - to participate in Moodle training. If you do not have an NCID, use this link to get one: https://ncid.nc.gov. Rule training modules can be found in the same course as the October 2017 Child Care Rule Rollout. If you are unfamiliar with the Child Care Rule Rollout within Moodle and how to navigate, please visit: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/Learning-Resources/How-to-Navigate-Moodle. To get help with Moodle, email DCDEE_Moodle_Support@dhhs.nc.gov or call (919) 814-9326. FIRE INSPECTIONS: As a reminder the following child care rule is a requirement, and a violation will be written when a fire inspection is not submitted to your child care consultant within the time period stated below: 10A NCAC 09 .0304 ON-GOING REQUIREMENTS FOR A LICENSE (a)Each operator shall schedule and obtain a fire inspection within 12 months of the center's previous fire inspection. The operator shall notify the local fire inspector when it is time for the center's annual fire inspection. The operator shall submit the original of the approved annual fire inspection report to the Division within one week of the inspection visit on the form provided by the Division. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0701 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/1/2024 Number Present: 32 Completed Date: 2/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 123 Time In: 01:12 PM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a follow-up visit and to verify compliance with the staff-to-child ratio, adequate and approved space, and criminal back ground check violations documented during the routine unannounced visit on January 25, 2024. You, Melissa Bullock, were present and available to assist with today’s visit. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Thirty-two (32) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Children were observed napping and playing with developmentally appropriate toys. The following child care requirements were monitored: Adequate approved space, permit restrictions, capacity, supervision, and staff-to-child ratio. Two (2) new staff files were reviewed today. The following violations documented during the routine unannounced visit conducted on January 25, 2024, was monitored for compliance during this visit and enrollment was completed: #1245-For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. MS. Varnell moved one child to space Number five (#5). This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) #1756-Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. There was only one teacher present. This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2818. #1041-Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024, Ms. Clayton did not have a qualifying criminal back ground check on file. This is a violation of a requirement in G.S. 110-90.2(b). Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. A hand-written visit summary was left with you today due to connectivity problems. A computer generated visit summary and enrollment will be emailed to you. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. New employee, Leslie Horton, with her first day of employment as January 29, 2024, did not have a medical statement on file prior to her first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Ms. Horton's first day of employment was 1/29/24 and there was a not a negative TB test on file for review. .0701(a) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Ms. Horton had proof of review of the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy on file, however the policy was signed on February 1, 2024, and her first day of employment was January 29, 2024. .0608(d)(1-4) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 15, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur, please contact me at 252-557-5597 9 or email me at the above-mentioned email address to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: Prior to conducting today’s visit, your compliance history score over an 18-month timeframe is 81%. You were reminded child care programs must maintain a Compliance History Score of 75% or higher to continue operating with a star rated license. I explained if a program’s Compliance History score falls below 75% an Administrative Action may be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: STAF/CHILD RATIO: When I arrived, there were no children present in space number five (5). When asked why there were no children in space number five (#5), you stated the room was closed due to illness. Seven (7) one-year-old children were present today, but they were combined in space number three (#3). In space number three (#3) there were a total of 10 children ages zero (0) to one (1) year old, with the following two (2) teachers present: Melissa Bullock and Kayle Ellis. Staff/child ratios were incompliance. Please continue to follow staff-to-child ratios and refer to the ratio charts posted in each of the classrooms. You will also want to continue to provide training during orientation about group sizes and staff-to-child ratio for any new staff before they provide care for children. The classroom may never be out of ratio. Please refer to the classroom staff to child ratio charts located in each classroom for reference. ADEQUATE AND APPROVED SPACE: In space number four (#4) there were six children present, which consisted of six (6) two-year-olds. Please remember the room capacity for this space is no more than eighteen (18) children. Adequate and approved space was incompliance. You informed me during the last visit on January 25, 2024,that you have several part-time children enrolled in your program. Please consider developing policies for your parents and for your staff to ensure you do not have more children attending than the room capacity allows. CRIMINAL BACKGOURND CHECK: Upon arrival I verified that Angelina Clayton was not on the premises. I reviewed the ABCMS portal and Ms. Clayton’s criminal background check letter is still in process. Please remember Ms. Clayton may not return to the facility until she has a qualifying criminal background check letter on file. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: MEDICAL: New Employee, Leslie Horton, with her first day of employment of January 29, 2024, did not have a medical statement on file prior to her first day of employment. All new employees must have a medical statement on file prior to the first day of employment. Ms. Horton had a report showing she had a TB test completed on September 28, 2023; however, the report did not show when the TB test was read, and it did not have a negative TB diagnosis. All employees must have proof of a negative TB test on file prior to the first day of employment. PREVENTION OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA POLICY: Ms. Horton had proof of review of the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy on file, however the policy was signed on February 1, 2024, and her first day of employment was January 29, 2024. Remember the policy needs to be signed prior to caring for children. This was corrected during the visit. COMPLIANCE LETTER: As a reminder your compliance letter from the routine unannounced visit conducted on January 25, 2024 is due to me on or before February 8, 2024. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2809 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/1/2024 Number Present: 32 Completed Date: 2/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 123 Time In: 01:12 PM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a follow-up visit and to verify compliance with the staff-to-child ratio, adequate and approved space, and criminal back ground check violations documented during the routine unannounced visit on January 25, 2024. You, Melissa Bullock, were present and available to assist with today’s visit. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Thirty-two (32) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Children were observed napping and playing with developmentally appropriate toys. The following child care requirements were monitored: Adequate approved space, permit restrictions, capacity, supervision, and staff-to-child ratio. Two (2) new staff files were reviewed today. The following violations documented during the routine unannounced visit conducted on January 25, 2024, was monitored for compliance during this visit and enrollment was completed: #1245-For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. MS. Varnell moved one child to space Number five (#5). This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) #1756-Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. There was only one teacher present. This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2818. #1041-Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024, Ms. Clayton did not have a qualifying criminal back ground check on file. This is a violation of a requirement in G.S. 110-90.2(b). Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. A hand-written visit summary was left with you today due to connectivity problems. A computer generated visit summary and enrollment will be emailed to you. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. New employee, Leslie Horton, with her first day of employment as January 29, 2024, did not have a medical statement on file prior to her first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Ms. Horton's first day of employment was 1/29/24 and there was a not a negative TB test on file for review. .0701(a) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Ms. Horton had proof of review of the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy on file, however the policy was signed on February 1, 2024, and her first day of employment was January 29, 2024. .0608(d)(1-4) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 15, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur, please contact me at 252-557-5597 9 or email me at the above-mentioned email address to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: Prior to conducting today’s visit, your compliance history score over an 18-month timeframe is 81%. You were reminded child care programs must maintain a Compliance History Score of 75% or higher to continue operating with a star rated license. I explained if a program’s Compliance History score falls below 75% an Administrative Action may be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: STAF/CHILD RATIO: When I arrived, there were no children present in space number five (5). When asked why there were no children in space number five (#5), you stated the room was closed due to illness. Seven (7) one-year-old children were present today, but they were combined in space number three (#3). In space number three (#3) there were a total of 10 children ages zero (0) to one (1) year old, with the following two (2) teachers present: Melissa Bullock and Kayle Ellis. Staff/child ratios were incompliance. Please continue to follow staff-to-child ratios and refer to the ratio charts posted in each of the classrooms. You will also want to continue to provide training during orientation about group sizes and staff-to-child ratio for any new staff before they provide care for children. The classroom may never be out of ratio. Please refer to the classroom staff to child ratio charts located in each classroom for reference. ADEQUATE AND APPROVED SPACE: In space number four (#4) there were six children present, which consisted of six (6) two-year-olds. Please remember the room capacity for this space is no more than eighteen (18) children. Adequate and approved space was incompliance. You informed me during the last visit on January 25, 2024,that you have several part-time children enrolled in your program. Please consider developing policies for your parents and for your staff to ensure you do not have more children attending than the room capacity allows. CRIMINAL BACKGOURND CHECK: Upon arrival I verified that Angelina Clayton was not on the premises. I reviewed the ABCMS portal and Ms. Clayton’s criminal background check letter is still in process. Please remember Ms. Clayton may not return to the facility until she has a qualifying criminal background check letter on file. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: MEDICAL: New Employee, Leslie Horton, with her first day of employment of January 29, 2024, did not have a medical statement on file prior to her first day of employment. All new employees must have a medical statement on file prior to the first day of employment. Ms. Horton had a report showing she had a TB test completed on September 28, 2023; however, the report did not show when the TB test was read, and it did not have a negative TB diagnosis. All employees must have proof of a negative TB test on file prior to the first day of employment. PREVENTION OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA POLICY: Ms. Horton had proof of review of the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy on file, however the policy was signed on February 1, 2024, and her first day of employment was January 29, 2024. Remember the policy needs to be signed prior to caring for children. This was corrected during the visit. COMPLIANCE LETTER: As a reminder your compliance letter from the routine unannounced visit conducted on January 25, 2024 is due to me on or before February 8, 2024. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/1/2024 Number Present: 32 Completed Date: 2/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 123 Time In: 01:12 PM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a follow-up visit and to verify compliance with the staff-to-child ratio, adequate and approved space, and criminal back ground check violations documented during the routine unannounced visit on January 25, 2024. You, Melissa Bullock, were present and available to assist with today’s visit. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Thirty-two (32) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Children were observed napping and playing with developmentally appropriate toys. The following child care requirements were monitored: Adequate approved space, permit restrictions, capacity, supervision, and staff-to-child ratio. Two (2) new staff files were reviewed today. The following violations documented during the routine unannounced visit conducted on January 25, 2024, was monitored for compliance during this visit and enrollment was completed: #1245-For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. MS. Varnell moved one child to space Number five (#5). This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) #1756-Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. There was only one teacher present. This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2818. #1041-Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024, Ms. Clayton did not have a qualifying criminal back ground check on file. This is a violation of a requirement in G.S. 110-90.2(b). Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. A hand-written visit summary was left with you today due to connectivity problems. A computer generated visit summary and enrollment will be emailed to you. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. New employee, Leslie Horton, with her first day of employment as January 29, 2024, did not have a medical statement on file prior to her first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Ms. Horton's first day of employment was 1/29/24 and there was a not a negative TB test on file for review. .0701(a) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Ms. Horton had proof of review of the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy on file, however the policy was signed on February 1, 2024, and her first day of employment was January 29, 2024. .0608(d)(1-4) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 15, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur, please contact me at 252-557-5597 9 or email me at the above-mentioned email address to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: Prior to conducting today’s visit, your compliance history score over an 18-month timeframe is 81%. You were reminded child care programs must maintain a Compliance History Score of 75% or higher to continue operating with a star rated license. I explained if a program’s Compliance History score falls below 75% an Administrative Action may be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: STAF/CHILD RATIO: When I arrived, there were no children present in space number five (5). When asked why there were no children in space number five (#5), you stated the room was closed due to illness. Seven (7) one-year-old children were present today, but they were combined in space number three (#3). In space number three (#3) there were a total of 10 children ages zero (0) to one (1) year old, with the following two (2) teachers present: Melissa Bullock and Kayle Ellis. Staff/child ratios were incompliance. Please continue to follow staff-to-child ratios and refer to the ratio charts posted in each of the classrooms. You will also want to continue to provide training during orientation about group sizes and staff-to-child ratio for any new staff before they provide care for children. The classroom may never be out of ratio. Please refer to the classroom staff to child ratio charts located in each classroom for reference. ADEQUATE AND APPROVED SPACE: In space number four (#4) there were six children present, which consisted of six (6) two-year-olds. Please remember the room capacity for this space is no more than eighteen (18) children. Adequate and approved space was incompliance. You informed me during the last visit on January 25, 2024,that you have several part-time children enrolled in your program. Please consider developing policies for your parents and for your staff to ensure you do not have more children attending than the room capacity allows. CRIMINAL BACKGOURND CHECK: Upon arrival I verified that Angelina Clayton was not on the premises. I reviewed the ABCMS portal and Ms. Clayton’s criminal background check letter is still in process. Please remember Ms. Clayton may not return to the facility until she has a qualifying criminal background check letter on file. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: MEDICAL: New Employee, Leslie Horton, with her first day of employment of January 29, 2024, did not have a medical statement on file prior to her first day of employment. All new employees must have a medical statement on file prior to the first day of employment. Ms. Horton had a report showing she had a TB test completed on September 28, 2023; however, the report did not show when the TB test was read, and it did not have a negative TB diagnosis. All employees must have proof of a negative TB test on file prior to the first day of employment. PREVENTION OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA POLICY: Ms. Horton had proof of review of the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy on file, however the policy was signed on February 1, 2024, and her first day of employment was January 29, 2024. Remember the policy needs to be signed prior to caring for children. This was corrected during the visit. COMPLIANCE LETTER: As a reminder your compliance letter from the routine unannounced visit conducted on January 25, 2024 is due to me on or before February 8, 2024. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/1/2024 Number Present: 32 Completed Date: 2/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 123 Time In: 01:12 PM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a follow-up visit and to verify compliance with the staff-to-child ratio, adequate and approved space, and criminal back ground check violations documented during the routine unannounced visit on January 25, 2024. You, Melissa Bullock, were present and available to assist with today’s visit. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Thirty-two (32) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Children were observed napping and playing with developmentally appropriate toys. The following child care requirements were monitored: Adequate approved space, permit restrictions, capacity, supervision, and staff-to-child ratio. Two (2) new staff files were reviewed today. The following violations documented during the routine unannounced visit conducted on January 25, 2024, was monitored for compliance during this visit and enrollment was completed: #1245-For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. MS. Varnell moved one child to space Number five (#5). This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) #1756-Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. There was only one teacher present. This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2818. #1041-Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024, Ms. Clayton did not have a qualifying criminal back ground check on file. This is a violation of a requirement in G.S. 110-90.2(b). Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. A hand-written visit summary was left with you today due to connectivity problems. A computer generated visit summary and enrollment will be emailed to you. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. New employee, Leslie Horton, with her first day of employment as January 29, 2024, did not have a medical statement on file prior to her first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Ms. Horton's first day of employment was 1/29/24 and there was a not a negative TB test on file for review. .0701(a) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Ms. Horton had proof of review of the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy on file, however the policy was signed on February 1, 2024, and her first day of employment was January 29, 2024. .0608(d)(1-4) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 15, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur, please contact me at 252-557-5597 9 or email me at the above-mentioned email address to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: Prior to conducting today’s visit, your compliance history score over an 18-month timeframe is 81%. You were reminded child care programs must maintain a Compliance History Score of 75% or higher to continue operating with a star rated license. I explained if a program’s Compliance History score falls below 75% an Administrative Action may be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: STAF/CHILD RATIO: When I arrived, there were no children present in space number five (5). When asked why there were no children in space number five (#5), you stated the room was closed due to illness. Seven (7) one-year-old children were present today, but they were combined in space number three (#3). In space number three (#3) there were a total of 10 children ages zero (0) to one (1) year old, with the following two (2) teachers present: Melissa Bullock and Kayle Ellis. Staff/child ratios were incompliance. Please continue to follow staff-to-child ratios and refer to the ratio charts posted in each of the classrooms. You will also want to continue to provide training during orientation about group sizes and staff-to-child ratio for any new staff before they provide care for children. The classroom may never be out of ratio. Please refer to the classroom staff to child ratio charts located in each classroom for reference. ADEQUATE AND APPROVED SPACE: In space number four (#4) there were six children present, which consisted of six (6) two-year-olds. Please remember the room capacity for this space is no more than eighteen (18) children. Adequate and approved space was incompliance. You informed me during the last visit on January 25, 2024,that you have several part-time children enrolled in your program. Please consider developing policies for your parents and for your staff to ensure you do not have more children attending than the room capacity allows. CRIMINAL BACKGOURND CHECK: Upon arrival I verified that Angelina Clayton was not on the premises. I reviewed the ABCMS portal and Ms. Clayton’s criminal background check letter is still in process. Please remember Ms. Clayton may not return to the facility until she has a qualifying criminal background check letter on file. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: MEDICAL: New Employee, Leslie Horton, with her first day of employment of January 29, 2024, did not have a medical statement on file prior to her first day of employment. All new employees must have a medical statement on file prior to the first day of employment. Ms. Horton had a report showing she had a TB test completed on September 28, 2023; however, the report did not show when the TB test was read, and it did not have a negative TB diagnosis. All employees must have proof of a negative TB test on file prior to the first day of employment. PREVENTION OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA POLICY: Ms. Horton had proof of review of the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy on file, however the policy was signed on February 1, 2024, and her first day of employment was January 29, 2024. Remember the policy needs to be signed prior to caring for children. This was corrected during the visit. COMPLIANCE LETTER: As a reminder your compliance letter from the routine unannounced visit conducted on January 25, 2024 is due to me on or before February 8, 2024. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 2/1/2024 Number Present: 32 Completed Date: 2/1/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 123 Time In: 01:12 PM Time Out: 03:15 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a follow-up visit and to verify compliance with the staff-to-child ratio, adequate and approved space, and criminal back ground check violations documented during the routine unannounced visit on January 25, 2024. You, Melissa Bullock, were present and available to assist with today’s visit. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Thirty-two (32) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. Children were observed napping and playing with developmentally appropriate toys. The following child care requirements were monitored: Adequate approved space, permit restrictions, capacity, supervision, and staff-to-child ratio. Two (2) new staff files were reviewed today. The following violations documented during the routine unannounced visit conducted on January 25, 2024, was monitored for compliance during this visit and enrollment was completed: #1245-For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. MS. Varnell moved one child to space Number five (#5). This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) #1756-Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. There was only one teacher present. This is a violation of a requirement in 10A NCAC 09 .2818. #1041-Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024, Ms. Clayton did not have a qualifying criminal back ground check on file. This is a violation of a requirement in G.S. 110-90.2(b). Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. A hand-written visit summary was left with you today due to connectivity problems. A computer generated visit summary and enrollment will be emailed to you. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: Violation Number Comment Rule 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. New employee, Leslie Horton, with her first day of employment as January 29, 2024, did not have a medical statement on file prior to her first day of employment. 10A NCAC 09 .0701(a) 1033 On or before the first day of work, all staff, including the director and individuals who volunteer more than once per week did not provide results indicating that they were free of active TB and/or TB test or screening was older than 12 months. Ms. Horton's first day of employment was 1/29/24 and there was a not a negative TB test on file for review. .0701(a) 1874 The Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma policy was not reviewed with new staff prior to providing care with children and/or a signed acknowledgement with all the required information was not maintained in the staff person's file. Ms. Horton had proof of review of the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy on file, however the policy was signed on February 1, 2024, and her first day of employment was January 29, 2024. .0608(d)(1-4) Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 15, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur, please contact me at 252-557-5597 9 or email me at the above-mentioned email address to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: Prior to conducting today’s visit, your compliance history score over an 18-month timeframe is 81%. You were reminded child care programs must maintain a Compliance History Score of 75% or higher to continue operating with a star rated license. I explained if a program’s Compliance History score falls below 75% an Administrative Action may be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: STAF/CHILD RATIO: When I arrived, there were no children present in space number five (5). When asked why there were no children in space number five (#5), you stated the room was closed due to illness. Seven (7) one-year-old children were present today, but they were combined in space number three (#3). In space number three (#3) there were a total of 10 children ages zero (0) to one (1) year old, with the following two (2) teachers present: Melissa Bullock and Kayle Ellis. Staff/child ratios were incompliance. Please continue to follow staff-to-child ratios and refer to the ratio charts posted in each of the classrooms. You will also want to continue to provide training during orientation about group sizes and staff-to-child ratio for any new staff before they provide care for children. The classroom may never be out of ratio. Please refer to the classroom staff to child ratio charts located in each classroom for reference. ADEQUATE AND APPROVED SPACE: In space number four (#4) there were six children present, which consisted of six (6) two-year-olds. Please remember the room capacity for this space is no more than eighteen (18) children. Adequate and approved space was incompliance. You informed me during the last visit on January 25, 2024,that you have several part-time children enrolled in your program. Please consider developing policies for your parents and for your staff to ensure you do not have more children attending than the room capacity allows. CRIMINAL BACKGOURND CHECK: Upon arrival I verified that Angelina Clayton was not on the premises. I reviewed the ABCMS portal and Ms. Clayton’s criminal background check letter is still in process. Please remember Ms. Clayton may not return to the facility until she has a qualifying criminal background check letter on file. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: MEDICAL: New Employee, Leslie Horton, with her first day of employment of January 29, 2024, did not have a medical statement on file prior to her first day of employment. All new employees must have a medical statement on file prior to the first day of employment. Ms. Horton had a report showing she had a TB test completed on September 28, 2023; however, the report did not show when the TB test was read, and it did not have a negative TB diagnosis. All employees must have proof of a negative TB test on file prior to the first day of employment. PREVENTION OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AND ABUSIVE HEAD TRAUMA POLICY: Ms. Horton had proof of review of the prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma policy on file, however the policy was signed on February 1, 2024, and her first day of employment was January 29, 2024. Remember the policy needs to be signed prior to caring for children. This was corrected during the visit. COMPLIANCE LETTER: As a reminder your compliance letter from the routine unannounced visit conducted on January 25, 2024 is due to me on or before February 8, 2024. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .0304 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/25/2024 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 1/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 12:25 PM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, You, Heather Varnell were not present. I began my walk through, and Ms. Taylor stated you had left the building and would be returning soon. You arrived shortly after the visit began and assisted with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on June 28, 2023, with a “Superior” classification “7” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-Seven (47) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, due to the weather the outdoor areas were not monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were not incompliance. Children were observed sleeping during naptime. I reviewed one (1) new staff file today. The following were monitored: Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, First Aid, CPR, ITS SIDS, Special Training, CBC Qualification, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Administration of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, Permit Restrictions, and Program Records. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. The last fire inspection was conducted on October 19, 2024, however it was not submitted to the child care consultant within a week of completion. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024, Ms. Clayton did not have a qualifying criminal back ground check on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, and did not have documentation of orientation within the first two weeks of hire. .1101(a)(b) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. MS. Varnell moved one child to space Number five (#5). 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. There was only one teacher present. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 8, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 83%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024. When I arrived, Ms. Clayton was in space number two (#2) alone with 12 children from ages three (3) to four (4). When I asked Ms. Varnell for her file, she gave the file to me and said we are still waiting for her Criminal Record Check to come in. I looked up Ms. Clayton in the ABCMS portal and it stated it was still in process. I informed Ms. Varnell that Ms. Clayton may finish out the day but may not return to the center until she has a qualifying Criminal Background Check letter on file. NEW EMPLOYEE FILE: Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, the following items were not available for review in the file: Orientation for the first two weeks of hire was not completed. six clock hours of orientation need to be completed within the first two weeks of hire. Please the staff orientation check list located on the DCDEE website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. ADEQUATE AND APPROVED SPACE: In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. Ms. Varnell moved one child to space number two (#2). Ms. Varnell stated that normally if there are too many children, she moves a child to space number two (#2), however she was not aware that the 19th child came into the classroom. She said she would review with her staff the room capacity for each classroom. This was corrected during the visit. I also reminded Ms. Varnell to use her ratio charts posted in each classroom. STAFF CHILD RATIO: In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. Paula Taylor was the only teacher in the classroom with the children. When asked if there was another teacher with her, Ms. Taylor said, “She is on her break.” When I informed Ms. Varnell that space number (#5) was out of ratio, she stated she thought children during naptime could only have one teacher. I informed Ms. Varnell of the following child care rule: 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (b) for groups of children aged two years or older, the staff/child ratio during nap time shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter if at least one person remains in the room, all children are visible to that person, and the total number of required staff are on the premises and within calling distance of the rooms occupied by children. As a reminder one year old children do not follow under the 10A NCAC 09 .1801 rule. You must maintain a one to six ratio at all times. FIRE INSPECTIONS: You had a fire inspection completed on October 19, 2023; however, you did not submit the fire inspection to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. Please remember fire inspections must be submitted to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, or training. We discussed making sure the four new employees you hired submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. ASBESTOS AND LEAD-BASED PAINT: New Funding Opportunity to Address Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint in Licensed Child Care Facilities The NCDHHS, Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU) is providing a presentation regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Reimbursement Program for NC Licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes. Under the ARPA Reimbursement Program licensed facilities can be reimbursed up to 100% for eligible expenses related to asbestos or lead-based paint abatement or remediation activities. Funding for reimbursement will be available until December 31, 2026, or until it is depleted, whichever comes first. Session for Licensed Child Care Centers February 5, 2024 1:00-2:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 161 338 4701 Passcode: 327323 Session for Licensed Family Child Care Home February 5, 2024 7:00-8:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 160 302 5830 Passcode: 895316 For more information, visit the Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Reimbursement Program. CHILD CARE HEALTH CONSULTANTS ARE HERE TO HELP: CCHCs are trained to focus on health and safety in the child care environment. This includes illness and infectious disease. As part of their role, CCHCs use the North Carolina Health and Safety Assessment and Encounter Tool (NC HSAET) to guide them while completing classroom assessments. The assessment results can be used to help child care programs plan and take steps to reduce the spread of illnesses. The CCHC can use the NC HSAET to observe: • Diapering • Handwashing • Toileting • Sanitation practices • Exclusion The chart below shows the number of facilities who worked with a CCHC to complete a classroom assessment from July 2022 to June 2023. EARLY CHILDHOOD EQUIVALENCY EXAM NOW ON DCDEE MOODLE: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. To take the exam, go to DCDEE Moodle and select Early Childhood Professional Development/Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)/North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam: https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/login/index.php EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: Want to be part of a movement to make a difference for early educators? Want to learn more about the early childhood system? Want to learn how to make your voice heard with policymakers? Apply now to join a Leadership Academy for early childhood educators and administrators! North Carolina Early Education Coalition is currently accepting applications from early childhood teachers and family child care home providers in North Carolina to join the Early Childhood Educator Leadership Academy! This series of interactive and engaging trainings will include information, resources, and in-depth conversations about: • The roots of the child care system in America and how it impacts early educators. • The early childhood systems of power and decision-making in our state. • Advocacy tips, tools, and strategies to help you share your story and advocate for the changes you want to see for yourself, young children and families, and your community. The Leadership Academy will include three (3), two-hour trainings that will take place virtually on Zoom during the months of April or May in the evenings. Upon completion of the full set of trainings, participants will receive compensation, free professional memberships, training credits and more! Space is limited, so please apply now! CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .1801 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/25/2024 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 1/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 12:25 PM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, You, Heather Varnell were not present. I began my walk through, and Ms. Taylor stated you had left the building and would be returning soon. You arrived shortly after the visit began and assisted with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on June 28, 2023, with a “Superior” classification “7” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-Seven (47) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, due to the weather the outdoor areas were not monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were not incompliance. Children were observed sleeping during naptime. I reviewed one (1) new staff file today. The following were monitored: Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, First Aid, CPR, ITS SIDS, Special Training, CBC Qualification, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Administration of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, Permit Restrictions, and Program Records. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. The last fire inspection was conducted on October 19, 2024, however it was not submitted to the child care consultant within a week of completion. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024, Ms. Clayton did not have a qualifying criminal back ground check on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, and did not have documentation of orientation within the first two weeks of hire. .1101(a)(b) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. MS. Varnell moved one child to space Number five (#5). 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. There was only one teacher present. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 8, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 83%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024. When I arrived, Ms. Clayton was in space number two (#2) alone with 12 children from ages three (3) to four (4). When I asked Ms. Varnell for her file, she gave the file to me and said we are still waiting for her Criminal Record Check to come in. I looked up Ms. Clayton in the ABCMS portal and it stated it was still in process. I informed Ms. Varnell that Ms. Clayton may finish out the day but may not return to the center until she has a qualifying Criminal Background Check letter on file. NEW EMPLOYEE FILE: Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, the following items were not available for review in the file: Orientation for the first two weeks of hire was not completed. six clock hours of orientation need to be completed within the first two weeks of hire. Please the staff orientation check list located on the DCDEE website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. ADEQUATE AND APPROVED SPACE: In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. Ms. Varnell moved one child to space number two (#2). Ms. Varnell stated that normally if there are too many children, she moves a child to space number two (#2), however she was not aware that the 19th child came into the classroom. She said she would review with her staff the room capacity for each classroom. This was corrected during the visit. I also reminded Ms. Varnell to use her ratio charts posted in each classroom. STAFF CHILD RATIO: In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. Paula Taylor was the only teacher in the classroom with the children. When asked if there was another teacher with her, Ms. Taylor said, “She is on her break.” When I informed Ms. Varnell that space number (#5) was out of ratio, she stated she thought children during naptime could only have one teacher. I informed Ms. Varnell of the following child care rule: 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (b) for groups of children aged two years or older, the staff/child ratio during nap time shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter if at least one person remains in the room, all children are visible to that person, and the total number of required staff are on the premises and within calling distance of the rooms occupied by children. As a reminder one year old children do not follow under the 10A NCAC 09 .1801 rule. You must maintain a one to six ratio at all times. FIRE INSPECTIONS: You had a fire inspection completed on October 19, 2023; however, you did not submit the fire inspection to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. Please remember fire inspections must be submitted to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, or training. We discussed making sure the four new employees you hired submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. ASBESTOS AND LEAD-BASED PAINT: New Funding Opportunity to Address Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint in Licensed Child Care Facilities The NCDHHS, Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU) is providing a presentation regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Reimbursement Program for NC Licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes. Under the ARPA Reimbursement Program licensed facilities can be reimbursed up to 100% for eligible expenses related to asbestos or lead-based paint abatement or remediation activities. Funding for reimbursement will be available until December 31, 2026, or until it is depleted, whichever comes first. Session for Licensed Child Care Centers February 5, 2024 1:00-2:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 161 338 4701 Passcode: 327323 Session for Licensed Family Child Care Home February 5, 2024 7:00-8:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 160 302 5830 Passcode: 895316 For more information, visit the Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Reimbursement Program. CHILD CARE HEALTH CONSULTANTS ARE HERE TO HELP: CCHCs are trained to focus on health and safety in the child care environment. This includes illness and infectious disease. As part of their role, CCHCs use the North Carolina Health and Safety Assessment and Encounter Tool (NC HSAET) to guide them while completing classroom assessments. The assessment results can be used to help child care programs plan and take steps to reduce the spread of illnesses. The CCHC can use the NC HSAET to observe: • Diapering • Handwashing • Toileting • Sanitation practices • Exclusion The chart below shows the number of facilities who worked with a CCHC to complete a classroom assessment from July 2022 to June 2023. EARLY CHILDHOOD EQUIVALENCY EXAM NOW ON DCDEE MOODLE: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. To take the exam, go to DCDEE Moodle and select Early Childhood Professional Development/Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)/North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam: https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/login/index.php EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: Want to be part of a movement to make a difference for early educators? Want to learn more about the early childhood system? Want to learn how to make your voice heard with policymakers? Apply now to join a Leadership Academy for early childhood educators and administrators! North Carolina Early Education Coalition is currently accepting applications from early childhood teachers and family child care home providers in North Carolina to join the Early Childhood Educator Leadership Academy! This series of interactive and engaging trainings will include information, resources, and in-depth conversations about: • The roots of the child care system in America and how it impacts early educators. • The early childhood systems of power and decision-making in our state. • Advocacy tips, tools, and strategies to help you share your story and advocate for the changes you want to see for yourself, young children and families, and your community. The Leadership Academy will include three (3), two-hour trainings that will take place virtually on Zoom during the months of April or May in the evenings. Upon completion of the full set of trainings, participants will receive compensation, free professional memberships, training credits and more! Space is limited, so please apply now! CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2809 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/25/2024 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 1/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 12:25 PM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, You, Heather Varnell were not present. I began my walk through, and Ms. Taylor stated you had left the building and would be returning soon. You arrived shortly after the visit began and assisted with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on June 28, 2023, with a “Superior” classification “7” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-Seven (47) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, due to the weather the outdoor areas were not monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were not incompliance. Children were observed sleeping during naptime. I reviewed one (1) new staff file today. The following were monitored: Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, First Aid, CPR, ITS SIDS, Special Training, CBC Qualification, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Administration of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, Permit Restrictions, and Program Records. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. The last fire inspection was conducted on October 19, 2024, however it was not submitted to the child care consultant within a week of completion. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024, Ms. Clayton did not have a qualifying criminal back ground check on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, and did not have documentation of orientation within the first two weeks of hire. .1101(a)(b) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. MS. Varnell moved one child to space Number five (#5). 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. There was only one teacher present. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 8, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 83%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024. When I arrived, Ms. Clayton was in space number two (#2) alone with 12 children from ages three (3) to four (4). When I asked Ms. Varnell for her file, she gave the file to me and said we are still waiting for her Criminal Record Check to come in. I looked up Ms. Clayton in the ABCMS portal and it stated it was still in process. I informed Ms. Varnell that Ms. Clayton may finish out the day but may not return to the center until she has a qualifying Criminal Background Check letter on file. NEW EMPLOYEE FILE: Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, the following items were not available for review in the file: Orientation for the first two weeks of hire was not completed. six clock hours of orientation need to be completed within the first two weeks of hire. Please the staff orientation check list located on the DCDEE website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. ADEQUATE AND APPROVED SPACE: In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. Ms. Varnell moved one child to space number two (#2). Ms. Varnell stated that normally if there are too many children, she moves a child to space number two (#2), however she was not aware that the 19th child came into the classroom. She said she would review with her staff the room capacity for each classroom. This was corrected during the visit. I also reminded Ms. Varnell to use her ratio charts posted in each classroom. STAFF CHILD RATIO: In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. Paula Taylor was the only teacher in the classroom with the children. When asked if there was another teacher with her, Ms. Taylor said, “She is on her break.” When I informed Ms. Varnell that space number (#5) was out of ratio, she stated she thought children during naptime could only have one teacher. I informed Ms. Varnell of the following child care rule: 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (b) for groups of children aged two years or older, the staff/child ratio during nap time shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter if at least one person remains in the room, all children are visible to that person, and the total number of required staff are on the premises and within calling distance of the rooms occupied by children. As a reminder one year old children do not follow under the 10A NCAC 09 .1801 rule. You must maintain a one to six ratio at all times. FIRE INSPECTIONS: You had a fire inspection completed on October 19, 2023; however, you did not submit the fire inspection to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. Please remember fire inspections must be submitted to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, or training. We discussed making sure the four new employees you hired submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. ASBESTOS AND LEAD-BASED PAINT: New Funding Opportunity to Address Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint in Licensed Child Care Facilities The NCDHHS, Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU) is providing a presentation regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Reimbursement Program for NC Licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes. Under the ARPA Reimbursement Program licensed facilities can be reimbursed up to 100% for eligible expenses related to asbestos or lead-based paint abatement or remediation activities. Funding for reimbursement will be available until December 31, 2026, or until it is depleted, whichever comes first. Session for Licensed Child Care Centers February 5, 2024 1:00-2:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 161 338 4701 Passcode: 327323 Session for Licensed Family Child Care Home February 5, 2024 7:00-8:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 160 302 5830 Passcode: 895316 For more information, visit the Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Reimbursement Program. CHILD CARE HEALTH CONSULTANTS ARE HERE TO HELP: CCHCs are trained to focus on health and safety in the child care environment. This includes illness and infectious disease. As part of their role, CCHCs use the North Carolina Health and Safety Assessment and Encounter Tool (NC HSAET) to guide them while completing classroom assessments. The assessment results can be used to help child care programs plan and take steps to reduce the spread of illnesses. The CCHC can use the NC HSAET to observe: • Diapering • Handwashing • Toileting • Sanitation practices • Exclusion The chart below shows the number of facilities who worked with a CCHC to complete a classroom assessment from July 2022 to June 2023. EARLY CHILDHOOD EQUIVALENCY EXAM NOW ON DCDEE MOODLE: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. To take the exam, go to DCDEE Moodle and select Early Childhood Professional Development/Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)/North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam: https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/login/index.php EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: Want to be part of a movement to make a difference for early educators? Want to learn more about the early childhood system? Want to learn how to make your voice heard with policymakers? Apply now to join a Leadership Academy for early childhood educators and administrators! North Carolina Early Education Coalition is currently accepting applications from early childhood teachers and family child care home providers in North Carolina to join the Early Childhood Educator Leadership Academy! This series of interactive and engaging trainings will include information, resources, and in-depth conversations about: • The roots of the child care system in America and how it impacts early educators. • The early childhood systems of power and decision-making in our state. • Advocacy tips, tools, and strategies to help you share your story and advocate for the changes you want to see for yourself, young children and families, and your community. The Leadership Academy will include three (3), two-hour trainings that will take place virtually on Zoom during the months of April or May in the evenings. Upon completion of the full set of trainings, participants will receive compensation, free professional memberships, training credits and more! Space is limited, so please apply now! CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2818 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/25/2024 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 1/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 12:25 PM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, You, Heather Varnell were not present. I began my walk through, and Ms. Taylor stated you had left the building and would be returning soon. You arrived shortly after the visit began and assisted with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on June 28, 2023, with a “Superior” classification “7” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-Seven (47) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, due to the weather the outdoor areas were not monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were not incompliance. Children were observed sleeping during naptime. I reviewed one (1) new staff file today. The following were monitored: Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, First Aid, CPR, ITS SIDS, Special Training, CBC Qualification, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Administration of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, Permit Restrictions, and Program Records. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. The last fire inspection was conducted on October 19, 2024, however it was not submitted to the child care consultant within a week of completion. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024, Ms. Clayton did not have a qualifying criminal back ground check on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, and did not have documentation of orientation within the first two weeks of hire. .1101(a)(b) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. MS. Varnell moved one child to space Number five (#5). 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. There was only one teacher present. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 8, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 83%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024. When I arrived, Ms. Clayton was in space number two (#2) alone with 12 children from ages three (3) to four (4). When I asked Ms. Varnell for her file, she gave the file to me and said we are still waiting for her Criminal Record Check to come in. I looked up Ms. Clayton in the ABCMS portal and it stated it was still in process. I informed Ms. Varnell that Ms. Clayton may finish out the day but may not return to the center until she has a qualifying Criminal Background Check letter on file. NEW EMPLOYEE FILE: Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, the following items were not available for review in the file: Orientation for the first two weeks of hire was not completed. six clock hours of orientation need to be completed within the first two weeks of hire. Please the staff orientation check list located on the DCDEE website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. ADEQUATE AND APPROVED SPACE: In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. Ms. Varnell moved one child to space number two (#2). Ms. Varnell stated that normally if there are too many children, she moves a child to space number two (#2), however she was not aware that the 19th child came into the classroom. She said she would review with her staff the room capacity for each classroom. This was corrected during the visit. I also reminded Ms. Varnell to use her ratio charts posted in each classroom. STAFF CHILD RATIO: In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. Paula Taylor was the only teacher in the classroom with the children. When asked if there was another teacher with her, Ms. Taylor said, “She is on her break.” When I informed Ms. Varnell that space number (#5) was out of ratio, she stated she thought children during naptime could only have one teacher. I informed Ms. Varnell of the following child care rule: 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (b) for groups of children aged two years or older, the staff/child ratio during nap time shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter if at least one person remains in the room, all children are visible to that person, and the total number of required staff are on the premises and within calling distance of the rooms occupied by children. As a reminder one year old children do not follow under the 10A NCAC 09 .1801 rule. You must maintain a one to six ratio at all times. FIRE INSPECTIONS: You had a fire inspection completed on October 19, 2023; however, you did not submit the fire inspection to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. Please remember fire inspections must be submitted to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, or training. We discussed making sure the four new employees you hired submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. ASBESTOS AND LEAD-BASED PAINT: New Funding Opportunity to Address Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint in Licensed Child Care Facilities The NCDHHS, Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU) is providing a presentation regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Reimbursement Program for NC Licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes. Under the ARPA Reimbursement Program licensed facilities can be reimbursed up to 100% for eligible expenses related to asbestos or lead-based paint abatement or remediation activities. Funding for reimbursement will be available until December 31, 2026, or until it is depleted, whichever comes first. Session for Licensed Child Care Centers February 5, 2024 1:00-2:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 161 338 4701 Passcode: 327323 Session for Licensed Family Child Care Home February 5, 2024 7:00-8:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 160 302 5830 Passcode: 895316 For more information, visit the Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Reimbursement Program. CHILD CARE HEALTH CONSULTANTS ARE HERE TO HELP: CCHCs are trained to focus on health and safety in the child care environment. This includes illness and infectious disease. As part of their role, CCHCs use the North Carolina Health and Safety Assessment and Encounter Tool (NC HSAET) to guide them while completing classroom assessments. The assessment results can be used to help child care programs plan and take steps to reduce the spread of illnesses. The CCHC can use the NC HSAET to observe: • Diapering • Handwashing • Toileting • Sanitation practices • Exclusion The chart below shows the number of facilities who worked with a CCHC to complete a classroom assessment from July 2022 to June 2023. EARLY CHILDHOOD EQUIVALENCY EXAM NOW ON DCDEE MOODLE: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. To take the exam, go to DCDEE Moodle and select Early Childhood Professional Development/Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)/North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam: https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/login/index.php EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: Want to be part of a movement to make a difference for early educators? Want to learn more about the early childhood system? Want to learn how to make your voice heard with policymakers? Apply now to join a Leadership Academy for early childhood educators and administrators! North Carolina Early Education Coalition is currently accepting applications from early childhood teachers and family child care home providers in North Carolina to join the Early Childhood Educator Leadership Academy! This series of interactive and engaging trainings will include information, resources, and in-depth conversations about: • The roots of the child care system in America and how it impacts early educators. • The early childhood systems of power and decision-making in our state. • Advocacy tips, tools, and strategies to help you share your story and advocate for the changes you want to see for yourself, young children and families, and your community. The Leadership Academy will include three (3), two-hour trainings that will take place virtually on Zoom during the months of April or May in the evenings. Upon completion of the full set of trainings, participants will receive compensation, free professional memberships, training credits and more! Space is limited, so please apply now! CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

G.S. 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/25/2024 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 1/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 12:25 PM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, You, Heather Varnell were not present. I began my walk through, and Ms. Taylor stated you had left the building and would be returning soon. You arrived shortly after the visit began and assisted with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on June 28, 2023, with a “Superior” classification “7” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-Seven (47) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, due to the weather the outdoor areas were not monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were not incompliance. Children were observed sleeping during naptime. I reviewed one (1) new staff file today. The following were monitored: Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, First Aid, CPR, ITS SIDS, Special Training, CBC Qualification, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Administration of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, Permit Restrictions, and Program Records. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. The last fire inspection was conducted on October 19, 2024, however it was not submitted to the child care consultant within a week of completion. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024, Ms. Clayton did not have a qualifying criminal back ground check on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, and did not have documentation of orientation within the first two weeks of hire. .1101(a)(b) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. MS. Varnell moved one child to space Number five (#5). 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. There was only one teacher present. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 8, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 83%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024. When I arrived, Ms. Clayton was in space number two (#2) alone with 12 children from ages three (3) to four (4). When I asked Ms. Varnell for her file, she gave the file to me and said we are still waiting for her Criminal Record Check to come in. I looked up Ms. Clayton in the ABCMS portal and it stated it was still in process. I informed Ms. Varnell that Ms. Clayton may finish out the day but may not return to the center until she has a qualifying Criminal Background Check letter on file. NEW EMPLOYEE FILE: Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, the following items were not available for review in the file: Orientation for the first two weeks of hire was not completed. six clock hours of orientation need to be completed within the first two weeks of hire. Please the staff orientation check list located on the DCDEE website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. ADEQUATE AND APPROVED SPACE: In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. Ms. Varnell moved one child to space number two (#2). Ms. Varnell stated that normally if there are too many children, she moves a child to space number two (#2), however she was not aware that the 19th child came into the classroom. She said she would review with her staff the room capacity for each classroom. This was corrected during the visit. I also reminded Ms. Varnell to use her ratio charts posted in each classroom. STAFF CHILD RATIO: In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. Paula Taylor was the only teacher in the classroom with the children. When asked if there was another teacher with her, Ms. Taylor said, “She is on her break.” When I informed Ms. Varnell that space number (#5) was out of ratio, she stated she thought children during naptime could only have one teacher. I informed Ms. Varnell of the following child care rule: 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (b) for groups of children aged two years or older, the staff/child ratio during nap time shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter if at least one person remains in the room, all children are visible to that person, and the total number of required staff are on the premises and within calling distance of the rooms occupied by children. As a reminder one year old children do not follow under the 10A NCAC 09 .1801 rule. You must maintain a one to six ratio at all times. FIRE INSPECTIONS: You had a fire inspection completed on October 19, 2023; however, you did not submit the fire inspection to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. Please remember fire inspections must be submitted to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, or training. We discussed making sure the four new employees you hired submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. ASBESTOS AND LEAD-BASED PAINT: New Funding Opportunity to Address Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint in Licensed Child Care Facilities The NCDHHS, Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU) is providing a presentation regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Reimbursement Program for NC Licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes. Under the ARPA Reimbursement Program licensed facilities can be reimbursed up to 100% for eligible expenses related to asbestos or lead-based paint abatement or remediation activities. Funding for reimbursement will be available until December 31, 2026, or until it is depleted, whichever comes first. Session for Licensed Child Care Centers February 5, 2024 1:00-2:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 161 338 4701 Passcode: 327323 Session for Licensed Family Child Care Home February 5, 2024 7:00-8:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 160 302 5830 Passcode: 895316 For more information, visit the Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Reimbursement Program. CHILD CARE HEALTH CONSULTANTS ARE HERE TO HELP: CCHCs are trained to focus on health and safety in the child care environment. This includes illness and infectious disease. As part of their role, CCHCs use the North Carolina Health and Safety Assessment and Encounter Tool (NC HSAET) to guide them while completing classroom assessments. The assessment results can be used to help child care programs plan and take steps to reduce the spread of illnesses. The CCHC can use the NC HSAET to observe: • Diapering • Handwashing • Toileting • Sanitation practices • Exclusion The chart below shows the number of facilities who worked with a CCHC to complete a classroom assessment from July 2022 to June 2023. EARLY CHILDHOOD EQUIVALENCY EXAM NOW ON DCDEE MOODLE: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. To take the exam, go to DCDEE Moodle and select Early Childhood Professional Development/Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)/North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam: https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/login/index.php EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: Want to be part of a movement to make a difference for early educators? Want to learn more about the early childhood system? Want to learn how to make your voice heard with policymakers? Apply now to join a Leadership Academy for early childhood educators and administrators! North Carolina Early Education Coalition is currently accepting applications from early childhood teachers and family child care home providers in North Carolina to join the Early Childhood Educator Leadership Academy! This series of interactive and engaging trainings will include information, resources, and in-depth conversations about: • The roots of the child care system in America and how it impacts early educators. • The early childhood systems of power and decision-making in our state. • Advocacy tips, tools, and strategies to help you share your story and advocate for the changes you want to see for yourself, young children and families, and your community. The Leadership Academy will include three (3), two-hour trainings that will take place virtually on Zoom during the months of April or May in the evenings. Upon completion of the full set of trainings, participants will receive compensation, free professional memberships, training credits and more! Space is limited, so please apply now! CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 1/25/2024 Number Present: 47 Completed Date: 1/25/2024 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 215 Time In: 12:25 PM Time Out: 04:00 PM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Routine Unannounced Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced visit was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements during a routine unannounced visit. Upon arrival, You, Heather Varnell were not present. I began my walk through, and Ms. Taylor stated you had left the building and would be returning soon. You arrived shortly after the visit began and assisted with today’s visit. Your program currently operates with a three-star license issued on April 7, 2020, earning one (1) point in the education component, six (6) points in the program standards component and one (1) quality point for the administrator completing a business training course of at least 30 clock hours. The last annual compliance visit was conducted on June 20, 2023. The sanitation inspection was completed on June 28, 2023, with a “Superior” classification “7” demerits. The fire inspection was completed on October 19, 2023, and the center was approved for daytime care only. The license was posted, and the restrictions were in compliance. Forty-Seven (47) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today, due to the weather the outdoor areas were not monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment. Supervision and Staff/child ratios were not incompliance. Children were observed sleeping during naptime. I reviewed one (1) new staff file today. The following were monitored: Supervision, Staff Child Ratio, First Aid, CPR, ITS SIDS, Special Training, CBC Qualification, Emergency Medical Care Plan, Storage of Hazardous Substances, Administration of Medication, Adequate/Approved Space, Permit Restrictions, and Program Records. Any violations of the child care requirements observed today were discussed with you and documented in the visit summary report and reviewed with you at the conclusion of the visit. The following violations of the child care requirements were documented today: 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. The last fire inspection was conducted on October 19, 2024, however it was not submitted to the child care consultant within a week of completion. 10A NCAC 09 .0304(a) 1041 Prior to employment a Criminal Background Check was not completed. Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024, Ms. Clayton did not have a qualifying criminal back ground check on file. G.S. 110-90.2(b) 1067 Each new employee did not complete, within the first two weeks of employment, six clock hours of training in required topic areas. Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, and did not have documentation of orientation within the first two weeks of hire. .1101(a)(b) 1245 For each child, there was not at least 30 sq. ft. inside space per the total licensed capacity and 100 sq. ft. outside space for each child using the outdoor learning environment at any one time. In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. MS. Varnell moved one child to space Number five (#5). 10A NCAC 09 .2809(a) 1756 Enhanced staff/child ratios and group sizes were not met. In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. There was only one teacher present. 10A NCAC 09 .2818 Child care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before February 8, 2024, I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit may be completed. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 Angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address on file with DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 The two-week time frame is established to allow you time for submitting your compliance letter. This time frame is not intended to be used as a guide for correcting violations, as they should be corrected immediately. Please be aware that any written information submitted by you regarding correction of violations documented during today's visit is legal documentation. Therefore, it is important that all information submitted be accurate and truthful. Please be aware that if it is determined that information submitted was inaccurate or willfully falsified, an Administrative Action, including Revocation of the facility's license could be issued. COMPLIANCE HISTORY: Prior to conducting today’s visit your center’s Compliance History score, over an 18-month period time frame, is 83%. The violations documented could impact the center’s overall Compliance History score. Your compliance score must be maintained at 75% or higher or an Administrative Action may be warranted. OWNERSHIP STATUS: H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. is listed as the current owner of this center. According to information verified on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website, H&K Varnell Enterprises, INC. remains current and active. Prior to making any changes to the corporation status, please contact me to discuss change of ownership procedures. The corporation status for your program must always remain current and active. Failure to comply may affect your license. FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occurs, please contact me at 252-557-5597 or email me at angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK: Angelina Clayton is a new employee and began work on January 2, 2024. When I arrived, Ms. Clayton was in space number two (#2) alone with 12 children from ages three (3) to four (4). When I asked Ms. Varnell for her file, she gave the file to me and said we are still waiting for her Criminal Record Check to come in. I looked up Ms. Clayton in the ABCMS portal and it stated it was still in process. I informed Ms. Varnell that Ms. Clayton may finish out the day but may not return to the center until she has a qualifying Criminal Background Check letter on file. NEW EMPLOYEE FILE: Ms. Clayton began working on January 2, 2024, the following items were not available for review in the file: Orientation for the first two weeks of hire was not completed. six clock hours of orientation need to be completed within the first two weeks of hire. Please the staff orientation check list located on the DCDEE website: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov/. ADEQUATE AND APPROVED SPACE: In room number four (#4) there were 19 children present, which consisted of Twelve (12) two-year-old children and nine (9) three-year-old children. The room capacity for space #4 is 18 children. Ms. Varnell moved one child to space number two (#2). Ms. Varnell stated that normally if there are too many children, she moves a child to space number two (#2), however she was not aware that the 19th child came into the classroom. She said she would review with her staff the room capacity for each classroom. This was corrected during the visit. I also reminded Ms. Varnell to use her ratio charts posted in each classroom. STAFF CHILD RATIO: In space number five (#5) there were ten (10) one-year-olds and one (1) two-year-old present for a total of eleven children. Paula Taylor was the only teacher in the classroom with the children. When asked if there was another teacher with her, Ms. Taylor said, “She is on her break.” When I informed Ms. Varnell that space number (#5) was out of ratio, she stated she thought children during naptime could only have one teacher. I informed Ms. Varnell of the following child care rule: 10A NCAC 09 .1801 SUPERVISION IN CHILD CARE CENTERS (b) for groups of children aged two years or older, the staff/child ratio during nap time shall comply with the requirements of this Chapter if at least one person remains in the room, all children are visible to that person, and the total number of required staff are on the premises and within calling distance of the rooms occupied by children. As a reminder one year old children do not follow under the 10A NCAC 09 .1801 rule. You must maintain a one to six ratio at all times. FIRE INSPECTIONS: You had a fire inspection completed on October 19, 2023; however, you did not submit the fire inspection to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. Please remember fire inspections must be submitted to your child care consultant within one (1) week of the inspection. DCDEE WORKS: Please continue to keep your Staff and Training worksheets up to date. Update the worksheets when changes are made, such as hiring new staff, additional coursework, or training. We discussed making sure the four new employees you hired submit any education transcripts to the “WORKS” system, so their education can be evaluated. If the education information is not in the “WORKS” system when the star-rated license is reassessed it could affect the points in Education Standards. Please contact the WORKS department if you have questions on what is needed. The information is below 919-814-6350 or dcdee.works@dhhs.nc.gov. PROVIDER ACCESS TO THE BACKGROUND CHECK MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: Beginning February 1, child care administrators can access the Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS) This access will allow providers to: • See the real-time background check status of staff members. • Run a printable report of the staff roster to assist with compliance visits. • See new background check applicants and add to staff roster. Access to the ABCMS requires the successful completion of a Moodle course consisting of a short video followed by a test. ASBESTOS AND LEAD-BASED PAINT: New Funding Opportunity to Address Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint in Licensed Child Care Facilities The NCDHHS, Health Hazards Control Unit (HHCU) is providing a presentation regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Reimbursement Program for NC Licensed Child Care Centers and Family Child Care Homes. Under the ARPA Reimbursement Program licensed facilities can be reimbursed up to 100% for eligible expenses related to asbestos or lead-based paint abatement or remediation activities. Funding for reimbursement will be available until December 31, 2026, or until it is depleted, whichever comes first. Session for Licensed Child Care Centers February 5, 2024 1:00-2:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 161 338 4701 Passcode: 327323 Session for Licensed Family Child Care Home February 5, 2024 7:00-8:00 PM Join the Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 160 302 5830 Passcode: 895316 For more information, visit the Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Reimbursement Program. CHILD CARE HEALTH CONSULTANTS ARE HERE TO HELP: CCHCs are trained to focus on health and safety in the child care environment. This includes illness and infectious disease. As part of their role, CCHCs use the North Carolina Health and Safety Assessment and Encounter Tool (NC HSAET) to guide them while completing classroom assessments. The assessment results can be used to help child care programs plan and take steps to reduce the spread of illnesses. The CCHC can use the NC HSAET to observe: • Diapering • Handwashing • Toileting • Sanitation practices • Exclusion The chart below shows the number of facilities who worked with a CCHC to complete a classroom assessment from July 2022 to June 2023. EARLY CHILDHOOD EQUIVALENCY EXAM NOW ON DCDEE MOODLE: The North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam is a new pathway option comparable to a NC Early Childhood Credential. Applicants who achieve a score of 80% or higher on the NC Early Childhood Equivalency Exam earn the new North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Certificate. This certificate is equivalent to a North Carolina Early Childhood Credential and will qualify the individual to be a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom. To take the exam, go to DCDEE Moodle and select Early Childhood Professional Development/Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)/North Carolina Early Childhood Equivalency Exam: https://www.dcdee.moodle.nc.gov/login/index.php EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR LEADERSHIP ACADEMY: Want to be part of a movement to make a difference for early educators? Want to learn more about the early childhood system? Want to learn how to make your voice heard with policymakers? Apply now to join a Leadership Academy for early childhood educators and administrators! North Carolina Early Education Coalition is currently accepting applications from early childhood teachers and family child care home providers in North Carolina to join the Early Childhood Educator Leadership Academy! This series of interactive and engaging trainings will include information, resources, and in-depth conversations about: • The roots of the child care system in America and how it impacts early educators. • The early childhood systems of power and decision-making in our state. • Advocacy tips, tools, and strategies to help you share your story and advocate for the changes you want to see for yourself, young children and families, and your community. The Leadership Academy will include three (3), two-hour trainings that will take place virtually on Zoom during the months of April or May in the evenings. Upon completion of the full set of trainings, participants will receive compensation, free professional memberships, training credits and more! Space is limited, so please apply now! CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, you may contact me at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov. You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/14/2023 Number Present: 28 Completed Date: 8/14/2023 Age: From 0 To 4 Total Minutes: 80 Time In: 09:40 AM Time Out: 11:00 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Unannounced Visit Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of my unannounced visit today was to monitor this facility for compliance with applicable child care requirements for a follow-up visit and to verify compliance with the staff-to-child ratio violation documented during the unannounced follow-up visit completed on August 2, 2020. Ramie Doll, Lead Child Care Consultant assisted with today’s visit. You, H. Varnell, Administrator, was present and available to assist with today’s visit. The center’s compliance history was reviewed with the operator. Twenty-eight (28) children from ages zero (0) to four (4) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor environment was also monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and outdoor environment. Staff/child ratios were observed to be in compliance. Infant aged children were interacting and playing on the floor with the teachers. Eleven toddler aged children were playing outside, six (6) on the playground and five (5) were playing on the porch located directly outside the classroom. The following child care requirements were monitored: Adequate approved space, permit restrictions, capacity, supervision, and staff-to-child ratio. The following violation documented during the August 2, 2023, visit was monitored for compliance during this visit and enrollment was completed: #301- Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. Space number four (4) had twelve (12) from ages two (2) to three (3) years old present and one teacher was with them outside. Space number five (5) had seven (7) children ages one (1) to two (2) years old present with one teacher outside. This is a violation of a requirement in GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-e). The following violation documented today was verified as corrected during the 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. One can of porch and floor sealant paint was observed on a cart at the end of the hallway adjacent to the door that leads to outdoor play area. .2820(b) FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur, please contact me at 252-557-5597 9 or email me at the above-mentioned email address to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: Prior to conducting today’s visit, your compliance history score over an 18-month timeframe is 89%. You were reminded child care program must maintain a Compliance History Score of 75% or higher to continue operating with a star rated license. I explained if a program’s Compliance History score falls below 75% an Administrative Action may be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: STAF/CHILD RATIO: When I arrived at the facility, four (4) of the five (5) classrooms were outside. Space three where infant aged children are cared for were inside playing on the floor and engaging in routine care activities. Eleven toddler aged children from space five (5) were playing outside, six (6) on the playground and five (5) were playing on the porch located directly outside the classroom. The children enrolled in space four (4) were not in attendance. The eleven children in space two (2) were outside playing on the playground. Staff/child ratios were incompliance. Please continue to follow staff-to-child ratios and refer to the ratio charts posted in each of the classrooms. You will also want to continue to provide training during orientation about group sizes and staff-to-child ratio for any new staff before they provide care for children. As a reminder, continue to discus with the teachers that when a child needs to be brought inside for caretaking needs, you must maintain staff-to-child ratio. The classroom may never be out of ratio. We discussed bringing the number of children inside when needed; to maintain staff child ratios both indoors and outdoors. Please refer to the classroom staff to child ratio charts located in each classroom for reference. HAZARDOUS ITEMS: One (1) can of porch and floor sealant paint was observed on a cart at the end of the hallway adjunct to the door that leads to the outdoor play area. When brought to your attention you immediately remove the sealant and locked it in a cabinet. Please remember all hazardous items must be kept in locked storage. The violation documented today was verified corrected during today’s visit. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

10A NCAC 09 .2204 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/2/2023 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 8/2/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 11:40 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced follow-up visit was to verify correction of violations documented during my annual compliance visit, on June 20, 2023. When I arrived you H. Varnell, administrator, were not present for the visit. I made J. Dunn aware of my visit. Ms. Dunn called you and made you aware of my visit. She stated you were at a doctor’s appointment and for me to have access to what I needed. Your office door was locked so I was not able to access the staff files. Thirty-one (31) children from ages zero (0) to three (3) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor environment was also monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and outdoor environment. Staff/child ratios were observed to be not in compliance. Infant aged children were interacting and playing on the floor with the teachers. The following child care requirements were monitored: Adequate approved space, permit restrictions, capacity, supervision, and staff-to-child ratio. The following violation documented during the June 20, 2023, visit was monitored for compliance during this visit and enrollment was completed: #1065-Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator and the lead teacher scheduled to work in the infant room did not have a current ITS SIDS certificate on file. The certificates on file expired on January 31, 2023. This is a violation of a requirement in .1102(f) Violation #1065 has not been corrected. I asked the two teachers in space number three (#3) if they had attended an ITS SIDS training and they both replied they had not. They both said they were scheduled to attend an ITS SIDS training on August 5, 2023. As stated in the June 20, 2023, visit summary, all violations must be corrected immediately and a compliance letter verifying this must be received by the established due date. At the time of today’s visit, a compliance letter had been received on June 9, 2023, verifying compliance for the following violations: #104 #862 #1034 #1824 #1124 You requested an extension for violation #1065. The compliance letter for #1065 was due to me by July 23, 2023, but was not received. Today, I verified the correction of item #1065 was not completed. Continued noncompliance may result in an administrative action per Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2204(6). The following violation was document today: Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. Space number four (4) had twelve (12) from ages two (2) to three (3) years old present and one teacher was with them outside. Space number five (5) had seven (7) children ages one (1) to two (2) years old present with one teacher outside. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 16, 2023. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur, please contact me at 252-557-5597 9 or email me at the above-mentioned email address to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: Prior to conducting today’s visit, your compliance history score over an 18-month timeframe is 90%. You were reminded child care program must maintain a Compliance History Score of 75% or higher to continue operating with a star rated license. I explained if a program’s Compliance History score falls below 75% an Administrative Action may be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: ITS SIDS TRAINING: Please remember all staff scheduled to work in a classroom with infants must complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or complete the training every three years. Child care administrators must complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. Your staff stated that they are scheduled to attend an ITS-SIDS training on August 5, 2023. STAF/CHILD RATIO: When I arrived at the facility, there was one teacher changing a child’s diaper in space number five (#5). After reviewing the attendance, she had a total of nine (9) children present, which left the other teacher with eight (8) children from ages one (1) to two (2) outside by herself. Another teacher from space number four (4) brought in another child to be changed which left the teacher from space number five (5) with seven (7) children outside. After reviewing the attendance for space number four (4) it was determined that twelve children from ages two (2) to three (3) years old were in attendance outside with the other teacher from space number four (4). Two (2) classrooms (space number four (4) and five (5)) were left out of staff-to-child ratio. I discussed with the teachers that when a child needs to be brought inside for caretaking needs, you must maintain staff-to-child ratio. The classroom may never be out of ratio. We discussed bringing the number of children inside when needed; to keep both teachers in ratio. Please refer to the classroom staff to child ratio charts located in each classroom for reference. IFLATEABLES: Please remember inflatable bouncy houses can not be used on an everyday basis. Inflatables may be used during special events, like an open-house or family engagement activity. Supervision must be maintained at all times during its use. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

GS 110-91 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/2/2023 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 8/2/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 11:40 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced follow-up visit was to verify correction of violations documented during my annual compliance visit, on June 20, 2023. When I arrived you H. Varnell, administrator, were not present for the visit. I made J. Dunn aware of my visit. Ms. Dunn called you and made you aware of my visit. She stated you were at a doctor’s appointment and for me to have access to what I needed. Your office door was locked so I was not able to access the staff files. Thirty-one (31) children from ages zero (0) to three (3) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor environment was also monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and outdoor environment. Staff/child ratios were observed to be not in compliance. Infant aged children were interacting and playing on the floor with the teachers. The following child care requirements were monitored: Adequate approved space, permit restrictions, capacity, supervision, and staff-to-child ratio. The following violation documented during the June 20, 2023, visit was monitored for compliance during this visit and enrollment was completed: #1065-Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator and the lead teacher scheduled to work in the infant room did not have a current ITS SIDS certificate on file. The certificates on file expired on January 31, 2023. This is a violation of a requirement in .1102(f) Violation #1065 has not been corrected. I asked the two teachers in space number three (#3) if they had attended an ITS SIDS training and they both replied they had not. They both said they were scheduled to attend an ITS SIDS training on August 5, 2023. As stated in the June 20, 2023, visit summary, all violations must be corrected immediately and a compliance letter verifying this must be received by the established due date. At the time of today’s visit, a compliance letter had been received on June 9, 2023, verifying compliance for the following violations: #104 #862 #1034 #1824 #1124 You requested an extension for violation #1065. The compliance letter for #1065 was due to me by July 23, 2023, but was not received. Today, I verified the correction of item #1065 was not completed. Continued noncompliance may result in an administrative action per Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2204(6). The following violation was document today: Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. Space number four (4) had twelve (12) from ages two (2) to three (3) years old present and one teacher was with them outside. Space number five (5) had seven (7) children ages one (1) to two (2) years old present with one teacher outside. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 16, 2023. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur, please contact me at 252-557-5597 9 or email me at the above-mentioned email address to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: Prior to conducting today’s visit, your compliance history score over an 18-month timeframe is 90%. You were reminded child care program must maintain a Compliance History Score of 75% or higher to continue operating with a star rated license. I explained if a program’s Compliance History score falls below 75% an Administrative Action may be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: ITS SIDS TRAINING: Please remember all staff scheduled to work in a classroom with infants must complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or complete the training every three years. Child care administrators must complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. Your staff stated that they are scheduled to attend an ITS-SIDS training on August 5, 2023. STAF/CHILD RATIO: When I arrived at the facility, there was one teacher changing a child’s diaper in space number five (#5). After reviewing the attendance, she had a total of nine (9) children present, which left the other teacher with eight (8) children from ages one (1) to two (2) outside by herself. Another teacher from space number four (4) brought in another child to be changed which left the teacher from space number five (5) with seven (7) children outside. After reviewing the attendance for space number four (4) it was determined that twelve children from ages two (2) to three (3) years old were in attendance outside with the other teacher from space number four (4). Two (2) classrooms (space number four (4) and five (5)) were left out of staff-to-child ratio. I discussed with the teachers that when a child needs to be brought inside for caretaking needs, you must maintain staff-to-child ratio. The classroom may never be out of ratio. We discussed bringing the number of children inside when needed; to keep both teachers in ratio. Please refer to the classroom staff to child ratio charts located in each classroom for reference. IFLATEABLES: Please remember inflatable bouncy houses can not be used on an everyday basis. Inflatables may be used during special events, like an open-house or family engagement activity. Supervision must be maintained at all times during its use. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times

NC GS 110-90 · Violation

Name of Operation: THE GROWING PATCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Facility ID: 33000441 Consultant: ANGELA NIEVES Operation Type: Center Case Number: Visit Date: 8/2/2023 Number Present: 31 Completed Date: 8/2/2023 Age: From 0 To 3 Total Minutes: 155 Time In: 09:05 AM Time Out: 11:40 AM Time In: Time Out: List to Use: Center Type Of Visit: Annual Compliance Follow-Up Announced/Unannounced: Unannounced The purpose of today’s unannounced follow-up visit was to verify correction of violations documented during my annual compliance visit, on June 20, 2023. When I arrived you H. Varnell, administrator, were not present for the visit. I made J. Dunn aware of my visit. Ms. Dunn called you and made you aware of my visit. She stated you were at a doctor’s appointment and for me to have access to what I needed. Your office door was locked so I was not able to access the staff files. Thirty-one (31) children from ages zero (0) to three (3) were present during the visit. A walk-through of the facility was completed today. The outdoor environment was also monitored. I observed children in the indoor learning environment and outdoor environment. Staff/child ratios were observed to be not in compliance. Infant aged children were interacting and playing on the floor with the teachers. The following child care requirements were monitored: Adequate approved space, permit restrictions, capacity, supervision, and staff-to-child ratio. The following violation documented during the June 20, 2023, visit was monitored for compliance during this visit and enrollment was completed: #1065-Child care providers scheduled to work in the infant room, did not complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or did not complete the training every three years. Child care administrators did not complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. The administrator and the lead teacher scheduled to work in the infant room did not have a current ITS SIDS certificate on file. The certificates on file expired on January 31, 2023. This is a violation of a requirement in .1102(f) Violation #1065 has not been corrected. I asked the two teachers in space number three (#3) if they had attended an ITS SIDS training and they both replied they had not. They both said they were scheduled to attend an ITS SIDS training on August 5, 2023. As stated in the June 20, 2023, visit summary, all violations must be corrected immediately and a compliance letter verifying this must be received by the established due date. At the time of today’s visit, a compliance letter had been received on June 9, 2023, verifying compliance for the following violations: #104 #862 #1034 #1824 #1124 You requested an extension for violation #1065. The compliance letter for #1065 was due to me by July 23, 2023, but was not received. Today, I verified the correction of item #1065 was not completed. Continued noncompliance may result in an administrative action per Child Care Rule 10A NCAC 09 .2204(6). The following violation was document today: Violation Number Comment Rule 301 Minimum staff/child ratios and group sizes for the number and ages of children in care were not met. Space number four (4) had twelve (12) from ages two (2) to three (3) years old present and one teacher was with them outside. Space number five (5) had seven (7) children ages one (1) to two (2) years old present with one teacher outside. GS 110-91(7);.0713(a-d) Child Care programs are expected to achieve and maintain compliance at all times and are required by NC GS 110-90(4) (d) to achieve and maintain an eighteen-month compliance history score of at least seventy-five percent. Any violation(s) documented may impact the compliance history score. The violation(s) documented must be corrected immediately. On or before August 16, 2023. I must receive a written, dated, and signed compliance letter that describes accurately and in detail, how and when the violations were corrected. Please be aware any information submitted by you is considered legal documentation. If it is determined the information provided in the letter is not true, this may be considered falsification of information. If sufficient information is not received by the due date, a follow-up visit will be conducted. Mail or email the information to: Angela Nieves, Child Care Consultant PO Box 8741 Rocky Mount, NC 27804 angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov If you email the compliance letter, it must be sent from the email address registered with the DCDEE (this serves as your signature) and the following information must be included: name, position, facility name, and facility ID number. An example is: Jane Doe, Administrator AAA Child Care ID # 12345678 FACILITY PROFILE INFORMATION: You verified the mailing address, email address, and phone number listed on the facility profile are correct. If changes in your facility’s information occur, please contact me at 252-557-5597 9 or email me at the above-mentioned email address to discuss the changes and ensure the information is current in our system. COMPLIANCE HISTORY SCORE: Prior to conducting today’s visit, your compliance history score over an 18-month timeframe is 90%. You were reminded child care program must maintain a Compliance History Score of 75% or higher to continue operating with a star rated license. I explained if a program’s Compliance History score falls below 75% an Administrative Action may be issued. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE/CONSULTATION: ITS SIDS TRAINING: Please remember all staff scheduled to work in a classroom with infants must complete ITS-SIDS training within two months of employment or complete the training every three years. Child care administrators must complete the ITS-SIDS training within 90 days of employment and every three years thereafter. Your staff stated that they are scheduled to attend an ITS-SIDS training on August 5, 2023. STAF/CHILD RATIO: When I arrived at the facility, there was one teacher changing a child’s diaper in space number five (#5). After reviewing the attendance, she had a total of nine (9) children present, which left the other teacher with eight (8) children from ages one (1) to two (2) outside by herself. Another teacher from space number four (4) brought in another child to be changed which left the teacher from space number five (5) with seven (7) children outside. After reviewing the attendance for space number four (4) it was determined that twelve children from ages two (2) to three (3) years old were in attendance outside with the other teacher from space number four (4). Two (2) classrooms (space number four (4) and five (5)) were left out of staff-to-child ratio. I discussed with the teachers that when a child needs to be brought inside for caretaking needs, you must maintain staff-to-child ratio. The classroom may never be out of ratio. We discussed bringing the number of children inside when needed; to keep both teachers in ratio. Please refer to the classroom staff to child ratio charts located in each classroom for reference. IFLATEABLES: Please remember inflatable bouncy houses can not be used on an everyday basis. Inflatables may be used during special events, like an open-house or family engagement activity. Supervision must be maintained at all times during its use. CONTACT INFORMATION: If you have any questions about today’s visit, please contact me, Angela Nieves at 252-557-5597 or angela.nieves@dhhs.nc.gov . You may also contact Licensing Supervisor, Susan Fuller at 252-373-9809 or email at susan.fuller@dhhs.nc.gov. If the operator fails to correct any documented violations within the established time period, the Division of Child Development and Early Education may deny, suspend, terminate, or revoke any permit to operate (10A NCAC 09 .2000). All information in this report has been reviewed with me today.I understand that it is my responsibility to maintaincompliance with applicable NC Child Care Requirements at all times